John Calvin Presbyterian Church

2. The pain that will not go away,

the guilt that clings from things long past,

the fear of what the future holds,

are present as if meant to last.

But present too is love, which tends

the hurt we never hoped to find,

the private agonies inside,

the memories that haunt the mind.

WORDS OF WELCOME           

CALL TO WORSHIP John 1:36, 39

ONE: Look, here is the Lamb of God!

MANY: Jesus calls us: Come and see.

                                                   

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Lord of forgiveness, you healed a paralytic by forgiving his sins. Forgive us, heal us, and teach us to walk in your ways. Amen.

HYMN [GTG#319] Shout To The North

1. Men of faith rise up and sing of the great and glorious King.

You are strong when you feel weak; in your brokenness complete.     

Refrain: Shout to the north and the south, 

sing to the east and the west.

Jesus is savior to all, Lord of heaven and earth. 

2. Rise up women of the truth. Stand and sing to broken hearts

who can know the healing power of our awesome King of love. (Refrain)

Bridge: We’ve been through fire; we’ve been through rain;

we’ve been refined by the power of your name.

We’ve fallen deeper in love with you. 

You’ve burned the truth on our lips. (Refrain)

3. Rise up, church, with broken wings; fill this place with songs again

of our God who reigns on high; by God’s grace again we’ll fly.  (Refrain)

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN                

 RESPONSE HYMN [GTG#795] Healer of Our Every Ill

 Refrain: Healer of our every ill, light of each tomorrow,

give us peace beyond our fear, and hope beyond our sorrow.

REPENTANCE

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

God of glory, you sent Jesus among us as the light of the world, to reveal your love for all people. We confess that our sin and pride hide the brightness of your light. We turn away from the poor; we ignore cries for justice; we do not strive for peace. 

In your mercy, cleanse us of our sin, and pour out the gifts of your Spirit, that forgiven and renewed, we may show forth your glory shining in the face of Jesus Christ. Amen. 

ASSURANCE OF PARDON                     

GLORIA PATRI [Blue#579[ [GTG581]     

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,

world without end. Amen.

THE WORD READ AND PROCLAIMED

SCRIPTURE [Pew Bible NT 34 or 36]                                 Mark 2:1-22

When he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. So many gathered around that there was no longer room for them, not even in front of the door; and he was speaking the word to them. Then some people came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. And when they could not bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and after having dug through it, they let down the mat on which the paralytic lay. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.’ Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, ‘Why does this fellow speak in this way? It is blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?’ At once Jesus perceived in his spirit that they were discussing these questions among themselves; and he said to them, ‘Why do you raise such questions in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, “Your sins are forgiven”, or to say, “Stand up and take your mat and walk”? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins’—he said to the paralytic— ‘I say to you, stand up, take your mat and go to your home.’ And he stood up, and immediately took the mat and went out before all of them; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, ‘We have never seen anything like this!’

Jesus went out again beside the lake; the whole crowd gathered around him, and he taught them. As he was walking along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, ‘Follow me.’ And he got up and followed him.

And as he sat at dinner in Levi’s house, many tax-collectors and sinners were also sitting with Jesus and his disciples—for there were many who followed him. When the scribes of the Pharisees saw that he was eating with sinners and tax-collectors, they said to his disciples, ‘Why does he eat with tax-collectors and sinners?’ When Jesus heard this, he said to them, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.’

Now John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting; and people came and said to him, ‘Why do John’s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?’ Jesus said to them, ‘The wedding-guests cannot fast while the bridegroom is with them, can they? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast on that day.

‘No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old cloak; otherwise, the patch pulls away from it, the new from the old, and a worse tear is made. And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and the wine is lost, and so are the skins; but one puts new wine into fresh wineskins.’

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

 

SERMON                “Up on the Rooftop”                the Rev. Aaron Ochart

 RESPONSE     

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Apostles’ Creed

I BELIEVE in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, 

And in Jesus Christ [God’s] only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. 

I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.     

