Liturgy for the First Sunday after Christmas Day, Year C (Luke)
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After the mid-week celebration and extra time with family, we gather for our Sunday worship. We acknowledge the birth of Christ and now live in the reality of his presence in our lives.
Call to Worship
One: Gather, beloved of God, as we come together to celebrate the wonder of Christ’s birth and the joy of his presence among us!
All: We come with hearts full of praise, eager to witness the love and grace that Jesus brings into our lives.
One: Let us open our hearts to serve and follow God’s call, embracing the gifts of compassion, kindness, and love.
All: We rejoice in the beauty of creation, as all that is within us joins in worship and adoration.
One: With gratitude, we lift our voices in song and prayer, celebrating the gift of Emmanuel, God with us.
All: Come, let us worship the Lord together!
Prayer of Confession
Gracious God, as we reflect on the gift of your Son, we acknowledge our shortcomings and the ways we have fallen short of your glory. Forgive us for the times we have been unkind, failing to show compassion to those around us. Help us to recognize the needs of others and respond with hearts open to your leading. Renew our spirits, and guide us back to the path of righteousness. May we be transformed by Your love and empowered to share that love with the world.
Assurance of Pardon (Titus 2:11)
Beloved, hear the good news from Titus 2:11: “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all.”
Prayer of Illumination
Gracious God, as we gather to hear your Word, we ask for your Spirit to open our hearts and minds. Illuminate our understanding, that we may grasp the depth of your truth and the richness of your grace revealed in Scripture. May the light of Christ guide our thoughts and inspire our actions as we seek to live by your will. Help us to listen attentively and receive your message with joy, allowing it to transform us from within.
Prayer of Dedication
Gracious God, we dedicate these gifts and our lives to you, trusting in your perfect will. May they be used to further your kingdom, bringing hope and love to those in need. Amen.
Passages for the First Sunday after Christmas
1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26
In this passage, we see young Samuel ministering before the Lord, serving under the guidance of Eli the priest. Hannah, Samuel’s mother, brings him a robe each year as a token of her love and dedication. Eli blesses Hannah and prays for her, acknowledging God’s faithfulness. The passage concludes with a note about Samuel’s growth, both physically and spiritually, as he gains favor with God and people, emphasizing the importance of faithful service and the impact of parental love.
Psalm 148
Psalm 148 is a cosmic hymn of praise, calling on all of creation—heavens, earth, sea, and every living creature—to glorify the Lord. It highlights the majesty of God as the Creator and emphasizes the joy of worshiping Him. The psalmist invites both celestial beings and earthly inhabitants to join in a chorus of praise, celebrating God’s sovereignty and the joy that comes from recognizing His greatness in all things.
Colossians 3:12-17
In this passage, Paul urges believers to clothe themselves with virtues such as compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. He emphasizes the importance of love, which binds all these qualities together in perfect harmony. Paul encourages the community to let the peace of Christ rule in their hearts and to be thankful, teaching and admonishing one another through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. This passage highlights the transformative power of living in Christ and the importance of community in the faith journey.
Luke 2:41-52
Luke recounts the story of the young Jesus visiting the temple with His parents for the Passover festival. When they leave, Jesus stays behind, engaging with the teachers in the temple. Mary and Joseph find Him after three days, and He expresses His desire to be in His Father’s house. This passage showcases Jesus’ growing understanding of His identity and mission, highlighting His wisdom and knowledge. It also reflects the parental concern of Mary and Joseph, emphasizing the importance of faith and the development of Jesus in both stature and favor with God and man.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13
Themes for the First Sunday after Christmas
The Joy of Discovery
In Luke 2:41-52, Jesus’ desire to be in His Father’s house highlights the joy of discovery in faith. This theme encourages believers to seek deeper understanding and connection with God, celebrating the wonder of learning and growing in faith.
Identity in Christ
The teachings in Colossians challenge believers to define their identity in relation to Christ, encouraging them to embody His values and reflect His love. This theme invites us to consider how our relationship with Christ shapes our actions and attitudes.
Living in Community
Colossians 3:12-17 emphasizes virtues like compassion, kindness, and forgiveness, which are essential for building a healthy community. The passages remind us of our responsibility to love one another and to embody the character of Christ in our interactions.
Sermon Ideas for the First Sunday after Christmas
The Joy of Discovery
In “Embracing the Joy of Discovery in the New Year,” the congregation is encouraged to commit to studying God’s Word and deepening their faith in the coming year, inspired by Jesus’ example in Luke 2:41-52. This sermon begins with a reflection on the excitement of new beginnings, emphasizing how Jesus sought knowledge and understanding in the temple, highlighting His desire to be in His Father’s presence. The message challenges everyone to prioritize spiritual growth through regular Bible study, prayer, and community engagement, offering practical resources such as reading plans and study groups to facilitate this journey. The conclusion encourages the congregation to approach the new year with enthusiasm, ready to explore the depths of God’s Word and experience the joy that comes from discovering more about Him.
Identity in Christ
In “Looking Back, Moving Forward: Finding Our Identity in Christ,” the sermon invites the congregation to reflect on the past year while recognizing God’s grace for what has been and hope for what lies ahead. Drawing from Colossians 3:12-17, this message highlights how our identity in Christ shapes our lives and relationships. It emphasizes the importance of acknowledging God’s grace amid struggles and mistakes, freeing us from guilt and shame. The sermon transitions to the hope that arises from our identity as beloved children of God, encouraging everyone to set intentions for living out that identity in the coming year. The message concludes with a prayer of commitment, inviting the congregation to step into the new year with a renewed sense of purpose rooted in their relationship with Christ.
