O Little Town of Bethlehem

19 December 2021

Fourth Sunday of Advent (Peace)

Micah 5:2-5a

Preparation

Before the service, add a faux sheep to the stable, manger, and star at the front of the worship space. Provide five Advent candles to light during the Advent Readers Theater. Light the candles of Hope, Love, and Joy before the service begins.

Prelude

Carols of the Season

“The First Noël” CCS 424
“Canticle of the Turning” CCS 404

Welcome

Advent Readers Theater and Lighting the Peace Candle

Advent Prayer

Diyos ng lahat ng nilikha, sa aming patuloy na paghahanda at pag-asam sa batang Kristo, tulungan mo kaming alalahanin na ikaw ang Diyos ng kapayapaan. Sa mga salitang ito, tulungan Mo kaming alalahanin ang mga salitang ito ni Mosias, “kayo ay lalago sa kaalaman ng kaluwalhatian niya na lumikha sa iyo, o sa pagkaalaman ninyo sa katarungan at katotohanan. At hindi ninyo iisipin na saktan ang isa't isa, kundi mamuhay kayo nang payapa, at ibigay sa bawat tao ang alinsunod sa nararapat sa kanya." Nawa'y kami ay patuloy na maging tagapamayapa sa iyong kaharian. Ito ang aming dalangin. Amen.

—Mosiah 2:23-24, adapted

Advent Hymn of Peace

“Hope Is a Light” CCS 398

Prayer for Peace

Light the Peace Candle.
Prayer

Hymn or Ministry of Music

“The Peace of Jesus Christ” CCS 317

Responsive Reading

Prinsipe ng Kapayapaan, tinawag Mo akong maging tagapamayapa. Tinatawag mo akong magmahal at tanggapin ang iba. Tinatawag mo akong tratuhin ang mundo nang may pag-iingat at paggalang.

Araw-araw mo akong pinapaalalahanan:

Congregation:

Ako ay tagapamayapa.

Nagtitiwala ako na ang iyong pinakamataas na layunin ay mailalahad.

Kapayapaan nawa sa mundong ito.

Hymn of Peace

“Silvery Star, Precious Star” CCS 419

Scripture of Peace: Micah 5:2-5a

Message of Peace Based on Micah 5:2-5a

Disciples’ Generous Response

Statement
Blessing and Receiving of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes

Advent Hymn

”O Little Town of Bethlehem” CCS 434

Prayer of Blessing

Response

Postlude

HYMNS

434 O Little Town of Bethlehem

O little town of Bethlehem,
how still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
the silent stars go by;
yet in thy dark streets shineth
the everlasting Light;
the hopes and fears of all the years
are met in thee tonight.

For Christ is born of Mary,
and gathered all above,
while mortals sleep, the angels keep
their watch of wond’ring love.
O morning stars, together
proclaim the holy birth,
and praises sing to God the King,
and peace, goodwill on earth!

How silently, how silently
the wondrous gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts
the blessings of his heaven.
No ear may hear his coming,
but in this world of sin,
where meek souls will receive him, still
the dear Christ enters in.

O Holy Child of Bethlehem,
descend to us, we pray;
cast out our sin and enter in;
be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels
the great glad tidings tell;
O come to us, abide with us,
Our Lord Immanuel!

419 Silvery Star, Precious Star

Silvery star, precious star,
shining over Bethlehem,
guiding wise men from afar,
in the still night leading them.

Starlight and song all the night long,
heralds of morn; Jesus is born.

Beautiful song, wondrous song
kneeling shepherds wept to hear,
chanted by God’s holy throng,
singing peace and joy and cheer.

Baby Savior, born at night
in the ages long ago,
angels sang, and stars gave light
for thy humble home below.

Lo, we hear the song o’erhead!
Lo, we see the star arise!
Like the wise men we are led
in the still night unto Christ.

317 The Peace of Jesus Christ

The peace of Jesus Christ makes us whole,
gives us life, restores our souls,
brings us grace, sets us free. God’s liberty!
We open heart and hands, we hear the call
that no child on earth should fall.
Warfare cease! Justice for the lost and least.
No walls of hate shall stand, no words divide
as we journey side by side
making earth one sacred home.
At last! God’s sweet shalom.

The peace of Jesus Christ still alive
in each nation, home, and tribe.
God’s intent—world rebirth. All are of worth.
We shall pursue this peace and share our wealth,
feed the starved, restore lost health.
Dignity, love for all humanity.
Be brave, be strong, be bold! We are not frail.
Side by side, we shall not fail
to make earth one sacred home.
At last! God’s sweet shalom.

424 The First Noël

The first Noël the angel did say
was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay;
in fields where they lay keeping their sheep,
on a cold winter’s night that was so deep.

Noël, Noël, Noël, Noël!
Born is the King of Israel!