ANNOUNCEMENTS

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY

DOXOLOGY [GTG#606]

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Praise God, all creatures here below.

Praise God above, ye heavenly host;

praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE 

THE 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

HYMN [GTG#731] Give Thanks For Those Whose Faith is Firm

1. Give thanks for those whose faith is firm

when all around seems bleak:

on God’s good promise they rely,

so while they live and when they die

how forcefully they speak: the strong, who once were weak!

2. Give thanks for those whose hope is clear,

beyond mere mortal sight:

who seek the city God has planned,

the true, eternal promised land,

and steer on toward that light, a beacon ever bright.

3. Give thanks for those whose love is pure,

a sparkling precious stone:

they show by what they say and do

an inward beauty warm and true,

for God’s concerns they own: God’s love through them is known.

4. Give thanks for saints of ages past and saints alive today:

though often by this world despised,

their hearts by God are richly prized.

Give thanks that we may say we share their pilgrim way.

PARTING PRAYER

Everlasting God, the radiance of faithful souls, who brought the nations to your light and kings to the brightness of your rising: Fill the world with your glory and show yourself to all nations; through him who is the true light and the bright morning star, Jesus Christ your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

RESPONSE [*Blue#394][GTG#792] There is a Balm in Gilead                

There is a balm in Gilead to make the wounded whole;

there is a balm in Gilead to heal the sin-sick soul.

POSTLUDE                                   

*Note: the hymn lyrics in the bulletin and on the projection screen are from the Glory To God Hymnal (© 2013 Westminster John Knox Press), which we are transitioning to. Words in the “Blue” Presbyterian Hymnal (© 1990) in your pew may differ slightly.

Participating in today’s service are Rev. Aaron Ochart, Pastor; Louise Ochart, CE Leader; Kelly Cuppett, Music Director. Appreciation to Dennis Lauland. Mike Fortin, and David Garland for the video production of today’s service. 

The Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by Permission. All Rights Reserved. 

STAFF

Church Office 504.888.1375   

Playschool Office           504.888.1378

The Reverend Aaron Ochart – Head of Staff

Louise Ochart – Christian Education Leader

Kelly Cuppett – Music Director

Lauren Crisler  – Playschool Director

Stephanie Galliano – Playschool Admin. Asst.

For more information, visit our website at www.JohnCalvinChurch.org

 or find us @JohnCalvinMetairie on

Forgive our doubt, and renew our hope, so that we may receive the fullness of your grace, and live in the truth of Christ the Lord. Amen. 

ASSURANCE OF PARDON                     

GLORIA PATRI [Blue#579[ [GTG581]     

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,

world without end. Amen. Amen.

THE WORD READ AND PROCLAIMED

SCRIPTURE [Pew Bible NT 34 or32]                                   Mark 1:1-20

The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

As it is written in the prophet Isaiah,

“See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,

who will prepare your way;

the voice of one crying out in the wilderness:

‘Prepare the way of the Lord,

make his paths straight,’”

John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him.

Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.” As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.” And immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him.

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON   “The Beginning of the Good News”  The Rev. Aaron Ochart

 RESPONSE     

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH From the Brief Statement of Faith

In life and in death we belong to God. Through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, we trust in the one triune God, the Holy One of Israel, whom alone we worship and serve. We trust in Jesus Christ, Fully human, fully God.

Jesus was crucified, suffering the depths of human pain and giving his life for the sins of the world. God raised this Jesus from the dead, vindicating his sinless life, breaking the power of sin and evil, delivering us from death to life eternal.

We trust in God, whom Jesus called Abba, Father. In sovereign love God created the world good and makes everyone equally in God’s image …, of every race and people, to live as one community. But we rebel against God; we hide from our Creator. Ignoring God’s commandments, we violate the image of God in others and ourselves, accept lies as truth, exploit neighbor and nature, and threaten death to the planet entrusted to our care. We deserve God’s condemnation. Yet God acts with justice and mercy to redeem creation. 

