Most elements are taken from the First Pres W-S Advent Devotional
And a Florida-Based Online Bible Study group
Opening Prayer:
1. O God, the Faithful, the Trustworthy, You are the source of all that is strong and good. You are the foundation of my faith.
2. Quicken me, by the power of Your Spirit, to hold fast to You, my Lord and my God. Strengthen me to follow You, to listen to You, to obey You, no matter the sacrifice, no matter the cost.
3. Thank you for the gift of faith that You have given, and for Christ’s faithfulness that is my example and the perfection of my own feeble faith. Amen.
Music
Play ‘O Come, All Ye Faithful’ on instruments at home, or use a recorded version:
Scripture Reading:
Isaiah 9:2
The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
a light has dawned.
Isaiah 9:6
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Light a candle to remind you of Christ’s presence in your midst.
(use the advent wreath liturgy if you have it)
Prayer of Confession and Hopelessness:
O Christ, hope of the world, I acknowledge my hopelessness. Often, I despair about broken relationships, about my inability to rectify a bad situation, about my addictions and mis-directed loves, about my own sadness that sometimes seems to never end. I pray that You would be hope to the hopeless, and that You would be hope to me. Amen.
Scripture Reading:
Luke 2:1-7
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.
4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.
5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
Music: Silent Night
Play on instruments at home, or use a recording
Prayer:
I wait for you, Lord. My whole being waits, and in Your Word I put my hope. I wait for You Lord, more than the sleepless mother waits for the morning, more than the stranded person waits for rescue. Oh my soul, put your hope in the Lord! For only in You, Lord, do I find unfailing love and full, unflinching redemption. You are my Salvation.
Amen.
Scripture Reading:
Luke 2:8-15
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
Light Individual Candles If You Have Them
Music: Joy To The World
Play on instruments at home, or watch a recorded video
Closing Prayer:
From Feasting On The Word, Advent companion
Living God, on this holy night we gather, whether in body or in spirit, to stand with shepherds, amazed at Your glory; to sing with angels, rejoicing in Your work; to wait with Joseph, trusting in Your promise; to sit with Mary, cradling Your love. May the good news of this night inspire us to tell the world our great joy: for to us is born a Savior, the Messiah, the Lord. Glory and praise to You forever! Amen.
Closing Benediction:
I Heard the Bells On Christmas Day
4 Then pealed 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, good will to men." 5 Till, ringing, singing on its way, The world revolved from night to day A voice, a chime, a chant sublime, Of peace on earth, good will to men. Baptist Hymnal, 1991 - Hymnary