Christmas worship resources for your home or church

Worship resources update Providing accessible, sound worship resources has become an essential part of Presbyterian Outlook's identity over the past several years. We often hear that these materials support small and over-extended church staff. We also frequently hear that it would be helpful to have these worship resources available earlier. Because we value our readership and desire to serve the church to the best of our ability, we're listening to you. In January 2023, we will begin releasing our worship resources two weeks in advance rather than one week in advance.

December 25, 2022 Christmas Day Matthew 1:18-25 COMMENTARY One Christmas, when I was the pastor of a small church in North Carolina, I decided to involve the whole congregation in my children’s message. We’d act out the scene where Mary and Joseph were looking for a place to stay in Bethlehem. I gave the people sitting on the center aisle doors made out of posterboard. Then I led the children around the sanctuary to knock on the doors and ask if there was room for them to stay in the inn. This was a great idea in my head —but I didn’t realize how difficult it would be for my church members. Two-year-old Garrett, clutching his tattered teddy bear, knocked on Leon’s door and asked, “Do you have room for me?” and Leon – well, I could tell that Leon wanted to cave – so, I interrupted, “No, Leon, you don’t have room for Garrett. Now shut the door.” The same thing happened when sweet little Grace in her red velvet dress knocked on Sharon’s door. A grandmother who never says no to a child, Sharon looked devastated to have to turn Grace away. “I’m sorry sweetie,” she said. Finally, my own tow-headed 4-year-old Isaac, knocked on Mack’s door, with his sweet little six-inch clip-on-tie and his shirt tail untucked. Isaac and Mack looked for each other every Sunday morning and that Christmas, Mack had made Isaac a toy train out of wood. So, when Isaac asked, “Mr. Mack, do you have room for me?” it was all Mack could do to stay on script, “No, Isaac, I’m sorry, but I’ve got no room for you.” This year, Christmas uniquely falls on a Sunday. People who show up this Sunday, mere hours after Christmas Eve worship, might be the rarest of saints, or, they might be longing for a place of welcome. Too many are turned away today in our church, society and communities — people left outside to wonder, “Is there room for me? You can find the rest of the commentary on our website. An order of worship for Dec. 25, 2022. This liturgy is free to use. At-home Christmas liturgy by Rose Schrott Taylor God prepares the way— A Uniform Standard Lesson for Dec. 25, 2022, by Richard Boyce Playing with the Christmas story — Weekly Christian ed lesson (for home or church) by Joelle Brummit-Yale IN CASE YOU MISSED IT... When History Repeats Itself A poem on Luke 2:1–20 by Scott Barton. Decision made: No traditional exhibit hall at 2024 General Assembly Church leaders are looking for new ways to foster connection and networking at the assembly. — Leslie Scanlon Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary awarded $1 million grant to help reimagine youth ministry Lilly Endowment Inc. grant will help young people use art to express their experiences and encounters with God. — LPTS Making my kids go to church on Christmas morning Pastor/parents are faced with a conundrum this year: do they force (or strongly encourage) their children to go to Sunday worship on Christmas? Andrew Taylor Troutman has decided yes, and here’s why. Rest is Resistance: A Manifesto The “nap bishop,” as Hersey is known, insists that economic systems trick us into believing we are only worth as much as we produce, and the church is not exempt. — Amy Pagliarella Church of England bishops head for showdown on marriage for same-sex couples In the next few months, the Church of England's long-running debate on marriage for same-sex couples may come to a head. New Unification Commission begins the work of “rebuilding boldly” the structure of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) At its first meeting, the commission talks about tasks and timelines at its first meeting. — Leslie Scanlon Presbyterian Outlook is hiring a group of remote, paid interns for summer 2023. Learn more. After more than 20 years of service to the church, Rev. John M. Semmes has announced his retirement, effective February 2023. Alton B. Pollard, III, president of Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, announces retirement Diakonos Solutions Awards Four Women DMin Scholarships Make your own post for free! Click here.

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