We trust in God the Holy Spirit, everywhere the giver and renewer of life. The Spirit justifies us by grace through faith, sets us free to accept ourselves and to love God and neighbor, and binds us together with all believers in the one body of Christ, the Church. 

With believers in every time and place, we rejoice that nothing in life or in death can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Amen.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY

DOXOLOGY [GTG#606]

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Praise God, all creatures here below.

Praise God above, ye heavenly host;

praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen  

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE 

 THE 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.

HYMN [*Blue #29][GTG#136]  Go, Tell it on the Mountain 

Refrain: Go, tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere;

go, tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born!

1 While shepherds kept their watching o’er silent flocks by night,

behold, throughout the heavens there shone a holy light. [Refrain]

2 The shepherds feared and trembled when lo! above the earth

rang out the angel chorus that hailed our Savior’s birth. [Refrain]

3 Down in a lowly manger the humble Christ was born,

and God sent us salvation that blessed Christmas morn. [Refrain]

PARTING PRAYER  

Holy One, as you have come to dwell among us, show us how to live as your faithful people, sharing the good news of your grace with all; through Christ, your Word made flesh. Amen. 

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

RESPONCE [*Blue #29][GTG#136]  Go, Tell it on the Mountain 

Refrain: Go, tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere;

go, tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born!

POSTLUDE                                

*Note: the hymn lyrics in the bulletin and on the projection screen are from the Glory To God Hymnal (© 2013 Westminster John Knox Press), which we are transitioning to. Words in the “Blue” Presbyterian Hymnal (© 1990) in your pew may differ slightly.

Participating in today’s service are Rev. Aaron Ochart, Pastor; Louise Ochart, CE Leader; Kelly Cuppett, Music Director. Appreciation to Dennis Lauland. Mike Fortin, and David Garland for the video production of today’s service. 

The Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by Permission. All Rights Reserved. 

STAFF

1. 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!

2, Yea, Lord, we greet thee, Born this happy morning, 

Jesus, to thee be all glory given;

Word of the Father, Now in flesh appearing! (refrain)

3. Sing, choirs of angels, Sing in exultation!

Sing all ye citizens of heaven above!

Glory to God, all glory in the highest! (refrain)  

WORDS OF WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

MINUTE FOR MISSION Christmas Joy offering 

                       

EXPECTATION FOR MESSIAH

LIGHTING of the ADVENT CANDLES                         

PERSON 1: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.

ALL: For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given. 

PERSON 2: Sing praise to the newborn child,

ALL: Our hope of salvation, prince of peace, joy everlasting, and love of God eternal. 

PERSON 3: Lift high your voices in a song of celebration!

ALL: The light has come!

 

RESPONSIVE HYMN [BLUE#9] [GTG#88]: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

7. O come, Desire of nations bind all peoples in one heart and mind;

bid envy, strife, and discord cease; fill the whole world with heaven’s peace.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel. 

LITANY FOR ADVENT: O ANTIPHONS

ONE: O Wisdom, 

coming forth from the mouth of the Most High,

pervading and permeating all creation,

you order all things with strength and gentleness:

Come now and teach us the way of salvation. 

MANY: Come, Lord Jesus.

O Adonai, Ruler of the house of Israel, 

you appeared in a burning bush to Moses

and gave him the law on Sinai:

Come with outstretched arm to save us. 

MANY: Come, Lord Jesus.

O Root of Jesse,

rising as a sign for all the peoples, 

before you, earthly rulers will keep silent,

and nations give you honor:

Come quickly to deliver us.

MANY: Come, Lord Jesus.

O Key of David,

Scepter over the house of Israel,

you open and no one can close,

you close and no one can open:

Come to set the prisoners free.

MANY: Come, Lord Jesus.

O Radiant Dawn,

splendor of eternal light,

Sun of justice:

Come, shine on those who live in darkness

and in the shadow of death. 

MANY: Come, Lord Jesus.

O Ruler of the nations,

Monarch for whom the people long,

you are the cornerstone uniting all humanity:

Come, save us all,

whom you formed out of clay.

