12-17-2024 Longest Night Service

. Click for Full Bulletin: https://www.strongsvilleumc.org/hp_wo... ORDER OF WORSHIP December 17, 2024 7:00 pm Words of Welcome ORDER OF WORSHIP Words of Welcome Prelude for Meditation “Christmas Offering” Baloche Denny Franz, solo *Call to Worship Leader: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; on those who lived in a land of deep shadow a light has shone. People: For the yoke that was weighing upon them, and the burden upon their shoulders, God has broken in pieces. Leader: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. People: And the Word became flesh and lived among us, full of grace and truth, and we have seen his glory. Leader: In him was life, and that life was the light of all. People: The light shines on in the darkness, and the darkness has never, never been able to put it out. *Hymn “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus” (back of bulletin) *Opening Prayer (in unison) Holy God, we have gathered here this evening because we long for you to come to us, to save us, to comfort us, to bring us peace. We bring our grief, our pains, our disappointments, our fears and the chaos of our world, and we lay all that before you in this time of worship. As Jesus embodied your love for the world and became “God-with-us”, so now this night we pray that you would again, come, oh come, Emmanuel. Amen. Lighting the Advent Wreath and Christ Candle Leader: We light the candle of Hope as we await the coming of Jesus, who is our source of hope. People: Thank you, Lord, for the gift of hope, in our times of emptiness. Leader: We light the candle of Peace, knowing that Jesus is the Prince of Peace. People: Thank you, Lord, for the gift of peace in our times of uncertainty. Leader: We light the candle of Joy, knowing that our comfort and help come from God. People: Thank you, Lord, for the gift of joy in our times of sadness. Leader: We light the candle of Love, knowing that God is love revealed to us in Jesus Christ. People: Thank you, Lord, for the gift of love in our times of loneliness. Leader: In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. People: The Word became flesh and lived among us, full of grace and truth. Leader: In him was life, and that life was the light of all. People: We light the Christ Candle, knowing that Jesus is our hope, our peace, our joy and the source of love. Duet “Shepherd Me, Oh God” Haugen Sue Shear and Carl Fernstrum Giving of Our Tears, Hanging of a Christmas Ornament You are invited to come forward and add salt to the bowl of water, symbolizing your offering of tears and heartache to God. Special Music “Until Then” Hamblin Ellen Atkinson, solo Scripture Isaiah 9:2-7 Meditation “Living in a Land of Deep Darkness” Rev. Hannah Weisbrod Time of Prayer Lighting Candles of Remembrance and Concern *Hymn “Silent Night, Holy Night” (back of bulletin) *Prayer of Light and Hope Leader: Almighty God, we thank you for your constant love and for the blessings of this day. We know that even when we cannot see or feel you, still you are there. People: Help us to remember you and to listen for your voice in the words of family, friends, and strangers. Leader: Kindle our hearts and awaken hope, that we may know you as you reveal yourself in the world and in our lives. People: Let the light of your Holy Spirit shine like these candles in the darkness, lighting the way for all who feel despairing, lost, or forgotten. Leader: Support us all the day long in this troubled life, until the shadows lengthen and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over, and our work is done. People: Then Lord, in thy mercy, grant us safe lodging, and a holy rest, and peace at the last. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen. *Benediction Postlude “In the Bleak Midwinter” Holst *Please rise in spirit or body. Our different physical abilities mean we will assume different postures of worship. Thank you to our Stephen Ministers for their assistance with tonight’s service. “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus” Come, thou long-expected Jesus, born to set thy people free; From our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in thee. Israel’s strength and consolation, hope of all the earth thou art; Dear desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart. Born thy people to deliver, born a child and yet a King, Born to reign in us forever, now thy gracious kingdom bring. By thine own eternal spirit rule in all our hearts alone; By thine all sufficient merit, raise us to thy glorious throne.