Greenfield Live, Sunday Morning Worship Dec 18, 2022

Visit our website: https://www.greenfieldchurch.com/ Join Us on Facebook:   / greenfieldpresbyterian   December 18, 2022, 11AM ORDER OF WORSHIP PRELUDE: Carol Medley; Doug Hart, Pianist WELCOME INTROIT: Rise Up Shepherd and Follow, arr. Brenda Austin; Greenfield Handbell Ensemble CALL TO WORSHIP One: Guided by the Star we come All: To pay homage to the Shepherd of Israel One: Guided by the Star we come All: To kneel before to the Light of the world. One: Guided by the star we come All: And we are overwhelmed with joy One: Guided by the star we come to Worship All: We come to celebrate the Christ, our Savior. OPENING SONG: Awake! Awake, and Greet the New Morn ADVENT CANDLE LIGHTING One: We have lit three candles, one for hope, one for peace, and one for love and today we light one for joy. We remember Mary’s song that tells of God’s justice and mercy, who raises up those who are brought low, and brings low those who are exalted. Just as Mary bore Jesus, who is the light of justice and mercy, we bear also bear the light of Christ so that other may experience the true joy of this season. We light these candles in Hope, Peace, Love, and Joy. Please pray with us. All: O God in this busy and frantic season, we pray that we would find the time to slow down, to remember that true joy comes through communion with you and through acts of justice and mercy that bear the light of Christ in the world. Amen. CANDLE HYMN: The Holy Fire of Advent, Elana Keppel Levy CALL TO CONFESSION: Christmas is almost here, Jesus has almost arrived in our world. And yet, in this moment we acknowledge that we do not always seek Him and the light He shines. So, we confess so that we might find Christ revealed in God’s grace. PRAYER OF CONFESSION: As those three magi brought You gifts, we are reminded of Your majesty, oh Christ. You are the savior of the world who embraced human frailty that we might receive salvation. We ask Your forgiveness for when we fail to recognize Your power, glory, and might. We don’t offer You our best and live as if You aren’t the king of everything. 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. SILENT CONFESSION ASSURANCE OF PARDON: Friends, God light has shined and guided you safely home. Know you are forgiven and be at peace. PASSING OF THE PEACE One: The peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. All:  And also with you. GLORIA PATRI TIME WITH CHILDREN SPECIAL MUSIC: Angels We Have Heard on High, arr.  Susan Geschke; Greenfield Handbell Ensemble PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION SCRIPTURE LESSON: Matthew 2:1-12 MESSAGE: All I Want for Christmas is Presence by the Rev. Anders Edstrom SILENT MEDITATION HYMN: What Star Is This, with Beams So Bright 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. ANNOUNCEMENTS MINUTE FOR MISSION: LGBT Detroit VIDEO INVITATION TO THE OFFERING OFFERTORY: Bell Carol of the Kings, P. Kern; Chancel Choir DOXOLOGY PRAYER OF DEDICATION HYMN: O Little Town of Bethlehem CHARGE AND BENEDICTION POSTLUDE