Call to Worship

Leader: The Lord sits enthroned over the flood;

People: The Lord is enthroned as King forever.

Leader: The Lord gives strength to his people;

People: The Lord blesses his people with peace.

Opening Prayer

Prince of Peace, we come before you longing for the calm only you can bring. In a world filled with noise, conflict, and uncertainty, breathe your peace into our hearts. Shape us into agents of reconciliation—people who carry your stillness into anxious spaces, your compassion into hurting places, and your hope into weary communities. During this Advent season, open our eyes to the peace you are already at work creating among us, and give us courage to join you in that holy work. Amen.

Scripture Reading

13 Suddenly, a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.

Reflection

When the angels appeared to the shepherds, they came singing a song of praise. Ever since that moment, songs have helped define our Christmas season. Their song was a cry for peace—a proclamation of God’s desire for wholeness in the world. In the Old Testament, the word Shalom describes a peace that is far more than the absence of conflict. Shalom is about completeness, community well-being, and a life where everyone has what they need and is loved, valued, and accepted.

What Christmas song helps you enter the spirit of the season? Which one best helps you focus on praising God and Jesus?

Shalom invites us to imagine our communities as “whole” and “not lacking.” What would it take for our homes, cities, and nation to move toward that kind of peace? What changes—large or small—might help us live more fully into God’s dream of Shalom?

Candle Lighting

Light candles #1 & 2

Today, we light the candle for peace. We work to bring Shalom into the world.

Carol

Hark! the Herald Angels Sing

1. Hark! the herald angels sing, 
"Glory to the new-born King; 
peace on earth, and mercy mild, 
God and sinners reconciled!" 
Joyful, all ye nations, rise, 
join the triumph of the skies; 
with th'angelic host proclaim, 
"Christ is born in Bethlehem!" 
Hark! the herald angels sing, 
"Glory to the new born King!" 

2. Christ, by highest heaven adored; 
Christ, the everlasting Lord; 
late in time behold him come, 
offspring of a virgin's womb. 
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; 
hail th' incarnate Deity, 
pleased with us in flesh to dwell, 
Jesus, our Emmanuel. 
Hark! the herald angels sing, 
"Glory to the new-born King!" 

3. Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace! 
Hail the Sun of Righteousness! 
Light and life to all he brings, 
risen with healing in his wings. 
Mild he lays his glory by, 
born that we no more may die, 
born to raise us from the earth, 
born to give us second birth. 
Hark! the herald angels sing, 
"Glory to the new born King!"

Closing Prayer

God of Shalom,
As we conclude this time together, let your peace settle deeply within us. Quiet the noise in our minds and soften the tension in our hearts. Teach us to be people who seek wholeness—who listen well, love generously, and work for fairness in our homes, our neighborhoods, and our world.

Guide our steps, bless our conversations, and keep us in your perfect peace.
Amen.