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December 22, 2024 – Emmanuel: God With Us

December 22, 2024

Worship Service Overview

On the Fourth Sunday of Advent, Bostwick Lake Congregational UCC gathered on a bitterly cold morning, embracing the warmth of community and the promise of God’s presence among us. The Smith family lit the Candle of Love, completing the Advent wreath and symbolizing God’s boundless love, made manifest in Christ.

The sermon reflected on hope, humility, and transformation, drawing from Mary’s Magnificat and Micah’s prophecy. As Mary proclaims that God lifts up the lowly, and Micah foretells that a ruler will come from the small town of Bethlehem, the message emphasized God’s presence in unexpected places and the reversal of worldly power.

The service was filled with joy and anticipation, reminding the congregation that God is with us in all circumstances—from celebrations of new life to prayers for those facing illness and loss. The closing hymn, “Joy to the World,” reinforced the theme of emerging from darkness into light as Christmas approached.

Led By:

Rev. Dr. Jonathan White

Scripture Readings:

Luke 1:46-55 (Mary’s Song of Praise – The Magnificat)
Micah 5:2-5a (The Prophecy of Bethlehem)

Date:

December 22, 2024

Location:

Bostwick Lake Congregational UCC

Watch Service

Summary of Service

Opening & Announcements

Liturgist: Bev Watus

  • Church Closure: The church office will be closed from December 24 – January 2.
  • Christmas Eve Service: A special Christmas Eve worship will take place at 7:00 PM before the church officially closes for the holiday.
  • New Directories Available: The updated church directory is available for pickup. Any errors should be reported for correction.
  • Special Note from a Congregant: A heartfelt message was read from Marlene C., expressing gratitude for prayers during her open-heart surgery recovery, calling it “the best Christmas present ever.”

Advent Candle Lighting: The Candle of Love

  • Lit by the Smith family.
  • Reflection on Love:
    • Love is stronger than rulers and empires.
    • Love is stronger than grief, despair, and even death.
    • We love because God first loved us.
  • Prayer: A call to walk in the Light of Christ, embracing hope, peace, joy, and love this Christmas season.

Call to Worship & Hymn

  • Responsive Reading: Adapted from Baruch 5:1-9
  • Opening Hymn: “O Come, All Ye Faithful” (New Century Hymnal #110)

Prayers & Concerns

  • Prayers for healing:
    • Tom, Elijah, Dale, Pat, Marlene, Alice, Dick, Will, Brian, and Pauline.
    • Roger H’s upcoming surgery (scheduled for the Friday after Christmas).
    • Will K., still battling cancer and hospitalized due to complications.
  • Prayers for those grieving:
    • Families of Darlene, Betty, Dave, Scott, Sally, and Pepper.
  • Prayers for caregivers:
    • Recognition of those caring for loved ones, acknowledging the emotional toll it takes.
  • Prayers for those facing job loss:
    • Support for members recently affected by unemployment, especially during the holiday season.
  • Praise & Joy:
    • Welcoming a new baby into the church family!
    • Alice H’s recovery at Mary Free Bed, maintaining a strong spirit despite challenges.

Scripture Readings

  • Luke 1:46-55 – Mary’s Song of Praise (The Magnificat)
  • Micah 5:2-5a – The Prophecy of Bethlehem and the Promise of a Shepherd-King

Sermon: Emmanuel – God With Us

Key Themes:

  1. God Works Through the Unexpected:
    • Micah prophesied that the Messiah would come from the tiny town of Bethlehem, not from a place of political power.
    • Mary, a humble young woman, becomes the bearer of the Savior—demonstrating God’s preference for the lowly and overlooked.
  2. Mary’s Magnificat: A Bold Proclamation
    • Mary’s song is not just a hymn of gratitude—it is a revolutionary declaration that:
      • The proud will be scattered.
      • The humble will be lifted.
      • The hungry will be filled.
      • The rich will be sent away empty.
    • This radical reversal is central to Christ’s mission: lifting up the powerless and challenging unjust systems.
  3. God With Us in Every Circumstance
    • Even in hardship and uncertainty, God is near.
    • Job loss, illness, grief—none of these separate us from God’s love.
    • Like Mary, we are called to say, “Here I am, Lord.”
  4. A Story of Love in Action
    • The sermon concluded with a powerful illustration about a boy selling newspapers barefoot in the cold, praying for shoes.
    • A kind stranger buys him socks and warm shoes, leading the boy to ask, “Are you God?”
    • The woman replies, “No, but I’m one of His children.”
    • The lesson: Being Christ to others means meeting needs, showing love, and embodying God’s presence.

Hymn of Reflection

  • “Angels We Have Heard on High”

Offering & Prayer of Thanksgiving

  • Call to Give: May these gifts be used to level mountains and fill valleys, bringing justice and peace to the world.
  • Offering Hymn: “What Child Is This?”

Silent Reflection & Pastoral Prayer

  • Guided Reflection:
    • “Take off the garment of sorrow and affliction, and put on the beauty of God’s glory.”
  • Prayer for Strength & Comfort:
    • Remembering that God is with us in every season—whether in celebration or hardship.
  • Lord’s Prayer Recited Together

Closing Hymn & Benediction

  • Final Hymn: “Joy to the World”
  • Benediction:
    • We are called to more than Christmas trees and decorations.
    • Go forth as Christ-bearers, embodying hope, peace, joy, and love in a hurting world.
    • “Emmanuel—God is with us.”

Key Takeaways from the Service:

✔ God’s love is revealed in unexpected places—from Bethlehem’s manger to the hearts of the humble.
✔ Mary’s Magnificat is a call to action—God lifts the lowly and fills the hungry.
✔ Advent reminds us that God is always present—especially in moments of uncertainty and struggle.
✔ Christmas is more than a celebration—it’s a calling to serve, uplift, and love.
✔ Like the woman in the story, we are called to be God’s hands and feet in the world.

Final Thought:

“Joy to the world, the Lord is come!” As Advent ends and Christmas arrives, may we step into the light of Christ’s love, bringing hope to all we encounter.

Reflections

Expanding on This Week’s Message

Explore the key themes from this week’s sermon in our latest Reflections blog post, featuring deeper insights, personal applications, and thought-provoking takeaways that extend beyond Sunday’s message.
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Bostwick Lake Congregational UCC