Opening Prayer: Almighty God, you deserve all the glory for this Christmas season. Thank you for sending your son, and setting your plan in motion, so I can be in your presence forever. Amen.

Read: Mark 1:1-15
Reflect: Why do you think Mark chooses to leave out the events of Jesus’ birth? Is there anything in Mark’s first chapter that tells us about Christmas? How does beginning Jesus’ story with his baptism effect our understanding of Jesus?

Prayer: for the church, for others, and for myself

Hymn: “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore You”
Joyful, joyful, we adore You,
God of glory, Lord of light;
Angels lifting praise before You
Sing throughout this holy night.
In a manger lies a Baby-
Child of Mary, Son of God.
Voices joined in joyful chorus
Praise You for Your gift of love.

All Your works declare Your glory;
All creation joins to sing.
Praise resounds as earth rejoices
In the birth of Christ, the King.
Shepherds kneel before the Infant.
Trumpets sound and anthems raise
As with joy our hearts are lifted,
Joined in wonder, love, and praise.

Closing Prayer: Go with me now God, and help me reflect Your love, and the confidence You have in Your Son to the world around me. Amen.