Worship - December 25, 2005

Long Green Valley Church of the Brethren
Long Green & Kanes Rds., near Glen Arm, Md.
December 25, 2005
Worship 10:00 am, Sunday School 11:10 am

Christmas Day

"But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children." (Galatians 4:4-5)

Morning Praise (9:45 am)
Announcements
Prelude "Unto us a boy is born" Wilson

Call to Worship and Candlelighting

*Hymn "Good Christian friends, rejoice" 210

*Unison Prayer

Scripture John 1:1-14

Sharing a joy, a concern, a word of testimony or praise

Hymn (vs. 1) "Infant holy, infant lowly" 206

Pastoral Prayer

Scripture Galatians 4:4-7

Message "When the fullness of time had come"

Introduction and baptismal vows

Preparation Songs "O little town of Bethlehem" 191

Baptism

*Hymn "Joy to the world" 318

Responding with our Tithes and Offerings

Offertory "Petite Noel" Simone

*Hymn "Angels, from the realms of glory" (vs. 5-6, adapted)

*Benediction

*Postlude "How great our joy" Koury

#'s are from Hymnal: A Worship Book

Worship leaders - see basic guidelines

Call to Worship and Candlelighting

One - We gather to celebrate the birth of the one who is
the light of the world.

All - We are here to worship God - and his Son Jesus
- born this day in Bethlehem of Judea.

One - We light the candle of hope to remind us of the
promises made by all the prophets that God would
raise up a savior for his people Israel.

(relight the first candle)

All - Christ is our hope and our salvation. He calls
us to share our hope in him with each other.

Hymn - (vs. 1) "Angels from the realms of glory"

One - We light the candle of peace to remind us that it is
only with God and by following in his path that true
peace can be found.

(relight the second candle)

All - Christ brings the peace of God to us. He calls
us to share the peace he gives with each other.

Hymn - (vs. 2) "Angels from the realms of glory"

One - We light the candle of joy to remind us that
God gives joy to every heart that abides in him.

(relight the third candle)

All - As Mary rejoiced in the birth of Jesus - so his
birth in us brings us joy. God calls us to share
the joy he gives with each other.

Hymn - (vs. 3) "Angels from the realms of glory"

One - We light the candle of love to remind us that Jesus
is God's gift of love to us - and that in him, the light
of love triumphs over darkness.

(relight the fourth candle)

All - Love never fails - it transforms all those who
give it and receive it. God calls us to share his
love with each other.

Hymn - (vs. 4) "Angels from the realms of glory"

Lighting The Christ Candle

One - We light the Christ candle to remind us that
the light of the world was born this day.

(light the center candle)

All - The people who walked in darkness have seen
a great light. Those who dwelt in a land of deep
darkness - on them a light has shined.

One - You, O Lord, have multiplied the nation. You have
increased its joy.

All - For to us a child is born, to us a son is given,
and the government shall be upon his shoulder.

One - His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor,
Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

All - He is also called Emmanuel, for in him God is
with us.

Hymn - "Good Christian friends, rejoice" - 210

by Rev. Richard J. Fairchild �1993, 1996, 1999, 2002
adapted from "Year B - Advent Candle Lighting"

Opening Prayer

Almighty God - you have made this day holy by the gift of your son, born of the Holy Spirit and of Mary. Upon him rested all your grace, through him has come all your mercy. Let his light shine within our hearts today. Help us to hear your word and to celebrate your everlasting love through him. Amen

by Rev. Richard J. Fairchild �1993, 1996, 1999, 2002
adapted from "Year B - Advent Candle Lighting"

Pastoral Prayer

written closer to the time (if not at the moment)

Baptismal Vows
(After candidate is introduced to the congregation by a member)

Today you are being received into this community of faith and into the Church of the Brethren. As part of the whole church of Jesus Christ, we offer you our rich heritage and invite you to share fully in our life and mission.
As you are received into the Long Green Valley Church, we intend to be a true family of faith to you. We commit ourselves to be for you a loving fellowship, to be a means of grace in your life, and to offer opportunities for worship, study, and service. One of the happiest times in our life as a church is when new people choose to become members. We welcome you with joy.

