The Not-So-Perfect Perfect Christmas

CALL TO WORSHIP

Have someone read aloud:

Isaiah 60:1,3 (NKJV)

Arise, shine;
For your light has come!
And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you.

The Gentiles shall come to your light,
And kings to the brightness of your rising.

PRAYER

Our gracious and loving Father, in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the day, we seek Your presence to guide our thoughts and open our hearts. Grant us quietness of hearts, minds, and spirits, that this time of worship and reflection may draw us to the true essence of Christmas—Your profound love expressed through the birth of Your Son, Jesus Christ. 

Help us to see beyond the tinsel and lights to the eternal light that entered the world on that first Christmas night. Grant us insight into the ways we can reflect Your love in our lives. In the quiet corners of our hearts, speak to us and inspire us to carry the message of Christmas throughout the year.

We thank You for the peace that surpasses understanding, the joy that fills our hearts, and the hope that transcends all circumstances. In this moment of reflection, may we be reminded of the boundless love You have poured out upon us through the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior, in whose name we pray. Amen.

WORSHIP THROUGH SONGS

SCRIPTURE READING

Read aloud (together if applicable).

R-56: The First Christmas 第一個聖誕節

(Luke 2:1; 4-14)

And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.

Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

“Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

MESSAGE

Watch the sermon.

SONG OF RESPONSE

WORSHIP THROUGH PRAYER

Have someone close your time together in prayer.

WORSHIP THROUGH GIVING

If you are a regular attender of GCCP and are led to give to the Lord, you can give through the options given below. You are not obligated to give (2 Corinthians 9:7). We are simply glad that you can use this worship guide to honor our Lord.

• Bank Transfer. Give via direct deposit or online fund transfer using your preferred mobile banking app.

• Local/International Channels. GCash, Paymaya, Paypal, or credit card options are available.

• Drop-box. An offering dropbox is available at the church entrance. Please make sure your offering is in a sealed envelope.