Worship Tools

Worship Outline 1

Additional Scriptures  

Psalm 148; Isaiah 61:10—62:3; Galatians 4:4–7 

Prelude  

Welcome 

Invitation to Worship  

All Readers: Praise the Lord!  

Reader 1: Praise the Lord from the heavens.  

Reader 2: Praise God in the heights!  

Reader 3: Praise God, all you angels.  

All Readers: Praise God, all the heavenly host!  

Reader 2: Praise God, sun and moon.  

Reader 1: Praise God, all you shining stars!  

All Readers: Praise God, you highest heavens,  

Reader 3: and you waters above the heavens!  

Reader 1: Let them praise the name of the Lord.  

Reader 2: For God’s name alone is exalted!  

All Readers: Let them praise the name of the Lord!  

God’s glory is above Earth and heaven.  

Praise the Lord!  

—Psalm 148, adapted  

Opening Hymn 

Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own. 

“Earth and All Stars” CCS 102  

OR “All Creatures of Our God and King” CCS 98  

Opening Prayer  

Sung Response  

“Jubilate Deo” CCS 123  

Disciples’ Generous Response  

Statement

As we consider our generous response today, imagine approaching the stable of Bethlehem. What would you bring to the child? What of your time, talent, treasures, and testimony can you offer to the newborn today?

Blessing and Receiving of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes

Unison Confession Scripture Reading 

Project this scripture passage or print it in the bulletin. To be read in unison by the whole group.  

They all cried aloud with one voice, saying, O have mercy that we may receive forgiveness of our sins, and our hearts may be purified; for we believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who created heaven and earth, and all things. 

And it came to pass that after they had spoken these words, the Spirit of the Lord came upon them, and they were filled with joy.                     

— Mosiah 2:3–5, adapted

Moment of Silent Reflection  

Prayer for Peace  

Hymn of Peace  

“Peace Among Earth’s Peoples” CCS 448  

OR “Come, Join in Mary’s Prophet Song” CCS 308  

Light the peace candle 

Prayer 

Creating Presence, 

We are weary. 

Weary of hatred and division. Weary of destruction. Weary of violence that tears at the  

heart and soul. 

We are sick and in pain. 

We ache at the destruction of this world you gave us and called us to be stewards over. 

Our tears flow when we see families lost in the rubble of their homes, when they feel  

they have no choice but to try to flee to a safer place, even though the journey is dangerous. 

And yet – despite all of this – we often harden our hearts…unable to see our kinship. We  

turn our backs – and so nothing changes. 

Give us new hearts, divine One – hearts of flesh to replace our hearts of stone. 

Give us a new spirit of compassion and willingness to change. 

Only then will we – and the whole world – be healed and find the peace we are so  

desperately searching for. Only then can we live. 

This we pray. Amen.

—Pam Robison 

Scripture Reading: Luke 2:22–40  

Ministry of Music or Community Hymn  

“Joseph, Son of an Ancient King” CCS 443  

OR “Once in Royal David’s City” CCS 429  

Sermon  

Based on Luke 2:22–40  

Closing Hymn 

“God of Grace and God of Glory” CCS 624  

Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own. 

OR “What Child Is This” CCS 432  

Benediction  

Sending Forth: Doctrine and Covenants 164:d–f  

OR Poem: “Looking Outward”  

Look outward from this place  

Be aware that you are nurtured in the presence of God’s Spirit.  

Each of you has been blessed just as you have been nurtured by  
the presence of God’s Holy Spirit.  

I challenge you to go out from here into the world,  

Renewed,  
Made whole,  
Assured of your acceptance before the Lord  
and aware that the Holy Spirit not only continues  
to bless you but goes before you to prepare the way  
for God’s peace and joy in the lives of God’s children.  

We send you forth.  

—John Sims, “Looking Outward” in Judy Judd, ed., Prayers and Readings for Worship  
(Herald Publishing House, 1987, ISBN 9780830904785), 121, adapted.  

Postlude  

Worship Outline 2

Additional Scriptures 

Psalm 148; Isaiah 61:10—62:3, Galatians 4:4–7 

Preparation 

This service will focus on the coming New Year. Each worship participant will need a 3×5 card and something to write with for the Focus Moment.  

Prelude 

Welcome 

Sharing of Community Hopes 

Spend some time in community sharing hopes for the new year. What are you looking forward to in the coming year? Share this in pairs or with the whole group. 

Call to Worship 

Behold I say unto you, have hope through the atonement of Christ and the power of his resurrection, to be raised to life eternal; and this because of your faith in him according to the promise; if you have faith, you must have hope; for without faith there cannot be any hope.  

—Moroni 7:47–48, adapted 

Hymn of the New Year 

“This Is a Day of New Beginnings” CCS 495 

OR “God of Wonder, God of Thunder” CCS 18 

OR “Year by Year” CCS 345 

Unison Mission Prayer 

Print or project this prayer for all to see. 

God, where will your Spirit lead today? 
Help me be fully awake and ready to respond. 
Grant me courage to risk something new and 
become a blessing of your love and peace. Amen. 

Response 

Focus Moment 

Read Galatians 4:4–7. Hand out 3×5 cards to worship participants. Invite them to think about the names they call God: Abba, Heavenly Parent, Mother-Father God, Creator, Divine Love, etc. After giving a minute for participants to think of what they call God, ask them to think about the name God calls them: Created, Child, Precious One, etc. Have them write their words – God’s name and God’s name for them – on the card. Collect all the cards and hold them in your hand as you offer a prayer of thanksgiving for God’s love for all and for all the names on the cards. 

