First Sunday of Christmas
December 31, 2023 | 10:00am
Elder Madelynne Lindsey, Guest Preacher | Larry J. Carey, Director of Music
Thought for Worship: “Christmas is not a time, nor a season. It is a state of mind” | Calvin Coolidge
GATHERING
Welcome
Prelude Sans Day Carol | Cornish Carol
Call to Worship
Votum
Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
Amen
Opening Sentences
As the land is renewed each year and new crops sprout,
so the Lord God is restoring us.
We are transformed by God’s glory and power,
God’s revelation in a little child.
Salvation shall bring complete transformation.
The Lord God is saving us.
With our whole being we rejoice in our God.
Let us worship God!
Salutation
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ
Amen.
Hymn of Praise I Danced in the Morning
Call to Confession
Like a great light in a land of deep darkness,
the mercy of the Lord shines upon us. Isaiah 9:2
Trusting in God’s grace, let us confess our sin.
Prayer of Confession
O God,
in Christ you were born a humble child,
love-made-flesh, God-with-us.
Forgive us when we fail
to follow in your way of humility, love, and peace.
Free us to see your Light
reflecting in the faces of friends and family,
neighbors and strangers,
enemies and friends,
and make us shine forth with your love.
Silent Confession
Assurance of Pardon
Hear the promise of the Lord:
See, your salvation has come!
You are a holy people, redeemed by God,
sought out, not forsaken. Isaiah 62:11–12
In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!
Thanks be to God.
The Law of God:
*Gloria Patri | #579
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.
*Commitment to Peace Keeping and Peace Seeking
One: May the peace of Christ be with you!
All: And also with you!
Share a sign of peace with one another. After sharing the peace, let us all sing together:
Together, by grace, we witness and work, remembering Jesus, in whom we grow strong. Together we serve in Spirit and truth, remembering love is the strength of our song.
THE WORD OF GOD
Prayer for Illumination
Gracious God, by the gift of your Holy Spirit show us the Word made flesh - good news of great joy for all - so that we may sing with the angels: glory in the highest and peace on earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
First Reading: Galatians 4:4-7
This is the Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God
Hymn: What Child Is This
Second Reading: Isaiah 61:10-62:3
Sermon: Guided by the Spirit | Pastor Lindsay
Silent Reflection
THE RESPONSE TO GOD
*Affirmation of Faith (adapted from the poem First Coming by Madeleine L’Engle)
Christians, what do you believe?
God did not wait till the world was ready,
till nations were at peace.
God came when the Heavens were unsteady
and prisoners cried out for release.
God did not wait for the perfect time.
God came when the need was deep and great.
God dined with sinners in all their grime,
turned water into wine.
God did not wait till hearts were pure.
In joy God came to a tarnished world of sin and doubt.
To a world like ours, of anguished shame,
God came and God’s Light would not go out.
God came to a world which did not mesh;
to heal its tangles, shield its scorn.
In the mystery of the Word made Flesh,
the Maker of the stars was born.
We cannot wait till the world is sane
to raise our songs with joyful voice,
For to share our grief, to touch our pain,
God came with Love: Rejoice! Rejoice!
Offering
Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise him all creatures here below;
Praise him above ye heavenly hosts;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen!
Prayer of Dedication
Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession (ending with Lord’s Prayer)
In Jesus’ Name, we pray as you 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 debts as we forgive our debtors, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory forever. Amen.
SENDING
Hymn: Jesus, the Light of the World
Benediction
Postlude Coronation | Pethel
DEAR FRIENDS
Welcome to worship here at Peapack Reformed Church! If you are visiting with us, welcome! If you are a member, welcome back! Our mission is to be a congregation called by God, inspired by the Holy Spirit, and committed to being the very presence of Jesus Christ in the world. This mission is the catalyst for all that we do, and is our aim for who we want to be.
If you are visiting with us via Facebook Live and would like more information about our church, send us a message on Facebook or email office@peapackreformed.org and we will be in touch with you. Even under these odd and anxious circumstances, we would love to be your church home. Our virtual doors are always open wide and our hearts are always ready to welcome new faces into our fellowship.
FOOD PANTRY NEWS
Many thanks for all those who have shared their abundance with neighbors in need.
Our church refrigerators have plenty of space to hold even more!
Mark your calendars now to pick up these important items
and bring to church by the dates listed:
Sunday, January 7 - gallon(s) whole milk
Sunday, January 14 - gallon(s) whole milk
Sunday, January 21 - eggs
Peapack Reformed Church is a congregation called by God, empowered by the Holy Spirit and committed to being the very presence of Jesus Christ in the world.
CALLED • EMPOWERED • COMMITTED