EBENEZER UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

4901 Woodbine Road

Sykesville, Maryland 21784

(410)795-6136

www.ebenezerumchurch.org

Rev. Judith A. Emerson, Pastor

 

December 25, 2011

10:00 AM

 

Christmas Day Worship

 

PRELUDE

REFLECTION FOR WORSHIP

             As you listen to the Christmas Music may it fill your soul with joy as we celebrate the birth of the Christ Child. Give God thanks for this wonderful gift of love.

*CALL TO WORSHIP:
            Let us celebrate Christmas in the Spirit of Jesus Christ,

            who came to us from the heart of God's own being

            taking the form of a servant, being born in human likeness.
            Let us celebrate God's entering into our lives in human form,                     
            to bring light to all the world.

            May love be reborn in our hearts this day!
            Let us worship God.

*HYMN                                       “O Come All Ye Faithful”                          UMH No. 234

PRAYER
            Loving and generous God, we praise and thank you for the
joys of this Christmas: the music and the singing, the gathering of family and friends, the gifts we give and receive. We thank you most of all for your great gift to us - the child Jesus. May Christ's Spirit of love fill our hearts to overflowing. May Christ's Spirit of peace be upon everyone, everywhere. Amen.

SCRIPTURE                                          Luke 1:26-38 

The angel announces to Mary

 

HYMN                                    “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming”                   UMH No. 216

 

SCRIPTURE                                         Matthew 1:18-24     

  Joseph’s Response


HYMN                                        “O Little Town of Bethlehem”                       UMH No. 230


SCRIPTURE READING                          Luke 2:1-7     

The Christ Child is Born

HYMN                                                “Away In a Manger”                              UMH No. 217


LIGHTING THE CHRIST CANDLE

 

The Grace of God is coming.

            Bringing salvation to all!

 

(Lighting the four Advent candles)

 

"The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness -- on them light has shined... For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:2, 6)    This is the word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

 

On       This Christmas Day we remember with joy the birth of Jesus. We remember that Jesus was born in the midst of threatening times. The child Jesus grew up to be a light to many people. Through Jesus we have found the possibility of peace and unity. In him we have the hope that leads us to the light of mutual understanding. On this Christmas Day God’s people bask in the bright light of the Christ Candle. For a child has been born for us, a son given to us!

We want to follow this child—Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of             Peace. Glory be to God.

 

(Lighting the Christ Candle.)

 

May the God of hope fill us with joy and peace in believing,

So that we may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit

 

HYMN                                            “Joy to the World”                                    UMH No. 246

SCRIPTURE READING                       Luke 2:8-20

HYMN                                               “The First Noel”                                     UMH No. 245

SERMON                    “Is it About Presents or Presence?”         Rev. Judy Emerson

 

OUR FAVORITE CHRISTMAS CAROLS

 

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

            Joys and Concerns

            Silent Prayer

            Pastoral Prayer

            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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass     against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For          thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

 

PRESENTATION OF OUR OFFERINGS
            *Presentation of our Gifts

            *Doxology                       “In the Bleak Midwinter”

What can I give him, poor as I am?

If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb.

If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part;

Yet what I can I give him; give my heart.

 

            *Prayer of Dedication

                        O God, may our offerings sing a new song of praise, as we marvel at your care for us this Christmas Day. May the gifts that we bring bear witness to the light and show forth your grace and truth. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

*HYMN                                   “Go, Tell It on the Mountain”                        UMH No. 251    

*BLESSING WITH DISMISSAL
*POSTLUDE

 

 

           

 

To Our Visitors

          Welcome to Ebenezer United Methodist Church! We are so happy you are visiting today. It is our prayer that you will feel the warmth of our church family spirit, and that you will experience God’s presence in a mighty way as you worship with us this morning.

          We offer a nursery during worship for infants through kindergarten.  The nursery is located down the hall in our education wing. Our staff will certainly come and get you if your child needs you. Please feel free to utilize this ministry of our church.

          It would be helpful if you would complete an attendance card in the pew rack in front of you and place it in the offering plate during the morning offering. We would like to keep in touch and help you learn more about Ebenezer UMC. We are blessed by your presence with us this morning.