God of all times and places, we gather at your table of grace to remember your vision of hope for all people and for your creation.

Through Abraham and Sarah, you revealed your promise in the surprise of a child. Through prophets, you called your people to make way for peace and justice. In Jesus, you revealed the way of forgiveness and love. Through the ever-circling year, your Word discloses to us—again and anew—your promise for the restoration of all creation.

Gathering to share this sign of hope and fulfillment, we remember Jesus, the child born into obscurity, on the margins of society, amid fear and uncertainty. We remember the fragility of that revelation… the hope he stirred…  the imagination he inspired, and we sing (or speak) together…

It came upon a midnight clear, that glorious song of old, 

of angels bending near the earth to touch their harps of gold.

“Peace on the earth, good will toward men, from heaven’s all-gracious King”

The world in solemn stillness lay to hear the angels sing.

We remember Jesus, the One who blazed a new and risky path of extravagant generosity and of passionate concern: temple-shaker, world-maker, rule-breaker, risk-taker; the author and finisher of our faith.

We remember Jesus’ self-giving love and the offer of himself for others, even those who gave him over to death, and we sing…

And ye, beneath life’s crushing load, whose forms are bending low,

who toil along the climbing way with painful steps so slow,

Look now! For glad and golden hours come swiftly on the wing. 

O rest beside the weary road and hear the angels sing! 

(The leader gestures towards the elements while speaking) 

On that night, in the midst of great confusion and fear, Jesus broke bread with friends and said, “This is my body, which I give for you and for all. Do this to remember me.”

With a blessing, he took the cup and offered it to them saying: “This cup is God’s covenant which is given for all. When you drink this, remember me.” 

(The Leader then serves each person while speaking the blessing  “Christ came to bring you light and life.”)

Come Lord Jesus, and bless us in these gifts, and what we do here to remember you so that we would always sing the song of love for You,  your people and for your world.

For Lo! The days are hastening on, by prophet seen of old,

When with the ever circling years shall come the time foretold.

When peace shall cover all the earth, it’s ancient splendors ring

And the whole world sends back the song, which now the angels sing.

God of shepherds and kings, you gather us by the light of your star of promise. You lead us not only to hope in the future, but to trust in your presence and renewal of life in every time and place.

Guide us tonight, by the light of that star. Lead us to the edges of this world where uncertainty is met with the renewal of life and the transformation of this world is most deeply felt through Your love remembered and shared, one with another.

Almighty God be with us on this most wondrous of nights, we ask in praise of Your glory,

Amen, Come Lord Jesus!

From all of us who gather in worship at Monte Vista Chapel, we would like wish you a very Merry Christmas and invite you to join us on Christmas morning at 10 a.m. We will gather together to celebrate and fellowship the birth of Emmanuel, God with us in a family friendly time of worship together. We hope to see you there!