12.24.25 CE

Scripture Reading

2 The people who walked in darkness

have seen a great light;

those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,

on them has light shone.

6 For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given;

and the government shall be upon[b] his shoulder,

and his name shall be called[c]

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

7 Of the increase of his government and of peace

there will be no end,

on the throne of David and over his kingdom,

to establish it and to uphold it

with justice and with righteousness

from this time forth and forevermore.

The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

- Isaiah 9:2,6-7

CTW:

Come, let us worship the King of heaven and earth!

He is a good king!

**He rules with truth and grace.**

Come, worship the Lord over all!

Lord, we magnify Your name,

**For You are great and greatly to be praised!**

Confession:

Lord, how often do we trade joy for sorrow?

Or trade hope for despair?

Are You not with us always?

**Lord, help us to make a habit of seeking Your face.**

When we focus on You in our daily lives,

We are blessed with joy everlasting and a hope that doesn’t fade.

**Lord, open our eyes to see You more clearly!**

Assurance:

Our great Savior came to dwell among humanity.

He is Emmanuel – God with us.

**Praise the Lord, salvation is found in Jesus forever!**

He came to live among us, a perfect life to atone for sin.

Now, we have the joy of Christ.

**The joy of the Lord is our strength!**

May it fill us all of our days!

Candle Lighting

Today, we come to celebrate, to celebrate, God made flesh as a baby in a manger. A baby

who is both the beginning and the end of our salvation, who dwells with us even now, our

Emmanuel, God with us.

Church, we light these candles as signs of our eternal hope, our just peace, our fierce joy,

the love that transforms us, and Jesus Christ, our wondrous Light. May the Light burning in

our hearts guide us, comfort us, protect us, and tend us in all seasons and circumstances,

reminding us that day and night, in the light and in the darkness, God is with us. Our

salvation has come! Amen.