Bulletin for December 25, 2011. Click below to read more.

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WORSHIP DECEMBER 25, 2011
CHRISTMAS DAY

THE GATHERING Bill Humphries
Leader: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.

THE PRELUDE Walter Huff, organist

* THE CALL TO WORSHIP
Leader: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light, those who lived
in a land of deep darkness – on them has light shined.
People: For a child has been born for us, a son given to us. Authority rests
on his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor,
Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Leader: His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for
the throne of David and his kingdom.
People: He will establish justice and uphold it with righteousness from
this time on and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of Hosts will do this.
Leader: Let us worship God, our creator, redeemer and sustainer! - Isaiah 9:2; 6-7

* THE HYMN 28 Good Christian Friends, Rejoice

THE CALL TO CONFESSION

THE PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Gracious God, the angels brought tidings of good news of great joy to all people.
A savior has been born to us. Born, lived, was crucified, dead and buried and
raised again on the third day – good tidings of great joy. Yet our lives do not reflect
the joy of our salvation. We fail to grasp that this great joy may transform us
and transform our lives into ministries of reconciliation in the light of these good
tidings. Forgive us, we pray for stifling the good news. Forgive us for living as
though we have no joy to share. And forgiving us, transform us anew that we too
may bear good news of great joy. Though Christ our Lord we pray it. Amen.

A MOMENT OF SILENCE (for examination of conscience and personal prayers of confession)

THE ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Leader: What has come into being in Christ was life, and the life was the light of all people.
People: The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.
Leader: Believe the promise of the Gospel:
People: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. - John 1:3b-5

*THE CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE (Hymn 23)
Gloria in excelsis Deo; Gloria in excelsis Deo.

* THE PEACE OF CHRIST
Families are invited to enjoy worship together for Christmas Day. The infant nursery is available if needed in
Room 105. Our regular children’s programming will return next Sunday, January 1.

THE CONCERNS OF THE CHURCH
(Visitors and members are invited to sign the blue friendship register pad and pass it down the pew.)

THE FIRST LESSON Luke 2:1-7 (page 54 in the pew Bible, NT)

THE ANTHEM The First Noel arr. Richard Walters
Rob Cromwell, tenor
Brandon Odom, baritone

THE SECOND LESSON Luke 2:8-20 (page 54 in the pew Bible, NT)

THE HOMILY “Good News of Great Joy” Baron Mullis

* THE HYMN 53 What Child Is This

* THE APOSTLES’ CREED
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus
Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the
Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended
into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into
heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he
shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy
catholic church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection
of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy
will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive
us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver
us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

THE OFFERTORY O Come, All Ye Faithful arr. Garson

* THE DOXOLOGY AND PRAYER OF DEDICATION (Hymn 592)

* THE HYMN 40 Joy to the World

* THE CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

* THE RESPONSE O Come All Ye Faithful arr. Foster