A Congregation of the Reformed Church in America
Our Life, Ministry, and Mission: To Have Hearts Centered on Christ and Hearts Open to our Neighbors
Order of Worship
December 28, 2025 10:00 AM
Our Approach to God
Prelude
Welcome
Opening Prayer
Children’s Message –Pastor Rose
Call to Worship –Psalm 148:1-2, 5-6, 13-14
Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord from the heavens;
praise him in the heights above.
Praise him, all his angels;
praise him, all his heavenly hosts.
Let them praise the name of the Lord,
for at his command they were created,
and he established them for ever and ever—
he issued a decree that will never pass away.
Let them praise the name of the Lord,
for his name alone is exalted;
his splendor is above the earth and the heavens.
And he has raised up for his people a horn,
the praise of all his faithful servants, of Israel, the people close to his heart.
Praise the Lord.
*Opening Praise Songs
“The First Noel” -CCLI #31047
“Go Tell It on the Mountain” -CCLI #29080
Call to Confession -Ephesians 2:11-13
Prayer of Confession
(Written by Kelli Gilmore, Coordinator of RCA Global Mission Marketing and Communications; and JJ TenClay, Refugee Ministries Coordinator for RCA Global Mission)
L: Let us pray: Ever merciful God, you said “Let us make humankind in our own image.” (Genesis 1:26)
P: Forgive us, we pray, for the times we have only recognized your image in those who look, think, and act like us.
L: You said, “You shall not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest; you shall leave them for the poor and for the alien.” (Leviticus 23:22)
P: Forgive us, we pray, for the times we have hoarded your blessings and acted as if the poor, the homeless, and the refugee deserve their reality.
L: You said, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.” (Hebrews 13:1)
P: Forgive us, we pray, for the times we have closed doors, hearts, and churches to those whom we judge too strange or different.
L: You said, “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22)
P: Forgive us, we pray, for the times we have hated, brooded, divided, hurried, been cruel, stingy, disloyal, harsh, and self-indulgent….
L: Hear now our silent prayers. [silent confession and reflection]
L: In your great mercy, forgive us, we pray. Through your Holy Spirit, transform us into bearers of hope and healing, here and now, on earth, as it is in heaven. And all God’s people said, Amen.
Assurance of Pardon
People of God, Hear the Good News of the Gospel! By the love of God, by the blood of Christ, by the power of the Spirit, Your sins are forgiven!
Thanks be to God!
Guide for Grateful Living -Romans 8:14-17
Offering
Doxology
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow.
Praise Him, all creatures here below.
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host.
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Offering Prayer
The Word of God in Proclamation
Prayer of Inspiration
Scripture Matthew 2:13-23 (NIV Pew Bible, Page 1375)
This is the Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Sermon “A DISPLACED SAVIOR”
Prayer of Application
Our Response to God
Hymn of Response “He Leadeth Me” -Hymn #440
Profession of Faith The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
Sharing of Joys and Concerns
Prayers of the People
The Lord’s Prayer
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 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.
*Closing Hymn “O God, Our Help in Ages Past” -Hymn #405, vv. 1, 2, 6
*Benediction –based on 2 Corinthians 13:14 (WSB)
Postlude
Prayer Leader is available after the service, by the front door of the Sanctuary, to pray for your needs.