Welcome/Opening Prayer
Lighting of the Advent Candle of Hope
Jesus’ birth brought hope into a world that felt hopeless. The people were under Roman rule and high taxes. God had promised them a Savior, a king who would overthrow the Romans and rule like King David. Had God forgotten His promise in Isaiah 7:14? They had hoped He would be the one. They had hoped He would have come by now. They had hoped…think of some times when you have felt hopeless and know that we can have hope in Jesus. God has fulfilled His Promise.
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 7:14
Hymn: “Away in a Manger”
Lighting of the Advent Candle of Peace
When you are under the rule of someone else as the Jewish people were under Roman rule, you may not feel very peaceful. When Jesus was born he brought peace into the world. Peace is the calm even in the midst of strife or occupation. When Jesus is a part of our life we can have peace when our life may be filled with problems. Think of some times when you may not have had peace in your life. The Christ of Christmas wants you to have the peace that passes all understanding.
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 9:6
Hymn: “Let there be Peace on Earth”
Lighting of the Advent Candle of Joy
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, He brought joy into our lives and our world. Joy is the presence of God in our lives even in the midst of conflict. May you experience the joy that the Christ Child brings this Christmas.
Scripture Reading: Luke 2:10 and Matthew 2:11
Hymn: “Joy to the World”
Lighting of the Advent Candle of Love
Someone has said that “Christmas is Love.” At Christmas God demonstrated His love for us as He sent His son to be the Savior of the world. Through Jesus’ birth God said, “I Love You.” May you experience the love of God as you celebrate the birth of Jesus. Think of some times when you really felt loved. Remember that God was faithful in His demonstration of His love for us in the birth of Jesus.
Scripture Reading: Luke 2: 1-20 and John 3:16
Hymn: “O’ Come All Ye Faithful”
Lighting of the Christ Candle
We are now in Bethlehem. Can you hear the angels singing, hear the flutter of angel wings, hear the cows moo, or the Baby Jesus cry? God had not forgotten His promise. Christmas is all about the birth of Jesus – God’s gift to the world. In Jesus, God gives us hope, peace, joy, love and the presence of His son Jesus. This Christmas may you celebrate and truly experience the birth of Jesus in your life and in our world.
Scripture Reading: Matthew 1: 21 – 23
Hymn: “Hark the Herald Angels Sing”
Individual Testimonies:
Prayer Request:
Pastoral Prayer:
Lighting of the candles:
Hymn: “Silent Night”
Benediction
