Prelude with Sounds of the Season
Divinum Mysterium (Fred Gramann) Pearl Marshall, Handbells
In the Bleak Midwinter (Rosetti/Holst) Emma White, Soloist
He Is Born (French Carol, arr. A. Sherman) Union Church Choir and Handbell Ensemble
Beautiful Star of Bethlehem (R. Fischer Boyce) Al, Alice & Ruth
Alleluia! The Angels Sing (Dana Mengel) Union Church Choir
Ain’t that a-Rockin’ (Traditional) Al, Alice & Ruth
A Welcome as We Gather to Worship Rev. Kent Gilbert
Bringing In the Light Seasonal Selections Al, Alice & Ruth
Dancers: Carla Gilbert, Dorie Hubbard, Maggie Park, Alvera Perman, Cadence Perman, Lisa Vaughn
Call to Worship
One: God shines, Shepherds follow, Angels sing, and Christ is born.
All: Music plays, Hearts settle, Minds ease, and God’s people gather.
One: On this holy night we light our way with all that God has taught:
All: In the beginning, Hope. Lessons of Peace from the past. The Joy of Presence. The loving future of God’s vision for all creation.
One: Come, those who seek and those who have found long ago. Come, those with hearts aglow and those whose hearts are broken. Come to the place of God’s coming to us.
All: Come, let us tell the story of the light of the world.
¨ Opening Hymn #109 Red/Blue Once In Royal David’s City Irby
Hebrew Scripture Reading Isaiah 9:2-7
Special Music I Wonder as I Wander Teri Thompson, soprano; Aaron Beale, guitar
Gospel Reading Luke 2:1-7
Choir Anthem When a Child Is Born Fred Jacobson Union Church Choir
Gospel Reading Luke 2:8-14
Special Music Sing We Now of Christmas arr. K. McChesney Union Church Choir and Handbell Ensemble
Gospel Reading Luke 2:15-20
Special Music Where Is It Now? Ruth McLain Smith Al, Alice & Ruth
Christmas Sermon Rev. Kent Gilbert
Ringing of the Peace Bell
Prayers of the People
One: We give thanks for the joy of friends met and family gathered. In the midst of hurry and hustle, the delight of open hearts and welcome smiles is a gift of the season as we join the line of generations who have offered love in Jesus’ name and in celebration of Christ’s birth.
All: Hear us, O God, as we join with them to give you praise.
One: In a world fragmented by warring factions and rampant injustice, we pray for peace and goodwill over all the earth. In this Christ child may we see every child of every parent as a holy gift and act with love and charity to care for all.
All: Hear us, O God, in the silence of our hearts.
One: We pray for reconciling love and unity within families, between neighbors, within churches, synagogues, mosques, and between all people of every faith who earnestly seek your peace. We pray for justice to be woven through governments and leaders everywhere; and for the collective and collaborative wisdom to steward the gifts of your creation that all might reap abundant life and health in this world.
All: Hear us, O God, yearning for wholeness.
One: We pray for all who have not heard Good News by these tidings, who have been wounded by a message meant to heal. We pray for any who have ever used your Word or the authority of your Way as a weapon, wounding others. Protect the vulnerable, and heal us of our poor judgement. Restore to us your mission and message of compassion and mercy for every living soul and all of creation.
All: Hear us, O God, that we may be a witness to greater love.
One: We pray for the poor, the helpless, the cold, the hungry, and the oppressed; for refugees the world over, seeking safety and a place to call home; for those who have survived fire and flood and calamity: may they and we build the communities of love and strength you seek.
All: Hear us, O God, as we seek your strength for them and for ourselves.
One: We pray for those who are lonely for other times and places; those who mourn the death of one they hold dear. We remember especially those hurting because of illness of body, mind, or spirit: let us name them in our hearts and hold them in the Light…
(a brief silence is observed)
May they, and all of us, be aware of your love; may angels of healing and comfort be with them; and may angels in the form of friends attend their needs and to their joy, now and in all days to come. O Holy Child of Bethlehem,
All: Reveal to us all the promised Christ, the light of the world. Amen.
Offering
Tonight’s offering in its entirety will go to Berea Faith Community Outreach, which provides such vital programs as Bereans United for Utility and Rent Relief (BUURR), the Berea Food Bank, and the Frank Gailey Transient Aid Fund. Your generous contribution will keep families warm in the midst of our winter. Checks may be made payable to “Union Church” or you may contribute using a free text service. Text a dollar amount to 859-448-3403 and designate BFCO.
We will sing the verses indicated of hymns listed below as the plates are passed. Please sing from the RED or BLUE hymnal, “Hymns for the Living Church.”
#103 O Come, all Ye Faithful (v. 1)
#105 What Child Is This, Who, Laid to Rest? (v. 1)
#113 Angels We Have Heard on High (v. 1)
#120 Joy to the World (1 & 4)
The Light of Christ The Cochrane and From Family
One: Be filled with the Light of the Holy One. The Light of Christ has arrived. Be still… and know the Holy One is here.
One: We see the Light of Hope shining in the Child of Hope. We feel the Light of Peace arising in the Child of Peace. We journey with the Light of Joy flowing in the Child of Joy. We behold the Light of Love at work in the Child of Love.
All: We rejoice in receiving the Light we’ve awaited. We welcome the Light of Christ into our hearts. We welcome Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. We are ready for the journey of transformation these Lights herald. Shining in ever abundant brightness. With us, for us, in us. For all people, in all places. Amen.
The Light of the World John 1:1-14 Reader, Paul Smithson Moderator of Union Church
¨ Candle Lighting Hymn #117 Red/Blue Silent Night Stille Nacht Teri Thompson, soloist
From the Christ candle the light spreads into the world. While passing the light, please tip your unlit candle to the lit one, to avoid dripping hot wax.
Commemorating the 200th anniversary of the composition of “Stille Nacht” the soloist will sing the first verse in German. Please join in the remaining verses as we sing in English. We will sing the last verse a cappella.
¨ Benediction
Postlude Medley The First Noel. On Christmas Night all Christians Sing,Hark! The Herald Angels Sing!Traditional
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¨ Please rise in body or spirit, as you choose
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