In the Bleak Mid-Tax Season

Naples Community Church's Podcast

December 17, 2023

Preparation for Worship

Time for Gathering

Opening Hymn “In the Bleak Midwinter”

In the bleak midwinter frosty wind made moan

Earth stood hard as iron water like a stone

Snow had fallen snow on snow snow on snow

In the bleak midwinter long ago

Our God heav'n cannot hold Him nor earth sustain

Heav'n and earth shall flee away when He comes to reign

In the bleak midwinter a stable place sufficed

The Lord God Almighty Jesus Christ

Angels and archangels may have gathered there

Cherubim and seraphim thronged the air

But His mother only in her maiden bliss

Worshipped the Beloved with a kiss

What can I give Him poor as I am

If I were a shepherd I would bring a lamb

If I were a wise man I would do my part

Yet what can I give Him give my heart

Lighting of the Advent Wreath

Song of Worship

Prayers of the Church and Prayer of our Lord

Offering “O Little Town of Bethlehem”

O little town of Bethlehem how still we see thee lie above thy deep and dreamless sleep

The silent stars go by yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting Light

The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight

For Christ is born of Mary and gathered all above while mortals sleep the angels keep

Their watch of wondering love O morning stars together proclaim the holy birth

And praises sing to God the King and peace to men on earth

How silently how silently the wondrous gift is given so God imparts to human hearts

The blessings of His heaven no ear may hear His coming but in this world of sin

Where meek souls will receive Him still the dear Christ enters in

O holy Child of Bethlehem descend to us we pray cast out our sin and enter in

Be born in us today we hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell

O come to us abide with us our Lord Emmanuel

Scripture Lesson Luke 2:1-6

Sermon In the Bleak Mid-Tax Season

Closing Hymn “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”

God rest ye merry gentlemen let nothing you dismay

Remember Christ our Saviour was born on Christmas Day

To save us all from Satan's pow'r when we were gone astray

O tidings of comfort and joy comfort and joy O tidings of comfort and joy

From God our heavenly Father a blessed angel came

And unto certain shepherds brought tidings of the same

How that in Bethlehem was born the Son of God by name

O tidings of comfort and joy comfort and joy O tidings of comfort and joy

Now to the Lord sing praises all you within this place

And with true love and brotherhood each other now embrace

This holy tide of Christmas all others doth deface

O tidings of comfort and joy comfort and joy O tidings of comfort and joy

Benediction: Join us after service as the board presents the plans for our upcoming building project.

• Sunday Morning Study – The Christmas You Never Knew | 9 AM in the Sunshine Room

• Sunday Prayer: Sundays | 9:30 AM in the Church Office

• NO Bible Study: Mondays | 12 & 6 PM in the Sunshine Room and via Zoom, off until January 8th

• Fellowship Coffee Hour: Wednesdays | 10 AM in the Sanctuary, join us for coffee and donuts.

• Issues Hour: Wednesdays | 11 AM in the Sunshine Room and via Zoom

• Christmas Eve Service: 5PM

• Free Concert featuring Westward Road: Sunday, January 7th | 6PM here at the church.

• Men’s Study Group – What it Means to Be a Kingdom Man: New study starting in January.

• Annual Cruise: January 25th aboard the Naples Princess. Tickets are $50/person, no sign up, please pay Mary Rush or

Karen Boatright to receive a ticket.

• Cookies provided by Gloria and Gloria’s husband who would like to thank everyone who prayed for them.