Prayer of Thanksgiving 

Hymn of Belonging 

“The Church of Christ Cannot Be Bound” CCS 347 

OR “Creating God, Your Fingers Trace” CCS 139 

OR “We Need Each Other’s Voice to Sing” CCS 324 

Prayer for Peace 

Light the peace candle 

Prayer 

Spirit of Peace, 

As we prepare to enter a new year, we give thanks for the many blessings you have bestowed on us this year. May we walk gently into the new year as we follow your mission of peace. May we speak only after we have listened well, remembering that our words carry power. 

We pray for peace for every creature and plant, every person and habitat. We pray for peace across our world during these difficult times, and for all those who are seeking to bring peace and justice to every corner of the earth. May the grace and peace of Christ bless us now and in the days ahead. Amen. 

Morning Message 

Based on Luke 2:22–40 

Moment of Reflection 

Instrumental or vocal ministry of music, or sing together as a community hymn; pause for one minute between each stanza for silent reflection. 

“Between Our Thoughts” CCS 163 

OR “I Will Talk to My Heart” CCS 168 

Spiritual Practice 

Blessings of Loving Kindness 

This spiritual practice reminds us that we are all connected and called to be in prayer for people in our lives. Read these words aloud, slowly, offering time to rest in the prayer. Consider projecting or printing the key phrases (loving kindness, health, true happiness, peace) during the spiritual practice. 

Take a few moments to quiet yourself. Watching your breath helps to calm and center our natural restlessness. When you feel a sense of calm, begin by repeating the following blessing, giving the words time to resonate in your heart and mind: 

May I be blessed with loving kindness. May I be blessed with health. 

May I be blessed with true happiness. May I be blessed with peace. 

When your heart feels full of loving compassion—move from yourself to someone who is beloved to you. This could be a life partner, a family member, a companion. Visualize the person as you pray this blessing and insert the person’s name into the prayer: 

May [name/they] be blessed with loving kindness. May [name] be blessed with health. 

May [name] be blessed with true happiness. May [name] be blessed with peace. 

Again, when your heart is full of loving compassion—move from this person to a close or dear friend. Visualize the person as you pray this blessing: 

May [name] be blessed with loving kindness. May [name] be blessed with health. 

May [name] be blessed with true happiness. May [name] be blessed with peace. 

When you feel filled with loving compassion—move to an acquaintance for whom you have neither positive nor negative feelings. Visualize the person as you pray this blessing: 

May [name] be blessed with loving kindness. May [name] be blessed with health. 

May [name] be blessed with true happiness. May [name] be blessed with peace. 

As you feel your heart again fill with loving compassion—think of someone who has harmed you or with whom you are in conflict. Visualize this person. Take a moment. Breathe deeply and, looking the person in the eye or visualizing the person, lovingly pray this blessing: 

May [name] be blessed with loving kindness. May [name] be blessed with health. 

May [name] be blessed with true happiness. May [name] be blessed with peace. 

Amen. 

—adapted from “Ideas for Adults: Circles of Blessings,” Community of Christ 

Disciples’ Generous Response 

Scripture Reading: Doctrine and Covenants 165:2a–b 

Statement 

Think of these questions as you craft a statement for the Disciples’ Generous Response: As children of God, how do we live generously in a way that imitates God’s generosity? What example of the generosity of your worshipping community y can you share in worship? What story can you tell that will remind participants of how they live God’s generosity in the world? 

Blessing and Receiving of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes 

Closing Hymn 

“For All the Saints” CCS 331 

OR “Canticle of the Turning” CCS 404 

OR “By Gracious Powers/Von guten Mächten treu und still umgeben” CCS 268 

Encourage participants to sing in a language other than their own. 

Prayer of Sending Forth 

God, we are your children. We celebrate the birth of Jesus and his blessing in the temple. 

We celebrate our relationships with one another and our blessings in community. May we go forth in joy. Amen. 

Response 

Postlude 

Worship Outline 3

Additional Scriptures 

Psalm 148; Isaiah 61:10—62:3; Galatians 4:4-7 

Preparation 

This scripture provides an opportunity to offer the sacrament of Blessing of Children. Are there children in your group or community who have not been blessed? 

Prior to the service invite individuals to participate in the Focus Moment and arrange for a run-through of the actions needed. 

Prelude 

Welcome 

Call to Worship: Isaiah 61:10a 

Hymn of Praise 

“O God beyond All Praising” CCS 90 

OR “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus” CCS 400 

OR “Canticle of the Turning” CCS 404 

OR “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” CCS 101 

Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own. 

Responsive Prayer of Praise 

Leader: God beyond all praising

People: you are mystery beyond understanding.

Leader: God beyond all praising

People: you are love beyond imagination.

Leader: God beyond all praising

People: we pray and sing our gratitude for your gift of Jesus, who came to show us the way.

Leader: In praise and gratitude we pray, Amen.

Response 

Disciples’ Generous Response 

Statement 

Fresh in our memories is the celebration of the birth of Jesus and the generosity of God – the gift of God’s son.  

Scripture Reading: Doctrine and Covenants 163:9 

Blessing and Receiving of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes 

Focus Moment 

Ask individuals to pantomime or act out the roles of Mary, Joseph, Simeon, and Anna during the narration of Luke 2:22-40 as it is read. Use a doll for the Baby Jesus.

Narration

Today our scripture tells us about the Holy Spirit when Mary and Joseph took baby Jesus to the Temple. It was the custom in that time for parents to bring their firstborn son to the Temple and offer a gift of two turtledoves to God.

When Mary and Joseph brought baby Jesus to the Temple the Gospel of Luke tells of two people who were there. Simeon said he was led by the Spirit to come to the Temple. When Simeon saw Mary and Joseph, he took Jesus in his arms and praised God. Through the Holy Spirit he recognized that Jesus was the Savior. Simeon blessed Jesus and his mother and father.

Another person was also in the Temple. Anna was an older lady who spent most of her time fasting and praying in the Temple. When Anna met the baby Jesus, she also felt through the Holy Spirit that Jesus had been sent to save the world.