Do you believe that Jesus is God's Son and do you receive and trust him as your Savior and Lord? (I do.)

Will you turn away from all sin and will you endeavor by God's grace to live according to the example and teachings of Jesus? (I will.)

Will you be loyal to the church, upholding it by your prayers and your presence, your substance and your service? (I will.)

from For All Who Minister, �1993, Brethren Press, p.135-137.

Congregational Response

As we now receive you into the fellowship of the church,
     we make this covenant with you
     as we renew our own covenant with God:
          to bear each others' burdens,
          to assist in times of need,
          to share our gifts and possessions,
          to forgive as Christ has forgiven us,
          to support each other in joy and sorrow,
              and in all things to work for the common good,
          thus making known Christ's presence among us
              to the glory of God
As we unite with each other now,
     may we all be joined with Christ, our Lord.

Hymnal #777
Adapted from The Mennonite Hymnal,
�1969 Faith & Life Press/Mennonite Publishing House,
based on Anabaptist baptismal vows, 16th c.

*Baptism*
___________, upon your confession of faith made before God and these people, you are baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
	As each name of the Trinity is spoken, the minister shall immerse the candidate forward, pushing the head gently and fully into the water. Then, laying both hands upon the head of the kneeling person, the minister shall pray:
O God, we are thankful for the commitment made today by (name) May (she/he) experience your forgiveness, acceptance, and peace. Send your Holy Spirit upon (her/him) to guide and to empower. Enable (her/him) to walk in newness of life, using (her/his) gifts in praise to you and in service to others. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
	Then the minister shall help the baptized person rise, extend the hand of Christian fellowship, speak a word of blessing, and assist the person in leaving the water.
from *For All Who Minister*, �1993, Brethren Press, p.137-138.

Returning our Tithes and Offerings

Regardless of what "the nations" do, let�s us "prove the glories of his righteousness and wonders of his love" through our giving. As the apostle Paul wrote, we are no longer slaves, bound to sin. In Christ we set free to be children of God. Not only that, as God�s children we have a tremendous inheritance. We are rich beyond measure. Let�s give out of that abundance... Please pray with me.

Abba! Father! Thank you for the gift of your Son. In response to your love, like fruit growing from what you have planted and watered and caused to grow, we bring our birthday gifts to you on this Christmas day. Some of these will be placed in the offering plate. The rest will be given as we spread your love in our homes, our work and play places, our neighborhoods and our world (which is really your world) this coming week. This we pray in the name of the One whose birthday this is. Amen.

Ushers?

"Angels, from the realms of glory"
(vs. 5-6, adapted)

listen to the tune

Though an Infant now we view Him, He shall fill His Father�s throne,
Gather all the nations to Him; Every knee shall then bow down:
Go and worship, Go and worship, worship Christ, the newborn King.

All creation, join in praising God, the Father, Spirit, Son,
Evermore your voices raising to th�eternal Three in One.
Go and worship, Go and worship, worship Christ, the newborn King.

Benediction

Yes, "go and worship,"
         for this abundant life we have been given in Christ
                  was not meant to be confined to the walls of this sanctuary.
"Go and worship" through the giving of gifts,
                            in your eating together,
                       or through simply being with
                                    those you love on this special day.
               But don�t keep hope, peace, joy, and love
                           captive in your homes.
"Go and worship Christ the newborn King"
         wherever your feet take you this week.
                  Through what you say and what you do,
                           share the good news that God is with us.
And may the Lord sustain you with his powerful Word.
May Christ Jesus be born as Savior within you.
And may the Spirit reveal to you the glory
of the Father�s only Son, full of grace and truth. Amen.