Worship Outline and Sermon 

Worship Outline:  December 28, 2025 - First Sunday of Christmas (Service of the Word)

Introduction to the day

As we celebrate the Twelve Days of Christmas, our gospel today confronts us with the death of innocent children at the hands of Herod. The birth of Christ does not remove the power of evil from our world, but its light gives us hope as we walk with all the “holy innocents” of past generations and today who have suffered unjustly. In our gathering around word, God continues to redeem us, lift us up, and carry us as in days of old.

(*=stand, as able)

Time for Quiet Reflection and Prayer

Organ Prelude Cold December Flies Away

Welcome and Announcements

*Opening Song  Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming (# 272)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrY1_tioIaA

Lo, how a rose e’er blooming

From tender stem hath sprung!

Of Jesse’s lineage coming

As seers of old have sung,

It came, a flow’r so bright,

Amid the cold of winter,

When half-spent was the night.

Isaiah had foretold it,

The rose I have in mind;

With Mary we behold it,

The virgin mother kind.

To show God’s love aright,

She bore to us a Saviour,

When half-spent was the night.     

This, flow’r, whose fragrance tender

With sweetness fills the air,

Dispels with glorious splendour

The darkness ev’rywhere.

True man, yet very God,

From sin and death he saves us

And lightens ev’ry load.

O Saviour, child of Mary,

Who felt our human woe;

O Saviour, king of glory,

Who dost our weakness know:

Bring us at length we pray,

To the bright courts of heaven

And into endless day.

(Text: German carol, 15th cent.; tr. Theodore Baker, sts. 1-2; Harriet R. Krauth, st. 3; John C. Mattes, st. 4.  Music: ‘Alte catholische geistliche Kirchengesänge’, Köln, 1599; arr. Michael Pretorius.  Text and music: public domain.)

*Greeting

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

And also with you.

*Canticle of Praise Of the Father’s Love Begotten (# 295)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwhwNGTMfHc

Singers sing stanza one; congregation joins in stanza two:

Oh, that birth forever blessed,

When the virgin, full of grace,

By the Holy Ghost conceiving,

Bore the Saviour of our race,

And the babe, the world’s redeemer,

First revealed his sacred face,

Evermore and evermore.

(Text: Marcus Aurelius Clemens Prudentius; tr. composite.  Music: Plainsong move V, 13th cent. Text and music: public domain.)

*Prayer of the Day

O Lord God, you know that we cannot place our trust in our own powers. As you protected the infant Jesus, so defend us and all the needy from harm and adversity, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen.

Special Music – Sleep, Little Baby

First Reading: Psalm 148

The splendor of the Lord is over earth and heaven. (Ps. 148:13)

 1 Hallelujah! Praise the Lord from the heavens;
  praise God in the heights.
 2 Praise the Lord, all you angels;
  sing praise, all you hosts of heaven.
 3 Praise the Lord, sun and moon;
  sing praise, all you shining stars.
 4 Praise the Lord, heaven of heavens,
  and you waters above the heavens.
 5 Let them praise the name of the Lord,
  who commanded, and they were created,
 6 who made them stand fast forever and ever,
  giving them a law that shall not pass away.
 7 Praise the Lord from the earth,
  you sea monsters and all deeps;
 8 fire and hail, snow and fog,
  tempestuous wind, doing God’s will;
 9 mountains and all hills,
  fruit trees and all cedars;
 10 wild beasts and all cattle,
  creeping things and flying birds;
 11 sovereigns of the earth and all peoples,
  princes and all rulers of the world;
 12 young men and maidens,
  old and young together.
 13 Let them praise the name of the Lord,
  whose name only is exalted, whose splendor is over earth and heaven.
 14 The Lord has raised up strength for the people and praise for all faithful  

   servants,
  the children of Israel, a people who are near the Lord. Hallelujah!

The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Hymn In the Bleak Midwinter (# 294)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tub7DyuvrTw

In the bleak midwinter,

Frosty wind made moan,

Earth stood still as iron,

Water like a stone;

Snow had fallen, snow on snow,

Snow on snow,

In the bleak midwinter, long ago. 

Heaven cannot hold him,

Nor earth sustain;

Heav’n and earth shall flee away

When he comes to reign;

In the bleak midwinter

A stable place sufficed

The Lord God almighty,

Jesus Christ.

What can I give him,

Poor as I am?

If I were a shepherd

I would bring a lamb;

If I were a wiseman

I would do my part;

Yet what can I give him –

Give my heart.

(Text: Christina Georgina Rossetti. Music: Gustav Holst. Text and music: public domain.)

Second Reading:  Hebrews 2:10-18

Through Jesus’ suffering and death, the trail to eternal salvation has been blazed for us. We do not fear death, because he has conquered the power of death. Thus Christ, our merciful and faithful high priest, has the final say over the destiny of our lives.

