GATHERING
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
*PRAISE MUSIC: “Joy to the World” UMH 246
INVOCATION
Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights above. Lord, lead us as we praise you this day. We long to give you the worship you so greatly deserve; for you created the earth and all that is in it, the heavens above and the waters below. We praise you, our Creator. Guide us, and we will follow. In your Holy name. Amen. –based on Psalm 148
LITANY
Leader: Blessed are they whose ways are blameless,
who walk according to the law of the Lord.
People: I long for your salvation, O Lord,
and your law is my delight.
Leader: How can a young man keep his way pure?
By living according to your Word.
People: I long for your salvation, O Lord,
And your law is my delight.
Leader: I have hidden your Word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
People: I long for your salvation, O Lord,
And your law is my delight.
Leader: My soul is weary with sorrow;
strengthen me according to your Word.
People: I long for your salvation, O Lord,
And your law is my delight.
Leader: I run in the path of your commandments,
for you have set my heart free.
People: I long for your salvation, O Lord,
And your law is my delight.
Leader: Your hands made me and formed me;
Give understanding to learn your commands.
People: I long for your salvation, O Lord,
And your law is my delight.
Leader: Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
People: I long for your salvation, O Lord,
And your law is my delight. –based on Psalm 119
HYMN: “Thy Word is a Lamp” UMH 601
TIME WITH THE YOUTH
PRAYERS AND OFFERING
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE: Joys and Concerns
PASTORAL PRAYER
OFFERATORY PRAYER
Heavenly Father, we are so grateful. You sent your Son to live among us, walk with us and die for us. Now that Advent is over, may the joy and peace that captured our hearts continue to pervade our lives in the new year. In that same spirit, we bring our gifts to you today. Because you’ve given much, we in turn, give back to you. May our gifts be a joy to your heart. Amen
RECEIVING OUR OFFERING
* PRESENTATION OF OUR OFFERING
“Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow” UMH 95
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow’ praise God, all creatures here below: praise him above, ye heavenly host; praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
PROCLAIMING GOD’S WORD
PRAYER OF ILLUMINATION
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of our hearts, be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, our Rock and our Redeemer. Amen.
GOSPEL LESSON: Matthew 2:13-23 PB, pg. 2NT
EPISTLE LESSON: Hebrews 2:10-18 PB, pg. 203NT
THE MESSAGE:
*HYMN RESPONSE: “Standing on the Promises” UMH 374
SENDING FORTH
*BLESSING
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