Midland United
Methodist Church
4th Sunday of Advent
December 22, 2024
GATHERING MUSIC
Life in our church and in our community:   Announcements
Expression of our Joys and Service to others

CALL TO WORSHIP: Lighting of the Advent Wreath

Congregational prayer response:
Gracious God, thank You for the gift of your love, made flesh in Jesus Christ. May this light remind us of your unending love that transforms hearts and lives. Help us to carry this love into the world, that others might know the good news of Christ. Amen.

* 🎶 GATHERING HYMN #     238
    Angels We have Heard on High

* THE APOSITLES’ CREED # 881

WE GIVE OUR GIFTS TO GOD
(Our monetary offerings are placed on the small table found by the altar in the front of the sanctuary with the bulletins)  
 
 Offertory Prayer:  
Loving God, as we bring our offerings today, may they be used to share Your love, spread your light, and bring hope to those in need. Bless these gifts and our hearts, that all we do may glorify You. Amen.

COMMUNION OF PRAYER

We come to God in prayer,
    Loving God
    Loving Others
    For the Transformation of the World


Prayers of the People             Pastor Barbara

THE LORD’S PRAYER # 895 (In unison)
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 trespasses,
   as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever.
 Amen.



* 🎶 HYMN:    # 217    Away in a Manger


HEARING GOD’S WORD

PRAYER OF ILLIMUNATION:   (in Unison)
Heavenly Father, open our hearts to your word today. Help us to understand the depth of your love and the joy of your presence through this passage. May your Spirit guide us as we seek to know you more. Amen.
Scripture Reading: Luke 2:1-14
For the Word of God in Scripture, 
For the Word of God among us,
For the Word of God within us,
Thanks be to God!

Meditation:  Good News for the Lowly    Pastor Barbara 


RESPONDING IN FAITH

🎶 HYMN: # 239        Silent Night, Holy Night
            
BENEDICTION  
   Go now, beloved of God, filled with the light of Christ and the love of the Savior born for all.
   May His hope strengthen you, His peace calm you, His joy uplift you, and His love surround you.
   As you leave this place, may the message of Emmanuel—God with us—shine through your lives,
bringing hope and love to a world in need.
   Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Amen.


🎶 # 666    Shalom 
Postlude & Our Worship Begins