Anna and Simeon were just ordinary people who listened to the Holy Spirit and responded. They went to the Temple and encountered Mary, Joseph, and the Baby Jesus through the Holy Spirit. They knew Jesus was going to do important things for God.

Testimony 

Following the pantomime, have someone prepared to share a testimony describing a time when they felt guided by the Spirit. 

Worshipping Community Response 

Have you felt the Spirit helping you understand something or leading you to do something as Simeon and Anna did? Maybe you thought it would be good to go sit with a friend or telephone someone you haven’t spoken to recently. 

Wait for verbal responses to be shared. 

Those nudges can be the Holy Spirit guiding you. We sense the Holy Spirit guiding us in many ways. Notice the different ways we experience the Holy Spirit as you sing the next hymn. 

Hymn of the Spirit 

“As the Wind Song through the Trees” CCS 42 

OR “Listen in the Silence” CCS 153 sing three times

Message 

Based on Luke 2:22-40 

Meditation Music 

“I Wonder as I Wander” CCS 435 

OR “Not in Grand Estate” CCS 444 

If the sacrament, Blessing of Children, is scheduled, follow the music with this talk and then the sacrament. Otherwise omit the next two elements and move directly to the Prayer for Peace. 

Talk on Blessing of Children (Optional)

Before or after the message include a short testimony from a parent who has had a child blessed. Consider parents who recently had their baby blessed by the elders. Ask the parents to share how the Holy Spirit guided them as they chose to have their child blessed or how the Holy Spirit is guiding them now as they raise their child. Alternatively, ask someone to speak about the group’s responsibility to respond to the guidance of the Holy Spirit as they provide a loving community in which the child can thrive and grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ. 

Sacrament of Blessing of Children (Optional)

Prayer for Peace 

Light the peace candle 

Prayer 

Loving God, we come to you acknowledging how much you have blessed us. You sent your son, Jesus, to show us how shalom can be lived in our families, neighborhoods, churches and world. We have your Holy Spirit always present with us as we look for ways to respond. We pray that those working for peace feel your Spirit present with them. May they be strengthened and comforted as they seek to find ways to meet the needs of the poor, hungry, displaced, or amid political strife in the places they live. In the name of the one who is shalom, Amen.

Closing Hymn 

“Lord, Lead Me by Your Spirit” stanzas 2 and 3 CCS 209 

OR “To Be Your Presence” CCS 351 

OR “We Are One in the Spirit” CCS 359 

Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own. 

Sending Forth 

Go, led by the Spirit into an awareness of Holy Presence all around you. Go in peace. 

Postlude 

Worship Outline 4

Additional Scriptures  

Psalm 148; Isaiah 61:10—62:3; Galatians 4:4-7 

Prelude  

Welcoming Hymn  

“Come, Holy Spirit, Come” sing twice  CCS 154 

Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own. 

OR “I Danced in the Morning” CCS 23  

Welcome, Joys, and Concerns  

Hymn  

“Look at This Man, Born of God” CCS 26  

OR “We Would See Jesus” CCS 35  

Invocation  

Response  

Scripture Reading: Luke 2:22-24  

Wise Human 1: Can you imagine what it was like to live when Jesus was a baby? 

Wise Human 2: Nope. I wonder, though, if I would recognize a baby the way Simeon and Anna did. 

Wise Human 3: It’s a good story. Both of them. 

Wise Human 2: Yeah. Luke was a good storyteller. He writes that Mary and Joseph went to the temple in Jerusalem to circumcise the infant Jesus. It was a sacred ritual back then. That’s when Simeon and Anna came into the story.

Ministry of Music OR Community Hymn 

“Wonder of Wonders” CCS 491 

OR “Hands of Blessing” CCS 548 stanza 1

Scripture Reading: Luke 2:25-38 

Wise Human 3: I wonder if being really, really, old was significant back then. 

Wise Human 1: It might be significant now! By the time you get that old, you’ve lived and experienced. Seems to me you have some wisdom. 

Wise Human 2: When I get that old, I won’t remember anything! Including why I went into the temple in the first place! 

Wise Human 1: I think it’s cool that Luke says Anna was a prophet. He even wrote about who she was!

Hymn of Wisdom 

“Clothe Us in Your Spirit” CCS 584 

OR “Many and Great” CCS 3 

Sharing in the Spoken Word  

Based on Luke 2:22-40  

Scripture Reading: Luke 2:39-40  

Wise Human 3: Wish I could recognize Jesus like that. 

Wise Human 1: We can! It takes discernment of the Holy Spirit. 

Wise Human 3: Yeah but, Jesus isn’t running around anymore! 

Wise Human 2: Yes, he is. Sure, he is. Look closely, you can see Jesus in people. 

Wise Human 1: We share this sacred story, you know. Jesus is here, right here, right now. 

Wise Human 3: Wait! What? If Jesus is in people, then … 

Wise Human 1: Jesus has as many faces as people. That’s a lot of different ways to see God. 

Wise Human 2: Throw Creation into the mix and we got more perspectives than we can ever count. 

Wise Human 3: That blows my mind! 

Wise Human 1: Exactly. Infinite possibilities. That’s why we need to discern who lets the light shine and why the Holy Spirit helps us. 

Wise Human 2: Gotta learn to see. We all do. 

Reflection Poem “To See” and Affirmation

Take a moment, close your eyes,
and visualize the night sky and sounds. 

Finding my spot on the roof of the house 
Gazing into the night sky

A quiet unlike any lazy afternoon 
Muted sounds slowly creeping in 
Not quite approaching conscious awareness 

Visualize creation and people in front of you,
stretching out in a field. 

Closing my eyes to the ancient fires filling the sky 
There appears a field

In the field is a sea of faces 
people and animals, trees, and plant life
creatures who walk, run, slither, creep, fly 
creatures who swim 

Deep within you,
you see light coming from each form of creation. 

