Worship Service Dec 24
4th Sunday of Advent
Worship is the highest activity of a person whose sole and ultimate aim is God’s glory.
ORDER OF WORSHIP
Gathering and Prelude
Call to Worship
Response to the Call: O Come All Ye Faithful 234 vs. 1,3
Welcome, Greeting, Service Overview
Prayer of Illumination
Lighting the Advent Candle: Love
Carol of Praise: Hark! the Herald Angels Sing 240 all
Responsive Reading: Psalm 96 815
Apostles Creed: 881
Gloria Patri: 71
Offering Dedication and Offertory
Doxology – hymnal #95
Life of the Church
Centering Music: Instrumental
Prayers of the People
Scripture: Luke 1: 26-39
Sermon: Rejoice!
Lighting of the Christ Candle
Closing Hymn: Joy to the World 246 all
Commissioning and Benediction
Prayers of the People
Leader: O God, the heavens declare your glory and all creation reveals your surpassing wisdom. Good and gracious God, on this holy day we remember how you gave us your Son, the Lord of the universe, wrapped in swaddling clothes, the Savior of all, lying in a manger.
People: On this holy day draw us into the mystery of your love. Join our voices with the heavenly host, that we may sing your glory on high. Give us a place among the shepherds, that we may find the one for whom we have waited, Jesus Christ, your Word made flesh, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, in the splendor of eternal light, God forever and ever. Amen
Leader: We admit that we have failed to be your obedient people. Forgive us as we our sins;
People: Lord hear our prayer. Forgive our sins and draw us close to you. Lead us to faithfully live for you in all we say and do.
Leader: On this holy day in which God joins heaven and earth, let us offer our prayers for the church, the world, and all those in need.
People: Let us pray for the Church around the world as it celebrates the birth of Christ. Bless all those who are entrusted with Christian ministry that your Word might be proclaimed with truth and courage across our world.
Leader: Bestow your wisdom on all who govern, that in honoring the earth and its diverse races, cultures, and religions, we may celebrate the light of this holy night.
People: Hear our prayers for America. Forgive us for turning away from you. Send holy revival. Lead our leaders at every level of government to seek and follow your ways. Be with those who place their wellbeing on the line for our wellbeing and grant their families peace.
Leader: Let us pray for all who are cold, hungry, or alone, they may experience the hope of this holy night. Hear our prayers for all who have requested prayers of the church and meet their needs as only you can.
People: Draw near to those who find this season a source of pain or grief, and to all who are suffering or sick, especially those we remember in our own hearts that they may feel the comfort of this holy night.
Pastor: We pray for ourselves and for the blessings of Christmas. Open our hearts to your presence, that we may be transformed by the new birth of this holy night.
People: We pray for Pastor Ray as he brings Your message for us today. Center us to hear and receive that we may be transformed by your glory and grace.
Pastor: Move in our hearts that we will keep the true meaning of Christmas at the center and heart of all our celebrations. Let the truth of Christ be glorified in our words and deeds. We make our prayers in the name of Jesus who gave us an example for prayer when he prayed . . .
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive our trespassers; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen
Life of the Church
ABCCM FOOD DONATIONS: Donation Basket at Front Door. We dedicate our gifts on Communion Sundays.
Medical Lending Closet Flyers are available to distribute to friends and places that will post them.
The daily prayer chain goes out after 8pm. Send requests to prayer@alexanderchapel.org. Prayer shawls are also available. Questions? Contact Pastor Marjory.
Christmas Activities and Worship:
Dec 24 – You can attend a Christmas Eve service here::
Weaverville UMC at 3 and 7pm, Salem UMC at 9pm
Dec 31 – First Sunday after Christmas, regular morning worship
Jan 7 – Epiphany Sunday
Christmas Missions:
– We collected socks for men and women at ABCCMs Veterans Quarters and Transformation Village
– The Missions Fund provided gift cards for the women at Transformation Village and candy for the NC Veterans Home
– We donated to the Society of Saint Andrew that feeds the hungry
– Your individual gifts!
Winter Weather: If conditions are unsafe for an in person worship service, we will hold a virtual service using the Livestream information above.
