Sunday Prayers for Christmas
Celebrating the sounds of Christmas
Call to Worship
One: On this Christmas Day let us proclaim the love of God in the world.
All: Emmanuel, God with us.
One: Let us sing for joy.
All: The joy of God with us.
One: Let us call for peace.
All: The peace of God who watches over us.
One: Let us breathe hope into darkness.
All: Our hope in God who abides with us.
One: Let us worship in delight, affirming:
All: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth good news of great joy for all the people.
Opening Prayer
Dear God,
We give you thanks for the signs of Christmas, which remind us of your presence in our lives.
Let us celebrate the joy of Christmas. The joy of laughter and excitement; of muffled anticipation and giggling cheer. Thank you God for the joy of sharing.
Help us find your peace in this season. The peace of your understanding and our prayer; of quiet resilience and silent healing. Thank you God for the comfort of peace.
Let us embrace the hope of your promise. The hope of persistence and yearning; of whispered dreams and humming possibilities. Thank you God for the hope in each new day.
Help us declare your love in this season. The love of giving and receiving; of choirs crooning and hymns pealing. Thank you God for the glory of your love.
As your joy, peace, hope and love sing out through our lives, may we voice our thanks to you each day. Amen
Offering Prayer
Ever-loving God,
May our homes and communities echo with the sounds of our giving.
May we hear the joy from unexpected gifts and welcoming meals.
Let peace resound, smothering anger and fear.
May we hear the hope of fresh starts and new opportunities.
Let love abound, with gratitude and acceptance.
May our lives reflect the love you shared, by sending us your son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Pastoral Prayer (incorporating Psalm 98)
One: Heavenly father, human son, on this holy day, may we join with the psalmists and lift up our hearts in praise.
All: O sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things.
One: We give thanks for the marvelous things that enrich us at this time. For loved ones and time with friends; for choirs singing, people laughing, and the promise of your love.
All: Sing praises to the LORD with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody.
One: Let us worship you with our lives, sharing the gifts you have blessed us with, that through serving you we bring hope to those around us.
All: Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; the world and those who live in it.
One: When challenge threatens and difficulties weigh us down, help us to remember that you are God-with-us, and to feel the comfort of your peace.
All: Let the floods clap their hands; let the hills sing together for joy.
One: May we proclaim today the joy of knowing you God, and abiding in your eternal promise of care and grace.
All: O sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things.
One: In the name of Jesus the Christ, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Amen.
