Brothers and Sisters in Christ, today is the first Sunday after Christmas, and it is only two days after we celebrated the blessed coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. And it is easy to feel a little lost and a little bit of the post-Christmas letdown. But today, as we approach the New Year, we invite the Holy Spirit to rest upon us.
December 27th, 2020
1ST Sunday After Christmas Day
Dear 2020:*
Announcements:
Greetings of Grace and Peace:
Call to Worship:
The Christmas tree lights have dimmed.
The once-wrapped gifts have been shared.
But the awesome love of God still shines brightly in our hearts.
Our spirits resound with the good news of salvation.
God is with us!
Thanks be to God! AMEN.
Opening Prayer:
Lord of mercy and joy, You have given to us the blessing of your Son Jesus who will make known your presence, forgiveness, and love to each one of us. Be with us this day and keep our hearts and minds open to receive your love and peace. Enable each of us to be people of joy and hope as we encounter others. We ask this in Jesus’ Name. AMEN.
Songs of Praise:
Prayer of Confession:
We confess, O God, that we are not ready to come down from the Christmas “high.” So much time was spent in gathering, wrapping, and delivering gifts; in preparing for family gatherings and times with friends; in decorating our homes. But somehow, right after Christmas Day, we feel a letdown. We don’t want that “high” to be over. We want to feel the “peace on earth” feeling, but we let it go. We push it aside when we begin our journey of complaining and blaming others for everything that is going wrong. We ignore the blessing of the gift when we refuse to help those in need. Shake us up, Lord! Get us ready to be people of compassion and hope. Wake us up, Lord! Help us see the beauty and possibilities of peace around us. Fill us up, Lord! Fill us to overflowing with joy. Let our words, our thoughts, and our actions speak of your love for us. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. AMEN.
Old Testament Lesson: Isaiah 61:10 – 62:3
Gospel Reading: Luke 2:22-40
Call to Offering:
Message: Rest Upon You
A Christmas Poem: Sheena Mylecraine
Pastoral Prayer:
Dismissal with Blessing:
*Video Courtesy of Igniter Media
