FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
ORDER OF WORSHIP
2nd SUNDAY OF CHRISTMAS
JANUARY 4, 2026
PRELUDE
WELCOME
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CALL TO WORSHIP
Christmas has come and gone, but the joy and light of Christ remain. God’s gift is not meant to be packed away with the decorations— it lives in our hearts and in our world, calling us to love and celebrate.
Joy to the world, the Lord has come!
Let Earth receive her King!
Even now, Christ continues to come to us--
in ordinary days, in small kindnesses, in moments of wonder.
Let every heart prepare him room,
And heaven and nature sing!
SCRIPTURE AND HYMN INTRO
Psalm 98: 4-6
Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth,
burst into jubilant song with music;
5 make music to the Lord with the harp,
with the harp and the sound of singing,
6 with trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn--
shout for joy before the Lord, the King.
HYMN: #40 (blue) “Joy to the World”
1. Joy to the world! the Lord is come:
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven, and heaven and nature sing.
2. Joy to the world! the Savior reigns:
Let us our songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sound joy,
Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.
3. No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as the curse is found.
4. He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders of His love.
*CALL TO CONFESSION and *PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Merciful God, forgive us when we forget the gift of Christmas. Forgive us when we hide our joy, ignore your light, or neglect to share your love. Open our hearts again to the wonder of Christ, and help us to live each day in the hope, peace, and joy He brings. Amen.
*ASSURANCE OF PARDON
…and to let His light shine through us every day.
Response: Thanks be to God, Amen.
*GLORIA PATRI
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son,
And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now,
And ever shall be,
World without end. Amen, Amen.
SCRIPTURE AND HYMN INTRO
Scripture: John 1:14
14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
HYMN: “O Holy Night” (attachment)
O holy night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth;
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn;
Chorus;
Fall on your knees, O, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night, O holy night, O night divine.
Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand;
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,
Here came the wise men from Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus in lowly manger,
In all our trials born to be our Friend;
Chorus:
He knows our need, to weakness is no stranger.
Behold your King, before Him lowly bend!
Behold your King, before Him lowly bend!
Truly He taught us to love one another;His law is love and His gospel is peace;
Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother,
And in His name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy name;
Chorus:
Christ is the Lord, O, praise His name forever!
His power and glory evermore proclaim!
His power and glory evermore proclaim!
SCRIPTURE AND HYMN INTRO
Scripture: Micah 5:2
2 “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah,
out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”
HYMN: #44 ( blue) “O Little Town of Bethlehem”
1. O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by.
Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light;
the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
2. For Christ is born of Mary; and, gathered all above,
While mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wondering love.
O morning stars, together proclaim the holy birth!
And praises sing to God the King, and peace to all on earth.
3. How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of His heaven.
No ear may hear His coming, but in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive Him, still the dear Christ enters in.
4. O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray;
Cast out our sin and enter in; be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels, the great glad tidings tell;
O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel!
SCRIPTURE AND HYMN INTRO
SCRIPTURE: Luke 2: 10-11
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.
HYMN: #59 (blue) “While Shepherd’s Watched Their Flocks”
1. While shepherds watched their flocks by night,
All seated on the ground,
The angel of the Lord came down,
And glory shone around,
And glory shone around.
2. "Fear not," said he, for mighty dread
Had seized their troubled mind;
"Glad tidings of great joy I bring
To you and all mankind,
To you and all mankind.
3. "To you, in David's town this day
Is born of David's line
The Savior, who is Christ the Lord,
And this shall be the sign,
And this shall be the sign:
4. "The heavenly Babe you there shall find
To human view displayed,
All humbly wrapped in swaddling bands,
And in a manger laid,
And in a manger laid."
5. Thus spoke the seraph, and forthwith
Appeared a shining throng
Of angels praising God, who thus
Addressed their joyful song,
Addressed their joyful song:
6. "All glory be to God on high,
And to the earth be peace:
Good will to all from highest heaven
Begin and never cease!
Begin and never cease!"
SCRIPTURE AND HYMN INTRO
SCRIPTURE: Luke 2: 7
7 she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
HYMN: #53 (blue) “What Child is This”
1. What Child is this, who, laid to rest,
On Mary's lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?
Refrain:
This, this is Christ, the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary!
