* Denotes all are invited to stand.
Bold text indicates portions of the service to be spoken or sung by the congregation.
January 4th, 2026
Second Sunday of Christmas
Music for Gathering:
Brian Jay, Organist
Welcome & Announcements:
Rev. Aaron J. White
Minute for Mission:
Birthday Challenge, Jeff Koerten
Introit:
“How Lovely Shines the Morning Star” arr. P. Manz
Joel Edwards, Trumpet
Call to Worship:
The glory of God has now appeared
through Christ our light, in flesh.
The reign of God has now arrived
through Christ our king, our eternal ruler.
The mystery of God has been revealed
through Christ our peace, ever reconciling.
With the stars to lead us and the magi to teach us,
we come, bringing our gifts to worship God. Amen.
* Hymn #151 ” We Three Kings of Orient Are”
* Confession of Sin
Michael Osborn, Worship Leader
Eternal God, wondrous star, light no darkness can overcome, drive out the sin in our hearts. Forgive us for turning from your way, for denying your truth, for resisting the life you would have us live. Refresh us and restore us. Focus us on the brilliant light of Jesus Christ that we may see him more clearly and follow him more nearly, this day and every day.
* Assurance of Pardon
Rev. Aaron J. White
* Song of Praise #156, verse 1 Â “Sing of God Made Manifest”
* Passing of the Peace
Prayer for Illumination
Michael Osborn, Worship Leader
First Reading
Matthew 2:13-23
Anthem
“Brightest and Best of the Stars of the Morning” arr. A. Fedak
Joel Edwards, Trumpet
Second Scripture
Ephesians 3:1-12
Time for the Children
Rev. Aaron J. White
Sermon
Rev. Aaron J. White
Pastoral Prayer
Congregational Response: Â Hear our prayer
Invitation to Discipleship
Invitation to the Lord’s Table
Great Thanksgiving
The Lord’s Supper:
The Lord be with you.Â
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.Â
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. Â
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
…Therefore we praise you, joining the song of the universal church and the heavenly choir:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, Heaven and earth are full of Your glory.
Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord,
Hosanna in the highest, hosanna in the highest.
…great is the mystery of faith:Â
Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again.
…God of glory, now and forever.
Amen
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 sins as we forgive those who sin against us.
And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
The Bread is Broken and the Cup is Filled.
The Communion of the People.
The Prayer After Communion.Â
* Hymn #152 “What Star is This, with Beams So Bright”
* Charge & Blessing
* Music for Departing
“What Star Is This” arr. A. Fedak
Joel Edwards & Brian Jay
CITATIONS FOR LITURGICAL ELEMENTS USED IN WORSHIP:
Liturgical materials reprinted by permission from the Book of Common Worship, 2018 Westminster John Knox Press. All rights reserved.
The Call to Worship, Call to Confession, Prayer of Confession, Assurance of Pardon and Sending are adapted with permission from online resources by Rev. Thom Shuman,
https://lectionaryliturgies.blogspot.com/ . All rights reserved.
TODAY’S MUSIC: Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE # A-724264. All rights reserved.
The Service of Lessons and Carols was developed at Cambridge University in the wake of the First World War in order to make worship more meaningful in light of the great conflict. That service is still celebrated every Christmas to this day. The service we celebrate today is based on a service celebrated at San Francisco Theological Seminary, which is based on the Cambridge service.