sunday december 28, 2025 Christmas Carols

Fruitland United Methodist Church
Christmas Carol Worship
Sunday, December 28, 2025  

Prelude: “Joy to the World”

Welcome & Announcements Rev. Jorge Rodríguez

*Call to Worship
Leader: The Light of Christ still shines among us.
People: The darkness has not overcome it.
Leader: We come singing the story of God-with-us.
People: Our hearts rejoice in the good news of great joy.
All: Let us worship God, whose love was born among us.

*Opening Carol: “O Come, All Ye Faithful” UMH 234

*Prayer of Invocation: Pastor Jorge
Loving God, we thank you for the gift of Christmas—for light in the
darkness, hope in the midst of weariness, and joy that cannot be
taken away. As we sing these familiar carols, renew our faith and
remind us that Christ is still born among us today. Amen.

First Scripture: Isaiah 9:2, 6–7
*Carol: “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” UMH 240

Second Scripture: Luke 2:1–7
*Carol: “Away in a Manger” UMH 217

Third Scripture: Luke 2:8–14
*Carol: “The First Noel” UMH 245

Short Reflection: Still Singing Christmas Rev. Jorge Rodriguez
Christmas Day has passed, but the song has not ended.
The decorations may come down, schedules return to normal,
yet the story we sing today still echoes among us.
We keep singing because the world still needs the message of Christmas.
God chose nearness over distance,
vulnerability over power,
a manger over a throne.
Christ is not only born then, but still born now--
in acts of kindness,
in quiet faithfulness,
in love that shows up when joy feels fragile.
As we continue to sing, may the song of Christmas shape our living,
so that wherever we go, others may hear good news of great joy. Amen.

*Carol of Response: “What Child is This?” UMH 219

Invitation to Generosity Pastor Jorge
    Offertory: “He Shall Feed His Flock” from The Messiah by George F. Handel
Offertory Carol: “In the Bleak Midwinter” UMH 221
Prayer of Dedication: All: God of generous love, receive these
gifts as signs of our gratitude. May they share the light of
Christ with a world still longing for hope. Amen.

*Closing Carol: “GoTell It On The Mountain” UMH 251

*Benediction
Go into the world still singing--
singing of light, hope, and peace.
Carry the song of Christmas in your hearts,
for Christ is born, and Christ is with us still. Amen.

Postlude: “Sheep May Safely Graze” by Johann Sebastian Bach