10 It was fitting that God, for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many children to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through sufferings. 11 For the one who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one Father. For this reason Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters, 12 saying,

 “I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters;
  in the midst of the congregation I will praise you.”
13 And again,
 “I will put my trust in him.”
    And again,
 “Here am I and the children whom God has given me.”

  14 Since, therefore, the children share flesh and blood, he himself likewise shared the same things, so that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by the fear of death. 16 For it is clear that he did not come to help angels but the descendants of Abraham. 17 Therefore he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people. 18 Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.

The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

*Gospel Acclamation (said)

Alleluia. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, and let the word of Christ dwell in you richly. Alleluia. (Col. 3:15, 16)

*Gospel:   Matthew 2:13-23

The Holy Gospel according to Matthew. Glory to you, O Lord.

In a dream, Joseph is warned to flee to Egypt to protect the infant Jesus from the jealousy of Herod.

13 Now after [the magi] had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” 14 Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt 15 and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet, “Out of Egypt I have called my son.”

  16 When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the magi, he was infuriated, and he sent and killed all the children in and around Bethlehem who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had learned from the magi. 17 Then what had been spoken through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled:

 18 “A voice was heard in Ramah,
  wailing and loud lamentation,
 Rachel weeping for her children;
  she refused to be consoled, because they are no more.”  

  19 When Herod died, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, 20 “Get up, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who were seeking the child’s life are dead.” 21 Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. 22 But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And after being warned in a dream, he went away to the district of Galilee. 23 There he made his home in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled, “He will be called a Nazarene.”

The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.

Sermon – Pastor Matthew

*Hymn of the Day Infant Holy, Infant Lowly (# 276)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOGvcERaUqM

Infant holy, infant lowly,

For his bed a cattle stall;

Oxen lowing, little knowing

Christ the child is Lord of all.

Swiftly winging, angels singing,

Bells are ringing, tidings bringing:

Christ the child is Lord of all!

Christ the child is Lord of all!

Flocks were sleeping, shepherds keeping

Vigil till the morning new

Saw the glory, heard the story,

Tidings of a gospel true.

Thus rejoicing, free from sorrow,

Praises voicing, greet the morrow:

Christ the child was born for you!

Christ the child was born for you!

(Text: Polish carol; tr. Edith M.G. Reed, alt. Music: Polish carol. Text and music: public domain.)

Offering

As the gifts are collected and brought forward, please listen to the special gift of music:

Offertory Love’s Perfect Light

Offering Prayer

God of glory, great are your wonders among us and many are the blessings you bestow. Use us and these your gifts for the needs of the world, that all the ends of the earth may rejoice in your saving grace, through Christ our Saviour. Amen.

*Prayers of Intercession

Empowered by the news of Christ’s birth, let us pray boldly for the church, creation, and all who are in need.

A brief silence.

God of grace, you show us mercy not according to our worthiness, but according to the abundance of your steadfast love. Grant us grace in the year ahead to go into the world and do likewise. Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

God of abundance, the sun and moon praise you and the shining stars sing of your love. Where we have hurt your creation, make us into a healing balm for what we have broken. Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

God of righteousness, when leaders fail to fulfill their calls to enact justice, you suffer alongside us. Lead those in power to see you reflected in the faces of all they serve. Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

God of life, you claim us as your own and care for us as Christ’s siblings. Pour out your compassion in every place your people suffer, and protect them in the palm of your hand. These include … Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

God of compassion, you nurture children as the apple of your eye. As you sheltered your son Jesus from Herod’s grasp, shelter all children in danger. As you comforted Rachel, comfort all who have lost children to violence. Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

God of tenderness, listen to our silent prayers … Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

God of love, you console those who weep for lost beloved ones ... Even as we mourn, we offer thanks for those who have gone before us, trusting in your comfort and protection. Hear us, O God.

Your mercy is great.

With the joy of Christ’s birth in our hearts, we commend our prayers to you, O God, trusting in your boundless mercy and eternal love; through Jesus Christ our Savior.

Amen.

*Lord’s Prayer

Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us.

Our 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 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 and ever. Amen.

*Blessing

The triune God, glorious Mystery, holy Incarnate One, abiding Comforter, ☩ bless you with endless grace, peace, and joy.

Amen. 

*Sending Song O Little Town of Bethlehem 

(# 279, alt. tune)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghdC_CD0wBQ

O little town of Bethlehem,

How still we see thee lie!

Above thy deep and dreamless sleep

The silent stars go by;

Yet in thy dark streets shineth

The everlasting light.

The hopes and dreams of all the years

Are met in thee tonight.

For Christ is born of Mary,

And, gathered all above

While mortals sleep, the angels keep

Their watch of wond’ring love.

O morning stars, together

Proclaim the holy birth,

And praises sing to God the king,

And peace to all the earth!

How silently, how silently

The wondrous gift is giv’n!

So God imparts to human hearts

The blessings of his heav’n.

