December 14, 2025
Children’s Story & Lighting the Candle of Joy
What makes you laugh? When was a time when you were laughing so much that you fell down?When our son was little, he often laughed so much that he fell down on the floor!
Laughing doesn’t always mean we are joyful but maybe just for a moment our worries are forgotten and we find ourselves a bit joyful.
We sing the Christmas carol, “Joy to the World” because at Christmas, we celebrate that Jesus has come. And we sing, “Joy to the earth, the savior reigns.” All heaven and nature sing because Jesus is born.
In Luke 2, we read that the angel came to the shepherds on the night when Jesus was born and said, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.” (2:10-11)
I am very fortunate to have a Joy in my life! My wife is named, “Joy” so I almost say “Joy” every day, but there are times, I just call her “Honey.” Honey is like Joy too!
Whether we are laughing or happy or perhaps, joyful, let us also remember that in Jesus’ birth, it’s really good news that give great joy for us and to all people.
Let’s relight the candles for Hope, Peace and now light the Candle of Joy.
Let’s pray together the prayer in the bulletin.
Pastoral Prayer
Eternal God, who by your love has made us, through your love has kept us, and in your love have made us to be according to your holy will, we humbly confess that we have not loved you with all our heart and soul and mind and strength, and that we have not loved our neighbors as Christ loves them and us. Forgive us for whom we have been and help us to change to who we are created in your own image.
In the many festivities of this season that may mask our minds and hearts to see the troubles in this world, we seek clarity in vision and compassion in our hearts to be your instruments of love and hope.
We pray especially for our brother, Lee McDaniel as he begins his period of incarceration that while this is a sidestep in his journey for now, that even these days will become a time of his renewal to follow your steps as he continues his seminary education later. Be with him, Lord and protect him from all harm. Grant him strength and perseverance and that enduring hope of a new tomorrow. As a loving and supportive community of faith, may Lakeshore stand with our brother, Lee today and the days to come.
We celebrate those who have come forward to join our church as they dedicate themselves with their gifts and talents to advance your reign in Oakland and beyond. As a beloved community, we value and invite everyone in the making of our rich diversity to reflect the family of God on earth.
Lord, we face the hard realities of life every day. Sometimes, our pay checks didn’t last as long as we had hoped. Sometimes, our footsteps are less sturdy as we remembered. And there are times when sadness in loss or disappointments in expectations led to depression and grief. Grant us, O God, the hope and encouragement to welcome a new day because you are here with us. Remind us once again, that Jesus Christ comes to lift us out of darkness and into the light of a new morning.
In this Christmas season, we pray that we would seek your presence in our lives to believe that you are truly real for us and a Savior of the world. Open our eyes and unclog our ears to hear the many miracles happening around us—neighbors watching out for each other, giving a smile to a stranger, welcoming a new person to join our church.
We pray for healing of the body and the peace of mind. By your Spirit, direct what we shall be, that your image may come in full glory in us and in all people. Amen.