Calls to Worship

(Adapted from Isaiah 60: 1-7 written by *Margaret K. Schwarzer)

Leader: "Arise, shine; for your light has come."
           Lift up your eyes for the grace of God is near us.

People: Holy One, we open our eyes;
           We lift our voices to you.

Leader: "Arise, shine; for your light has come."
           Open your hearts, for the Prince of Peace is near us.

People: Holy One, we open our hearts;
           We lift our voices to you.

Leader: "Arise, shine; for your light has come."
           Rejoice; the righteousness and mercy of God dwell with us.

People: Holy One, we rejoice.
           We lift our voices to you.

 

(Based on Psalm 72:1-7 written by Thomas Gildermeister)

Leader: Give the king your justice, O God.

People: and your righteousness to the royal son!

Leader: May he judge your people with righteousness,

People: and your poor with justice!

Leader: Let the mountains bear prosperity for the people,
           and the hills, in righteousness!

People: May he defend the cause of the poor of the people,
           give deliverance to the need,
           and crust the oppressor!

Leader: May he live while the sun endures,
           and as long as the moon, throughout all generations!

People: May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass,
           like showers that water the earth!

Leader: in his days may righteousness flourish,
           and peace abound, till the moon be no more!

 

Prayer of Confession

*Gracious God, we are a sinful people. Often our hearts are cold and our faith is think. In the midst of our broken world, our souls shrivel, and our bitterness expands. Refresh our hearts and renew our hopes. Kindle in us the delight and joy you gave us at our birth.

Assurance of Pardon

*Hear the good news. We are forgiven and called to new life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Our sins are forgiven in the name of God; maker of love, giver of life, redeemer of all. Amen.

Pastoral Prayer

Savior of all peoples, who took on our flesh in a stable and slept in a box made for animal feed; sages followed a star to find you, paid you homage, and went home by another way. Be present among us. Encounter us in word, in bread, in song, in prayer. Tous us. Change us. Send us out to walk in new paths, telling your story, proclaiming good news to the nations. Light of the World, shine upon us. Shine your light of hope in the corners of gloom in our lives and throughout the streets of our cities and towns. Shine upon those who are lost to show them a new path home. Shine upon those who are ill to give them strenght to decide how they shall live whole lives. Shine upon those in despair who need to make a way out of no way. Shine upon those whose homes, families, and bodies that war has torn apart; reveal a path to peace. Shine upon your creation, the earth and its creatures, things seen and unseen. Burn away the mist and let us see you face-to-face so that you can wipe away our tears and make death to be no more. Light of the World, we praise your name. Amen.  (written by Scott Haldeman)

Benediction

*May God's light inspire you;
May God's angels guide you;
May God's love protect you.
May Christ, our Emmanuel,
Dwell with you this day and forevermore. Amen.

excerpt: Preaching and Worshiping in Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany: Years A, B, C