December 31, 2023 | 10:30am - 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS SUNDAY

Organ Prelude: Noel Variations Daquin

Words of Welcome

*Hymn: The First Nowell No. 136

*CALL TO WORSHIP
Blessed be God the creator of all, for God has opened the gates of paradise to all.

God has kept the promise to Israel, to raise up from the house of David the stunning salvation promised by prophets long ago.

Blessed be God the liberator of all, for God has opened a way to abundance and peace to all.

God has kept the promise to the peoples of the earth, to free from bondage to oppression inside and out, those who open themselves to the courage and perseverance God can provide.

Blessed be God the inspirer of all that lives, for God has opened a way to growth and transformation to all.

God has kept the promise to those who believe, to renew and re-invigorate us for life even as we live in the midst of uncertainty and death.

ALL: God, Creator of all life, Saving Word made flesh, Spirit of holiness and transfiguration, we worship you now and forever, Amen.

Special Music: Past Three O'Clock Trad. English Carol

Introduction

ALL: “On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, A partridge in a pear tree.”

Interpretation

Prayer of Approach, Confession & 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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us;
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil;
For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

The Peace of Christ be with you all;
And also with you.

*Hymn: In The Bleak Mid-Winter No. 145

ALL: “On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me, two turtle doves…”

Interpretation

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 9: 6, Micah 5: 2

ALL: “On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, three French hens…”

Interpretation

Scripture Reading: I Corinthians 13: 12-13
ALL: “On the fourth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, four calling birds…”

Interpretation

Scripture Reading: Luke 2: 15-20, John 20: 31

ALL: “On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, five golden rings…”

Interpretation

*Hymn: Once in royal David's city No. 166

ALL: “On the sixth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, six geese a layin…”

Interpretation

Scripture Reading: Genesis I: 1-5, 31, 2: 1

ALL: “On the seventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me, seven swans-a-swimming…”

Interpretation

*Hymn: Lo, how a Rose e'er blooming No. 151

ALL: “On the eighth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, eight maids-a-milking…”

Interpretation

Scripture Reading: Matthew 5: 2-10

ALL: “On the ninth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, nine ladies dancing…”
Interpretation

Scripture Reading: Galatians 5: 16-26

ALL: “On the tenth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, ten lords-a-leaping…”

Interpretation

Scripture Reading: Exodus 20: 1-17, Mark 12: 28-31

ALL: “On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me, eleven pipers piping…”

Interpretation

Special Music: Ding! Dong! Merrily on High English traditional

Prayers of Thanksgiving & Pastoral Concern

ALL: “On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, twelve drummers drumming…”

Interpretation

Anthem: This day the Christ is born Jim Nasmith

* The Apostle’s Creed (insert) No. 539

*Hymn: It came upon the midnight clear No. 148

Benediction

Organ postlude: The Sussex Carol arr. by Bruce Nasmith