Sunday,  December 28, 2025
First Sunday of Christmas Year A
Isaiah 63:7-9 | "In God's Love"

Call to Worship (Inspired by Psalm 148)
One: Praise the Holy One! Praise God from the sanctuary and across the screen. Praise God in the morning and the evening…in the afternoon and at night!
Many: Praise God all people, all nations, all generations! Praise the Holy One who forms and shapes us!
One: Let our adoration join with the angels! May our songs join with the saints!
Many: Let us worship the Holy One with gladness! Let us worship our God in truth!
One: Praise the Holy One for their abiding presence! Praise God for their wondrous works!
Many: Let the name of the Holy One be exalted forever and ever! Praise the Holy One!

Invocation
Holy Love, we delight in your presence among us. We anticipate your wisdom, assurance, and challenge. Soften our hearts, enliven our spirits, and expand our minds so that we may reflect your heart, spirit, and mind. Through our remembering, give us courage to face these times and hope to seek your kindom. In the name of the One who came to us and lives and reigns with you, we pray. Amen.

Prayer for Transformation and New Life
Righteous One, you make all things new, and yet, we often cling to those things, actions, and attitudes that do not serve your purposes. We refuse to confront ourselves and examine our feelings and reasoning out of fear. We may be more concerned with being wrong and needing to change than being faithful to your way and confident of your grace. Meet us in our fears with the assurance that you go with us and welcome us when we turn back to the path you have laid.. Transform us, renew us, and redeem us for your glory and in your love. Amen.

Words of Grace
Precious and beloved creation of God, you have been made for God's companionship. The One who will never leave you nor forsake you is faithful to forgive, revive, and empower you. Receive the grace that God gives and the opportunity to live into the person that the Holy One has created you to be and the world needs.  

Invitation to Generosity
Generosity is a spiritual gift and a discipline. Let us cultivate our practice of trusting in God's provision, abundance, and love by giving generously to meet the needs of our community and beyond. 

Prayer of Dedication and Thanksgiving
Wise God, we present these offerings to you and dedicate our time, talents, and treasures for your kindom. May your will be done, our siblings needs be met, and your name be known through what we share in praise and thanksgiving for all you have given to us in time, talent, and treasure. Amen. 

Benediction
When we leave this place, we keep our connection to one another.
When we leave this time, we keep our focus on the God we trust.
When we leave this service, we keep our worship going in service in the world. 
May our commitments bloom, our hope flourish, and our ministry prosper as we go forth in God's love.

In God's Love:  Service Prayers for the First Sunday of Christmas Year A was written by the Rev. Dr. Cheryl A. Lindsay, Minister for Worship and Theology for the United Church of Christ.