Slowly, as you gaze, eyes closed
there appears a spark of light 
light emanating from each, showing the fire that fills their form 
each blazing anew with glory
the field an infinite expanse of light 
ancient light ancient fire 

Within you is also the light.
See it. 

Light filling our consciousness
spilling, glowing, illuminating 

Light filling all time, all space,
showing the paths from which to choose 
Light showing all paths chosen 

Enough light to see                   

—Dean Robinson; used with permission Community Affirmation

Community Affirmation

Turn to each other and say: “I recognize the light of God within you.”  

Prayer for Peace  

Peace Hymn  

“Joseph, Son of an Ancient King” CCS 443  

This song is a beginner level for pianists. Invite a piano beginner to accompany the singing, giving the pianist plenty of time to prepare.  

OR “Peace among Earth’s Peoples” CCS 448  

Light the peace candle  

Peace Prayer  

God, our father and mother,  

Jesus calls us brothers and sisters, and we join him in pursuing freedom from fear, hatred, prejudice, anxiety, loneliness, and despair. We long to abolish these heavy, destructive walls that keep us apart from you and from one another. We long to build ladders that reach up and over, connecting us to curiosity, love, open-mindedness, calm, hope, and community. We thank you for the hope Jesus’s birth brought and continues to bring our world. May we look to the stars to guide us. May we look to Jesus to inspire us. May we look into the faces of the hopeless in our communities as we kneel in service, washing their feet. In the name of Jesus, who stands with us. Amen.  

—Tiffany and Caleb Brian  

Disciples’ Generous Response  

Generosity Hymn  

“Help Us Express Your Love” CCS 621  

OR “View the Present through the Promise” CCS 401  

Statement 

Generosity is the spirit of the Christian life. To share what we have with others is not a burden or a dreary task. Instead, giving shows we have caught a breathtaking glimpse of God’s eternal nature, and our hearts have been reoriented by Christ’s self-offering for the whole creation…. Lavish love, love without bounds has claimed us; how could we not respond with glad and generous hearts?…Generosity, especially in the form of the spiritual practice of tithing, is an expression of love. Tithing is not about following a formula. Rather, it is about giving to our truest capacity, which is ultimately an expressions of love.                    

—Anthony J. Chvala-Smith, 
A Way of Life: Understanding Our Christian Faith, Herald House 2019, pp. 102-103

Come let us love God’s world and each other through our generosity.

Blessing and Receiving of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes  

Reflection Poem “The Ember” 

The master bent down close to the coal
that still gleamed in the vast complexity of creation

Many times, the ember had almost extinguished 
Many times, the master had sent ones to bear the message 

I am coming I am coming to share with you 
I am coming to weep with you 
I am coming to laugh and sing and celebrate with you 
I am coming to bring healing, sight, acceptance, forgiveness 

Each time, the message had been received 
Each time hope had sprung up for some of the children of creation 

For some, not all 
For some 

Those whose vision was engulfed in their own image 
Whose understanding was chained down with learned expectations 

Hope was not acceptable
Joy was not found 
Peace was an obstacle to be overcome and not embraced 
Love was love of self 

For some, life was to be tightly gripped in their hand 
Held and controlled 
For some, the ember could be extinguished if need be 

The Master looked down 

Smiled 

Breathed 

The ember glowed brightly 

In a manger
He stirred
and opened
His eyes 

—Dean L. Robinson; used with permission   

Closing Hymn  

“I Have Called You by Your Name” CCS 636  

Encourage participants to sing in a language other than their own.  

OR “Prophetic Church, the Future Waits” CCS 362  

Benediction  

Recognizing the Messiah: Galatians 4:4-7 

Go in peace.  

Postlude 

Sacred Space: Small-Group Worship Outline

Gathering

Welcome

Prayer for Peace

Ring a bell or chime three times slowly.

Light the peace candle.

Spirit of peace,

As we prepare to enter a new year, we give thanks for the many blessings you have bestowed on us this year. May we walk gently into the new year as we follow your mission of peace. May we speak only after we have listened well, remembering that our words carry power.

We pray for peace for every creature and plant, every person and habitat. We pray for peace across our world during these difficult times and for all those who are seeking to bring peace and justice to every corner of the Earth.

May the grace and peace of Christ bless us now and in the days ahead. Amen.

Spiritual Practice

Blessings of Loving Kindness

This spiritual practice reminds the congregation that we all are connected and called to be in prayer for people in our lives.

Read these words aloud, slowly, offering time to rest in the prayer.

Take a few moments to quiet yourself. When you feel a sense of calm, begin by repeating the following blessing, giving the words time to resonate in your heart and mind:

May I be blessed with loving kindness. May I be blessed with health. May I be blessed with true happiness. May I be blessed with peace.

After a few moments, say aloud: “Move from yourself to someone who is beloved to you. This could be a life partner, a family member, a companion. Visualize the person as you pray. You may choose to insert the person’s name into the prayer”:

May my beloved be blessed with loving kindness. May my beloved be blessed with health. May my beloved be blessed with true happiness. May my beloved be blessed with peace.

After a few moments, say aloud: “Now move from this person to a close or dear friend. Visualize the person as you pray”:

May my friend be blessed with loving kindness. May my friend be blessed with health. May my friend be blessed with true happiness. May my friend be blessed with peace.

After a few moments, say aloud: “Think of someone who has harmed you or with whom you are in conflict. Visualize this person. Take a moment. Breathe deeply and lovingly pray this blessing”:

May the one who harmed me be blessed with loving kindness. May the one who harmed me be blessed with health. May the one who harmed me be blessed with true happiness. May the one who harmed me be blessed with peace.

After a few moments of silence close the blessing with a spoken “Amen.” Invite people to share their thoughts, emotions, images as they experienced this time of blessing.

