December 22 — Moving with Mary’s Song

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ. Faith’s journey to Bethlehem continues. Today, we light the fourth candle on the Advent wreath, the candle of love.

WELCOME

PRELUDE — Lo, How a Rose In the Bleak Midwinter — Kathryn Kuntzman, Cello

*CALL TO WORSHIP — Julie McAllister
One: Love deeply, creating foundations for relationships.
All: For in the Body of Christ, all belong.
One: Love joyfully, like carefree songs of the wind.
All: For in the Body of Christ, all share connections.
One: Love boldly, like vibrant colors of a rainbow,
All: For in the Body of Christ, all discover harmony.
One: We come to share in final preparations for the approaching
celebration of Christ’s holy birth.
All: Soon the Church will gather on the night our Dear Savior’s Birth.

*HYMN — O Come, All Ye Faithful — #188

O come, all ye faithful,
joyful and triumphant!
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem!
Come and behold Him,
born the King of angels.

Refrain:
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord!

God from true God, and
Light of Light begotten,
Lo , He abhors not the Virgin’s womb;
Very God, begotten, not created

Refrain

Sing, choirs of angels,
sing in exultation,
O sing, all ye citizens of heav’n above!
Glory to God, all glory in the highest: [Refrain]

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION (based on Psalm 80) — Julie McAllister
God of love – holy love, self-giving love, unconditional love, total love; we gather here with gratitude for the ways your love lifts people up from the bleakest circumstances and guides people into your marvelous light! We know of your goodness, and we are in awe of your acts of healing and mercy.
Emmanuel, you shape this world through your unmatched strength and compassion. You help us recline and relax in green pastures. You lead us to refreshing shores beside still waters. You restore our souls.
Eternal Shepherd and Savior, we offer you our heartfelt gratitude for your abundant blessings. Forever we will praise you, Christ Jesus. Amen.

LIGHTING THE ADVENT WREATH —The Candle of Love

*RESPONSE — Emmanuel — #185

Emmanuel, Emmanuel
His name is called Emmanuel;

God with us, revealed in us;
His name is called Emmanuel.

GOD’S WORD — Psalm 146:1-10 — Julie McAllister

SPECIAL MUSIC — Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus — Kathryn Kuntzman, Cello

GOD’S WORD — Luke 1:39-55 — Pastor Dan

SERMON — Pastor Dan

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE PRAYER OF JESUS — Pastor Dan

*HYMN — The Voice of God Is Calling — worship book, p. 90

The voice of God is calling to women and to men;
The voice once heard in Zion, resounds on earth again:
Whom shall I send to succor my people in their need?
Whom shall I send to loosen the bonds of shame and greed?

I hear my people crying in slum and mine and mill;
No field or mart is silent, no city street is still.
I see my people falling in darkness and despair.
Whom shall I send to shatter the fetters which they bear?

We heed, O God, your summons, and answer: Here are we!
Send us upon your errand; let us your servants be.
Our strength is dust and ashes, our years a passing hour,
But you can use our weakness to magnify your power.

From ease and plenty save us; from pride of place absolve;
Purge us of low desire; lift us to high resolve;
Take us, and make us hoy; teach us your will and way.
Speak, and, be hold! We answer; command, and we obey!

*BENEDICTION — Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE — Toccata on Regent Square — Smith