2. Why lies He in such mean estate
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian, fear; for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading. [Refrain]
3. So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh;
Come, one and all, to own Him.
The King of kings salvation brings;
Let loving hearts enthrone Him. [Refrain]
SCRIPTURE AND HYMN INTRO
Scripture: Luke 2:13–14
“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!’”
HYMN: #31 (blue) “ Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”
1. Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King:
Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!"
Joyful, all ye nations, rise, Join the triumph of the skies;
With the angelic host proclaim, "Christ is born in Bethlehem!"
Hark! The herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King!"
2. Christ, by highest heaven adored, Christ, the everlasting Lord!
Late in time behold Him come, Offspring of the virgin's womb.
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; Hail the incarnate Deity,
Pleased in flesh with us to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel.
Hark! The herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King!"
3. Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace! Hail the sun of righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings, Risen with healing in his wings.
Mild He lays Hs glory by, Born that we no more may die,
Born to raise us from the earth, Born to give us second birth.
Hark! The herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King!"
OFFERING OF OURSELVES AND OUR RESOURCES
HYMN INTRO
HYMN: # 63 (blue) “As With Gladness Men of Old” (replaces Doxology)
1. As with gladness men of old Did the guiding star behold;
As with joy they hailed its light, Leading onward, beaming bright;
So, most gracious Lord, may we Ever-more be led to Thee.
2. As with joyful steps they sped To that lowly manger bed,
There to bend the knee before Him whom heaven and earth adore;
So may we with willing feet Ever seek Thy mercy seat.
3. As they offered gifts most rare At that manger rude and bare;
So may we with holy joy, Pure, and free from sin’s alloy,
All our costliest treasures bring, Christ, to Thee, our heavenly King.
4. Holy Jesus, every day Keep us in the narrow way;
And, when earthly things are past, Bring our ransomed souls at last
Where they need no star to guide, Where no clouds Thy glory hide.
RESPONSIVE PRAYER OF THE PEOPLE (on screen)
Leader: God of Bethlehem and beyond, your light has not dimmed, even as Christmas decorations come down.
People: Keep the wonder of Christmas alive in us. May we carry your joy and hope into every day.
Leader: We give thanks for the gift of Jesus, born among us, bringing hope to the world.
People: Let this hope take root in our lives. Help us share it with all whom we meet.
Leader: For our world, still longing for peace and justice, we pray for leaders and nations. May they act with wisdom and compassion.
People: Make us instruments of your peace and grace.
Leader: For communities near and far, where people are lonely, marginalized, or in need of care, we ask your guidance.
People: Help us to see your presence in every neighbor. Give us courage to respond with love and kindness.
Leader: For those who are sick, grieving, or anxious, especially (INSERT NAMES OF THOSE NEEDING SPECIAL PRAYERS), we lift them to you. Surround them with comfort and strength.
People: Bring healing and hope to all who suffer. Let us be your hands and hearts to them.
Leader: For your Church, here and everywhere, that we may live the good news we have sung, faithful to the light of Christ in our lives.
People: Lead us as we follow the Light of the World. Help us reflect your love in all we do.
Leader: And as we move from the celebration of Christmas into each day, teach us to live in joy, peace, and generosity. We pray this as Jesus taught
People: 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 debts as we forgive our debtors and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
HYMN INTRO
HYMN: #28 (blue) “Good Christian Friends, Rejoice”
1. Good Christian friends, rejoice With heart, and soul, and voice;Give ye heed to what we say: Jesus Christ was born today;
Ox and ass before Him bow, and He is in the manger now.
Christ is born today! Christ is born today!
2. Good Christian friends, rejoice With heart, and soul, and voice;Now ye hear of endless bliss: Jesus Christ was born for this!
He hath opened heaven's door, And we are blest forevermore.
Christ was born for this! Christ was born for this!
3. Good Christian friends, rejoice With heart, and soul, and voice;
Now ye need not fear the grave: Jesus Christ was born to save!
Calls you one and calls you all To gain the everlasting hall.
Christ was born to save! Christ was born to save!
BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE
ORDER OF WORSHIP
2nd SUNDAY OF CHRISTMAS
JANUARY 4, 2026
PRELUDE
WELCOME
ANNOUNCEMENTS
- TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP at 9:30ish AM January 6 at First Lutheran Mission Coffee House.
