Christmas Day

Isaiah 6:8-13 OR Jeremiah 10:1-16 (17-25)

Psalm 35 OR Psalm 94

John 12:17-19, 37-50

Romans 11:2(b)-28 (29-32) 33-36

CALL TO WORSHIP

The gods who did not make the heavens and the earth

shall perish from the earth and from under the heavens.
         They are both stupid and foolish;

         the instruction given by idols is no better than wood.
         They are worthless, a work of delusion;

         at the time of their punishment they shall perish.

Not like these is the Lord, for the Lord is the true God;

he is the one who formed all things, the living God and the everlasting King.

         At his wrath the earth quakes;

         the nations cannot endure his indignation.

It is he who made the earth by his power,

who established the world by his wisdom,

and by his understanding stretched out the heavens.
         When he utters his voice, there is a tumult of waters in the heavens;

         he makes lightning for the rain and summons wind from his storehouses;

         he makes the mist rise from the ends of the earth.

         The Lord of hosts is his name!

INVOCATION

There is none like you, O Lord, whose name is mighty and powerful. Who would not fear you, O King of the nations? For that is your due.  Among all the wise ones of the nations and in all their kingdoms there is no one like you, who have sent your Son, Jesus Christ, as light into the world, that everyone who believes in him should not remain in darkness. For whoever sees and believes in the Son sees and believes in you, our Heavenly Father. Grant us, therefore, by the gift of your Holy Spirit, the light to see you clearly and the faith to believe in you fully, that we might testify to your truth and your love, for the service of your glory and for the sake of those lost in sin, crippled by fear, and weighed down by the cares of this world.  

CALL TO CONFESSION

The Lord knows our thoughts, that they are but an empty breath. He who planted the ear, does he not hear? He who formed the eye, does he not see? He who disciplines the nations, he who teaches knowledge to humankind, does he not chastise? As Jesus has said, “The one who rejects me and does not receive my word has a judge; on the last day the word that I have spoken will serve as judge.” Yet he gives them respite from trouble; they are counted happy and blessed who welcome his discipline, for the Lord will not forsake his people; he will not abandon his heritage. Let us, therefore, confess our sins to God in penitence and faith, who banishes ungodliness and takes away sins.

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Remember, O Lord, what your prophet has said, that the way of human beings is not in their control, that mortals as they walk cannot direct their steps. Remember, O Lord, and have mercy. Correct your children, O Lord, but in just measure; not in your anger, or you will bring us to nothing. For we confess not only our sins and misdeeds; we confess that, although you have performed countless signs in our presence, we have not always believed in your power, trusted in your grace, or remembered your mercies toward us; and when we have believed in you, we have often let the fear of human opinion keep us from testifying to your grace and glory. Forgive us, O Lord, for every sin we have committed, every affront we have caused; set us free from every illicit or frustrating bond; liberate your people for new life, as was and is your intended purpose in sending your Son Jesus Christ in the flesh to redeem us.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

Shout for joy and be glad; say evermore, “Great is the Lord, who delights in the welfare of his servants.” Let those whom Christ has redeemed tell of his righteousness and praise the Lord all day long. For God has commanded eternal life for all who believe in Christ Jesus, who has said, “I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.”  Therefore, let us rejoice in the Lord, exult in his deliverance, and give thanks forevermore that in Jesus Christ we are forgiven.