—adapted from “Ideas for Adults: Circles of Blessings,” Community of Christ,
(www.CofChrist.org/community-ideas-for-adults)

Sharing Around the Table

Luke 2:22−40 NRSVue

²² When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord ²³ (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord”), ²⁴ and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”

²⁵ Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. ²⁶ It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. ²⁷ Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what was customary under the law, ²⁸ Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying,

²⁹ “Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace,
    according to your word,
³⁰ for my eyes have seen your salvation,
³¹     which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
³² a light for revelation to the gentiles
    and for glory to your people Israel.”

³³ And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. ³⁴ Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be opposed ³⁵ so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul, too.”

³⁶ There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, ³⁷ then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day.³⁸ At that moment she came and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.

³⁹ When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. ⁴⁰ The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom, and the favor of God was upon him.

—Luke 2:22−40 NRSVue

Today is the first Sunday after Christmas. The scripture for today is set at the temple in Jerusalem. Joseph and Mary brought Jesus there to fulfill the requirements of Jewish law. In the temple Jesus is presented as the firstborn male, to the service of God. Jesus’ parents were not wealthy so they brought two birds as their temple sacrifice.

Next we learn of two people who are on the scene. Simeon was guided to the temple that day by the Spirit. The Spirit had assured him that he would live to see the One who God sent for the world’s salvation. By the Spirit’s power, he recognized the baby Jesus as the Savior. Simeon blessed Jesus, his mother, and father.

The other person to give attention to Jesus was an aged widow, Anna. She had lived at the temple for some time, constantly fasting and praying. Like Simeon, Anna recognized who Jesus was and the role of redemption he would play. The importance of these two elderly sages was in their recognition and prophetic declaration of whom Jesus was and that he had been sent for the world’s salvation.

The last verse records the family’s return to its home in Nazareth, where Jesus “grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.”

Today’s text highlights fulfilling tradition and law, which was of major importance then. But in today’s world, in many places, conforming to rules is not stressed. Religious rituals have become less commonplace. People are less aware of mystery. We can learn important lessons from today’s text. Simeon and Anna were not authority figures. Like Joseph and Mary—and therefore Jesus—they were ordinary people. Yet God, through the Spirit, graced them with the insight, devotion, and faith to be instruments of blessing at this formative time in the life of Jesus and his parents.

This text invites us to find expressive rituals for celebrating the presence of God in the ordinary people and experiences of life. We may not do this in the same ways as our forebears did. But it is just as important for our spiritual well-being and our journey as disciples of Jesus Christ. If we allow ourselves to be guided by the Spirit, we will keep our lives focused on the One who was sent to redeem the world.

Questions

1. How have you felt guided by the Spirit to acknowledge someone and pray for (bless) them?
2. What spiritual practices help you to celebrate the presence of God in your life?

Sending

Generosity Statement

“Sharing for the common good is the spirit of Zion” (Doctrine and Covenants 165:2f).

We receive God’s grace and generosity. The offering basket is available if you would like to support ongoing small-group ministries as part of your generous response.

God of love and light,

In this season of hope and joy, may the peace of your Son, Jesus, be made real in the world. May our hearts, minds, hands, and resources be useful in the cause of bringing your light where there is darkness and your love where there is despair, anger, fear, and suffering. May our offerings be used toward your purposes we pray. Amen.

Invitation to Next Meeting

CCS 168, “I Will Talk to My Heart”

Closing Hymn

Closing Prayer

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Optional Additions Depending on Group

Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper

Jesus Christ, Emmanuel, God with us, was born on Christmas Day; leading the walk in the way of truth; showing us how to love and serve one another. In the birth of Jesus we recognize God’s great love. In the sacramental act of sharing Communion we remember the gift of Jesus Christ to our world.

While they were eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it, he broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them saying, “Drink from it all, all of you; for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you I will never again drink of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”

—Matthew 26:26–29 NRSV

Invitation to Communion

All are welcome at Christ’s table. The Lord’s Supper, or Communion, is a sacrament in which we remember the life, death, resurrection, and continuing presence of Jesus Christ. In Community of Christ, we also experience Communion as an opportunity to renew our baptismal covenant and be formed as disciples who live Christ’s mission. Others may have different or added understandings within their faith traditions. We invite all who participate in the Lord’s Supper to do so in the love and peace of Jesus Christ.

In preparation let’s sing from Community of Christ Sings 527, “Bread of the World.”

Blessing and serving of the bread and wine.

Thoughts for Children

This activity continues from last week.

Materials: tree with all the Advent stars

Today is the first Sunday after Christmas. Does this mean Christmas is over? Most children will answer “yes.”

Would you be surprised if I said it is still Christmas?

Well, the celebration of giving and receiving gifts may be over, but the season of Christmas is not over. Christmas lasts from Christmas day until Epiphany on January 6 (12 days).  During this time we continue to celebrate the gifts that Jesus brings into the world.

Does anyone remember what they are? Joy, hope, love, peace.

Today let’s show how these gifts can be shared with others. Let’s each take a star from the tree and give it to someone else. Let’s be sure to look around and make sure everyone receives a star.

As we give the stars let’s remember that all year long we can share the gifts of joy, hope, love, and peace.Make sure everyone gets a star, and no on

Sermon Helps

Exploring the Scripture

Today’s text is set at the temple at Jerusalem. Joseph and Mary brought Jesus there to fulfill the requirements of Jewish law. The previous verse (Luke 2:21) refers to Jesus’ circumcision, the ritual required for all newborn males. But in the temple we read of presenting Jesus, as the firstborn male, to the service of God, a ritual also required by Jewish law. Included is the necessary sacrifice. Wealthier couples would have brought a lamb, but Jesus’ parents brought the also-acceptable sacrifice of “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons” (v. 24), perhaps showing the family’s low economic standing.

