Christmas Eve December 24, 2011 "A GIFT WITH NO STRINGS"

CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Glorious God, on this wondrous night we have made our way amid the hustle and bustle of last minute shopping and preparation, to this beautiful sanctuary. We have come to ponder your promise of peace and receive it, once more into our hearts. We confess our need to be reminded, each day why we decorate and celebrate all through the month of December. We confess, too, that we have a tendency to talk more about Santa Claus than we do about the birth of our savior, Jesus. Remind us that Santa does not make the season holy, Jesus does. Open our mouths to proclaim that Jesus is the centerpiece of the season. Transport us now, to that chilly stable. Let us, with Mary and Joseph, marvel at the newborn babe, who has come to us, to abide with us, our Emmanuel. Like the shepherds, we stand in humbled silence awed by the mysterious presence of the one the angels called messiah. As we look into your face of innocence, we can feel our hearts rejoice. Tonight, and for all our tomorrows, we give you thanks, dearest Lord, and gladly receive the wondrous gift you have given this night. Amen.
OFFERTORY PRAYER
Wondrous God, giver of the greatest gift of all; bless these gifts to your service that, with the help of our hearts and our hands, they may transform the hearts and lives of the people we serve throughout the world. In the name of the Christ, we pray. Amen.