Opening Prayer: Almighty God, as I celebrate the gift of Your Son, Jesus, this week, help me to enjoy the gifts of Your Spirit, Your peace, and Your grace in my life.

Psalm 65

Read:Galatians 3:23-4:7

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

Hymn: “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day”
I heard the bells on Christmas day
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth, goodwill to men.

I thought how, as the day had come
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along the unbroken song
Of peace on earth, goodwill to men.

And in despair I bowed my head.
“There is no peace on earth,” I said,
“For hate is strong, and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, goodwill to men.”

Then pealing the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
With peace on earth, goodwill to men.”

Till, ringing, singing on its way,
The world revolved from night to day—
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime,
Of peace on earth, goodwill to men!

Closing Prayer: And now may the spirit which was in Jesus Christ be in me, enabling me to know God’s will and empowering me to do God’s will. Amen.