Sunday December 28, 2025
Jeremy Tucker
One: For the grace of God ha appeared, bringing salvation to all.
All: Glory to God in the highest heaven!
†OPENING HYMN: Blue # 53 “What Child is This”
CALL TO CONFESSION:
PRAYER OF CONFESSION:
God of Christmas, we would never have thought to find your Savior in an innocent baby. We confess we would have expected a warrior with a great army. We would not have thought to find your kingdom to be one of service, obedience and humility. We confess we would have expected, maybe even wanted, a kingdom that reflected our own values and self-interests. Lord, forgive us when we quickly leave Christmas behind and neglect to live lives worthy of our calling as followers of our Lord, the Prince of Peace. By your Holy Spirit, help us turn to you and live according to the values of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.
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:
Almighty God, the gospel writer John tells us, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word became flesh and lived among us.” As we hear your Word read and proclaimed today, may we hear and see the glory of Jesus Christ and receive grace upon grace. Amen
SCRIPTURE READINGS: Luke 2: 10 Indiana Tucker
All: Thanks be to God.
MESSAGE: Jeremy Tucker
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH: (from the Confession of 1967)
In Jesus of Nazareth, true humanity was realized once and for all. Jesus, a Palestinian Jew, lived among his own people and shared their needs, temptations, joys, and sorrows. He expressed the love of God in word and deed and became a brother to all kinds of sinful men and women. But his complete obedience led him into conflict with his people. His life and teaching judged their goodness, religious aspirations, and national hopes. Many rejected him and demanded his death. In giving himself freely for them, he took upon himself the judgement under which everyone stands convicted. God raised him from the dead, vindicating him as Messiah and Lord. The victim of sin became the victor, and won the victory over sin and death for all.
SPECIAL MUSIC: “Jesus, Jesus Rest Your Head”
CALL FOR GOD’S TITHES AND OUR OFFERING:
PASTORAL PRAYER AND LORD’S PRAYER:
†CLOSING HYMN: Insert
†BENEDICTION:
†MUSICAL DISMISSAL WITH BLESSING: “Emmanuel”
All: Glory to God in the highest heaven!
†OPENING HYMN: Blue # 53 “What Child is This”
CALL TO CONFESSION:
PRAYER OF CONFESSION:
God of Christmas, we would never have thought to find your Savior in an innocent baby. We confess we would have expected a warrior with a great army. We would not have thought to find your kingdom to be one of service, obedience and humility. We confess we would have expected, maybe even wanted, a kingdom that reflected our own values and self-interests. Lord, forgive us when we quickly leave Christmas behind and neglect to live lives worthy of our calling as followers of our Lord, the Prince of Peace. By your Holy Spirit, help us turn to you and live according to the values of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.
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:
Almighty God, the gospel writer John tells us, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word became flesh and lived among us.” As we hear your Word read and proclaimed today, may we hear and see the glory of Jesus Christ and receive grace upon grace. Amen
SCRIPTURE READINGS: Luke 2: 10 Indiana Tucker
Galatians 3:28
One: This is the word of God for the people of God.All: Thanks be to God.
MESSAGE: Jeremy Tucker
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH: (from the Confession of 1967)
In Jesus of Nazareth, true humanity was realized once and for all. Jesus, a Palestinian Jew, lived among his own people and shared their needs, temptations, joys, and sorrows. He expressed the love of God in word and deed and became a brother to all kinds of sinful men and women. But his complete obedience led him into conflict with his people. His life and teaching judged their goodness, religious aspirations, and national hopes. Many rejected him and demanded his death. In giving himself freely for them, he took upon himself the judgement under which everyone stands convicted. God raised him from the dead, vindicating him as Messiah and Lord. The victim of sin became the victor, and won the victory over sin and death for all.
SPECIAL MUSIC: “Jesus, Jesus Rest Your Head”
CALL FOR GOD’S TITHES AND OUR OFFERING:
PASTORAL PRAYER AND LORD’S PRAYER:
†CLOSING HYMN: Insert
†BENEDICTION:
†MUSICAL DISMISSAL WITH BLESSING: “Emmanuel”