Worship  | |
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An Early Advent Service
An Early Advent Service
Christmas Is Coming
Prelude
Welcome
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*Congregational Song: "Come, Thou Long-expected Jesus"
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HS
201 |
*Invocation
*Response
Decorating the Tree
(Use a variety of ages for the readings.)
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Angels
Reader:
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We bring angels for the tree. They remind us of the angels who came
to the shepherds on the Bethlehem hills. They came from heaven, rejoicing and
singing. They told the shepherds to go find the baby Jesus who had been born
in a stable. (Attach the angels to the tree.)
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Stars
Reader:
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We bring stars for the tree. They remind us of the Bethlehem star
that shone overhead and led the way to the birthplace of Jesus. (Attach the
stars to the tree.)
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Bells
Reader:
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We bring bells for the tree. They remind us of the church bells
that will joyfully ring on Christmas Day. (Attach the bells to the tree.)
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Garland
Reader:
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We bring a garland for the tree. Each strand reminds us of the tie
that binds all people together—people throughout the world are our brothers
and sisters. (Attach the garland to the tree.)
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Gifts
Reader:
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We bring gifts to place under the tree. They will make those who
receive them happy and remind us of the gold, frankincense, and myrrh that the
Magi brought to Jesus. We may not be able to give gifts like those of the
Magi, but like the shepherds we can give him our love. (Place the gifts
under the tree.)
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Decorating as a Congregation
Invite people to choose a decoration to hang on the tree. As they place the
decoration on the tree, encourage them to make a statement such as "Thank
you, God, for the gift of your Son."
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Carol: "Oh, Christmas Tree" popular carol
OR Hymn: "Angels from the Realms of Glory"
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HS 231
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Disciples’ Generous Response
Offertory Prayer
Loving Parent,
We don’t always appreciate the gifts that you have given us.
Today, we confess that sometimes we don’t share our gifts.
We are sorry.
Help us use our gifts so that all may share in the abundance of
your
generosity.
Bless these gifts we pray, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
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Offertory Hymn: "Go, Tell It on the Mountain"
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HS 249 |
God’s Gift to Us
Foretelling the Good News
Scripture: Luke 1:26–38 or Matthew 1:18–25—The Angel’s Visit to
Mary
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Hymn: "O Come, All Ye Faithful"
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HS 238 |
Christmas Is Joy
Scripture: Luke 2:8–20—The Shepherds’ Experience
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Hymn: "Away in a Manger"
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HS 232/233 |
Christmas Is Celebration
Scripture: Luke 2:1–7—Jesus Is Born.
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Hymn: "What Child Is This"
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HS 257 |
Christmas Is Giving
Scripture: Matthew 2:1–12—The Visit of the Gift-bearing Magi
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Hymn: "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing"
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HS 252 |
*Sending Forth
May you find love, joy, hope, and peace in this Advent season.
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*Closing Hymn: "Silent Night! Holy Night!"
*Postlude
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HS 244 |
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