Sunday December 21, 2025
Rev. Ray Thomas
†CALL TO WORSHIP:
One: On this fourth Sunday of Advent, we celebrate the gift of love through Jesus Christ.
All: We are reminded and reassured of God’s eternal love as we prepare for Christmas Day.
One: May the good news of the birth of Jesus find room in our homes, in our schedules, and in our hearts.
All: As we worship, as we light the candles, as we hear the familiar story in new ways, may the darkness be chased away by Emmanuel - God with us.
THIS IS ADVENT: LOVE READING
LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH: Emily Hale, Elizabeth Sadler, Donna Nock
†OPENING HYMN: Blue #23 “Angels We Have Heard on High”
CALL TO CONFESSION:
PRAYER OF CONFESSION:
God of grace and truth, in Jesus Christ you came among us as light shining in the darkness. We confess that we have not welcomed the light or trusted good news to be good. We have closed our eyes to glory in our midst, expected little and hoped for less. Forgive our doubt and renew our hope, so that we may receive the fullness of your saving grace and live in the truth of Christ the Lord. Hear us now as we confess our sins in silence.
SILENT PRAYER OF CONFESSION: In Jesus’ name, Amen
ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS:
†PASSING OF THE PEACE:
†CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE: Blue# 579 “Gloria Patri”
TIME FOR ALL GOD’S CHILDREN:
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION:
Startle us with the power and truth of your word, O Lord. Awaken us from complacency, remove all barriers and resistance. Our hearts hunger to hear your good news, proclaimed through Jesus Christ. Amen.
SCRIPTURE READINGS: Isaiah 7: 11-14 River Tucker Matthew 1: 18-25
One: This is the word of God for the people of God.
All: Thanks be to God.
MESSAGE: “The Power of With” Rev. Ray Thomas
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH: Blue pg. 14 “The Apostles’ Creed (Traditional)
SPECIAL MUSIC
CALL FOR GOD’S TITHES AND OUR OFFERING:
PASTORAL PRAYER AND LORD’S PRAYER:
†CLOSING HYMN: Blue #38 “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear”
†BENEDICTION:
†MUSICAL DISMISSAL WITH BLESSING: “Emmanuel”
One: On this fourth Sunday of Advent, we celebrate the gift of love through Jesus Christ.
All: We are reminded and reassured of God’s eternal love as we prepare for Christmas Day.
One: May the good news of the birth of Jesus find room in our homes, in our schedules, and in our hearts.
All: As we worship, as we light the candles, as we hear the familiar story in new ways, may the darkness be chased away by Emmanuel - God with us.
THIS IS ADVENT: LOVE READING
LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH: Emily Hale, Elizabeth Sadler, Donna Nock
†OPENING HYMN: Blue #23 “Angels We Have Heard on High”
CALL TO CONFESSION:
PRAYER OF CONFESSION:
God of grace and truth, in Jesus Christ you came among us as light shining in the darkness. We confess that we have not welcomed the light or trusted good news to be good. We have closed our eyes to glory in our midst, expected little and hoped for less. Forgive our doubt and renew our hope, so that we may receive the fullness of your saving grace and live in the truth of Christ the Lord. Hear us now as we confess our sins in silence.
SILENT PRAYER OF CONFESSION: In Jesus’ name, Amen
ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS:
†PASSING OF THE PEACE:
†CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE: Blue# 579 “Gloria Patri”
TIME FOR ALL GOD’S CHILDREN:
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION:
Startle us with the power and truth of your word, O Lord. Awaken us from complacency, remove all barriers and resistance. Our hearts hunger to hear your good news, proclaimed through Jesus Christ. Amen.
SCRIPTURE READINGS: Isaiah 7: 11-14 River Tucker Matthew 1: 18-25
One: This is the word of God for the people of God.
All: Thanks be to God.
MESSAGE: “The Power of With” Rev. Ray Thomas
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH: Blue pg. 14 “The Apostles’ Creed (Traditional)
SPECIAL MUSIC
CALL FOR GOD’S TITHES AND OUR OFFERING:
PASTORAL PRAYER AND LORD’S PRAYER:
†CLOSING HYMN: Blue #38 “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear”
†BENEDICTION:
†MUSICAL DISMISSAL WITH BLESSING: “Emmanuel”