Opening Prayer

Eternal God, we come to you with great expectation. We gather this day to worship you, offering our blessing to you. Blessed is the Lord, and blessed are God’s people to whom God sends a savior, the Messiah, who is Christ the Lord. Blessed in our God, and blessed are God’s gifts, that grace us with forgiveness and every good gift. Let us worship the Lord. Amen.

Prayer of Confession

Almighty God, with unhurried gentleness, you draw near to us, bidding us lift our eyes to the infinite stars and the ordinary wonders in our lives. As numerous as snowflakes drifting on a quiet winter’s day, your blessings fall upon us even when we are unaware. We cannot claim a breathless anticipation of the birth of your great love, nor are we startled by the prophet’s call to repent and live a renewed life. Keep us from relegating Christ to some out-of-the-way corner of our Christmas celebration. Help us in the midst of our busy, burdened lives, to welcome the One who always has time for us. Accept our prayer this day, and hear us as we offer the prayers of our hearts in silence. Amen.

Readings

• Old Testament Lesson:  Micah 5: 2-5a
• Gospel Lesson:  Luke 2: 1-7

Hymns

• No. 205  –  All Hail to God’s Anointed
• No. 11  –  O Lord, How Shall I Meet You?
• No. 8  –  Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates

Duet performed by Catherine Carter & Simone Santarsiero, sopranos

Sermon

“What if You had been the Innkeeper?”   –  Rev. Scott G. Loomer

Download the Worship bulletin for the 2nd Sunday of Advent, December 8th