WESTPORT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH WORSHIP SERVICE
FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
December 21, 2025
PRELUDE: Let All Mortal Flesh Jeep Silent arr. J. Carter
LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLE:
Reader: “In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David” (Luke 2:1,3-4).
Reader: Today we remember Joseph, worn-out traveler and worried husband, doing what was necessary for the sake of his family, the burden of poverty stifling his hope in the promise of God. There was no room for him, yet he knows to whom he belongs.
Reader: Today we give thanks for the Josephs among us, migrating far from home when there is no choice, fiercely devoted to the ones they love, unwavering in their belief that there is room for all in God’s new realm.
Reader: On this fourth Sunday of Advent, we light this candle as a symbol of Joseph, who knocks at the door, ready to take his place among royalty.
*OPENING HYMN (You may rise in Body or Spirit):
#119 Glory to God Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
UNISON CONFESSION OF OUR NEED OF GOD:
All: Arriving One, you come into the world,
refusing to leave us in the fog of our despair.
Through John the messenger’s rough words and gruff tone,
you call us to step through the doorway of repentance –
into a life with more laughter and delight.
So bear with us as we falter here in the doorway,
fearful of what we might need to leave behind.
Help us to trust the light that pulls us forward into joy.
ASSURANCE OF GOD’S GRACE: (from 2 Corinthians 5:17)
One: Hear the good news! Christ is our joy! Christ is our grace and peace.
Through him we are gathered into a community of gladness.
All: Alleluia. Thanks be to God!
SUNG RESPONSE:
#137 Glory to God He Came Down (sing twice)
[Kids’ Time Front of Sanctuary]
SHARING THE PEACE OF CHRIST:
One: The peace of Christ be with you.
All: And also with you.
One: Let’s share the peace of Christ with one another.
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION:
One: Source of the world’s deep joy, help us hear the good news
So that we can become people of gladness.
For the sake of the light that shines – first in the face Jesus – now in all our faces.
All: Amen.
SCRIPTURE READING: Isaiah 7:10-16
Romans 1:1-7
One: May God bless the reading of Holy Scripture.
All: Thanks be to God.
CHORAL ANTHEM: Night of the Father’s Love Pepper Choplin
MESSAGE: Grace and Peace and… Nothing Else Rev. Jared Witt
*CONGREGATIONAL HYMN (You may rise in Body or Spirit):
#114 Glory to God Away in a Manger (alternate tune)
WELCOME: News In, Around, and Beyond the Community
SUNG PREPARATION FOR PRAYER:
#91 Glory to God Come, Come Emmanuel (sing twice)
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE, BLESSINGS, AND THE LORD’S PRAYER:
Our Mother and Father, 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 debts, as we forgive our debtors;
and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.
THE OFFERING OF OURSELVES/INVITATION TO GIVE:
One: With gratitude for God’s faithfulness and for all that we have received,
let us bring our tithes, gifts, and offerings to God.
OFFERTORY SOLO: Oh Holy Night
Sarah Baxter, alto
PRAYER OF DEDICATION:
One: Arriving Mystery, we offer these gifts in faith and hope.
Use them – even as you use us – to fashion a world that is well:
connected and caring, healed and sharing.
All: Amen.
*CLOSING HYMN (You may rise in Body or Spirit):
#125 Glory to God Before the Marvel of This Night
*CHARGE AND BLESSING
*POSTLUDE: Angels, from the Realms of Glory arr. A. Davis
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