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.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
God of grace, in the suffering and death of your Son, we recognize your immeasurable love—a love that reaches beyond all fault, all cowardice, and all failure. In Jesus Christ, you give us space to see our lives as they really are—no sugarcoating, no excuses. May our response be complete honesty: Honesty with you and honesty with each other. Help us to admit our guilt when we approach others, and to grant forgiveness when they approach us. Take away our hearts of stone. Help us to shake off our guilt and to find meaning in our lives. Give us ears to hear your words of encouragement and your call to change. We long for new beginnings—grant us your mercy, and may today be a day of transformation. We ask this in the Name of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, God forevermore. Amen.
God of grace, in the suffering and death of your Son, we recognize your immeasurable love—a love that reaches beyond all fault, all cowardice, and all failure. In Jesus Christ, you give us space to see our lives as they really are—no sugarcoating, no excuses. May our response be complete honesty: Honesty with you and honesty with each other. Help us to admit our guilt when we approach others, and to grant forgiveness when they approach us. Take away our hearts of stone. Help us to shake off our guilt and to find meaning in our lives. Give us ears to hear your words of encouragement and your call to change. We long for new beginnings—grant us your mercy, and may today be a day of transformation. We ask this in the Name of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, God forevermore. Amen.
—after German Reformed Liturgy
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
