Webster United Church of Christ
December 7, 2025
Second Sunday of Advent
What Child IS This?—The Silent Word
ORDER OF SERVICE
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Welcome
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WE GATHER
Ringing of the Bell
Gathering Music
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Like the iconic figures gathered around the Christ Child in our nativity scenes, we gather together because we want to know Jesus more as we seek to bring his Reign of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love on earth.
*Call to Worship
Leader: We continue our Advent series inspired by the dear carol, “What Child is This?” However, we are asking it this way: “What Child IS This?” We are going “Beyond the Lullaby” to ask many more questions of who this child was, especially in the time that he was born which was not really a peaceful time for all people, even though it was called the “Pax Romana.”
Centering Music “What Child is This,” vs. 2
Lighting of the Candles
Leader: The poet of our theme carol, “What Child is This,” penned the phrase “the silent Word is pleading.” Our vision of the child in the manger may be the soothing lullaby and the silent night, but the reality of babies, and of that time in history, is that of a “crying out.” It was a time when many were silenced, and the need for prophesying justice in the midst of trauma was great. Zechariah does this when his silence is lifted. The Word became Flesh for such a time.
Reader 1: We light this candle of Peace for those who need it most.
Reader 2: For all who are being silenced.
Reader 1: For all who are afraid to speak out.
Reader 2: For all who know that peace comes with justice.
Reader 1: Our question for today at the scene of the nativity is this: “How will we cry out for true peace for ALL people? How will we soothe the trauma of the world in our time?”
Reader 2: What child IS this? This, this, is the Prince of Peace who invites us to proclaim his reign forever.
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Moment of Silence
*Opening Prayer (Unison)
Holy One, here, at the nativity of your birth, give us the courage to face this moment with new air in our lungs. Open us to new understandings of the unfolding story of your presence among us. Show us the true meaning of peace on earth, good will for all. We pray in the name of the Child, the Prince of Peace in our hearts and lives. Amen.
*Opening Hymn #104 “We Hail You God’s Anointed,” vs. 1-2
Children’s Time
One: People of God, what is your prayer for our youth?
All: Our prayer is that they grow up to be like Jesus—strong and brave, full of grace and truth! And, we pray that we will help them. Amen.
WE PRAYERFULLY ENTRUST OURSELVES TO GOD
Silent Prayer of Confession
Joys and Concerns
Prayers of the People
Congregational Response “Be Still and Know” #743
WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD
Scripture Luke 1:5-25; 57-66
Message
Our faithful response is to praise God for this story of Emmanuel, God-With-Us, even and especially in the midst of difficulty, for God is indeed with us even still.
COMMUNION
WE OFFER GRATITUDE TO GOD
Invitation to Give and Share
What gifts are adequate for the Silent Word, the Prince of Peace? Our theme song says “so bring him incense, gold, and myrrh; come peasant, king, to own him.” Whether what we have to give is simply the gift of our presence and gratitude, or if we are privileged with coffers of precious resources, we give what we can. In this way we “take ownership” of our role in the scene, in the unfolding story of Peace.
Gathering of Gifts “And the Glory of the Lord” from the Messiah by G.F. Handel
*Song of Praise “We Give You but Your Own” #785
We give you but your own, what e’er the gift may be; all that we have is yours alone, we give it gratefully.
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*Litany
One: As we prepare to go into the world, let us ask and answer the question we came with.
All: What child IS this?
One: This is the one born in a time when too many were silenced.
All: What child IS this?
One: This is the one whose voice would ring out, reminding all that peace does not come through violence.
All: What child IS this?
One: This, this is the “Prince of Peace” who shows us the kin-dom in which all have a voice, and no one is afraid.
WE GO FORTH AS GOD’S PEOPLE
*Closing Hymn #145 “Once in Royal David’s City,” vs. 1-2
*Blessing
May the Voice of the Divine, the Child of Peace, the Spirit of Resistance to Injustice be with you now and as you go. Amen.
*Blessing Response #809 “God Be with You”
Sending Music