No ear may hear his coming;

But in this world of sin,

Where meek souls will receive him, still

The dear Christ enters in.

O holy child of Bethlehem,

Descend to us, we pray;

Cast out our sin, and enter in,

Be born in us today.

We hear the Christmas angels

The great glad tidings tell;

Oh, come to us, abide with us,

Our Lord Immanuel!

(Text: Phillips Brooks. Music: English folk tune. Text and music: public domain.)

*Dismissal

Glory to God in the highest! 

And peace to God’s people on earth!

Go in joy. Embody God’s redeeming grace. 

Thanks be to God.

From sundaysandseasons.com. Copyright © 2025 Augsburg Fortress.

Sermon:   December 28, 2025 - First Sunday of Christmas

Text: Matthew 2:13-15

       In the weekly Church of Scotland’s Worship column, its writers respond to this reading from Matthew with a reaction that I believe is common to many people, including me, and perhaps you too.  They state: “This Gospel passage … makes deeply distressing reading.” Because of its central event - Herod's brutal mass infanticide – it often gets glossed over in our retellings of the Christmas narrative. However, the same commentators argue that to do so ignores not only what happened in the past but what is presently happening in our world.

       Another author, Diane Hendricks, reflects further on how this ancient story speaks to our present condition.  She notes ‘It's the most wonderful time of the year! Only, it's not. Not for everyone. Not for those for whom violence has destroyed their home. Not when you have had to flee with only the clothes on your back. Not when you have had to leave your country and live on the run. Not when your body is deprived of food and clean water. Not when you feel all alone even in a crowd. Not when you are not sure where you will sleep this night. Not when you are wracked with fear for your safety, when the risk of rape or theft or death resides in every moment of life. It's the most wonderful time of the year? No, it's not. For many the effort to smile and say “Merry Christmas” holds a grief that surpasses all grief, the loss of family, home, friends, and country.  It's the most wonderful time of the year. Only it's not.

Hendricks concludes that in reality it has never been the most wonderful time of the year. Certainly not in the days surrounding that first Christmas so long ago. The story of the birth of Jesus is not to be told only with yuletide merriment. It is the story of a teenage girl, pregnant with a child that is not her husband's. It is the story of a child born in a dirty animal stall. It is the story of a family of refugees who had to flee their homeland so that their child would not be killed.

Yet more than that,  It is the story of one sent into the world in peace who was condemned to death. It is the story of a light sent to shine in the darkness, which the world attempted to snuff out. It is the story of God's never-ending, self-giving mercy which was rejected and condemned. In the great work the “Messiah,” Handel quotes the prophet Isaiah, proclaiming that Jesus was "despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief." Even as we approach the manger, then, we see the shadow of the cross.

It is not the most wonderful time of the year. Only it is! It is: If in the midst of the tinsel and the trees, the holly jolly tidings, the presents and the ornaments and the trappings, we remember. We remember that Mary was alone and afraid. Yet, God was with her and exalted her among women. We remember that Joseph was disgraced. Still, God revealed in Joseph's cause for disgrace God's plan to save the world. We heard on Christmas Day that the world was in darkness. Yet we also heard that God sent the light of life to shine. So also in Advent we were told that the lowly were imprisoned, but Jesus set them free. The blind wandered aimlessly, but Christ gave them eyes to see. The lame were rejected, but through the Holy One they were made to leap and dance. The deaf were confined to silence. But the song of life unstopped their ears. The sorrowful grieved. But God wiped away their tears. So also, the good news in this continuing Christmas story is that we never are alone. God is with us.

Theologian David Lose wrote about this passage: “In Jesus, Emmanuel, God did indeed draw near to us, took on our lot and our life, and experienced and endured all that we did — disappointment, fear, violence, even death. All so that we would know that we are not alone — that we do not suffer alone, fear alone, live and die alone.’

Sometimes, life is beautiful and wonderful and filled with goodness and grace. God is a part of that, giving blessing and celebrating with us and for us. Other times, life is hard, gritty, disappointing, and filled with heartache. God is part of that as well, comforting us, blessing us with promise that God will stay with us through the good and the bad, drawing us ever more deeply into God’s loving embrace. We can hear and feel the promise that nothing — not even death — will separate us from God.

The Christmas story begins with the birth of a child. It doesn’t end until this child has grown up, has preached God’s mercy, has been crucified and died and then raised again. Actually, it doesn’t end until Jesus draws all of us into that same story, raising us up to new life even amid the very real challenges that face each of us here and now. 

This story matters because it tells us the truth: the sometimes difficult truth of unjust rulers and violence and private grief and personal pain and all the rest. But also the always hopeful truth that God has not stood back at a distance, but in Jesus has joined God’s own self to our story and is working — even now, even here — to grant us new life that we may not just endure but flourish, experiencing resurrection joy and courage in our daily lives and sharing our hope with others.

Amen.