Christmas 2A: Jan. 1, 2023

Lessons and Carols for Christmas

Welcome and Announcements

Call to Worship

The angel said to [the shepherds], “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ, the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11).

As we gather we hear again the good news the angels proclaimed: God has come for all people through the birth of the one named Jesus. Through Bethlehem’s manger God comes into the chaos, messiness, and vulnerability of the world. In all things and at all times, we rejoice that God comes to save us and reigns in love. We come to adore Jesus who is Savior, Christ, and Lord.

Gathering Song

“O Come All Ye Faithful  ELW 283

Opening Prayer

Almighty God, you have filled us with the new light of the Word who became flesh and lived among us. Let the light of our faith shine in all we do; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Lessons and Carols

Micah 5:2-5aThe king will come from Bethlehem
ELW 279 O little town of Bethlehem

Luke 1:26-35, 38The annunciation to Mary
ELW 265 The angel Gabriel from heaven came

Luke 2:1-7The birth of Jesus
ELW 276 Infant holy, infant lowly

Luke 2:8-16The shepherds go to see the Savior
ELW 300 The first Noel

John 1:1-14The mystery of the incarnation
ELW 295 Of the Father’s love begotten

Responsive Prayer

Glory to God in the highest,
and peace to God’s people on earth.
Blessed are you, Prince of peace.
You rule the earth with truth and justice.
Send your gift of peace to all nations of the world.
Blessed are you, Son of Mary.
You share our humanity.
Have mercy on the sick, the dying,
and all who suffer this day.
Blessed are you, Son of God.
You dwell among us as the Word made flesh.
Reveal yourself to us in word and sacrament
that we may bear your light to all the world.

Nicene Creed

We believe in one God,
the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one Being with the Father;
through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation
he came down from heaven,
was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary
and became truly human.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,*
who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Lord’s Prayer

Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us.
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 and ever. Amen.

Offering

Remembering God’s generous presence and love in our lives, let us now offer to God our selves, our time, and our possessions as an act of worship. 

Offering Carol

ELW 285 Peace came to earth

Offertory Prayer

Let us pray. Good and loving God, we rejoice in the birth of Jesus, who came among the poor to bring the riches of your grace. As you have blessed us with your gifts, let them be blessing for others. With the trees of the field, with all earth and heaven, we shout for joy at the coming of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Blessing

May you be filled with the wonder of Mary,
the obedience of Joseph,
the joy of the angels,
the eagerness of the shepherds,
and the everlasting peace of Jesus
who is Savior, Christ, and Lord.
Almighty God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
bless you and keep you now and forever.
Amen.

SENDING SONG

ELW 269 Once in royal David’s city

Dismissal

Go in peace. Serve our Savior, Christ, and Lord. Thanks be to God!