Liturgy

The people walking in darkness
will see a great light.
For those who live in a land of deep darkness,
a light will shine.

For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and all authority will rest on his shoulders.
And he will be called:
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of his authority and peace,
there will be no end.

He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
Amen.

Congregational Prayer

Let us pray to God as a community.

A star rises in the East,
proclaiming the birth of our King.

Born of adversity Jesus promises hope,
affirming the good on earth,
challenging the bad and the second rate.

Born to bring cheer,
he stands against all
that would cultivate depression and apathy.

Born to bring peace,
he frustrates all who choose
dishonesty and denial of justice.

He is Emmanuel.

The star of God’s presence,
calls us to follow after its maker
just as the Magi begin their long journey to enlightenment.

Let us do the same
and celebrate the advent of our Savior and King
now and forever.
Amen.

Reflection

Reflect on the past year and the moments God brought you through.
How can you live out hope this coming new year?

Benediction

When the song of the angels is stilled,
When the star in the sky is gone,
When the kings and princes are home,
When the shepherds are back with their flocks,
The work of Christmas begins:

To find the lost,
To heal the broken,
To feed the hungry,
To release the prisoner,
To rebuild the nations,
To bring peace among the people,
To make music in the heart.

All in the name of the Father,
of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
— Howard Thurman

Go in peace and live the church.
See you throughout the week.

[Photo by istilldream @ Flickr]