When Elizabeth and Mary first meet after they both became pregnant, Elizabeth and her baby – the future John the Baptist – respond to Mary's unborn child, Jesus, with joy, recognizing that he is God, recognizing that he is the one to put into action God's plan of salvation, and recognizing in him God's supreme act of grace toward humanity.
Readings and Sermon: Pastor Aaron Mueller.
Order of service:
Readings:
- Reflection on God's Forgiveness is from Isaiah 44:21-23
- Psalm reading is from Psalm 80:1–7
- Old Testament reading is from Micah 5:2–5a
- Epistle reading is from Hebrews 10:5–10
- Holy Gospel is from Luke 1:39–45
Songs and Hymns:
- Silent Night, Holy Night
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Text: Franz Gruber
Tune: Franz Joseph Mohr
Public domain - In Christ Alone
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Text and tune by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend
© 2001 Thankyou Music
Used with permission, CCLI license # 20286740 - The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came
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Text and tune: Basque, 18th century
Public domain - Brightest and Best
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Words and Music: Reginald Heber, public domain
Arrangement: Keith Getty, Ben Shive, Fionan de Barra
Choir Arrangement: Samuel Wilson
© 2021 Getty Music Publishing; © 2021 Fionán de Barra
© 2021 Getty Music Hymns and Songs; © 2021 Junkbox Music
Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740 - What Hope! An Eden Prophesied
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Text: Stephen P. Starke
© 1998 Stephen P. Starke, used with permission, CCLI license # 20286740
Tune: Repository of Sacred Music, Part Second, 1813
Public domain - See amid the Winter’s Snow
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Text: Edward Caswall
Tune: John Goss
Public domain - Of the Father’s Love Begotten
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Text: Aurelius Prudentius Clemens, 348-c. 413
Tr. John Mason Neale, 1818-66, sts. 1-4; tr. Henry W. Baker, 1821-77, st. 5
Tune: Plainsong, 13th cent., mode V
Public domain - Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence
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Text: Liturgy of St. James, 5th century
Tune: French, 17th century
Public domain
Liturgies:
- Sanctus
- Text: Stephen P. Starke
- Agnus Dei
- Text: Stephen P. Starke
- Nunc Dimittis
Recording:
- Audio:
- Video:
- Watch on YouTube
Announcements:
- Sunday, Dec 22:
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- Children's Christmas Program: 9 AM
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At the beginning of service.
- Worship Service: 9 AM to 10:15 AM
- Christmas Brunch: 10:30 AM
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After worship.
- No Youth Confirmation
- Tuesday, Dec 24:
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- Christmas Eve Worship Service: 11:30 PM
- Wednesday, Dec 25:
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- No Men’s Bible Study
- Christmas Day Worship Service: 9 AM
- Sunday, Dec 29:
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- Mueller Farewell Lunch @ MELHS: 12 PM
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A farewell celebration for Pastor Mueller and his family will be held on Sunday, December 29th at noon at Metro East Lutheran High School and will be catered by Ravenelli’s. Today, December 15, is your last day to RSVP. The sign-up sheet in in the narthex. If you have any questions, please contact Jen Weber or Tina Enke.
- Saturday, Jan 4:
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- Circle of Friends (LWML): 10 AM to 11:30 AM
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Ladies of St. James… join us for our meeting in Fellowship Hall on Saturday, January 4th. Our topic will be Your Life is Sacred and we will have a hands-on mission project of making blankets of Love!
- Sunday, Jan 5:
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- Special Congregational Meeting: 10:15 AM
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There will be a special congregational meeting on January 5th immediately following worship service. Per the Annual Congregational Meeting, the St. James Elders and Budget Team have reviewed all the input from the December 8th Annual Meeting and all submitted concerns regarding the budget and will resubmit the 2025 budget for approval. All members are encouraged to attend.
- Saturday Women’s Bible Study – Starts Jan 11
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Saturday Women’s Bible Study begins January 11. We’ll be using a CPH study titled: Waiting: A Bible Study on Patience, Hope and Trust. We’ll meet each Saturday at 10 AM for 9 sessions. (Except the first Saturday of each month when LWML meets.) Let us know if you’ll attend by signing up in the narthex or by texting Tina Barnard at 618-406-1932. Books, fellowship and childcare are free!
- Second Tuesday Women’s Bible Study
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Our next meeting will be on Tuesday Jan. 14th from 6-8pm in the fellowship hall. We will be covering session 2 of Whatever – Keeping Your Heart in Tune with Whatever Life Brings. It’s cold outside!! If you’d like, please bring your favorite soup to share for a cook-off of sorts. Text Shala Baker with any questions at 618-315-0788.
- We need You!
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The Altar Guild is asking for at least one person to serve the congregation by helping clear the altar and clean the communion vessels following the service. The commitment is about twice per month and is done between the service and Sunday School. Children are welcome to join provided they are assisted by a parent. Please contact Nic Schatte (nic@stjamesglencarbon.org) or call the church office with any questions.
- Save the Date (watch for details soon)
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- January 12 – Mosaic Baby Bottle Campaign Begins
- January 17 – Community Group Mixer
- Thank You
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Thank you to our Altar Guild Team and Music Team. We are so blessed by all the hard work and dedication you put into our worship service, especially during this busy holiday season. Your attention to detail, talents, and commitment enhances our worship experience and truly brings glory to God. Thank you for your tireless efforts and the love you pour into serving our St. James community.
- The True Meaning of Christmas
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It’s been 2000 years since baby Jesus was born in Bethlehem. Since that time, the Church has been celebrating that all- important event. In our day, it could be argued that the true meaning of Christmas has been somewhat obscured. The newest episode of Craving Answers Craving God features a discussion on just that & the true meaning of Christmas. Check it out!
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