PRELUDE
GATHERING
GREETING & WELCOME
L: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and Communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
All: And also with you.
OPENING MUSIC--“The First Noel,” ELW #300, vs. 1-3
GATHERING
GREETING & WELCOME
L: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and Communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
All: And also with you.
OPENING MUSIC--“The First Noel,” ELW #300, vs. 1-3
CALL TO WORSHIP
L: The Magi had a dream.
All: They dreamed of a Messiah. They dreamed of just rulers. They dreamed of a new day for all people.
L: The Magi had a dream, and this dream led them to action.
All: They journeyed to unknown places. They followed a star. They walked for days to get to Jesus.
L: So may we be like the Magi,
All: May our dreams inspire action. May we worship the one true God. Amen.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
L: Let us confess our sins before God and one another.
All: God, I love to worship you when the stars are bright above me. I love to worship you when the sky is clear, and the breeze just right. I love to worship you when the journey to Bethlehem is an easy one. Unfortunately, as you know, this journey of life, love, and faith is rarely easy. Now and again, the stars disappear. My feet get blisters, and the journey is far too long and lonely. On these days, forgive me for giving up quickly. Forgive me for allowing the dream to die and for taking the shortcut home. I want to be as brave as the Magi. I want to persevere. Guide my feet. Show me the stars. Amen.
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
L: God of the Milky Way, we, like the Magi, are walking toward you. One foot in front of the other, we are walking toward you. It is our very prayer to move your way. So if you can, leave the light on and the front door unlocked. Leave a fire in the hearth and food on the stove. And when we start to get lost or doubt our dreams, give us the will to persevere. We are walking toward you, O God. So like the parent that throws open the door, open the door to us through this text. Amen.
WORD
SCRIPTURE
Isaiah 60:1-6
Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you. Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. Lift up your eyes and look around; they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from far away, and your daughters shall be carried on their nurses’ arms. Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill and rejoice, because the abundance of the sea shall be brought to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you. A multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall proclaim the praise of the Lord.
Word of God; Word of Life.
Thanks be to God.
Matthew 2:1-12
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.’” Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.”
When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.
The Gospel of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
MESSAGE--Pastor Tobi White
HYMN OF THE DAY “Be Thou My Vision,” ELW #793
L: The Magi had a dream.
All: They dreamed of a Messiah. They dreamed of just rulers. They dreamed of a new day for all people.
L: The Magi had a dream, and this dream led them to action.
All: They journeyed to unknown places. They followed a star. They walked for days to get to Jesus.
L: So may we be like the Magi,
All: May our dreams inspire action. May we worship the one true God. Amen.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
L: Let us confess our sins before God and one another.
All: God, I love to worship you when the stars are bright above me. I love to worship you when the sky is clear, and the breeze just right. I love to worship you when the journey to Bethlehem is an easy one. Unfortunately, as you know, this journey of life, love, and faith is rarely easy. Now and again, the stars disappear. My feet get blisters, and the journey is far too long and lonely. On these days, forgive me for giving up quickly. Forgive me for allowing the dream to die and for taking the shortcut home. I want to be as brave as the Magi. I want to persevere. Guide my feet. Show me the stars. Amen.
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
L: God of the Milky Way, we, like the Magi, are walking toward you. One foot in front of the other, we are walking toward you. It is our very prayer to move your way. So if you can, leave the light on and the front door unlocked. Leave a fire in the hearth and food on the stove. And when we start to get lost or doubt our dreams, give us the will to persevere. We are walking toward you, O God. So like the parent that throws open the door, open the door to us through this text. Amen.
WORD
SCRIPTURE
Isaiah 60:1-6
Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you. Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. Lift up your eyes and look around; they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from far away, and your daughters shall be carried on their nurses’ arms. Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill and rejoice, because the abundance of the sea shall be brought to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you. A multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall proclaim the praise of the Lord.
Word of God; Word of Life.
Thanks be to God.
Matthew 2:1-12
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.’” Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.”
When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.