They looked up and saw a star
shining in the east beyond them far,
and to the earth it gave great light,
and so it continued both day and night.

And by the light of that same star,
three wise men came from country far;
to seek for a king was their intent,
and to follow the star wherever it went.

This star drew nigh to the northwest,
over Bethlehem it took its rest,
and there it did both stop and stay
right over the place where Jesus lay.

Then entered in those wise men three;
full rev’rently upon the knee,
they offered there, in his presence,
their gold and myrrh and frankincense.

398 Hope Is a Light

Hope is a light,
hope is a light.
Hope is a light to show the way,
hope is a light to show the way.
Light the candle of hope,
light the candle of hope.

Peace is a prayer,
peace is a prayer.
Peace is a prayer that starts with me,
peace is a prayer that starts with me.
Light the candle of peace,
light the candle of peace.

Joy is a song,
joy is a song.
Joy is a song for all to sing,
joy is a song for all to sing.
Light the candle of joy,
light the candle of joy.

Love is a gift,
love is a gift.
Love is a gift our hearts can give,
love is a gift our hearts can give.
Light the candle of love,
light the candle of love.

Jesus is born,
Jesus is born.
Jesus is born in us today,
Jesus is born in us today:
Christ, the light of the world,
Christ, the light of the world.

404 Canticle of the Turning

My soul cries out with a joyful shout
that the God of my heart is great,
and my spirit sings of the wondrous things
that you bring to the ones who wait.
You fixed your sight on your servant’s plight,
and my weakness you did not spurn,
so from east to west shall my name be blest.
Could the world be about to turn?

My heart shall sing of the day you bring.
Let the fires of your justice burn.
Wipe away all tears, for the dawn draws near,
and the world is about to turn.

Though I am small, my God, my all,
you work great things in me,
and your mercy will last from the depths of the past
to the end of the age to be.
Your very name puts the proud to shame,
and to those who would for you yearn,
you will show your might, put the strong to flight,
for the world is about to turn.

From the halls of pow’r to the fortress tow’r,
not a stone will be left on stone.
Let the king beware for your justice tears
every tyrant from his throne.
The hungry poor shall weep no more,
for the food they can never earn;
there are tables spread, every mouth be fed,
for the world is about to turn.

Though the nations rage from age to age,
we remember who holds us fast:
God’s mercy must deliver us
from the conqueror’s crushing grasp.
This saving word that our forebears heard
is the promise which holds us bound,
till the spear and rod can be crushed by God,
who is turning the world around.

Sing and Rejoice!

 

12 December 2021

Third Sunday of Advent (Joy) 

Additional Scriptures

Isaiah 12:2-6; Luke 3:7-18; Philippians 4:4-7; Doctrine and Covenants 163:9

 

 

Preparation

Before the service, add a star above the stable at the front of the worship space. Provide five Advent candles to be lit during the Advent Readers Theater. Light the candles of Hope and Love before the service begins.

 

Prelude

“Joy to the World!” CCS 408

            “What Child Is This”CCS 432

 

Welcome

 

Advent Readers Theater and Lighting of the Joy Candle

 

Advent Prayer                                                    

 

O Dios ng liwanag at kagalakan, ngayon at magpakailanman kami ay nagdiriwang sa Iyo; at uulitin ko, kami ay nagagalak. Ipadama Mo ang iyong kabutihang-loob sa amin upang malaman namin na ang Ikaw ay naririto sa aming tabi. Aalalahanin namin na kami ay hindi dapat mag-alala sa kahit anomang bagay. At ito ay sa pamamagitan ng pananalangin, pagtugon at pagpapasalamat, at batid namin na ang aming mga hiling makakarating sa iyo O Dios. At ang kapayapaan ay siyang higit sa anumang bagay. Nawa ay maging ligtas ang aming mga puso at isipan sa pangalan ni Hesu-Kristo. Amen.

            —Philippians 4:4-7, adapted

 

Advent Hymn of Joy

            “Hope Is a Light” Stanza 1,4 & 3    CCS 398

 

Prayer for Peace

            Light the Peace Candle.

           

            Prayer

 

Spiritual Practice: Naming Blessings

Magbahagi ng kapirasong papel sa kongregasyon at mga pansulat. Maghanda ng isang musiko na maaaring pakinggan habang ginagawa ang gawaing ito.

 

Tayo ay inaanyayahang magbahagi ng mga bagay-bagay bilang biyayang nagbibigay galak sa atin. Gumuhit ng tatlo sa mga biyayang ito na siyang nagbibigay sa atin ng kagalakan.

 

Advent Scripture of Joy

            Zephaniah 3:14-20

 

Experience Joy

Gratitude Creates Joy and a Desire to Bless Others

Think/Pair/Share

Maglaan ng pagkakataon para sagutin ang mga sumusunod na katanungan.

