Welcome to Lithia Springs Methodist Church
Sunday worship bulletin for December 21, 2025.
Wi-Fi is available for our guests.
A printable PDF version of this bulletin can be downloaded here.
Chiming of the Hour
Glenn McElroy
Welcome, Announcements and Invocation
Rev. Thomas Long
Scripture
Karen Forehand
Isaiah 7:10-14
Prelude
“Good Christians All, Rejoice”
Glenn McElroy
Arr. Mary McDonald
Lighting of the Advent Wreath
Kevin and Debra Livingston
Hymn*
“O Come, All Ye Faithful”
№ 174
Affirmation of Faith*
The Apostles’ Creed
№ 691
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day He rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
Anthem
“A Noel Celebration”
Chancel Choir
Arr. Joseph M. Martin
Pastoral Prayer; Lord’s Prayer
Rev. Thomas Long
Scripture
Nathan Harvey
John 1:1-5
Hymn*
“Away in a Manger”
№ 197
Children’s Time
Rev. Thomas Long
Offertory Prayer
Rev. Thomas Long
For online giving, visit: https://613e4b45.churchtrac.com/give
Offertory
“Sing We Now of Christmas”
John Gentry and Glenn McElroy
Arr. Don Wyrtzen
Doxology*
№ 682
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heav’nly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Words Thomas Ken; Music Louis Bourgeois
CCLI 1152573
Scripture*
Pat Smith
Luke 2:1-20
The Birth of Jesus
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register.
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Leader: This is the Word of God for the people of God.
People: Thanks be to God.
Sermon
Rev. Thomas Long
Hymn*
“Silent Night”
Verse 1 Silent night holy night All is calm all is bright Round yon virgin mother and Child Holy Infant so tender and mild Sleep in heavenly peace Sleep in heavenly peace Verse 2 Silent night holy night Shepherds quake at the sight Glories stream from heaven afar Heav'nly hosts sing alleluia Christ the Savior is born Christ the Savior is born Verse 3 Silent night holy night Son of God love's pure light Radiant beams from Thy holy face With the dawn of redeeming grace Jesus Lord at Thy birth Jesus Lord at Thy birth Verse 4 Silent night holy night Wondrous star lend thy light With the angels let us sing Alleluia to our King Christ the Savior is born Christ the Savior is born
CCLI Song # 2684749
John Freeman Young | Joseph Mohr
CCLI License # 1152573
Lighting of the Christ Candle
Susan Savage
Benediction
Rev. Thomas Long
Postlude
“Angels We Have Heard on High”
Glenn McElroy
Arr. Anna Laura Page
If you have been visiting with us, we would love to be able to connect with you!
Please take a Visitor’s Card from the pew, complete it, and place it in the offering plate.
Thank you for worshiping with us!
This Week’s Schedule
Today, December 21:
9:45 a.m. Adult Sunday School
9:45 a.m. Children’s Sunday School
11:00 a.m. Sunday Worship Service
12:00 p.m. Christmas Party
Monday, December 22:
7:00 p.m. Scouts Troop 62 Court of Honor
Sunday, December 28:
9:45 a.m. Adult Sunday School
9:45 a.m. Children’s Sunday School
11:00 a.m. Sunday Worship Service
The church office will close at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 24th, and will remain closed on Thursday, December 25th and Friday, December 26th, in observation of Christmas. The office will reopen on Monday, December 29th at 10:00 a.m.
Merry Christmas from Lithia Springs Methodist Church!
As we celebrate the birth of our Savior, we give thanks for the gift of Jesus Christ—Emmanuel, God with us. May the joy, peace, and hope of this holy season fill your hearts and homes, and may the light of Christ shine brightly in your lives throughout the coming year. Thank you for being part of our church family and for sharing in the worship, fellowship, and ministry of this season. We pray that your Christmas is filled with love, laughter, and the assurance of God’s abiding presence. Merry Christmas and blessings to you and your loved ones!
Thank You – How Far to Bethlehem
Thank you to everyone who helped make How Far to Bethlehem such a meaningful and beautiful ministry. From our actors and volunteers to those who prepared meals, built sets, served behind the scenes, and supported this outreach through prayer and donations—your time and faithfulness truly brought the story of Christ’s birth to life. We are grateful for each person who played a part in welcoming our community and sharing the hope of Christmas.
LSMC Christmas Party – Today after worship!
Join us today in the Fellowship Hall for our church Christmas Party. We’ll enjoy a delicious catered meal, holiday fun, and warm fellowship as we prepare our hearts for the celebration of Christmas.
Poinsettia Pick-Up Today
If you dedicated poinsettias in honor or in memory of loved ones you are invited to take them home after worship today. Thank you for helping make our sanctuary beautiful this Christmas season!
FREE – Church Pew Available
One wooden pew from the children’s wing is available for free to anyone who wants it. It is heavy! You’ll need help moving it. Contact the church office if interested. First come, first served!
Prayer Requests
Please remember to lift up our brothers and sisters in Christ in your prayers throughout the week:
Betty Andrews • Mae Ora O’Shields • Rosamary & Danny Johnson • Kenneth Bowden • Mike & Pam Arther • Sherry & George Walker • Diane Dempsey • Sybil Clower • Lance Gay • John Gentry • Sandra Rodriguez • Tommy Schuber • Mike & Linda Lipe
To contact the church office,
please send correspondence to
office@lithiaspringsmethodist.org
PastorThomas@lithiaspringsmethodist.org
or call 770.948.5429
lithiaspringsmethodist.org
youtube.com/@LithiaSpringsMethodistChurch
facebook.com/LithiaSpringsMC
instagram.com/lithiaspringsmethodistchurch
For online giving, visit: https://613e4b45.churchtrac.com/give