The Gospel of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
MESSAGE--Pastor Tobi White
HYMN OF THE DAY “Be Thou My Vision,” ELW #793
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
L: Let us confess our faith together:
All: We believe that God has come to us;
That this God gave us breath and purpose and dreamed us into existence;
That we have been blessed to be a blessing to others,
That we have fallen short of God’s dream and struggle to wake up to God’s promise and purpose for us.
We believe that God is coming to us;
That God will not abandon us in our sin;
That God will come in flesh and bone to prepare the way for our restoration and wholeness
That God’s path will show us the extent of God’s love.
We believe that God will come to us;
That God will have the final word, and that Word will be good;
That in the coming, God’s dreams for us will be renewed;
That with God’s help, we are sent out to sow joy in the world,
To dream of what could be,
And to proclaim the good news of what already is.
Amen.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Joining our voices with the song of the angels, let us pray for the church, the world, and all who are in need.
Glorious God, fill your church with joy. Let your faithful people live as beacons of your redemption. Give wisdom and courage to your church that it may speak with boldness and confidence, even when words of mercy are met with scorn. We lift up our partners in mission at American Lutheran Church, as well as the Kimangaro Parish in Tanzania, that you would strengthen their resolve to proclaim the gospel to the world. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Show us your faithfulness in the rising and setting of the sun. Place wonder into the hearts of those who search the skies and explore the heavens. Curb waste and pollution, that all might have clean air to breathe. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Bring all nations and rulers to the splendor of your dawn. Raise up advocates who champion the cause of exploited and vulnerable people. Inspire leaders to be generous with abundance, that all people might live in stability and freedom. Keep safe our first responders and service personnel, especially Coty, Jonah, and Tollie. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Come quickly with your healing power to all who seek love, support, and restoration. Dispel fears and shadows. Restore broken relationships and mend broken hearts. Bring relief to those who are sick or struggling (especially Diana, Addie, Rod, Victoria, nancy, Dennis, Jordan, Darla, Marvin, Nicky, Rachel, Bruce, Charlotte, Mary Jo, Cathy, Branden, Bobby, Audrey, Julie, Lee, Meko, Margaret, Bonnie, Jodi, Clarence, Barbara, Margaret our Homebound, and those we lift up at this time…). Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Send traveling mercies upon all who journey home by other roads. Guard refugees, immigrants, and asylum seeker. Protect families fleeing conflict in their homelands or abuse in their homes. Tend to those who have no place to lay their heads. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
According to the boundless riches of Christ, you draw all your saints, from the least to the greatest, to your heavenly places. As you created all things, make all things new again in the splendor of your glory. Bring peace to Pam, Joel and Jen, Dawn and Shane, and their families at the death of husband and father, Rich. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
God of mercy, come quickly to us with grace upon grace as we lift these and all our prayers to you, in the name of Jesus.
Amen.
MEAL
PASSING THE PEACE
L: The peace of Christ be with you always.
All: And also with you.
PRAYER OF OFFERING DEDICATION
L: God of our wildest dreams, you have given us the imagination and inspiration to dream of a world that is so much better than what it is today. With the offerings we make, give us the courage and strength to work toward these dreams, placing our trust in one who began as a dream in a mother’s eye, the Word that spoke in the beginning, the hope of future resurrection and restoration, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
WORDS OF INSTITUTION
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 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.
PARTAKING OF COMMUNION
POST-COMMUNION BLESSING & PRAYER
L: The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace.
All: Amen.
L: Holy God, as we open our eyes to the world around us, let our hands continue to set your table for those without bread to eat; let our feet walk alongside those whose journeys seem too long and lonely; and let our hearts go out to all of your children, telling the world of your great love, placed in a manger, murdered on a cross, and sprung from the tomb to reorient the hearts of all.
All: Amen.
BENEDICTION
L: Almighty God,
who sent the Holy Spirit to Mary,
proclaimed joy through the angels,
sent the shepherds with good news,
and led the magi by a star,
bless you this day ☩ through the Word made flesh.
All: Amen.
SENDING
ANNOUNCEMENTS & MILESTONES
SENDING MUSIC “As With Gladness Men of Old,” ELW #302, vs. 1, 3-4
L: Let us confess our faith together:
All: We believe that God has come to us;
That this God gave us breath and purpose and dreamed us into existence;
That we have been blessed to be a blessing to others,
That we have fallen short of God’s dream and struggle to wake up to God’s promise and purpose for us.
