Forgive us Lord: Call to Confession for the Day After Christmas

Leader: O come let us adore him.

Congregation: Like the Magi of old, we come to lift our voices and praise the savior of the world.

Leader: O come let us adore him.

Congregation: Like ancient Israel, we will proclaim the kindness of the Lord, his deeds and all that the Lord has done for us.

Leader: O come let us adore him.

Congregation: Like the ancient believers, we rejoice that Jesus loved us, had mercy on us, and redeemed us.

ALL: O Come let us adore him, Christ the Lord.

Call to Confession

It's the day after Christmas
And all through the house
Is there praise for our Savior
By children or spouse?
Yesterday our home was noisy
With excitement and glee
As children and grown folks thought
Which gifts are for me?
Forgive us Lord
For paying our gifts so much attention
That we paid your miraculous birth no heed.
Forgive us Lord For getting impatient with our "religious relative"
Who insisted that we pause to offer thanks for your birth.
Forgive us Lord
For spending too much on gifts
That yield temporary happiness.
Forgive us Lord
For amassing so many Christmas memories
That barely mentioned your name.
Forgive us Lord
And remind us of the miracle of your birth
The significance of your life
The sacrifice of your death
All that we might live anew as children of Jesus Christ.

Words of Assurance

Only a loving God would send a Savior to suffer for a sinful and forgetful people. Only a concerned God would put on human flesh and experience the same temptations that we face. Lord Jesus Christ you alone understand our frailties and offer us compassionate help when we are tempted. Thank you for being our merciful and faithful high priest. Thank you for welcoming us into your holy family. Thank you for declaring our names in the presence of your holy congregation. Today we walk assured that you love us, forgive us, and trust us with the precious good news of the gospel. (Hebrews 2:10-18.)

Invitation to Give

Lord, each day that you wore human flesh, you gave lovingly — without reserve. Today, let us follow your great example. Receive our expressions of love: our finances, our love of God and neighbor, our service and our prayers. Amen.