Called to Praise

 

⭻Prepare your heart and body for Worship

 

Welcome & Greeting 

 

⭻Call to Worship

Leader: Rejoice! Happy Christmas to everyone!

All: Happy Christmas to you also!

Leader: Christ our Savior is born.

All: God’s Light is poured into the world.

Leader: O Come, let us celebrate this wonderful gift.

All: Let us praise God with shouts of joy and singing!

 

⭻Praise Song                      O Come, All Ye Faithful            UMH 234 v. 1, 3, & 6

O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,

O come ye, O come ye, to Bethlehem.

Come and behold Him, born the King of angels;

 Refrain

 

O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

 

True God of true God, Light from Light Eternal,

Lo, he shuns not the Virgin's womb;

Son of the Father, begotten, not created;

 Refrain

 

Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation;

Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above!

Glory to God, all glory in the highest;

 Refrain

 

See how the shepherds, summoned to His cradle,

Leaving their flocks, draw nigh to gaze;

We too will thither bend our joyful footsteps;

 Refrain

 

Child, for us sinners poor and in the manger,

We would embrace Thee, with love and awe;

Who would not love Thee, loving us so dearly?

 Refrain

 

Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning;

Jesus, to Thee be all glory given;

Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing.

 Refrain

 

Children’s Time  

                                   

Announcements

• We have ‘In-Person’ and ‘Online Worship’ on Sunday, December 25th, 10 am. 
   

• You can join our online worship via YouTube or Facebook. Type “Little Falls United Methodist Church” in the search window on Youtube or Facebook. Please use the link below to join in Online Worship.

YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCOzxLc7UQjeMNprjm9u8gtQ/

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• You can join the Online Worship by your phone. Call (646)-876-9923 and enter the Meeting ID, 917 9067 6301, and Passcode 139139.
   

• Prayer Concerns & Joys - If you would like to share your concerns and joys with the congregation, please email Pastor Jin (jkim@littlefallsumc.org) or complete the online form, www.littlefallsumc.org/prayer.
   

• Altar Flowers – Thank you Catherine & Bob Gritman for providing the altar flowers for Sunday Service In Honor of Catherine & Bob Heller. If you would like to offer the altar flowers, please contact Janet (973) 896-8936 or ladyteddy@aol.com. 
   

• Fellowship Time after Worship – We will not have the coffee hour on Christmas day, December 25, 2022. Have a good time with your family and friends, celebrating Christmas. Please help us with the coffee hour. The Sign-up board is on the table in the narthex. Please contact Cheryle or Kathy F. if you have any questions for the coffee hour.
   

• Stewardship Campaign for 2023 - Thank you for your pledges for the 2023 Church ministry. You have participated in God’s mission through the church ministry. You committed to God to give God your first fruit not leftovers. You are not late to participate in God’s ministry through your pledge. Please give us your pledge cards to help us a lot to consider the 2023 ministry and budget. Please give yours if you have not given your card. Thank you for your love toward Little Falls UMC and God’s ministry again!
   

• Treasured Memories – “Treasured Memories” is a grief group for those who have lost their loved ones. The ongoing meeting gathers every 2nd Wednesday of the month in Lee Lounge at 7 pm. Contact Allison for details (973) 800-4152. 
   

• Kids For Christ - KFC is a Fun Thursday night program for Children (K-6th) that is held on the first and third Thursday from 5pm to 6:30 pm. We began our new season 2022-23. This program is open to all children! The next meeting will be held on January 19, 2023.
   

• The Post Confirmation Class – The post confirmation Class will be held in Lee lounge at 5 pm on Sunday, January 15th, 2023.
   

• The Unity Circle is starting to collect gloves, hats, scarves, and mittens to fill our snowman box. Please see Betty Caceres for more information. Thank you for your support!
   

• Online Donation – Online donation is available now. Please visit the church website and click ‘Donation.’ The link is www.LittleFallsUMC.org/donation. 
   

• Shoprite Gift Card - If you want to buy a Shoprite gift card, please contact Pete (973) 595-5765 or detroit50@aol.com.
   

• Kohl’s Gift Card – To purchase a Kohl’s gift card, please contact Allison (973) 800-4152.
   

