Worship Service December 22, 2024
Order of Service
Welcome, Greeting, Service Introduction Rev. Cindy Lunsford /All
Call to Worship – Advent Wreath Rev. Warren Lunsford /All
See Insert –Advent Wreath Insert in your pew for each week.
Opening Prayer Rev. Cindy Lunsford /All
Come, thou long expected Jesus.
We, along with those of every age,
And, along with all those who join in worship this day,
around the world, expect you, O Christ, to be present with us,
for you have come in your birth in Bethlehem
and you are present wherever you church comes together.
Renew our awareness of your coming, then and now. Amen
(Invocations and Benedictions for the Common Revied Lectionary, John M. Drescher, p.105-106)
Hymn for the Season Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus UMH 196
Life of the Church Rev. Cindy Lunsford (see bulletin)
Mission Moment –
Affirmation of Faith Apostles’ Creed UMH 881 Sheri King/All
Gloria Patri UMH 071
Hymn of Praise O Come All Ye Faithful UMH 234
OFFERING OF OURSELVES
Pastoral Prayer/The Lord’s Prayer Rev. Cindy Lunsford/All
Worship with Our Tithes & Offerings Steve Hawkins instrumental
Dedication & Offertory Rev. Warren Lunsford
Doxology UMH 095
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
praise him, all creatures here below;
praise him above, ye heavenly host;
praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen
Centering Song The Gift Goes On by Sandi Patti Steve Hawkins
PROCLAMATION
Prayer of Illumination Gary Seiler
O God, Lover of humanity, Joy of creation:
Pour out your Spirit on us that we may hear your ancient words
in a new key.
Inspire us to sing your praise in every land and with every generation,
through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
Scripture Luke 1:39-55 Rev. Warren Lunsford
Message Mary’s Song Rev. Warren Lunsford
GOING FORTH WITH CHRIST
Closing Hymn O Come, O Come, Emmanuel Vss 1, 5 ,6, 7 UMH 211
Commissioning & Benediction Rev. Warren Lunsford
Depart to Serve, caring for others, as we truly serve God
Advent Wreath Choruses to the tune of Away in a Manger
Advent 1
A Candle is burning, a flame warm and bright,
a candle of hope in December's dark night.
While angels sing blessing from heaven's starry sky,
our hearts we prepare now for Jesus is nigh.
Advent 2
A Candle is burning, a candle of peace,
a candle to signal that conflict must cease;
for Jesus is coming to show us the way;
a message of peace humbly laid in the hay.
Advent 3
A candle is burning, a candle of joy.
A candle to welcome brave Mary's new boy,
Our hearts fill with wonder, and eyes light and glow
as joy brightens winter like sunshine on snow.
Advent 4
A candle is burning, a candle of love.
A candle to point us to heaven above.
A baby for Christmas, a wonderful birth.
For Jesus is bringing God’s love to our earth.
Christmas Eve
We honor messiah with Christ Candle’s lame
Our Christmas Eve candles glad tidings proclaim
O come all you faithful, rejoice in this night,
As God comes among us, the Christian’s true light.
Note – “A Candle is Burning is by Sandra Dean, 1986.
Music is “Away In A Manger” by James Murray 1887.
