Opening Prayer: Lord God, you who are the source of all truth, wisdom, justice, and love, lead me though this time of worship and throughout this day of service to you. Help me constantly to rest my life upon the eternal foundations of your love and presence. Save me from haste and confusion, from wrongful desire, and the net of evil. Though the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, enlighten, instruct, and guide me all the day long. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

Read: Luke 2:1-3:38

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

Hymn: “Arise, My Soul, Arise”
Arise, my soul, arise;
Shake off thy guilty fears;
The bleeding sacrifice
In my behalf appears:
Before the throne my surety stands,
Before the throne my surety stands,
My name is written in his hands.

Five bleeding wounds he bears,
Received on Calvary;
They pour effectual prayers;
They strongly plead for me:
“Forgive him, O forgive,” they cry,
“Forgive him, O forgive,” they cry,
“Nor let that ransomed sinner die!”

The Father hears him pray,
His dear anointed One;
He cannot turn away
The presence of his Son:
His spirit answers to the blood,
His spirit answers to the blood,
And tells me I am born of God.

My God is reconciled;
His pardoning voice I hear;
He owns me for his child;
I can no longer fear:
With confidence I now draw nigh,
With confidence I now draw nigh,
And “Father, Abba, Father,” cry. Amen

Closing Prayer: May the Lord make you strong to do the work of ministry. Amen.