Скачать или смотреть First Sunday after Christmastide, Sunday, December 28, 2025

First Presbyterian Church of Hartford
Rev. Nancy Baseel, Pastor
Rev. John Merz, Guest Minister
GATHERING IN GOD’S NAME

[*] Please rise in body or in spirit. Bold type signifies a unison response.

OPENING MUSIC In the Bleak Midwinter

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

CALL TO WORSHIP

One: Wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.”
Many: On this first Sunday of Christmas, we, too, have come to worship Jesus the Messiah: the son of David, the son of Abraham.
One: When the wise men saw the child with Mary his mother, they knelt down, paid him homage, and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
Many: On this first Sunday of Christmas, we offer ourselves as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to you, O God.
One: For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all. Come, friends, let us worship our God:
ALL: Glory to God in the highest heaven!

HYMN #611 Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee

CALL TO CONFESSION

A TIME OF UNSPOKEN PRAYER

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

ALL: God of Christmas, we would never have thought to find your Savior in an innocent baby. We confess we would have expected a warrior with a great army. We would not have thought to find your kingdom to be one of service, obedience, and humility. We confess we would have expected, maybe even wanted, a kingdom that reflected our own values and self-interests. Lord, forgive us when we quickly leave Christmas behind and neglect to live lives worthy of our calling as followers of our Lord, the Prince of Peace. By your Holy Spirit, help us turn to you and live according to the values of your kin-dom; through Jesus Christ our Lord, we pray. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF GRACE

One: The angel said to Joseph, “She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” Indeed, he did and still does. Friends, believe the good news: In Jesus Christ, our sins are forgiven.
ALL: Thanks be to God!

SHARING THE PEACE OF CHRIST AND THE RITUAL OF FRIENDSHIP

One: May the peace of Christ be with you,
Many: and also with you!
Please greet your neighbor with a sign of Christ's peace. Please also take a moment to record your information at our Sanctuary’s Welcome Table, and grab a name tag, if you haven’t already!

SONG OF COMMUNITY Angels We Have Heard On High

PROCLAIMING GOD’S WORD

EARLY WORD

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

OLD TESTAMENT READING Isaiah 63: 7-9 Pew Bible pg. 693

GOSPEL READING Matthew 2:13-15 Pew Bible pg. 2

MEDITATION Papa Panov's Special Christmas
read by Rev. John Merz

RESPONDING TO GOD’S WORD

HYMN #119 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

OFFERING INVITATION & NEWS OF OUR FAITH IN ACTION

ANTHEM Who Would Think That What Was Needed? John L. Bell

DOXOLOGY
Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
Praise Christ, all creatures here below.
Praise Holy Spirit, evermore.
Praise Triune God whom we adore.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER

GOING FORTH TO SERVE

HYMN #80 You Shall Go Out with Joy

BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE Joy to the World, arr. P. Keveren

TODAY

Acknowledgements:
• Cover art: HEAVENLY WINDOW, CHAPELLE NOTRE-DAME DE GRACE-ET-DE-TOUTE-JOIE
• Licenses for music use: CCLI: 3783268 and OneLicense: A-719942