december 21, 2025
- asbcsite
- Dec 16, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 21, 2025
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Boon Lin Ngeo
Please use this Order of Service to easily follow the service online.
CLICK HERE FOR HYMNS (or scroll to the bottom)
Prelude: Richard Harper
Chalice Lighting:
We call forth the life of our faith by igniting our chalice.
This spark of new beginnings invites us into a sacred space to reflect where we have been and where we are going.
Even knowing that this particular flame will intentionally end with our ritual extinguishing, we fear not its end…
For we know, with brave hearts, that from every ending of our lives, We are sent forth to make a new beginning.
Opening Hymn: When Peace, Like a River NCH 438
Welcome & Announcement
Call to Worship:
My siblings, sisters and brothers in Christ, Advent awaits us.
Let us place our feet on the road and begin the journey.
May we find in familiar words, rituals and customs
the birth of the new thing that awaits us.
Prayer of Invocation:
First Sacred Reading: Luke 1:26-38
26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, 27 to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.”[a] 29 But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. 30 The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. 33 He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 34 Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?”[b] 35 The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born[c] will be holy; he will be called Son of God. 36 And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.
Passing of the Peace
Sharing of Our Joys & Concerns
Prayers of the People/Pastoral Prayer
Offering & Doxology: We Give You But Your Own – NCH 785
We give you but your own, what e'er the gift may be; All that we have is yours alone, we give it gratefully
Second Sacred Reading: Tao Te Ching
The Great Tao [Way] pervades all things and causes all things to come into existence.
Hymn of Reflection: I will Trust in the Lord NCH 416
Sermon: God’s Timing is Perfect
Closing Hymn: I am the Light of the World NCH 584
Benediction: Rev. Dr. Boon Lin Ngeo
Postlude: Richard Harper
All Souls Bethlehem Church
An Open and Affirming Congregation
Pastor: Rev. Dr. Boon Lin Ngeo
Ministers: All Members of ASBC
Minister Emeritus: Rev. Bill Nye
First Time Visitor?
Please sign our red Guest Book (located near the entrance)
and be our guest at the gathering following the service!
Interested in “Official” Church Membership?
Please speak with Council President Raquel Irizarry about our next New Member gathering!
An All-inclusive, Welcoming Community of Faith
born from the traditions of the:
Disciples of Christ - www.Disciples.org
United Church of Christ - www.UCC.org
Unitarian Universalist Association - www.UUA.org
To Donate
MUSIC