Reflection Questions

1.      Describe a time that you received with joy. Ilarawan ang pagkakataong tumanggap ka ng kagalakan.

2.      Describe a time that you experienced joy in giving.We are called to love each person placed in our path. Ilarawan ang pagkakataong naranasan mo ang kagalakan nang ikaw ay nagkapagbigay ng kahit ano sa iba. Tinawag tayo upang mahalin ang kahit sinomang ating makakaharap.

3.      Describe how you can bless others in your life. Ilarawan mo kung papaano ka makakapagbahagi ng biyaya sa iba.

 

Responsive Reading

Leader: Dios ng kasaganaan, ikaw ang nagbibigay ng lahat ng aking kailangan. Ikaw ang nagturo sa akin kung papaano magbahagi at tumanggap ng kagalakan. Bawat araw ipinapaalala Mo sa akin na:

           

Congregation:     

Magbigay pasasalamat.

Ibahagi ang biyaya.

Magsalitang may pagmamahal.

 

Hymn of Transformation

            “Tomorrow Christ Is Coming”      CCS 406

 

Message of Joy  Based on Zephaniah 3:14-20

 

Disciples’ Generous Response

Statement

            Blessing and Receiving of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes

Hymn

            “Go, Tell It on the Mountain”        CCS 409

Prayer of Blessing

Response

Postlude

________________________________________________________________

 

408 Joy to the World!

 

Joy to the world! The Lord is come;
let earth receive her King;
let every heart prepare him room,
and heav’n and nature sing,
and heav’n and nature sing,
and heav’n, and heav’n and nature sing.

 

Joy to the world; the Savior reigns;
let all their songs employ
while fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains
repeat the sounding joy,
repeat the sounding joy,
repeat, repeat the sounding joy.

 

He rules the world with truth and grace,
and makes the nations prove
the glories of his righteousness
and wonders of his love,
and wonders of his love,
and wonders, wonders of his love.

England/Germany

409 Go, Tell It on the Mountain

 

Go, tell it on the mountain,
over the hills and everywhere;
go, tell it on the mountain
that Jesus Christ is born!

 

While shepherds kept their watching
o’er silent flocks by night,
behold throughout the heavens
there shone a holy light.

 

The shepherds feared and trembled
when lo! above the earth
rang out the angel chorus
that hailed our Savior’s birth.

 

Down in a lowly manger
the humble Christ was born,
and God sent us salvation
that blessed Christmas morn.

 

406 Tomorrow Christ Is Coming

Tomorrow Christ is coming
as yesterday he came;
a child is born this moment—
we do not know its name.
The world is full of darkness,
again there is no room;
the symbols of existence
are stable, cross, and tomb.

Tomorrow will be Christmas,
the feast of love divine,
but for the nameless millions
the star will never shine.
Still is the census taken
with people on the move;
new infants born in stables
are crying out for love.

There will be no tomorrows
for many_a baby born.
Good Friday falls on Christmas
when life is sown as corn.
But Jesus Christ is risen
and comes again in bread
to still our deepest hunger
and raise us from the dead.

Our God becomes incarnate
in every human birth.
Created in God’s image,
we must make peace on earth.
God will fulfill Love’s purpose
and this shall be the sign:
we shall find Christ among us
as woman, child, or man.

 

432 What Child Is This

What child is this, who, laid to rest,
on Mary’s lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
while shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King,
whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
haste, haste to bring him laud,
the babe, the son of Mary!

Why lies he in such mean estate
where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian, fear; for sinners here
the silent Word is pleading.
Nails, spear shall pierce him through,
the cross be borne for me, for you;
hail, hail the Word made flesh,
the babe, the son of Mary!

So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh;
come, peasant, king, to own him.
The King of kings salvation brings;
let loving hearts enthrone him.
Raise, raise the song on high,
the virgin sings her lullaby;
joy, joy for Christ is born,
the babe, the son of Mary!

 

Disciples’ Generous Response

Statement

Today’s Disciples’ Generous Response story comes from Apostle Carlos Enriche Mejia who serves the Central and South America Mission Field.

Ang buong mundo ay naapektuhan ng pandemiya na dala ng COVID-19. Maraming mga tao ang nagkasakit at naging biktima. Ilan sa kanila ay namatay o namatayan ng kamag-anak.

 

Ang ganitong sitwasyon ay siya paring nagiging dahilan kung bakit nanatili tayo sa ating mga tahanan upang alagaan ating kankanyang pamilya at ang ating sarili; karamihan parin sa mga nakatakdang gawain sa loob ng simbahan ay nanatiling suspendido. Magpasa-hanggang ngayon ay limitado parin ang ating maaaring gawin gayon din ang mga eskwelahan, mga kompanya, at iba pang mga establisyemento; at dahil sa mga ito maraming mga tao ang nawalan ng pagkakakitaan at trabaho. Ang kakulangan sa pagkain ang isa sa mga bagay na napakahirap. Lahat ng mga pastor ay may pagkalinga sa kamiyembruhan ng ating iglesia at napakahalaga na mapaglaanan ang mga nangangailangan mula sa reserba o offerings upang makakain lamang sila.

