First Sunday after Christmas

Order of Worship

Download today's bulletin PDF for the entire order of worship and more. 

Let us pray for the whole people of God in Christ Jesus, and for all people according to their needs.

Lord Jesus, we pray for all those gathered this day in your Father’s house. Bestow your blessings upon your church as we gather in your name. Receive our questions with patience. Turn our fears to trust. Place us where we need to be. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We thank you, Holy Spirit, for bringing to our remembrance all the great works of the Lord. Recalling your grace and mercy, we rejoice in our redemption, knowing that this work of your hand is both faithful and just. Bless to our remembrance and understanding your merciful grace as we come to the table this morning, remembering the redemptive death of Jesus until he comes again. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, because of your great love you sent you Son, born of a virgin, and born a true man under the law, to deliver us who are under that same law. Give us grace to comprehend and believe that you care for sinners like us and have provided a way into your kingdom family. Open the ears of our hearts that we may hear the Spirit of Jesus crying to you in praise for all the blessings in our adoption. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Just as your Son was called out of Egypt, you have called all your sons and daughters out of bondage to sin and death. Continue to call us homeward; lead us out of temptation; and deliver us from the evil one. Give our homebound and hospitalized trust in your love and care, and the belief that you are leading them with all the redeemed out of captivity and into the liberty of your people. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Into your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy — through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Teaching

Open or download this week's preview of the lessons. We send this to our homebound with a bulletin each week and thought you might like to have a copy as well. You may read it online or print it out. It includes prayers, brief teaching on each of the four lessons for Sunday, an overview, and an additional Word Search based on the Gospel Lesson. 

Vespers Tonight

There is no Vespers service this evening in the parsonage. The readings for the First Sunday after Christmas are 1 Samuel 1:1–2, 7b–28; Colossians 1:9–20; Luke 2:22–40.