After these requirements were fulfilled, the text describes the words and actions of two people who are on the scene at the time. Nine verses (vv. 25–34) are devoted to Simeon, who, according to the text, was guided to the temple that day by the Spirit—an important motif for Luke. But Simeon was not just a casual observer. The Spirit had assured him that he would live to see the One who God sent for the world’s salvation. He recognized, by the Spirit’s power, the baby Jesus was this savior. Simeon blessed Jesus and his mother and father.

The other person to give attention to Jesus on that occasion was an aged widow, Anna. She had lived at the temple for some time, engaging constantly in fasting and prayer. Like Simeon, Anna recognized who Jesus was and the role of redemption he would play. The importance of these two elderly sages was in their recognition and prophetic declaration of whom Jesus was and that he had been sent for the world’s salvation. This confirmed what Mary had been told previously by the angel Gabriel and by her relative Elizabeth.

The last verse records the family’s return to their home in Nazareth, where Jesus “grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him” (v. 40). This description of Jesus’ obedience and devotion is significant as we do not have other information about Jesus’ upbringing until his visit to Jerusalem at age 12.

Today’s text highlights fulfilling tradition and law, which was of major importance then. But in today’s world, in many places, conforming to rules is not stressed. Religious rituals have become less commonplace. People are less aware of mystery. We can learn important lessons from today’s text. Simeon and Anna were not authority figures. Like Joseph and Mary—and therefore Jesus—they were ordinary people. Yet God, through the Spirit, graced them with the insight, devotion, and faith to be instruments of blessing at this formative time in the life of Jesus and his parents.

This text invites us to find expressive rituals for celebrating the presence of God in the ordinary people and experiences of life. We may not do this in the same ways as did our forebears. But it is just as important for our spiritual well-being and our journey as disciples of Jesus Christ. If we allow ourselves to be guided by the Spirit, we will keep our lives focused on the One who was sent to redeem the world.

Central Ideas

1. Jesus was born into a tradition where following ritual and law was important.
2. The Spirit guided Simeon and Anna as they became instruments of God’s blessing to Jesus and his parents.
3. In today’s more-secular world, we are challenged to find expressive rituals that keep us connected to the Divine.
4. We need to always open ourselves to the Spirit’s guidance.

Questions for the Speaker

1. What relevance do you see in fulfilling rituals and laws as described in the text?
2. What to you were the key features of the blessing Simeon and Anna brought?
3. How have you felt guided by the Spirit?
4. How can you challenge the congregation to be guided by the Spirit?

Lessons

Adult Lesson

Focus Scripture Passage

Luke 2:22–40

Lesson Focus

Jesus in the Temple

Objectives

The learners will…

• review the story of Jesus’ presentation at the Temple and what it tells us about Jesus’ life.
• examine the powerful prophecies made about Jesus.
• prepare for carrying the joy, hope, love, and peace of this season into the new year.

Supplies

• Bible
• Sharing in Community of Christ, 4th Edition, Herald House, 2018
• Paper and pens or pencils
• Community of Christ Sings (CCS)

Note to teacher

In preparation for this lesson, read “Exploring the Scripture” for Luke 2:22–40 in Sermon & Class Helps, Year B: New Testament, p. 25, available through Herald House.

Gather

Today is the first Sunday after Christmas, and we are nearing the last day of the year.

Many of us are reviewing where we have been this past year and making promises to ourselves to make changes in our lives during the year to come. Some people call these promises resolutions. Some of us are discouraged by the failure of last year’s promises. Some no longer make promises because of this discouragement.

As we begin a new year, we focus on a scripture passage that is all about endings and beginnings. It includes prophecies about the years to come and what is in store for the key players of this drama.

Have someone offer a prayer for the class and for the endings and beginnings before us.

Engage

Luke begins this story by setting a stage: Joseph, Mary, and their new baby, Jesus, are in the Temple fulfilling the rituals called for by the Law of Moses. Luke is telling us Jesus’ parents are devout and obedient Jews, not rebels challenging the law.

Luke tells us something else about them. The Law states the firstborn must be redeemed by the sacrifice of a lamb. This law contains a poverty clause: if people couldn’t afford a lamb, they could offer two turtledoves or two pigeons instead. Joseph and Mary offer two doves for Jesus’ redemption. Luke is telling us Jesus, who will later say he is bringing “good news to the poor,” is himself one of the poor.

Jesus will be raised in his father’s profession of carpentry. He will live several years as an itinerant preacher supported by his followers. He will only have one coat as his possession at death. He will be buried in a borrowed tomb.

• Think about Jesus’ life of poverty for a moment. How does this compare to the message of the “prosperity gospel” we hear preached so often in today’s world? How does Jesus’ life of poverty speak to us today?

Next are the prophecies of Simeon and Anna. Luke calls them righteous and devout as he does many of the key players in Jesus’ life. Both have been coming to the Temple for many years.

Simeon came each day to the Temple to search for the Messiah, for he had been promised he would not die until he saw him. The Spirit guides Simeon to Jesus. He takes Jesus in his arms with an expression of thanksgiving at the fulfillment of this promise. Then he speaks this prophesy over him: “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul, too” (Luke 2:34–35).

• Imagine you are Mary and Joseph. Read the words of Simeon and ponder them in silence. How would you feel if you were Joseph? If you were Mary? What do these words say about the life Jesus will live? Share some of your responses with the class.

Anna was married for seven years until the death of her husband. She spent the rest of her life in the Temple worshiping, praying, and fasting. The scriptures tell us she never left the Temple. As a widow at that time, it could be she had nowhere else to go following the death of her husband. She was 84 years old and considered a prophet. She, too, was drawn to Jesus by the Spirit, “and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem” (Luke 2:38).

