We believe in God, the giver of life and grace, whose wondrous deeds
bring hope and healing to people of all nations.
We believe that God’s decision to be with us, in the person of Jesus,
manifested God’s immeasurable love for humankind.
We abide in Jesus, the Beloved One, whose name is written upon our hearts.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, who is at work whispering words of HOPE, PEACE, LOVE and JOY to ALL people.
We believe in the church, the living body of Christ in the world, to which we belong.
As members of the body, we are called to minister to all people in Jesus’ name
seeking transformation for ourselves, the church, and the world.
And so it begins. Amen.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Glorious God, we sing this morning of joy, and lift our voices in praise to you. We pray that you will hear the sound of our reverence and our love in every note that rises from this sanctuary. In these days of Advent, our hearts have been moved, our spirits prodded, and our faith empowered. Your very presence has been palpable among us as we wait. We have been preparing ourselves, readying ourselves, to embrace the coming Prince of Peace. We want only to be fully present when he comes, listening for the angel voices that herald his arrival. Help us not to focus on last-minute Christmas preparations, but help us to engage with neighbors and friends celebrating your most glorious gift to humankind. Oh, how we long to see your face! Come to us, abide with us, our Lord, Emmanuel. Amen.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
The truth is, when we offer our gifts to God, we are giving back to God what God has given to us. In other words: “We give thee but thine own, what e’re the gift may be. All that we have is thine alone; a trust, O Lord from the Thee.”
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Wondrous and Eternal God, pour out your blessing upon these gifts and promises. We offer them with full and grateful hearts. We trust that you will always guide us to use them wisely, and always for the greater good. Proclaiming our belief that all things are possible with you, we offer ourselves in service, seeking always, in the name of the Christ, to do your work and will. Amen.
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