We believe that God is coming to us;
That God will not abandon us in our sin;
That God will come in flesh and bone to prepare the way for our restoration and wholeness
That God’s path will show us the extent of God’s love.
We believe that God will come to us;
That God will have the final word, and that Word will be good;
That in the coming, God’s dreams for us will be renewed;
That with God’s help, we are sent out to sow joy in the world,
To dream of what could be,
And to proclaim the good news of what already is.
Amen.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Joining our voices with the song of the angels, let us pray for the church, the world, and all who are in need.
Glorious God, fill your church with joy. Let your faithful people live as beacons of your redemption. Give wisdom and courage to your church that it may speak with boldness and confidence, even when words of mercy are met with scorn. We lift up our partners in mission at American Lutheran Church, as well as the Kimangaro Parish in Tanzania, that you would strengthen their resolve to proclaim the gospel to the world. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Show us your faithfulness in the rising and setting of the sun. Place wonder into the hearts of those who search the skies and explore the heavens. Curb waste and pollution, that all might have clean air to breathe. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Bring all nations and rulers to the splendor of your dawn. Raise up advocates who champion the cause of exploited and vulnerable people. Inspire leaders to be generous with abundance, that all people might live in stability and freedom. Keep safe our first responders and service personnel, especially Coty, Jonah, and Tollie. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Come quickly with your healing power to all who seek love, support, and restoration. Dispel fears and shadows. Restore broken relationships and mend broken hearts. Bring relief to those who are sick or struggling (especially Diana, Addie, Rod, Victoria, nancy, Dennis, Jordan, Darla, Marvin, Nicky, Rachel, Bruce, Charlotte, Mary Jo, Cathy, Branden, Bobby, Audrey, Julie, Lee, Meko, Margaret, Bonnie, Jodi, Clarence, Barbara, Margaret our Homebound, and those we lift up at this time…). Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Send traveling mercies upon all who journey home by other roads. Guard refugees, immigrants, and asylum seeker. Protect families fleeing conflict in their homelands or abuse in their homes. Tend to those who have no place to lay their heads. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
According to the boundless riches of Christ, you draw all your saints, from the least to the greatest, to your heavenly places. As you created all things, make all things new again in the splendor of your glory. Bring peace to Pam, Joel and Jen, Dawn and Shane, and their families at the death of husband and father, Rich. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
God of mercy, come quickly to us with grace upon grace as we lift these and all our prayers to you, in the name of Jesus.
Amen.
MEAL
PASSING THE PEACE
L: The peace of Christ be with you always.
All: And also with you.
PRAYER OF OFFERING DEDICATION
L: God of our wildest dreams, you have given us the imagination and inspiration to dream of a world that is so much better than what it is today. With the offerings we make, give us the courage and strength to work toward these dreams, placing our trust in one who began as a dream in a mother’s eye, the Word that spoke in the beginning, the hope of future resurrection and restoration, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
WORDS OF INSTITUTION
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 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.
PARTAKING OF COMMUNION
POST-COMMUNION BLESSING & PRAYER
L: The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace.
All: Amen.
L: Holy God, as we open our eyes to the world around us, let our hands continue to set your table for those without bread to eat; let our feet walk alongside those whose journeys seem too long and lonely; and let our hearts go out to all of your children, telling the world of your great love, placed in a manger, murdered on a cross, and sprung from the tomb to reorient the hearts of all.
All: Amen.
BENEDICTION
L: Almighty God,
who sent the Holy Spirit to Mary,
proclaimed joy through the angels,
sent the shepherds with good news,
and led the magi by a star,
bless you this day ☩ through the Word made flesh.
All: Amen.
SENDING
ANNOUNCEMENTS & MILESTONES
SENDING MUSIC “As With Gladness Men of Old,” ELW #302, vs. 1, 3-4
DISMISSAL
L: Go in peace. Share the gift of Jesus.
All: Thanks be to God.
L: Go in peace. Share the gift of Jesus.
All: Thanks be to God.
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