- FINANCE COMMITTEE will meet Tues. January. 6 at 6:30 PM via Zoom.
- THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY at 9:30 AM January 8 in the FPC Center Meeting Room
- SESSION MEETING will meet on Thurs Jan. 8 at 7:00 PM, Center Meeting Room
- SAVE THE DATE Worship at Peaceful Pines is February 1 at 1:00
CALL TO WORSHIP
Christmas has come and gone, but the joy and light of Christ remain. God’s gift is not meant to be packed away with the decorations— it lives in our hearts and in our world, calling us to love and celebrate.
Joy to the world, the Lord has come!
Let Earth receive her King!
Even now, Christ continues to come to us--
in ordinary days, in small kindnesses, in moments of wonder.
Let every heart prepare him room,
And heaven and nature sing!
SCRIPTURE AND HYMN INTRO
Psalm 98: 4-6
Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth,
burst into jubilant song with music;
5 make music to the Lord with the harp,
with the harp and the sound of singing,
6 with trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn--
shout for joy before the Lord, the King.
HYMN: #40 (blue) “Joy to the World”
1. Joy to the world! the Lord is come:
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven, and heaven and nature sing.
2. Joy to the world! the Savior reigns:
Let us our songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sound joy,
Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.
3. No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as the curse is found.
4. He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders of His love.
*CALL TO CONFESSION and *PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Merciful God, forgive us when we forget the gift of Christmas. Forgive us when we hide our joy, ignore your light, or neglect to share your love. Open our hearts again to the wonder of Christ, and help us to live each day in the hope, peace, and joy He brings. Amen.
*ASSURANCE OF PARDON
…and to let His light shine through us every day.
Response: Thanks be to God, Amen.
*GLORIA PATRI
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son,
And to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now,
And ever shall be,
World without end. Amen, Amen.
SCRIPTURE AND HYMN INTRO
Scripture: John 1:14
14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
HYMN: “O Holy Night” (attachment)
O holy night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth;
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn;
Chorus;
Fall on your knees, O, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night, O holy night, O night divine.
Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand;
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,
Here came the wise men from Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus in lowly manger,
In all our trials born to be our Friend;
Chorus:
He knows our need, to weakness is no stranger.
Behold your King, before Him lowly bend!
Behold your King, before Him lowly bend!
Truly He taught us to love one another;His law is love and His gospel is peace;
Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother,
And in His name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy name;
Chorus:
Christ is the Lord, O, praise His name forever!
His power and glory evermore proclaim!
His power and glory evermore proclaim!
SCRIPTURE AND HYMN INTRO
Scripture: Micah 5:2
2 “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah,
out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”
HYMN: #44 ( blue) “O Little Town of Bethlehem”
1. O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by.
Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light;
the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
2. For Christ is born of Mary; and, gathered all above,
While mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wondering love.
O morning stars, together proclaim the holy birth!
And praises sing to God the King, and peace to all on earth.
3. How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of His heaven.
No ear may hear His coming, but in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive Him, still the dear Christ enters in.
4. O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray;
Cast out our sin and enter in; be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels, the great glad tidings tell;
O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel!
SCRIPTURE AND HYMN INTRO
SCRIPTURE: Luke 2: 10-11
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.
HYMN: #59 (blue) “While Shepherd’s Watched Their Flocks”
1. While shepherds watched their flocks by night,
All seated on the ground,
The angel of the Lord came down,
And glory shone around,
And glory shone around.
2. "Fear not," said he, for mighty dread
Had seized their troubled mind;
"Glad tidings of great joy I bring
To you and all mankind,
To you and all mankind.
3. "To you, in David's town this day
Is born of David's line
The Savior, who is Christ the Lord,
And this shall be the sign,
And this shall be the sign:
4. "The heavenly Babe you there shall find
To human view displayed,
All humbly wrapped in swaddling bands,
And in a manger laid,
And in a manger laid."
5. Thus spoke the seraph, and forthwith
Appeared a shining throng
Of angels praising God, who thus
Addressed their joyful song,
Addressed their joyful song:
6. "All glory be to God on high,
And to the earth be peace:
Good will to all from highest heaven
Begin and never cease!
Begin and never cease!"