MANY: Come, Lord Jesus.

O Emmanuel,

our Sovereign and lawgiver,

desire of the nations and Savior of all:

Come and save us, O Lord our God. 

MANY: Come, Lord Jesus.

Grace of Grace, 

ever faithful to your promises,

the earth rejoices in hope of our Savior’s coming

and looks forward with longing 

to his return at the end of time.

Prepare our hearts to receive him when he comes, 

for he is Lord forever and ever. Amen. 

CHILDREN’S SERMON

THE WORD WRITTEN AND PROCLAIMED 

FIRST LESSON                                                         Luke 2:1-20

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘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 Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,

‘Glory to God in the highest heaven,

   and on earth peace among those whom he favors!’

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.’ So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

ONE: Heaven and earth will pass away but the Word of the Lord stands forever.

MANY: Thanks be to God         

HOMILY     “Why Lies He In Such Mean Estate?”         The Rev. Aaron Ochart

THE WORD MADE FLESH   

OFFERTORY   

       

DOXOLOGY [GTG#606]

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Praise God, all creatures here below.

Praise God above, ye heavenly host;: praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen    

HYMN: [GTG #145]          “What Child is This”         GREENSLEEVES

1. What child is this, who laid to rest, on Mary’s lap is sleeping?

Whom angels greet with anthems sweet while shepherds watch are keeping?

This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing;

haste, haste, to bring him laud, the babe, the son of Mary!

2. Why lies he in such mean estate where ox and ass are feeding?

Good Christians, fear; for sinners here the silent Word is pleading.

Nails, spear, shall pierce him through; the cross be born for me, for you.

Hail, hail, the Word made flesh, the babe, the son of Mary. 

3. So bring him incense, gold and myrrh; come, one and all, to own him.

The King of kings salvation brings; let loving hearts enthrone him. 

Raise, raise the songs on high. The virgin sings a lullaby.

Joy, joy for Christ is born, the babe, the son of Mary!

LITANY FOR CHRISTMAS   

One: The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all.

Many: Glory to God in the highest!

One: the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.

Many: Glory to God in the highest!

One: For a child has been born for us, a Son has been given to us.

Many: Glory to God in the highest!

One: He is Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Many: Glory to God in the highest!

One: To us is born in the City of David a Savior, the Messiah, the Lord.

Many: Glory to God in the highest!

One: And the Word became flesh and lived among us. 

Many: Glory to God in the highest!

Christ has been born! Give him glory! 

Christ has come down from heaven! receive him!

Christ is now on earth! Exalt him!

O earth, sing to the Lord!

O you nations, praise him in joy, for he has been glorified!

Amen!

CANDLE LIGHTING, and CLOSING HYMN:

“Silent Night, Holy Night”           STILLE NACHT

Silent night, holy night! All is calm, all is bright 

‘round yon virgin mother and child!

Holy infant, so tender and mild,

sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace. 

Silent night, holy night! Shepherds quake a the sight;

glories stream from heaven afar, 

heavenly hosts sing “Alleluia: 

Christ the Savior is born; Christ the Savior is born.

Silent night, holy night! Son of God, love’s pure light

radiant beams from thy holy face, 

with the dawn of redeeming grace,

Jesus, Lord, at thy birth, Jesus, Lord, at thy birth. 

Silent night, holy night! wondrous star, lend thy light;

with the angels let us sing Alleluia to our King:

Christ the Savior is born; Christ the savior is born.

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

*Note: the hymn lyrics in the bulletin and on the projection screen are from the Glory To God Hymnal (© 2013 Westminster John Knox Press), which we are transitioning to. Words in the “Blue” Presbyterian Hymnal (© 1990) in your pew may differ slightly.

Participating in today’s service are Rev. Aaron Ochart, Pastor; Louise Ochart, CE Leader; Kelly Cuppett, Music Director. Appreciation to Dennis Lauland. Mike Fortin, and David Garland for the video production of today’s service. 

The Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by Permission. All Rights Reserved. 

STAFF

Church Office 504.888.1375   

Playschool Office           504.888.1378

The Reverend Aaron Ochart – Head of Staff

Louise Ochart – Christian Education Leader

Kelly Cuppett – Music Director

Lauren Crisler  – Playschool Director

Stephanie Galliano – Playschool Admin. Asst.

For more information, visit our website at www.JohnCalvinChurch.org

 or find us @JohnCalvinMetairie on

on a cold winter’s night that was so deep.

Refrain: Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell,

born is the King of Israel

2 They looked up and saw a star shining in the east beyond them far;

and to the earth it gave great light, and so it continued both day and night. [Refrain]

3 And by the light of that same star three wise men came from country far;

to seek for a king was their intent, and to follow the star wherever it went. [Refrain]

4 This star drew nigh to the northwest; o’er Bethlehem it took its rest,

and there it did both stop and stay, right over the place where Jesus lay. [Refrain]

WORDS OF WELCOME Rev Ochart and Louise Ochart

MINUTE FOR MISSION

EXPECTATION FOR MESSIAH

LIGHTING THE ADVENT CANDLE

1st PERSON: rejoice, for the lord will come and save you.

2nd PERSON: Then the eyes of the blind will be opened, 

and the ears of the deaf unstopped; 

then the lame will leap like a deer, 

and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy. 

3rd PERSON:  God’s ransomed people will return

And come to Zion with singing;

They will obtain joy and gladness, 

And sorrow and sighing will flee away. 

With joy you will say:

ALL: “Give Thanks to the Lord! 

Praise God’s holy name!

[Light the Candles]

RESPONSIVE HYMN[BLUE#9] [GTG#88]: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

O come, thou Dayspring, come and cheer our spirits by thine advent here;

disperse the gloomy clouds of night, and death’s dark shadows put to flight. 

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

PRAYER OF THE DAY Brock Moore

God of the prophets, you sent John into the world to proclaim the coming of

your son. Give us ears to hear the proclamations of your promises and eyes to

see your presence in this world. Amen.

HYMN OF THE MONTH  [GTG#86]      “The People Who Walked In Darkness”

1. The people who walked in darkness awaken to see a great light. 

The people who dwelt in the land of the shadow rise to a star shining bright

His name is Wonderful, Counselor, Almighty God, 

Father forever, Prince of Peace (Repeat)

5. How vast is our God’s dominion! How far truth and mercy extend. 

The zeal of the Lord will accomplish its purpose: justice shall reign without end. 

His name is Wonderful, Counselor, Almighty God, 

Father forever, Prince of Peace (Repeat)

 REPENTANCE

CALL TO CONFESSION Deborah Nolan    

A Voice is crying in the wilderness: 

Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.

Trusting in God’s grace, let us confess our sin; first in a moment of silence, and then together.

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION Deborah Nolan

Let us join together in the unison the prayer of confession. Let us pray…

ALL: God with us, you are coming into the world to bring all people together in peace. We confess that we have not expected your kingdom to come on earth as it is in heaven. We live casual lives, ignoring your promised judgment. We accept lies as truth, exploit and abuse both neighbor and nature, and refuse your justice and peace. 

In your mercy, forgive us. Grant us wisdom to welcome your way, and to seek things that will endure when Christ comes to judge the world. Amen

ASSURANCE OF PARDON    Deborah Nolan

The wilderness will rejoice; the dry land will blossom. 

The people of God will return with joy and singing. 

in the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven! Thanks be to God.                 

GLORIA PATRI [BLUE#579] [GTG#581]

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, 

world without end, Amen, Amen.

THE WORD WRITTEN AND PROCLAIMED

SCRIPTURE LESSON                                         Luke 2:1-14 David Russo

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘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 Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,

‘Glory to God in the highest heaven,

   and on earth peace among those whom he favors!’

ONE: Heaven and earth will pass away but the Word of the Lord stands forever.

