Opening Song: O Little Town of Bethlehem by Lewis Henry Redner and Phillips Brooks, arranged by Ross Fishburn and Shane BarnardLyrics:O little town of BethlehemHow still we see thee lieAbove thy deep and dreamless sleepThe silent stars go byYet in thy dark streets shinethThe everlasting lightThe hopes and fears of all the yearsAre met in thee tonightFor Christ is born of MaryAnd gathered all aboveWhile mortals sleepThe angels keep their watchOf wondering loveO morning stars togetherProclaim the holy birthAnd praises sing to God the KingAnd peace to men on earthHow silently how silentlyThe wondrous gift is givenSo God imparts to human heartsThe blessings of His HeavenNo ear may hear His callingBut in this world of sinWhere meek souls will receive Him stillThe dear Christ enters inO holy Child of BethlehemDescend to us we prayCast out our sin and enter inBe born to us todayWe hear the Christmas angelsThe great glad tidings tellO come to us abide with usOur Lord EmmanuelPassage: 2 But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.3 Therefore he shall give them up until the time when she who is in labor has given birth; then the rest of his brothers shall return to the people of Israel.4 And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth.5 And he shall be their peace. When the Assyrian comes into our land and treads in our palaces, then we will raise against him seven shepherds and eight princes of men;(Micah Musical Reflection:O Come, O Come Emmanuel (VENI, VENI, EMMANUEL) by Thomas HelmoreReflection Notes: The tune VENI IMMANUEL comes from a 15th century chant and originally served as part of a requiem mass. Thomas Helmore adapted it for congregational use as a hymn in the late 1800s, while still retaining the speech-like flow of the original chant. The text dates back to the 8th century and was translated from Latin to English by J. M. Neal. Prayer:Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and as we are sorely hindered by our sins from running the race that is set before us, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.