Opening Prayer: Holy God, You are in the work of preparing me, for the difficulties and joys of life. Prepare me for today, that I would be ready to face whatever comes my way. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Psalm 77

Read: Matthew 1:18-25

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

Hymn: “O Little Town of Bethlehem”
O little town of Bethlehem,
How still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by;
Yet in the dark streets shineth
The everlasting light;
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight.

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,
An peace to all on earth!

O holy Child of Bethlehem,
Descend on 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 in us,
Our Lord Emmanuel! Amen.

Closing Prayer: I commend to you God and to the word of his grace which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. Amen. (Acts 20:32)