• AmazonSmile Program - Please choose Little Falls UMC as your charity organization at www.smile.amazon.com. All services and prices will be the same and Amazon will donate 0.5% of your purchase to the church.
   

• Your financial support and generosity are greatly appreciated and essential for our church ministry and mission. Please consider sending your tithes and offerings to Little Falls UMC (139 Main St. Little Falls, NJ 07424). You can send your offerings and tithes to the church every week. Or you can send offerings and tithes for a month with a check. Thanks again for your generosity!
   

• LFUMC FOOD PANTRY ITEMS NEEDED - Many families depend on the Food Pantry on a regular basis. The Pantry needs the following non-perishable items; canned vegetables, peanut butter, jelly, adult/children’s cereal, pasta & sauce, instant potatoes/rice, tuna, chicken, sardines, fruit, apple sauce, juice, and granola bars.
   

• SOCKS FOR SOULS - Do your feet get cold? Please help Unity Circle to provide new or gently used socks to the homeless. There is a constant need. Please drop off your socks in the large white sock in the Narthex. 
   

• Ongoing Collection - UMW also collects postmarked stamps, can pull tabs, Box Tops for Education, and the front of greeting cards. Items are donated to different charities and organizations. 

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⭻Hymn of Prayer             Away In A Manger           UMH 217

Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,

The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head.

The stars in the sky looked down where He lay,

The little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay.

 

The cattle are lowing, the Baby awakes,

But little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes;

I love Thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky

And stay by my cradle til morning is nigh.

 

Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay

Close by me forever, and love me, I pray;

Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care,

And fit us for heaven to live with Thee there.

 

Pausing for Silent Prayer and Confession

 

Prayers of the People (Response: God, in Your Mercy, hear our prayers.)

 

Healing and Comforting God, we have spoken aloud and within our hearts the names of people and situations which need your loving touch. Our hearts ache for those who are ill and for those who mourn. We feel that we cannot do enough for them, but we trust in your comforting love to be with them on this journey. For those who feel lost and alone, seeking God, we ask that you help us to reach out to them with your good news of great and abiding love. For all the situations in our world this day, where there is warfare, oppression, strife, all the hideous ways in which your beloved people can suffer, God, please lay your hand of healing love on them. Help them to feel your powerful presence with them, guiding and strengthening. These things which we have spoken with our lips and our hearts we offer in confidence of your eternal love and in the name of Jesus Christ. AMEN.

 

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 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. Amen.

 

Called to the Word

 

Prayer for Illumination   

 

Leader: Lord, open our hearts and minds by the power of your Holy Spirit, that, as the Scriptures are read and your Word proclaimed, we may hear with joy what you say to us today. 

 

All: Amen

 

OT Lesson                                       Psalm 98:1-9

1 Sing to the Lord a new song,
   for he has done marvelous things;
his right hand and his holy arm
   have worked salvation for him.
2 The Lord has made his salvation known
   and revealed his righteousness to the nations.
3 He has remembered his love
   and his faithfulness to Israel;
all the ends of the earth have seen
   the salvation of our God.

4 Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth,
   burst into jubilant song with music;
5 make music to the Lord with the harp,
   with the harp and the sound of singing,
6 with trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn—
   shout for joy before the Lord, the King.

7 Let the sea resound, and everything in it,
   the world, and all who live in it.
8 Let the rivers clap their hands,
   let the mountains sing together for joy;
9 let them sing before the Lord,
   for he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness
   and the peoples with equity. 

 

This ends the OT Lesson. 
Let us turn to the Gospel Lesson. Please stand, if able.

 

Gospel Lesson                               John 1:1-14

 

The Word Became Flesh

 

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. 8 He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.

9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

 

This is the word of God for the people of God. 

All: Thanks be to God.

 

Let Us Sing Together

 

O, Holy Night                                                                   Adolphe Charles Adams, v 1 & 3

O Holy Night!
The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of the dear Savior's birth!
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
Till he appear'd and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary soul rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!