SCRIPTURE AND HYMN INTRO
SCRIPTURE: Luke 2: 7
7 she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
HYMN: #53 (blue) “What Child is This”
1. What Child is this, who, laid to rest,
On Mary's lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?
Refrain:
This, this is Christ, the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary!
2. Why lies He in such mean estate
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian, fear; for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading. [Refrain]
3. So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh;
Come, one and all, to own Him.
The King of kings salvation brings;
Let loving hearts enthrone Him. [Refrain]
SCRIPTURE AND HYMN INTRO
Scripture: Luke 2:13–14
“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!’”
HYMN: #31 (blue) “ Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”
1. Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King:
Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!"
Joyful, all ye nations, rise, Join the triumph of the skies;
With the angelic host proclaim, "Christ is born in Bethlehem!"
Hark! The herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King!"
2. Christ, by highest heaven adored, Christ, the everlasting Lord!
Late in time behold Him come, Offspring of the virgin's womb.
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; Hail the incarnate Deity,
Pleased in flesh with us to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel.
Hark! The herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King!"
3. Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace! Hail the sun of righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings, Risen with healing in his wings.
Mild He lays Hs glory by, Born that we no more may die,
Born to raise us from the earth, Born to give us second birth.
Hark! The herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King!"
OFFERING OF OURSELVES AND OUR RESOURCES
HYMN INTRO
HYMN: # 63 (blue) “As With Gladness Men of Old” (replaces Doxology)
1. As with gladness men of old Did the guiding star behold;
As with joy they hailed its light, Leading onward, beaming bright;
So, most gracious Lord, may we Ever-more be led to Thee.
2. As with joyful steps they sped To that lowly manger bed,
There to bend the knee before Him whom heaven and earth adore;
So may we with willing feet Ever seek Thy mercy seat.
3. As they offered gifts most rare At that manger rude and bare;
So may we with holy joy, Pure, and free from sin’s alloy,
All our costliest treasures bring, Christ, to Thee, our heavenly King.
4. Holy Jesus, every day Keep us in the narrow way;
And, when earthly things are past, Bring our ransomed souls at last
Where they need no star to guide, Where no clouds Thy glory hide.
RESPONSIVE PRAYER OF THE PEOPLE (on screen)
Leader: God of Bethlehem and beyond, your light has not dimmed, even as Christmas decorations come down.
People: Keep the wonder of Christmas alive in us. May we carry your joy and hope into every day.
Leader: We give thanks for the gift of Jesus, born among us, bringing hope to the world.
People: Let this hope take root in our lives. Help us share it with all whom we meet.
Leader: For our world, still longing for peace and justice, we pray for leaders and nations. May they act with wisdom and compassion.
People: Make us instruments of your peace and grace.
Leader: For communities near and far, where people are lonely, marginalized, or in need of care, we ask your guidance.
People: Help us to see your presence in every neighbor. Give us courage to respond with love and kindness.
Leader: For those who are sick, grieving, or anxious, especially (INSERT NAMES OF THOSE NEEDING SPECIAL PRAYERS), we lift them to you. Surround them with comfort and strength.
People: Bring healing and hope to all who suffer. Let us be your hands and hearts to them.
Leader: For your Church, here and everywhere, that we may live the good news we have sung, faithful to the light of Christ in our lives.
People: Lead us as we follow the Light of the World. Help us reflect your love in all we do.
Leader: And as we move from the celebration of Christmas into each day, teach us to live in joy, peace, and generosity. We pray this as Jesus taught
People: 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 debts as we forgive our debtors and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
HYMN INTRO
HYMN: #28 (blue) “Good Christian Friends, Rejoice”
1. Good Christian friends, rejoice With heart, and soul, and voice;Give ye heed to what we say: Jesus Christ was born today;
Ox and ass before Him bow, and He is in the manger now.
Christ is born today! Christ is born today!
2. Good Christian friends, rejoice With heart, and soul, and voice;Now ye hear of endless bliss: Jesus Christ was born for this!
He hath opened heaven's door, And we are blest forevermore.
Christ was born for this! Christ was born for this!
3. Good Christian friends, rejoice With heart, and soul, and voice;
Now ye need not fear the grave: Jesus Christ was born to save!
Calls you one and calls you all To gain the everlasting hall.
Christ was born to save! Christ was born to save!
BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE
