UJCC
- Dec 25, 2021
- 6 min read

Order of Worship December 24, 2021

UJCC Worship

December 24, 2021 * Christmas Eve

7:00 PM

“Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmastime.”

-Laura Ingalls Wilder

You are invited to the spiritual practice of returning thanks to God. You can try our online giving option HERE. Thank you and peace be with you!

Prelude “Of the Father’s Love Begotten”

We recognize that some of you may have had a crazy week and need some space or quiet time. So, 5-10 minutes prior to the service, we will play some music that you can listen to while you meditate. Otherwise, feel free to let us know that you're here by saying hi in the chat!

Words of Welcome

Around 10:30AM, our service will start. During this time, our worship leader will offer a greeting, introduce special guests, or provide important information for the service. Ultimately, we want to show how much we appreciate you joining us today despite your busy schedule.

Opening Carol

“O Little Town of Bethlehem” (1st & 4th stanzas, E 141, J 115)

*Call To Worship(please stand and join together)

Let us go, in heart and mind,

to see what has come to pass.

Let us go with the shepherds:

Let us go to find the Savior!

Let us go with the wise ones:

Let us go to find God's promise, born for us!

Let us go with the poor and humble:

Let us go to find our King, born in a lowly manger.

Let us go with all the world,

with all the peoples of the nations.

Come, let us worship;

come, let us adore him:

Christ the Lord!(cicw)

Lighting of the Advent Candles Wally, Jean, and Rob Yang

Reader 1: As night falls, and the shadows grow long, we wait in hopeful expectation for the coming light. (1 purple candle is lit while congregation sings).

All (sing):

O come, O come, Emmanuel,

And ransom captive Israel,

That mourns in lonely exile here

Until the child of God appear.

Reader 2: As war and violence swirl around us, we watch for the coming Prince of Peace.

(1 purple candle is lit while congregation sings).

All (sing):

O come, desire of Nations, bind

All people in one heart and mind.

Bid all our sad divisions cease,

And fill the world with Heaven’s peace.

Reader 3: As we struggle amid the shadows and gloom, we drink deeply from the font of all joy.

(The pink candle is lit while congregation sings).

All (sing):

O come, Key of David come,

And open wide your heavenly home;

Make safe the path to endless day,

To death’s destruction close the way.

Reader 4: As love seems a rare commodity in our world, we cling to the love that will not let us go.

(1 purple candle is lit while congregation sings).

All (sing):

O come, thou Dayspring, come and cheer

Our spirits by thine advent here;

Love stir within the womb of night,

And death’s dark shadows put to flight.

Reader Five: People of God, rejoice, 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 Mother, Prince of Peace.

(The white Christ candle is lit while congregation sings).

All (sing):

Rejoice, Rejoice, Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

Rejoice, Rejoice, Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel. (ah)

Hearing the Good news Luke 2:1-14

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3All went to their own towns to be registered. 4Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. 5He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 7And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

8In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, 14“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”

Choral Anthem "Silent Night"

Reflection

Song of Reflection - "O Come, All Ye Faithful" (1st & 2nd stanzas, E 145, J 111)

It is our responsibility to respond to God’s message. So, the song after the sermon gives us a little more time to digest God’s message and think about how we can respond appropriately. So, feel free to meditate on the message, pray, or simply enjoy the music.

Christmas Pastoral Prayer & The Lord's Prayer

We believe God hears and answers our prayers. Not only that, but we believe in praying together so that we can encourage and support those going through difficult times, or celebrate our many blessings. For we are all God’s family. When one of us suffers, we all suffer. When one of us rejoices, we all rejoice. You are not alone. If you have any prayer requests, feel free to raise your hand until Rev. Akiko calls on you. After each prayer request, Rev. Akiko will say “O God of mercy” and everyone responds, “This is our prayer.” Finally, once all the prayer requests have been heard, Rev. Akiko will close us with a final prayer followed by the Lord’s prayer. If you do not know the Lord’s prayer, it will be up on the slideshow for you. If you have any prayer requests, please let us know in the chat!

Passing The Light of Christ

Closing Carol - "Silent Night" (English: projected, in bulletin, and #147; Sanbika: J 109)

Benediction

Benediction is another word for blessing. It is a short prayer said in order to bless everyone as we get ready to go back out into the world. Feel free to close your eyes and receive the blessing so that you may be strengthened and encouraged.

Let the love that shaped earth and heaven