(Refrain)

Fall on your knees
Oh hear the angel voices
Oh night divine
Oh night when Christ was born
Oh night divine
Oh night divine

Truly He taught us to love one another
His law is love and His gospel is peace
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother
And in His name all oppression shall cease
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy name

 

(Refrain)

 

Angels We Have Heard on High                              UMH 238, v. 1 & 4

Angels we have heard on high

sweetly singing o'er the plains,

and the mountains in reply

echoing their joyous strains.

 

Refrain

 

Gloria, in excelsis Deo!

Gloria, in excelsis Deo!

 

Refrain

 

See Him in a manger laid,

whom the choirs of angels praise;

Mary, Joseph, lend your aid,

while our hearts in love we raise.

 

Refrain

 

Star Child                                                                           TFWS 2095

Verse 1

Star-Child earth-Child go between of God

Love Child Christ Child Heaven's lightning rod

 

Chorus

This year this year let the day arrive

When Christmas comes for everyone

Everyone alive

 

Verse 2

Street child beat child no place left to go

Hurt child used child no one wants to know

 

Verse 3

Grown child old child mem'ry full of years

Sad child lost child story told in tears

 

Verse 4

Spared child spoiled child having wanting more

Wise child faith child knowing joy in store

 

Verse 5

Hope for peace Child God's stupendous sign

Down to earth Child Star of stars that shine

 

Happy Birthday Jesus                                     Carol Cymbala

Happy birthday, Jesus

I'm so glad it's Christmas

All the tinsel and lights

And the presents are nice

But the real gift is You

 

Happy birthday, Jesus

I'm so glad it's Christmas

All the carols and bells

Make the holiday swell

And it's all about You

 

Happy birthday, Jesus

Jesus I love You

 

Happy birthday, Jesus

I'm so glad it's Christmas

All the tinsel and lights

And the presents are nice

But the real gift is You

 

Happy birthday, Jesus

I'm so glad it's Christmas

All the carols and bells

Make the holiday swell

And it's all about You

 

Happy birthday, Jesus

Jesus I love You

I love You Jesus

 

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing                                  UMH 240, v. 1 & 2

Hark! The herald angels sing,

"Glory to the newborn King;

Peace on earth, and mercy mild,

God and sinners reconciled!"

Joyful, all ye nations rise,

Join the triumph of the skies;

With th'angelic host proclaim,

"Christ is born in Bethlehem!"

 

Refrain

 

Hark! the herald angels sing,

"Glory to the newborn King!"

 

Christ, by highest heav'n adored;

Christ the everlasting Lord;

Late in time, behold Him come,

Offspring of a virgin's womb.

Veiled in flesh the Godhead see;

Hail th'incarnate Deity,

Pleased with us in flesh to dwell,

Jesus our Emmanuel.

 

Refrain                      

 

Called to Share

 

Response to Our Generous God 

 

 ⭻Doxology                 Praise God, From Whom All Blessings Flow        UMH 95

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

Praise Him, all creatures here below;

Praise Him above, ye heav’nly host;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!

 

⭻Prayer of Dedication

 

All: Great God, our Redeemer, we sing your praises. Your glorious love shines in the face of Jesus, born a babe in this dark world. We marvel that he generously humbled himself to bring salvation. How precious is your gift of love! Let the light in our sanctuary and our songs of praise spill through the windows to neighbors dwelling in darkness. May our gifts and offerings reflect the light of Christ and, as beacons in the night, draw people far and near closer to you. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

 

Called to the World

 

⭻Closing Hymn                             Joy to the World                         UMH 246

Joy to the world, the Lord is come!

Let earth receive her King;

Let every heart prepare Him room,

And heaven and nature sing,

And heaven and nature sing,

And heaven, and heaven, and nature sing.

 

Joy to the world, the Savior reigns!

Let men their songs employ;

While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains

Repeat the sounding joy,

Repeat the sounding joy,

Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.

 

No more let sins and sorrows grow,

Nor thorns infest the ground;

He comes to make His blessings flow

Far as the curse is found,

Far as the curse is found,

Far as, far as, the curse is found.

 

He rules the world with truth and grace,

And makes the nations prove

The glories of His righteousness,

And wonders of His love,

And wonders of His love,

And wonders, wonders, of His love.

 

⭻Benediction                                                                                             Rev. Jin Kook Kim

 

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you.  Amen