If you have individual prayer requests, please write them on prayer cards in the pews and bring them up or give them to an usher during the prelude.
**Kindly stand if you are able
PRELUDE Organ Prelude Mary Lee Farris, Organ
WELCOME
LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE John Redman and Mary Lee Farris
CALL TO WORSHIP
Leader: Hear the Word of the Lord from Isaiah. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness —
PEOPLE: on them light has shined. You have multiplied the nation. you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest.
Leader: For a child has been born for us, a son is given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders;
PEOPLE: he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Leader: His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom.
PEOPLE: He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore.
INVOCATION
Gracious Lord, in this Season of Advent into Christmas show us the way of preparation, not just for holiday celebrations but for reflection on the true meaning of what and why we celebrate the birth of Jesus and his coming to us, living with us, and remaining among us. Amen.
**OPENING HYMN “Away in a Manger” Red #147
**PASSING OF THE PEACE
MEDITATION BY THE INNKEEPER’S ACCOUNT John Redman
**HYMN OF PRAISE “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear” Red # 170
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
Lord, on this Holy Night may we hear your words of hope, of peace, of joy, of love as we gather around the never ending circle of the Advent wreath sharing the light of our candles with the entire world. Amen.
SOLO “O Holy Night” Mary Lee Farris, Soprano
SCRIPTURE READINGS
OLD TESTAMENT READING Isaiah 52:7-10 Nancy Thomas
GOSPEL READING John 1:1-14
MESSAGE The Story of Salome, from the Gospel of James John Redman, CRE
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
And Lord we pray for those in our own hearts whose names you already know, for their
own healing and comfort, in your name and that of our redeemer Jesus Christ, who
taught to pray, saying:
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
OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS
We give freely from the bounty we have been given by our Gracious God. May what we
offer in these moments help to become the very blessing and hope that others need.
This we pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
OFFERTORY “To a Virgin Meek and Mild”
**DOXOLOGY Traditional Red #809
PRAYER OF THANKS and BENEDICTION
Gracious God, on this most Holy of Nights, may we use this valued measure of our time and
talent and treasure for the blessing of good works in our community and in our world to honor
you and the blessing of our redeemer Jesus Christ, and may each of our lives throughout the
coming days and months reflect the depth of our faith. Amen
CANDLELIGHTING AND CLOSING HYMN “Silent Night” Red # 164
Mary Lee will play the first verse as everyone lights their candles one from another.
As we continue lighting, we sing the first verse.
With all candles lit, the lights will dim, and we will sing the second verse.
We will repeat the first verse as we exit quietly.
Please extinguish your candles and deposit them in the receptacle in the foyer.
Blessings!
John Redman, CRE
Mobile: (914) 474-0722
Union Church
44 Balmville Rd, Newburgh NY 12550
Phone: (845) 562-0954 Fax: (845) 562-0955
