Women’s Christmas - this Friday, January 4, at 11:00 am in the sanctuary.

There is an ancient Irish custom of celebrating Epiphany as “Women’s Christmas.” Called ‘Nollaig na mBan’ in Irish, Women’s Christmas began as a day when the women, who usually carried the domestic responsibilities all year, took time off to celebrate, leaving hearth & home to the men for a few hours.

Whether your domestic commitments are many or few, this service offers an opportunity to step back from whatever has kept you busy and hurried so that you may celebrate and spend time in rest and reflection before entering the responsibilities of 2019.

Mindful of those who traveled to welcome the Christ Child, we will consider questions about our own travels through life, through music and spoken word.

All are welcome (even men) and light refreshments will be served.

The Pastor’s Prayer followed by The Lord’s Prayer (p.35 - hymnal)

*An Affirmation of Faith (all read the bold together)

People of God, in whom do you believe?

We believe in God the Father the creator and giver of life, who brought all creation to birth.

We believe in Jesus Christ, our Lord God born among us as a fragile baby, embodying both love and the need for love, and calling us to rest in God as trustingly as a tiny child.

We believe in the Spirit of God breathed into us at our birth, always drawing us on to be born again, encouraging, exhorting, comforting, nourishing our growth and inspiring our living.

We believe in the reconciliation of the world to God, through Christ. Hunted at birth and humiliated at death, Christ entered our fearful darkness so that we might enter his glorious light and share the life of his resurrection.

Glory to God in the highest, and peace to God’s people on earth!

*Hymn 136 “Go Tell it on the Mountain”

*The Benediction

Join us for coffee & conversation in the fellowship hall (to the left as you leave the sanctuary)

Preparation for Worship: “Glory to God in the highest, and peace to God’s people on earth!” (Luke 2:14)

Welcome (please sign & pass the red Friendship pad)

Opening Prayer

*Hymn 119 - “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”

*A Child is Born! A Son is Given! (Psalm 98 with Isaiah 9)

For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given!

Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things!

And the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Mark a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises!

*All sing: “O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant; O come ye; O come ye to Bethlehem!

Come, and behold him, born the King of angels! O come, let us adore him; O come, let us adore him;

O come, let us adore him, Christ, the Lord!

Share the Peace of Christ

Children’s time with the Pastor

Wycliffe Presbyterian Church

December 30, 2018

Rev. Garrett Bugg, pastor

Hear these words from the Gospel of Luke (2:8-15)

There were shepherds in the fields, keeping watch over their flocks. An angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.

But the angel said, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy for all people. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is Messiah, the Lord.”

Hymn 2097 (paperback song book) “One Holy Night in Bethlehem” (remain seated )

A Time of Confession (all read the bold)

O God, you search us out and know us, and all that we are is open to you, even our sins ~

in your mercy, Lord, forgive and heal us.

When we make no room for Christ, and fail to welcome him into our lives,

in your mercy, Lord, forgive and heal us.

When we follow shooting stars and squander our gifts in Herod’s court,

in your mercy, Lord, forgive and heal us.

When we sing sweet songs over Christ’s birth, but fail to rejoice over his everyday presence,

in your mercy, Lord, forgive and heal us. We renounce evil; we claim your love; and we choose to be made whole by your grace and mercy. (a time of silence)

The Assurance of God’s Grace & Pardon ~ and all respond - Thanks be to God.

All sing: For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above, / while mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wonder’ng love. / O morning stars, together

proclaim the holy birth, / and praises sing to God the king, and peace to all on earth.

Hear these words from the prophet Isaiah (52:9-10)

Break forth together into singing, you ruins of Jerusalem; for the Lord has comforted his people and redeemed Jerusalem. The Lord has bared his holy arm before the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.

and from Paul’s letter to the Colossians (3:12-16)

As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other as the Lord has forgiven you. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts, sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God.

Hymn 113 “Angels We Have Heard on High” (remain seated & sing)

Hear these words from the Gospel of Luke (2:8-15)

So the shepherds said, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened.” They hurried off and found Mary & Joseph and the baby, who was lying in a manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word about the child, and all who heard it were amazed. But Mary treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had seen.

Hymn 146 “Gentle Mary, Laid Her Child” (remain seated)

The offering is received “Still, Still, Still” Austrian carol, arr. W. Ehret / J. Martin Susan Kattwinkel Navien, soprano

Still, still, still, he sleeps this night so chill. The virgin’s tender arms enfolding, warm and safe the child are holding. Still, still, still, he sleeps this night so chill . . .

The Morning Reflection ~ “Longfellow’s Christmas” Rev. Garrett Bugg

(all sing stanzas 3 & 4 at the direction of the soloist)

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