Sunday Worship Service
December 24, 2024 – 4 PM
We are RECEIVED as the Beloved of God
The actual worship service begins 15 minutes into the recordings.
WELCOME
Welcome! We are grateful that God has brought us together. If you are a first-time visitor, please email Pastor Jinwoo at pastor@saint-matthews.org. We would love to stay in contact with you. Thank you.
CALL TO GOD’S FORGIVING LOVE
OPENING SONG
The First Noel and Angels We Have Heard on High
CALL TO WORSHIP (ADVENT WREATH CANDLE LIGHTING)
Leader: In a weary and worn world, how do we begin again? Where do we start?
People: Let us begin with hope. Let us begin with peace. Let us begin with joy. Let us begin with love.
Leader: Yes, let us begin with love, for surely love knows your name. Today, in addition to the candles of hope, peace, joy, and love, we light the Christ Candle.
People: For surely God is in this place. Surely the Spirit is near. Surely love knows our name.
Leader: May we rest in that good news. Unto us a child is born.
People: A light shines in the darkness and the darkness cannot overcome it.
All: Glory to God in the highest heaven! Amen.
CHRISTMAS CAROL – Together
Joy to the World – UM Hymnal (blue book) #246
CHRISTMAS PAGEANT
We are TRANSFORMED by the Word of God
SCRIPTURE READING
Psalm 139:1-4; Luke 2:1-20
GOOD NEWS
Love Knows Your Name
† CHRISTMAS CAROL – Together
Go, Tell It on the Mountain – UM Hymnal (blue book) #251
THE HOLY COMMUNION (The Communion bread is gluten, egg, and dairy free)
SHARING THE PEACE OF CHRIST
RESPONSE TO GOD’S GRACE
Pastor: We believe that on a night like this one, a baby was born and placed in a manger.
People: We believe that baby was God’s love in the flesh, who grew up to love the outcast and change the world.
Pastor: We believe that Jesus’ love was so big and so personal that the world will never be the same.
People: So despite the mystery of this holy night, we believe that a star shone, that the shepherds ran, that the angels sang, and that love was born.
Pastor: Yes, we believe it when the prophets say that unto you, unto us, a savior is born.
All: Glory to God in the highest heaven! We believe. Amen.
OFFERTORY
Fum, Fum Fum arranged by Sondra Tucker
We are SENT by the power of God
BLESSING
† CLOSING SONG
Silent Night, Holy Night
1. Silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright round yon virgin mother and child.
Holy Infant, so tender and mild, sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace.
2. Silent night, holy night, shepherds quake at the sight; glories stream from heaven afar,
heavenly hosts sing Alleluia! Christ the Savior is born, Christ the Savior is born!
3. Silent night, holy night, Son of God, love’s pure light; radiant beams from thy holy face
with the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord, at thy birth, Jesus, Lord, at thy birth.