This is the day that the Lord has made

Let us rejoice and be glad in it

Announcements and Life Together

Call to Worship

A star has risen in the east.

Star of wonder, star of night!

A child is born in Bethlehem.

Hark! The herald angels sing!

Let us follow the star to Bethlehem

and bring our gifts to the newborn Christ.

Prayer of Praise

Call to Confession

Like a great light in a land of deep darkness,

the mercy of the Lord shines upon us. - Isaiah 9:2

Trusting in God’s grace, let us confess our sin.

Prayer of Confession

God of wonder, God of night, you are holy light in dark places;

you are holy darkness when all is too bright. 

Forgive us, O God, when we turn away from your light:

when we follow our own ambitions instead of your call,

when we respond to your presence with fear rather than joy.

Forgive us, O God, when we do not comprehend the depth of your Christmas love,

the meaning of your powerful story, or the call you place on each of our lives. 

Forgive us, O God, and by your forgiveness, empower us to follow the star once more.

Assurance of Grace

Hear the promise of the Lord: See, your salvation has come!

You are a holy people, redeemed by God, sought out, not forsaken. - Isaiah 62:11–12

In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!

Thanks be to God.

Children’s Message

Prayer of Illumination

Scripture Reading

Isaiah 60:1-6 (NRSV)

Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the LORD will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you. Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. Lift up your eyes and look around; they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from far away, and your daughters shall be carried on their nurses’ arms. Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill and rejoice, because the abundance of the sea shall be brought to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you. A multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall proclaim the praise of the LORD.

This is the word of the Lord.

  Thanks be to God.

Second Scripture Reading

Matthew 2:1-12 (NRSV)

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him,

“In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:

‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,

are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;

for from you shall come a ruler

who is to shepherd my people Israel.’”

Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.” When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

Prayers of the People

The Doxology

THE SACRAMENT OF COMMUNION

Invitation to the Table

Prayer of Great Thanksgiving

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

Lift up your hearts.

We lift them up to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

It is right to give thanks and praise…

Words of Institution

We Share the Bread and the Cup

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 debts,

as we forgive our debtors;

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever.

Amen.

Benediction

Let all God’s people say…

Alleluia, Amen.

Passing of the Peace