CALL TO WORSHIP
When the Lord brought back his exiles to Jerusalem, it was like a dream!
We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy.
Others said, “What amazing things the Lord has done for them.”
Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us!
Restore our fortunes, Lord, as streams renew the desert.
Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy.
They weep as they go to plant their seed,
but they sing as they return with the harvest.
—Ps 126
God of love, you have set a table before us, and called us to feast with you. Prepare our minds to worship you in Spirit and truth, and to honor your Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Almighty God, our Redeemer, in our weakness we have failed to be your messengers of forgiveness and hope. Renew us by your Holy Spirit, that we may follow your commands and proclaim your reign of love; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
[A silence is kept for individual confession.]
The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. So be assured that, in his Name, we are forgiven. Thanks be to God. Amen.
No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, God has set this table for you: You are welcome here. And so, as forgiven and reconciled children, let us now offer ourselves and our gifts to God.
COMMUNION PRAYER
Holy God, ever-present and all-loving, in the midst of a troubled world,
we pray that your Spirit will now cover this place,
filling our hearts with a peace that passes understanding.
Send that same Spirit to settle on the gifts that we have brought to your table, that in them we may discern the presence of Christ, who died for our sakes, and rose from death, that we might know eternal life.
Unite us in your love, we pray, that we may be one with you, one with each other, and one in ministry to the world around us. This we ask in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
CLOSING PRAYER
Lord, now dismiss your servant in peace according to your word, for my eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared in the presence of all people: A light to shine on the Gentiles, and to be the glory of your people Israel. Amen.
Send that same Spirit to settle on the gifts that we have brought to your table, that in them we may discern the presence of Christ, who died for our sakes, and rose from death, that we might know eternal life.
Unite us in your love, we pray, that we may be one with you, one with each other, and one in ministry to the world around us. This we ask in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
CLOSING PRAYER
Lord, now dismiss your servant in peace according to your word, for my eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared in the presence of all people: A light to shine on the Gentiles, and to be the glory of your people Israel. Amen.
—Luke 2:29-32
