A Service of the Nativity
Greetings and Introduction
Welcome to our Service of the Nativity. We began a journey four weeks ago, a journey that will continue with Jesus throughout this next year. We have watched and waited these past four weeks of Advent, anticipating the Coming of the Christ. And now our wait is over as we celebrate the birth of the Christ-child. But even as we celebrate on this night a new act of God in history, we realize that this is not the end of our journey. It is only the beginning. There is much yet to come. And much to do. But here tonight, we come before God in praise and celebration, because of the newness and possibility that God has brought to us in the birth of this Child.
Congregational Song: Hark the Herald Angels Sing!
We will light the candles of Advent tonight to remind us of the journey that we have begun. The increasing light reminds us of the light that is coming into the world to enlighten every person.
The Candle of Promise
Isaiah 9:6-7
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government 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. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.
Action: The First Advent Candle is lit.
The Candle of Faith
Luke 1:26-33
26 In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."
29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. 31 You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."
Action: The Second Advent Candle is lit.
The Candle of Peace
Eph 2:14-18
14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, 16 and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.
Action: The Thrid Advent Candle is lit.
The Candle of Salvation
John 3:16-19
16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.
Action: The Fourth Advent Candle is lit.
The Christ Candle of Praise
Phil 2:5-11
5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
7 but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death-
even death on a cross!
9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
Rev 5:11-14
11 Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. 12 In a loud voice they sang:
"Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength
and honor and glory and praise!"
13 Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing:
"To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be praise and honor and glory and power,
for ever and ever!"
14 The four living creatures said, "Amen," and the elders fell down and worshiped.
Devo: It's a Wonderful Life because we Matter to God
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Action: Lighting The Christ Candle Of Praise
Prayer: Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, we sing and shout Your praise today. With the hosts of heaven we say, "Worthy is the Lamb! Praise, and honor, and glory and power to Your Name for ever and ever! Amen," and Amen!