This phrase in Anna’s prophecy, “redemption of Jerusalem,” is a phrase used in the prophecy of Isaiah. The Jews of that day would have recognized it. It refers to the final salvation of God’s people. This context is both unexpected and inclusive of more than the children of Israel. It is used in the dedication of a baby and refers to both Jews and Gentiles.

• Imagine you are a Jew at the Temple that day and hear Simeon’s and Anna’s prophecies. What would your first thoughts be? How would you respond? How do you respond today to the messages they share with us? Why is this message important today?

Respond

In this story from Luke, we find ourselves immersed in the sacred story of Jesus’ life. It is surrounded by devotion, obedience, and prophecy of a future that does not seem all that bright for the child and his family, but seems exceptionally bright for the people of God. Jesus’ early life began in the nurturing faith of the church and its rituals. One basic belief of the church is the importance of nurturing our children and families. To be part of such a blessed community is an Enduring Principle of Community of Christ.

Blessings of Community

• The gospel of Jesus Christ is expressed best in community life where people become vulnerable to God’s grace and each other.
• True community includes compassion for and solidarity with the poor, marginalized, and oppressed.
• True community upholds the worth of persons while providing a healthy alternative to self-centeredness, isolation, and conformity.
• Sacred community provides nurture and growth opportunities for all people, especially those who cannot fully care for themselves.
• We value our connections and share a strong sense of trust in and belonging with one another—even if we never have met.
• Some disciples are called and ordained to particular priesthood responsibilities and ministries for the sake of the community, the congregation, and the world.
• We are called to create communities of Christ’s peace in our families and congregations and across villages, tribes, nations, and throughout creation.

—Sharing in Community of Christ, 4th Edition, pp. 31–32

Discuss:

• We have heard the words, “It takes a village to raise a child.” How has that been true in your life?
• Who, besides your immediate family, had a hand in nurturing you? What does this say to you about the Enduring Principle Blessings of Community?

The dedication of Jesus recalls the sacrament of blessing of children. This is a powerful ministry that calls on God, the family, and the community to assist in nurturing the child.

• Have you ever witnessed or participated in a baby blessing? How did you feel about it? How was the feeling different if you were a congregation member? A relative? A parent? One of the ministers?
• What responsibility did you feel at that moment?

Send

Soon we will be celebrating the change from the old year into the new. Maybe you will attend a party. Maybe you will spend the time quietly at home with family or a few friends. Maybe you will spend it alone in meditation, reflecting on the year that has been and praying for the year to come. However you plan to spend this day, begin it by reading together the words of Simeon from Luke 2:29–32:

Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.

Reflect on how these words are true for you.

Bless

End this class by singing together the first stanza of “Now in This Moment” CCS 96.

Have someone offer a prayer for the coming year.

Youth Lesson

Focus Scripture Passage

Luke 2:22–40

Lesson Focus

How is taking baby Jesus to the Temple anything like my church?

Objectives

The learners will…

• deepen their understanding of what it means to respond to the Holy Spirit.
• create meaning between the Enduring Principle Blessings of Community and the sacraments.
• use sacraments as a lens for hospitality at their church.

Supplies

• Sticky notes or cut-up recycled paper and tape
• Pens or pencils
• Bibles
• List of sacraments

Note to teacher

In preparation for this lesson, read “Exploring the Scripture” for Luke 2:22–40 in Sermon & Class Helps, Year B: New Testament, p. 25, available through Herald House.

Gather

Provide each student with approximately 10 sticky notes or cut-up recycled paper and tape. Then announce, “Tell me everything you know about hospitality.” Next, give students two minutes to individually write their responses, one thought per sticky note.

Have students combine their sticky notes and place them on the board or wall. Remove or cluster redundant notes as needed. Next, ask the students to come up with categories and headings that fit their responses and rearrange sticky notes into those categories.

Leave the work up and at the end of the lesson, students can revisit their original thoughts and decide what should be added or removed.

Engage

Before you read the scripture passage, ask the students the following questions. It is ok if they don’t know; you may ask some leading questions to help them form their responses.

• What is a ritual? (a ceremony or action performed in a customary way)
• What is a religious law? (a rule that specifies what you can and can’t do in your religion)
• What is a sacrament? (a symbol or ritual expressing God’s love and blessing for us)
• What is a covenant? (our response to God’s grace in Jesus Christ)
• How is each of these different? How are they the same?

Have the students keep these words in mind when they read the scripture passage.

Read Luke 2:22–40.

Ask:

• Which part of the passage showed ritual and religious law?
• What do you think the significance of the turtle doves was? (It was the least costly sacrifice offered at the Temple and showed the family was poor. Yet they made the financial sacrifice to offer to God what the religious law would have them do; they recognized following God’s law was important for them and for the baby.)
• Why was Simeon at the Temple?
• What did Simeon do that demonstrated hospitality?
• Anna, the prophet, fasted, which meant that she was in mourning, but as she was in the Temple, her mourning was for the people of God, not her husband. After her encounter with the young family, do you think she continued to mourn and fast the next day? Why or why not?

Respond

In the Temple, Simeon and Anna visited with Joseph and Mary and the baby. Simeon offered a blessing and Anna praised God and spoke about the child to everyone who wanted to redeem Jerusalem. Mary and Joseph completed the ritual that the Jewish law required and went home to watch their child grow and become strong.

• Was it the turtle dove sacrifice or the interaction with the Temple community that was the blessing for the young family? Which Enduring Principle would fit here?

In Community of Christ, we refer to ourselves as covenant people. The Enduring Principle Blessings of Community is most fully experienced in covenant. Covenant in community is expressed through the sacraments.

—Of Water and Spirit, p. 38

Ask:

• What are your favorite sacraments?
• What about those sacraments do you like so much?
• Have you ever had a visitor or guest with you during a sacrament? If so, what questions did the guest have about what was happening?
• Which sacrament(s) have you not participated in? What questions do you have about them?
• What would make you feel more comfortable in sacramental settings?

