But with her babe upon her knee by Florence Edith Storer

Christmas is often called the Season of Lights. When most people hear this, they think of electric Christmas lights or soft glowing candles. Christmas is actually the Season of The Light, Jesus, coming into the darkness of our world. The following worship resource celebrates this by combining Kathleen Thomerson’s hymn I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light (United Methodist Hymnal #206), a scripture reading from John 1, and original prayers by Lisa Ann Moss Degrenia.

Canticle: Jesus, The Light, Has Come!
ONE READING:
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.
– John 1:1-5 (NRSV)

ONE or ALL SINGING:
I want to walk as a child of the Light, verse 1

ALL PRAYING:
Radiant Creator,
Strong, Wise, One,
Shine in my mind,
Enlighten my understanding of you and your ways
So I may do what is true and live in your light

ONE or ALL SINGING:
I want to walk as a child of the Light, verse 2

ALL PRAYING:
Breath of Life,
Refiner’s Fire,
Shine in my eyes,
Illumine what is in need of correction and cleansing,
Spark in me your compassion and reign

ONE or ALL SINGING
I want to walk as a child of the Light, verse 3

ALL PRAYING
Jesus, Messiah,
Light of the World,
Shine in my life,
Make me a lighthouse to reflect your love;
A beacon of hope that leads others home safely

ALL SINGING
I want to walk as a child of the Light, chorus only

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Click Here for an inspiring message based on John 1:1-5 by Ann Voskamp entitled How to Get Through the Dark Places

For information on The Story of Christmas Reading Plan, click here

Jesus, The Light, Has Come: compilation and prayers © 2010 Lisa Ann Moss Degrenia
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