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 DECEMBER 21, 2025
FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
REV. KENDRA BALLIET
ORGANIST JIM ROSS
STONE CARILLON CHOIR - HANDBELLS
 
Prelude (Bells) - Good Christian Friends Rejoice/On This Day Earth Shall Ring - McChesney-Roth
Welcome & Announcements 
 
*Call to Worship 

PASTOR: Just as our theme carol asks, “what child is this?” we, too, have come with our questions this day. We go into the world with answers of Good News, being the Body of Christ through our words and deeds.

PEOPLE:We Ask, We Answer 

PASTOR:As we prepare to go into the world, let us ask and answer the question we came with. 

PEOPLE: What child IS this? 

PASTOR: This is the one surrounded by sacrificial love. 

PEOPLE: What child IS this? 

PASTOR: This is the one who would go on to great sacrifice in the name of love. 

PEOPLE: What child IS this? 

PASTOR: This, this is the one “Enthroned by Love” who invites us into more love than we thought was possible. 


* Opening Hymn – “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” #154 

 Lighting of the Fourth Advent Candle 

So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh, 
Come, peasant, king to own Him. 
The King of kings salvation brings; 
Let loving hearts enthrone Him. 
Reader 1: When we hear “let loving hearts enthrone him” in our theme carol, we are encountering the “essence of the message.” Love is at the heart of this beloved story of the birth of Christ. It is love that is the true definition of “kingdom,” of “kinship.” No one exemplifies this more than Joseph’s love for Mary and for the child. Reader 2: He is protector of Love; he is hospitality incarnated. Not only the very life of Jesus was in his hands, but his own character and sacrifice were influential in the way that Jesus went on to live his life and center “love for all” as his message.
Reader 1: We light this candle of Love for those who need it most. (Light the three Purple Candles and the Pink Candle.)
Reader 2: For all who feel they are on the outskirts of love.
Reader 1: For all who know the loss of a love.
Reader 2: For all who are rejected because of who they are.
Reader 1: Our question for today at the scene of the nativity is this: “How will we make sacrificial love our aim in our time?”
Reader 2: What child IS this? This, this, is the babe who was swaddled in love and wraps us all in love forever. 

This, this is Christ, the King, 
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing: 
Haste, haste to bring Him laud, 
The Babe, the Son of Mary! 

Opening Prayer
Here, at the nativity of your birth, give us the courage to face this moment with a steadfast love that casts out fear. Open us to new understandings of the unfolding story of your presence among us. Show us how to be with and for one another in ways that add to the flourishing of all creation. We pray in the name of the Child, the Love Enthroned in our hearts and lives. Amen. 
 
Children’s Chat 
 
Scripture- Matthew 1: 18-25
Pastor: The Word of God for the people of God.
People: Thanks be to God 
                
 Series: “What Child IS This: Beyond the Lullaby”
Message: “Enthroned by Love” 

 Tithes and Offering 
Offertory (Bells)- Bring A Torch Jeanette, Isabella - Kevin McChesney  
*Doxology – Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow #94 
 
Prayer Hymn – “Emmanuel, Emmanuel” #204 

Prayers of the People - Joys and Concerns 
Pastoral Prayer & Lord’s Prayer 
 
*Closing Hymn – “Love Came Down at Christmas”#242 
 
Action Steps and Benediction 
 
Postlude -  Tell Out My Soul - Paul Manz

Thank you for sharing in this worship service. Please continue to stay in touch through our website (stoneumc.org) and/or by following us on Facebook (Stone UMC). If you have joys or concerns that you would like lifted up in prayer, please fill out the Prayer Card in the pew, on the website, or share them by contacting us at 814-724-6736 or churchoffice@stoneumc.org