In today’s passage, Simeon and Anna responded to the Holy Spirit. In Doctrine and Covenants 158:11c we are told, “The Holy Spirit enriches the sacraments.” Let’s focus on the Holy Spirit for this next part.

Hospitality is…

1. Refer to the sticky notes on the wall.
2. Identify those that demonstrate the workings of the Holy Spirit or sacraments. Mark them in some way, but do not move them yet.
3. Now look at the sticky notes that remain. Identify ones you regularly demonstrate when you go about your daily routine. Mark those, too.
4. Are there any notes not marked? Do they fit our idea of Blessings of Community? Why or why not? Should you remove them?

Send

Hospitality is…

Rearrange your notes in a way that demonstrates the Enduring Principle Blessings of Community. Consider putting them in a circle rather than an ordered list as if one were better than the other. Or be creative using a spiral with the words that are easiest to learn on the outside and the more difficult words toward the center.

Bless

Ask the students to close their eyes and remember the sacrament they chose as their favorite.

Guide them through this meditation:

• Recall the details of words, touch, prayers, rituals, and symbols of your favorite sacrament.
• Experience again how the sacrament made you feel.
• Notice the working of the Holy Spirit in this sacrament.
• Be aware of how many people were participating in the sacrament with you.
• Offer a silent prayer of gratitude for the power of sacraments as they allow us to experience Blessings of Community.

—Called by a New Name, Herald Publishing House, 2000, p. 17, adapted

Children’s Lesson

Focus Scripture Passage

Luke 2:22–40

Lesson Focus

The Spirit guided Simeon and Anna as they became instruments of God’s blessing to Jesus and his parents. We need to always open ourselves to the Spirit’s guidance.

Objectives

The learners will…

• explore the sacrament Blessing of Children.
• discuss God’s promises
• determine their own promises to God.

Supplies

• Bible or Lectionary Story Bible, Year B, by Ralph Milton, illustrated by Margaret Kyle (Wood Lake Publishing, 2008, ISBN 9781551455648)
• Doll
• Paper, two sheets per child
• Construction paper, one sheet per child
• Pens, markers, crayons, etc.
• Stapler

Note to teacher

In preparation for this lesson, read “Exploring the Scripture” for Luke 2:22–40 in Sermon & Class Helps, Year B: New Testament, p. 25, available through Herald House.

Gather

Gather children in a circle. Ask children about their celebration of Christmas. What did their family do to celebrate? Did they include other family members or friends? What food did they eat? Did they receive or give someone a special gift? Listen to them share and remind them that Christmas is about family and being together, but it’s mostly about welcoming baby Jesus. Ask if anyone has a story about how they prepared and welcomed Jesus on Christmas.

Tell students that in today’s scripture story Jesus is a baby. His parents, Mary and Joseph, take him to the temple to be blessed. This is like one of our church sacraments Blessing of Children.

Blessing of Children

When Jesus was a young child, Mary and Joseph took him to the temple “to present him to the Lord” (Luke 2:21–35 NRSV). During Jesus’ adult ministry, parents brought their children to him to be blessed (Mark 10:14). When families bring their babies to be blessed by the elders, they are responding to God’s grace by choosing to raise their child in God’s loving community and promising to provide guidance and nurture throughout the child’s lifetime. The congregation also commits to being a loving community in which the child can thrive and grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ.

Two elders administer the blessing of children, usually during a worship service in the presence of the child’s family and the congregation. The elders hold, support, or place their hands on the child, and one elder offers a prayer of blessing. Children from newborn through age 7 may be blessed. This sacrament is available to any child regardless of the family’s membership in Community of Christ.

—Sharing in Community of Christ, 4th Edition, p. 48

Engage

Talk to the students about the new year. Ask if anyone has ever made a New Year’s resolution. Have children give examples of resolutions they have made or heard others make. Explain that a New Year’s resolution is like a promise you make to yourself to do something different or better in the coming year.

Sometimes people don’t work very hard to keep their New Year’s resolutions because they’re just promises we make to ourselves. But promises are important to keep. When God makes a promise, God keeps it. In today’s scripture story God made a promise to Simeon.

Have children choose roles: Mary, Joseph, Simeon, and Anna. Use a doll to represent Jesus. Have the children act out the story as you read the scripture. You can repeat several times until everyone has a chance to play a role. Read “Jesus Is Presented at the Temple,” based on Luke 2:22−40, from the Lectionary Story Bible, Year B, p. 37.

Tell the children that Simeon and Anna felt so happy when they saw Jesus. God had kept God’s promises. There were several other promises in the story. Ask the children what promises they remember hearing. (Joseph and Mary promised to teach Jesus to be good and kind to others. God promised to love everyone.) God made Mary a promise, too. Ask if they heard what it was. (God would always be with her.) Knowing that God would be with her helped Mary feel less afraid about what was to come.

Respond

Hand out two sheets of white paper and one sheet of construction paper to each child and have them fold the sheets in half to make a book. Use the construction paper as the cover and the white paper inside the book. Staple the books together. Have the children write “My Promise Book” on the front cover. Inside they can write and draw pictures of the promises they want to make this year—promises for things they want to do better and promises they want to make to God.

Send

Have the students bring their promise books and sit in a circle together. Tell the children you are going to play a promise guessing game. Ask each student to think of a promise in their book that they can act out. Have the children take turns acting out one of their promises and allow other children to guess what those promises might be.

At the end ask how they might act out God’s promise to love everyone.

Bless

Choose three or four actions from the promise guessing game to create a body prayer. Begin the prayer by asking God to be with the students as they work to keep their promises. Then act out the chosen promises. End the body prayer with the action that represents God’s love for everyone, and say, “Amen.”