Prelude
Welcome
Call to Worship
Leader: The light has come into the world, but the world did not suddenly become safe.
People: Still, God is with us.
Leader: The child has been born, yet the journey is not over.
People: Still, God is with us.
Leader: In the quiet roads and uncertain places, in fear and in faithfulness,
People: Still, God is with us.
Leader: Come, not because everything is resolved, but because God has not let go.
People: We come to worship the God who journeys with us.
Opening Hymn
Carols Selected by Congregation
Prayer of Confession
Leader: God of light and love, we confess that we often want your presence without the cost of following you. We welcome the child in the manger, but struggle with the Christ who leads us into uncertainty, risk, and change.
We confess that we look for safety where you call us to trust, for comfort where you invite courage, and for easy answers when the journey requires faith.
We turn away from the suffering of the world because it feels overwhelming, and we hesitate to believe that you are still at work when fear and violence seem so close.
Hear now the silent confessions of our hearts— the places where we resist the road you set before us, and the fears we are afraid to name.
(Silence)
God who goes with us, forgive us when we cling to what is familiar instead of trusting your presence. Renew us by your grace,and lead us again into the life you are unfolding, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Words of Assurance
Leader: Hear the good news: The God who called the holy family onto uncertain roads does not abandon us when the way is unclear. In Jesus Christ, God meets us with grace before we are ready, walks with us when we are afraid, and forgives us even now.
People: Thanks be to God. Amen.
Passing of the Peace
First Reading:
Matthew 2:13-23
Sermon:
When God Goes on the Run
Tithes and Offerings
Offertory Response
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow UMH 95
Offertory Prayer
God who goes with us on the road, we offer these gifts in trust, knowing that you are already at work beyond what we can see.
As you provided for the holy family on uncertain paths, use what we bring today to bear your love into a world still learning how to receive it. Receive these gifts, and receive our lives, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Pastoral Prayer and Lord's Prayer
Announcements
Benediction
Said Each Week as A Communal Prayer:
Send to us all the people who feel unwanted and unloved in other places, and if they can't come to us, send us to them.
Postlude