Prelude and Lighting of the Christ Candle

Silent Meditation
"I hope that I can be at least half the Dad that he didn't have to be." - Brad Paisley

Welcome
Pastor Kathy

Advent Wreath Lighting Liturgy
Ron and Mike

Leader 1: Every angel seems to use “do not be afraid” as an opening line. But perhaps no one needed to hear it more than Joseph.
Leader 2: What was happening to him was the stuff that ruins lives. As a man in that time, he had all the rights to abandon Mary and preserve his dignity when he learned of her pregnancy.
Leader 1: The stakes were high.
Leader 2: But the angel’s message of encouragement was to see a difficult circumstance not with dread, but with joy.

Sing Verse #3 in “One Candle is Lit” - Mary Anne Parrott

Prayer (all joining)
Holy Living God, Blessed Jesus, Guiding Spirit,
alight within us your flame of joy this day.
Grant us openness to hear your message.
Grant us courage to be your messengers in the world,
creating more joy in the midst of fear. Amen.

Opening Hymn #2091
“The King of Glory Comes"

A Time of Scripture
Matthew 1:18-25, New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition
Jean Braun

Special Music
“Prepare the Way of the Lord”
Michael Burkhardt
Rainbow Choir

Special Music
“He Is Born”
Dave Archuleta
Asbury Band

Children’s Moment
Pastor Kathy

Sharing the Word
“Do Not Be Afraid: #MoreJoy”
Pastor Kathy

Hymn #2093
“The Snow Lay on the Ground”

A Time of Prayer
Pastor Brad

Lord’s Prayer: Our [Father/Mother/Creator/Parent], who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on Earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.

Special Music
“Here to Stay”
Hanna Kerr, Michael Cochren, Tyrus Morgan
Asbury Band

Living Into Our Core Values
Pastor Brad

We Offer Ourselves to God
Jean Braun

Closing Hymn #2098
“The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy”

A Time of Blessing
Pastor Kathy

Postlude
The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy
Asbury Band

We Go in Peace