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON                           “TOO BUSY”                  

Asher Ochart, Ian Nolan, Jack Dixson, Kate Russo, Joseph Hebert, Caleb Hebert, Deborah Nolan, David Russo, Christian Hebert, Brock Moore Matthew Freudenthal

 THE WORD MADE FLESH   

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Heidelberg Catechism       Caleb Hebert

ONE: What is your only comfort, in life and in death?

MANY: That I belong body and soul, in life and in death not to myself but to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ, who at the cost of his own blood has fully paid for all my sins and has completely freed me from the dominion of the devil; that he protects me so well that without the will of my Father in heaven not a hair can fall from my head; indeed, that everything must fit his purpose for my salvation. Therefore, by the Holy Spirit, he also assures me of eternal life, and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for him. Amen.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY      God Rest ye Merry Gentlemen

DOXOLOGY[BLUE#592] [GTG# 606]

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;

Praise God, all creatures here below;

Praise God above, ye heavenly hosts;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. 

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE 

THE LORD’S PRAYER Christian Hebert

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 

HYMN [Blue #29] [GTG#136]  Go, Tell it On the Mountain Youth Kazoo Choir 

Refrain: Go, tell it on the mountain,
over the hills and everywhere;
go, tell it on the mountain
that Jesus Christ is born!

1 While shepherds kept their watching
o’er silent flocks by night,
behold, throughout the heavens
there shone a holy light. [Refrain]

2 The shepherds feared and trembled
when lo! above the earth
rang out the angel chorus
that hailed our Savior’s birth. [Refrain]

3 Down in a lowly manger
the humble Christ was born,
and God sent us salvation
that blessed Christmas morn. [Refrain]

PARTING PRAYER  

Almighty God, you have made us and all things to serve you. Now prepare the world for your rule. Come quickly to save us, so that wars and violence shall end, and your children may live in peace, honoring one another with justice and love; through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen.

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

RESPONSE [Blue #29] [GTG#136]  Go, Tell it On the Mountain

Refrain:
Go, tell it on the mountain,
over the hills and everywhere;
go, tell it on the mountain
that Jesus Christ is born!       

Participating in today’s service are Rev. Aaron Ochart, Pastor; Louise Ochart CE Leader; Kelly Cuppett, Music Director. Appreciation to Mike Fortin, Briana and Cameron Mayfield, Dennis Lauland, and David Garland for the video production of today’s service. 

The Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by Permission. All Rights Reserved.  

STAFF

[Light the Candles]

RESPONSIVE HYMN [GTG#88]: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

O come, thou Wisdom from on high, who orderest all things mightily:

to us the path of knowledge show; and teach us in her ways to go. 

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel

shall come to thee, O Israel.      

PRAYER OF THE DAY 

Holy Lord, a voice has been heard in the wilderness preparing the way for

your son to arrive in this world. Prepare our hearts to receive your son and help

us to prepare for his coming. Amen.

*HYMN OF THE MONTH  [GTG#86]      “The People Who Walked In Darkness”

1. The people who walked in darkness awaken to see a great light. 

The people who dwelt in the land of the shadow rise to a star shining bright

His name is Wonderful, Counselor, Almighty God, 

Father forever, Prince of Peace (Repeat)

4. For us now a child is given, for all the despised and forlorn. 

The rule of compassion shall rest on his shoulder. God’s own Messiah is born! 

His name is Wonderful, Counselor, Almighty God, 

Father forever, Prince of Peace (Repeat)

 REPENTANCE

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

God with us, you are coming into the world to bring all people together in peace. We confess that we have not expected your kingdom to come on earth as it is in heaven. We live casual lives, ignoring your promised judgment. We accept lies as truth, exploit and abuse both neighbor and nature, and refuse your justice and peace. 

In your mercy, forgive us. Grant us wisdom to welcome your way, and to seek things that will endure when Christ comes to judge the world. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON                    

GLORIA PATRI [BLUE#579] [GTG#581]

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, 

world without end, Amen, Amen.

