Call to Worship Cycle: Before the Manger

These opening words for worship were created to accompany the Advent sermon series “Before the Manger: Advent With the People Who Lived It.” The bolded words are spoken by the congregation. You are welcome to use or adapt these liturgies for worship, with credit. When printing these liturgies, please use the following credit line: “Prayer by Rev. Carol Holbrook Prickett.”

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Week 1: “Mary”

Before the manger comes a message
of the Holy Spirit at work in our world. 
As we worship, let us wonder
what the Spirit might still be up to. 
With Mary we proclaim with hope:
we have seen God’s grace for us!

Week 2: “Joseph“

Before the manger comes a dream
to quiet our hearts when fear sets in. 
As we worship, let us wonder
where God might be leading us today. 
With Joseph we proclaim in peace:
welcome, Emmanuel, God-with-us!

Week 3: “Shepherds“

Before the manger comes a song
of peace on earth and goodwill for all
As we worship, let us wonder
where to search for Christ today.
With the shepherds we proclaim with joy:
we will seek and share God’s good news! 

Week 4: “Magi“

Before the manger comes a guidepost
a glowing star to guide our way. 
As we worship, let us wonder
what signs God is still sending to us. 
With the magi we proclaim with love:
Christ is worth our deepest treasure!

Christmas Eve

Now we kneel before the manger
where an infant wears the face of God.
As we worship, let us wonder
where God is being born in us today.
With the whole world we proclaim:
God has come to earth this night!