CALL TO WORSHIP
Have you seen the star of Bethlehem? Arise, people of God; let it shine in your lives.
We have seen Christ’s star and have come to worship. We are ready to let God lead and direct us.
Come from the shadows of earth to the light of God’s eternal purposes.
We see the glory of God in our midst and our hearts rejoice in expectation.
The promises of the gospel are for us, and for all people everywhere.
We are here to be equipped by God to carry good news into the world.
—Chalice Worship
God our Creator, your kindness has brought us the gift of a new year. Help us not to cling to yesterday, nor covet tomorrow, but to accept the uniqueness of each new day. By your love, celebrated in your word, seen in your Son, brought near by your Spirit, take from us all we need carry no longer, that we may be free again to choose to serve you and be served by each other.
We believe that God forgives and sets us free, and at the year’s beginning we commit ourselves to follow where Christ calls and to love one another.
—Common Order, Church of Scotland (alt.)
God of light and life, we seek your wisdom to guide us into this new year. Open our ears to your Word calling to us. Open our eyes to your Word at work in the world. Open our hearts to renew our commitment to follow Christ, your living Word. Amen.
—Presbyterian Church in Canada
In the Christ Child, the glory of God was revealed to humanity. As we gather around the table today, let us see that glory reflected in the faces of our neighbors; and may each of us know God’s love and grace as we receive Christ in our hearts. No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you’re welcome here.
COMMUNION PRAYER
God of the universe: As we lay our gifts before you, may our hearts be lifted up to receive the gifts that you give us. Turn our spirits toward Jesus, and help us to meditate on his body and his blood, and receive him according to his promise. As the light of your love seeks out and rests on the Christ, may it be his disciples whom others see illuminated: peacemakers, workers for justice, servants of love, making you known in a troubled world. Let the presence of Christ within us guide us through this new year, we pray in his Name. Amen.
SONG OF SIMEON
Lord, now dismiss your servant in peace according to your word, for my eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared in the presence of all people: A light to shine on the Gentiles, and to be the glory of your people Israel.
BENEDICTION
The Light has sought you, the Light has found you,
and the Light has kindled within you the flame love.
Go forth as a light shining in the darkness
showing others the path home to God:
In the Name of the Creator, the Christ, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
