These liturgical texts are appropriate for use throughout the Season of Christmas and may be repeated from week to week.
Confession and Pardon
In Christ, God gives us grace upon grace.
Confident in God’s mercy,
let us humbly confess our sin,|
praying together,
God of light and nearness,
you come to us in a child, and still we turn away.
You announce good news for all,
yet we keep it small and safe.
You bring peace on earth,
yet we cling to fear and division.
We confess what resists your coming:
hearts closed to wonder, hands slow to share,
lives too hurried to adore.
Forgive us, gracious God. Open us to your joy.
Make room in us for your Christ. Amen.
God has drawn near,
not to condemn, but to save;
not to accuse, but to restore.
Friends, believe the good news of the gospel.
In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven.
In Jesus Christ, we are being made new.
Thanks be to God.
Thanksgiving for Baptism
We give you thanks, O God,
for baptizing us with water and with your Word.
You called forth light at creation.
You led your people to freedom through the sea.
You became flesh in Bethlehem.
You revealed your Beloved in the Jordan.
By this same love, you claim us in baptism.
For all this we give you thanks.
When we forget you, remember us.
When hope grows dim, rekindle it in us.
Wash us in your grace,
that we may turn from evil
and be born again of your Spirit.
Glory to you, O God, now and always. Amen.
Great Thanksgiving
Blessed are you, O Lord our God.
You spoke, and light was born.
You called, and creation sang.
You promised, and hope took root among your people.
In the fullness of time,
you sent your Word made flesh,
born in a feed trough,
announced by angels,
welcomed by shepherds,
a Savior for all people.
Jesus Christ revealed your glory,
made your mercy visible,
and set loose your peace in the world.
We praise you,
joining the song of the universal church
and the heavenly choir:
Holy, holy, holy, God of the Universe.
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is the One who comes in God’s name.
Hosanna in the highest.
(or a sung version such as GTG 595, 596)
Blessed is Jesus Christ, our Savior,
the good news of great joy
and the light for the nations,
the radiance of your glory
and the imprint of your love.
Jesus healed the sick, gathered the lost,
fed the hungry,
and proclaimed your reign of peace.
Raised from death, Christ lives,
still with us and always for us.
The Words of Institution may be said here or after the prayer.
Remembering your love made flesh among us,
we come with gratitude
to share this joyful feast
and proclaim the mystery of faith:
Christ died. Christ rose. Christ comes again.
Pour out your Holy Spirit upon us
and upon this bread and cup;
make us one in the body of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
If prayers of intercession are not included elsewhere in the service, brief petitions may be offered here by the presider or the assembly, spoken aloud or prayed in silence. You may choose to incorporate petitions from the weekly prayers of intercession offered in this edition.
Let this meal be light for our path,
joy for our journey,
and strength for our calling.
Send us out
to be bearers of good news
for the weary, the poor, and the forgotten.
Fill us with Christmas peace,
that we may share it with all the world.
Through the Lord Jesus Christ,
in the unity of the Spirit,
we bless you, God of glory,
now and forever. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
Breaking, pouring, and sharing the bread and cup: The Words of Institution may be said here or in the prayer.
Blessing and Charge
May the God of light
shine in your hearts.
May Christ, born among us,
be your joy and your peace.
May the Spirit make you bearers of good news.
Go and tell what you have seen and heard:
Light has come and love has become flesh.
Share the joy and welcome the wonder;
abide in the peace of Christ. Amen.