THE WORD WRITTEN AND PROCLAIMED

SCRIPTURE LESSON                                         Isaiah 40:1-11

Comfort, O comfort my people,

   says your God.

Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,

   and cry to her

that she has served her term,

   that her penalty is paid,

that she has received from the Lord’s hand

   double for all her sins.

A voice cries out:

‘In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord,

   make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

Every valley shall be lifted up,

   and every mountain and hill be made low;

the uneven ground shall become level,

   and the rough places a plain.

Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed,

   and all people shall see it together,

   for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.’

A voice says, ‘Cry out!’

   And I said, ‘What shall I cry?’

All people are grass,

   their constancy is like the flower of the field.

The grass withers, the flower fades,

   when the breath of the Lord blows upon it;

   surely the people are grass.

The grass withers, the flower fades;

   but the word of our God will stand for ever.

Get you up to a high mountain,

   O Zion, herald of good tidings;

lift up your voice with strength,

   O Jerusalem, herald of good tidings,

   lift it up, do not fear;

say to the cities of Judah,

   ‘Here is your God!’

See, the Lord God comes with might,

   and his arm rules for him;

his reward is with him,

   and his recompense before him.

He will feed his flock like a shepherd;

   he will gather the lambs in his arms,

and carry them in his bosom,

   and gently lead the mother sheep.

ONE: Heaven and earth will pass away but the Word of the Lord stands forever.

MANY: Thanks be to God

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN 

CANTATA: THE CHRISTMAS LIGHT 

edited and arranged by Patrick M. Liebergen 

Conductor: Renna Shows Pianist: Kelly Cuppett

Choir: Bill Bottomley, Hazel Clinard, Lila Crotty, Pat Ellzey, Will Ellzey, Cheryl Emery, Alice Hull, Briana Mayfield, Cameron Mayfield, Aaron Ochart, Ron Palmisano, Karla Russo, Lindsay Shin, Betty Wan, Theo Wan, Dee Watkins.

Narrators: Sharon Fortin, Susan Lassalle, Louise Ochart  

 THE WORD MADE FLESH   

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH             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.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY                   

DOXOLOGY[BLUE#592] [GTG# 606]

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;

Praise God, all creatures here below;

Praise God above, ye heavenly hosts;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. 

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

THE 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

HYMN [Blue #12] [GTG#105]  “People, Look East”

1. People, look east. The time is near  Of the crowning of the year.

Make your house fair as you are able, Trim the hearth and set the table.

People, look east and sing today: Love, the guest, is on the way.

2. Furrows, be glad. Though earth is bare, One more seed is planted there:

Give up your strength the seed to nourish, 

That in course the flower may flourish.

People, look east and sing today: Love, the rose, is on the way.

3. Birds, though you long have ceased to build, 

Guard the nest that must be filled.

Even the hour when wings are frozen God for fledging time has chosen.

People, look east and sing today: Love, the bird, is on the way.

4. Stars, keep the watch. When night is dim 

One more light the bowl shall brim,

Shining beyond the frosty weather, Bright as sun and moon together.

People, look east and sing today: Love, the star, is on the way.

5. Angels, announce with shouts of mirth Christ who brings new life to earth.

Set every peak and valley humming With the word, the Lord is coming.

People, look east and sing today: Love, the Lord, is on the way.

PARTING PRAYER

Almighty God, you have made us and all things to serve you. Now prepare the world for your rule. Come quickly to save us, so that wars and violence shall end, and your children may live in peace, honoring one another with justice and love; through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen.

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

RESPONSE [GTG 90]               “Wait for the Lord”

Wait for the Lord, whose day is near. 

Wait for the Lord; be strong; take heart!

POSTLUDE: Selections from A Christmas Light arr. Patrick Liebergen

Participating in today’s service are Rev. Aaron Ochart, Pastor; Louise Ochart CE Leader; Kelly Cuppett, Music Director. Appreciation to Dennis Lauland. Mike Fortin, and David Garland for the video production of today’s service. 

The Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by Permission. All Rights Reserved.  

STAFF