GATHERING
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND GREETING
PRELUDE Kathy Nash
CALL TO WORSHIP
Leader: All creation holds its breath.
Response: The time is almost here.
Leader: The heavenly choir of angels waits for its cue to sing.
Response: Excitement is all around us.
Leader: Prepare your hearts–The grace of God takes on human form.
Good news! Emmanuel, God-with-Us, comes to us.
Response: We gather to make ready our hearts for the coming of Christ, our hope.
LIGHTING THE ADVENT CANDLE
The Boardman Family will light the third candle – JOY.
* HYMN “It Came Upon A Midnight Clear” UMH #218
CALL TO CONFESSION
PRAYER OF CONFESSION-Unison
We give thanks, O God, that You are unchanging, that Your concern for justice and righteousness was so strong that You came in human form to share that concern with us in person. We confess that all too often we hesitate to speak or act when we see people being treated unjustly. Forgive us, O God, for the times when we have been happy to hear the gospel without truly living it. Forgive us for uncaring attitudes when we base our opinion of another person’s worth on what they own, or how they look; on what they say, or how they live, rather than accepting them for who they are—people made in Your image. Forgive us when our longing to live simply and with humility is defeated by selfish desires—for pursuing profits before seeking Your will. Forgive us for placing our hope in other than the Christ-child born in a poor stable. Our hope lies in the promise of Your mercy, O God, extending to those who fear You from generation to generation. Heal, restore and bless us, we pray, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord. Amen
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
TIME WITH YOUTH Janet & Michael Keffer
*HYMN “Angels We Have Heard on High” UMH #238
LITANY for ADVENT
Leader: Advent calls us to joyful anticipation of the Messiah, but sometimes joy is lacking.
Response: Restore us, O God.
Leader: When our delight is overshadowed by worry and fear,
Response: Restore us, O God.
Leader: When problems loom large and solutions are elusive,
Response: Restore us, O God.
Leader: When relationships are painful and hurt results,
Response: Restore us, O God.
Leader: When busyness and activity crowd out what is meaningful and important,
Response: Restore us, O God.
Leader: When disappointments mount and disillusionment descends,
Response; Restore us, O God. Amen.
Leader: Joy to the world! The light of the world is coming!
All: Restore to us, O God, the joy of your salvation!
ANTHEM “Away in a Manger” Haven UMC Choral Ensemble
PRAYERS AND OFFERINGS
OFFERTORY PRAYER
Unison – Lord of Light, y\You gave Yourself to this world by the birth of Your Son, Jesus Christ. We thankfully rejoice and praise You for Your peace and light shared with all nations. Now, center us on the King of Glory during these prayerful moments of giving. We present these gifts as Your humble and willing servants in the name of the One who comes to us anew, Jesus the Living Christ. Amen.
RECEIVING OUR OFFERING
*PRESENTATION OF OUR OFFERING
*DOXOLOGY UMH#95
JOYS AND CONCERNS-PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Michael Keffer THE LORD’S PRAYER
PROCLAIMING GOD’S WORD
NEW TESTAMENT LESSON Luke 2:8-20
THE MESSAGE Janet Keffer
*HYMN “The First Noel” UMH#245 Verses 1-4
SENDING FORTH
*CIRCLE SONG: “Shine, Jesus Shine” Renew #247
Shine, Jesus shine, fill this land with the Father’s glory, blaze, Spirit, blaze, set our hearts on fire; Flow, river, flow, flood the nations with grace and mercy, send forth Your word, Lord, and let there be light.
*BENEDICTION
*Stand as you are able. The quiet room is available in the back of the sanctuary if needed.