 

Ang ating kapatid na si Gonzalo Mejia, Presidente ng Central America Mission Center ay nag-anyaya sa mga Pastor sa kanilang Mission Center upang himukin ang mga magsasaka sa ibat-ibang kongregasyon na magbigay ayon sa kanilang kakayanan ng mula sa bahagi ng kanilang mga ani upang ibigay sa mga kapatid na nakatira sa urban na nagtatrabaho sa mga paktorya na nawalan ng trabaho at nahihirapang pakainin ang kanilang mga pamilya.

 

Napakabilis ng mga naging responde mula sa pastor ng Copan area sa Honduras kung saan mayroong tatlong kongregasyon doon. Kanilang ipinabatid na mayroon silang naipong 2 libong pounds ng pagkain mula sa kanila at sa ibat-ibang komunidad na kahit sa mga hindi miyembro ng iglesia.

 

“Hinanda namin ang lahat upang kunin ang mga naipong pagkain doon. Nagdala kami ng dalawang sasakyan, at isa itong napakagandang karanasan nang makita namin ang tuwa at kagalakan ng mga taong nagbahagi ng kanilang mga biyaya. Nakakapagtaka din na pagkatapos naming maisakay ang lahat ng pagkain, sinabi sa akin ng Pastor na may naipon din silang $35.00 USD mula sa mga kapatid na masayang nagbigay. Maaaring hindi man ito kalakihang halaga, pero sa mga taong nakatira sa isang mahirap na pamayanan katumbas na ito ng isang linggong sweldo ng isang tao.

 

Naniniwala akong ang mga kapatid na ito ang nagsisilbing buhay na patotoo ng pagiging bukas palad, pagkakaisa at galak sa pagbibigay ng suporta sa mga nangangailangan.

 

Mga kapatid ang karanasan kong ito ay nagpapaalala sa akin sa Macedonian Church na kung saan sa gitna ng matinding pagsubok at kahirapan, bumuhos ang pagpapala sa pamamagitan ng pagiging bukas palad na siyang nagbigay ng kagalakan ng ibang tao.

 

Narito ang mga katanungan para sa atin:

·         Papaano tayo namumuhay sa gitna ng pandemiyang ito sa ating komunidad?

·         Anu-ano ang mga pinakakailangan ng mga miyembro sa iyong komunidad?

·         Papaano tumutugon ang kongregasyong iyong kinabibilangan?

 

Napakagandang isipin na mula ating Doctrine and Covenants 163:9 ganito ang sinasabi:

Faithful disciples respond to an increasing awareness of the abundant generosity of God by sharing according to the desires of their hearts; not by commandment or constraint. Break free of the shackles of conventional culture that mainly promote self-serving interests. Give generously according to your true capacity. Eternal joy and peace await those who grow in the grace of generosity that flows from compassionate hearts without thought of return.

 

Sa pagbabahagi natin sa ating mga kaloob, alalahanin nating muli na nararapat na ang ating mga puso at layunin ay tumutugma sa puso at layunin ng ating Panginoon.

 

 

 

Prayer for Peace

            Light the Peace Candle.

           

            Prayer

Dios ng Kagalakan,

Minsan napakahirap isipin at alalahanin na ang luha ng kalungkutan at kagalakan ay bahagi ng iyong mga gawa. Napakaraming ibat-ibang sitwasyon ang aming mga nakikita: nariyan ang mga pamilyang nangangailangan ng pagkain, mga taong nasa kalungkutan at naghahanap ng pakikipagkaibigan, mga hayop na naghahanap ng kanilang masisilungan, at ang mundong nangangailangan ng kapahingahan. Ikaw naririto sa amin.

Batid namin ang pagkilos ng iyong kamay sa aming komunidad para sa kapayapaan. Nawa ay masamahan ka namin sa iyong paggawa para sa kapayapaang ito. Idinadalangin namin ang mga nalulungkot, ang mga nagugutom, mga walang matuluyan, at ang mga napapagal. Ngayon, hiling po namin na kami ay iyong palakasin upang magawa namin na yakapin, pakainin, at makapagbigay sa mga nangangailangan.

Punuin Mo kami ng kagalakan habang ito ibinabahagi namin ang iyong kapayapaan. Nawa ang aming galak ay mag-umapaw at mabiyayaan ang aming mga pinaglilingkuran.

Sa pangalan ng iyong anak na si Hesus na aming hinihintay na siyang nagbibigay sa amin ng kagalakan! Amen.

—Tiffany and Caleb Brian