THE SECOND SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS DAY
JOY! A Childre n’s Service JANUARY 4, 2026
WELCOME FROM THE RECTOR
The Rev. Dr. Christopher D. Girata
Happy new year! We’re so glad you’ve joined us at Saint Michael today. We’d love to get to know you better, so please take a moment to fill out the welcome card, either physically or digitally, that can be found on this page or in the pew back in front of you. Our Welcome Team members are in the hallways today to help you with anything you need. Join us on Tuesday, January 6 for our annual Epiphany Service and Burning of the Greens when we celebrate the revelation of Jesus as the Son of God to the wise men who traveled from the east to visit the newborn king. The service concludes with the annual burning of the greens, followed by hot chocolate and s’mores. It will be fun for the whole family! Over the next few weeks, we are very blessed to offer three special choral worship services: On Sunday, January 18 at 4 p.m. in the Church, join us for Epiphany Lessons & Carols. Then on Sunday, January 25 at 7 p.m. in the Church, we will offer a beautiful Epiphany Choral Compline service. Finally, on Sunday, February 1 at 4 p.m. in the Church, join our talented young choristers for a service of Choral Evensong. Please pick up a Sunday News handout if you haven’t already and join us for our special programming whenever you can. As we prepare to worship together, I invite you to take a moment and center yourself on God’s presence. Worshiping, learning, and giving together help us grow closer to who God created us to be, and you’re part of that work. May God bless you today and every day, and I hope to see you again very soon!
CONNECT WITH US Scan the QR Code to fill out the welcome card, sign up for emails, and register for Saint Michael 101.
saintmichael.org/welcome
Joy: A Eucharist for Children Welcome The Lighting Of The Christ Candle
Standing
“The Light Of Christ” The light of Christ has come into the world. The light of Christ has come into the world. Public Domain
The Opening Song “O Come All Ye Faithful” O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem; come, and behold him, born the King of angels; Refrain O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord. Yea, Lord we greet thee, born this happy morning; Jesus, to thee be glory given; Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing; Refrain.
Words: John Francis Wade (1711-1780); tr. Frederick Oakeley; Music: Adeste fideles, present form of melody att. John Francis Wade; Harmony: The English Hymnal,1906. Used with permission CCLI License # 1718120
The Opening Sentences Celebrant Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. People And blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever. Amen. 3
The Collect Celebrant People Celebrant
The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us pray.
Celebrant O Lord, you granted baby Jesus safety, we ask you for safety for our friends through this week. Amen. The Gospel Procession “I Have Decided To Follow Jesus” I have decided to follow Jesus. I have decided to follow Jesus. I have decided to follow Jesus. No turning back, no turning back. Other verses Though none go with me, still I will follow. The cross I’ll carry ‘til I see Jesus. The cross before me, the world behind me. Public Domain
Please be seated.
The Bible Story The Song After The Story “Away In A Manger” Away in a manger, no crib for his bed, the little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head. The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay, the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay. The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes, but little Lord Jesus no crying he makes. I love thee, Lord Jesus! Look down from the sky, and stay by my side until morning is nigh.
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Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask thee to stay close by me forever, and love me I pray. Bless all the dear children in thy tender care, and fit us for heaven to live with thee there.
Words:Traditional carol; Music: Cradle Song; Melody William James Kirkpatrick (1838–1921); Harmony: Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872–1958).
The Children’s Creed All
Standing
I believe in God the Father, who has made me and all the world. I believe in God the Son, who has loved me and saved me. I believe in God the Holy Spirit, who is in me and all creation.
The Sunday School Prayer All
God be in my head. God be in my heart. God be in my left hand. God be in my right hand. God be in my whole life. Thanks be to God. Amen.
Additional Prayers and Silence Reader People
Let us thank God for our families, friends, and our pets. We pray to you, O Lord. Lord, hear our prayer.
Reader People
Let us praise God for God’s love and goodness and for our blessings. We pray to you, O Lord. Lord, hear our prayer.
prayers continues on the next page. 5
Reader People
Let us pray to God to help others. We pray to you, O Lord. Lord, hear our prayer.
Reader People
Let us ask God for the things we need; may we enjoy the food we eat, the home we live in, the health that we have, and when we are sick that we may be well soon. We pray to you, O Lord. Lord, hear our prayer.
The Children’s Confession Celebrant People
For the times we have hurt others. Forgive us, God.
Celebrant People
For the times we have acted selfishly. Forgive us, God.
Celebrant For the times we have been slow to forgive others. People Forgive us, God. Celebrant People
For the times we have not remembered your love for us. Forgive us, God.
The Peace
Please be seated for the Announcements.
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Celebrant The peace of the Lord be always with you. And also with you. People
The Offertory “Go Tell It On The Mountain” Refrain Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere; go tell it on the mountain, that Jesus Christ is born!
Let your generosity shine before others by nurturing vibrant worship and forming disciples who glorify God. Pledge today and turn good works into lasting light.
While shepherds kept their watching o’er silent flocks by night, behold, throughout the heavens there shone a holy light. Refrain. The shepherds feared and trembled when lo! above the earth rang out the angel chorus that hailed our Savior’s birth. Refrain. Down in a lowly manger the humble Christ was born, and God sent us salvation that blessed Christmas morn. Refrain.
Words: Afro-American spiritual, 19th Century; adapt. John W. Work
The Doxology
Standing
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise him, all creatures here below; praise him above, ye heavenly host: praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
“Praise God, from whom all blessings flow“ Hymn 380, v. 3
Prayers Over The Bread & Wine To Thank God For Jesus Celebrant People Celebrant People Celebrant People
The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give him thanks and praise.
All baptized persons of any age regardless of their denomination and tradition are welcome to share in the banquet of the Lord’s Supper.
Eucharistic prayer continues.
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The Lord’s Prayer All
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Breaking of the Bread Members of the congregation may come forward to receive Communion from the Celebrant. Please join in the singing of the Communion songs.
Celebrant
The Gifts of God for the People of God. Take them in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving.
Communion Songs “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.
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Words: Phillips Brooks (1835–1893); Music: St. Louis, Lewis H. Redner (1831–1908)
“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” Hark! The herald angels sing glory to the newborn King! Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled! Joyful, all ye nations, rise, join the triumph of the skies; with the angelic host proclaim Christ is born in Bethlehem! Hark! The herald angels sing glory to the newborn King! Christ, by highest heaven adored; Christ, the everlasting Lord; late in time behold him come, offspring of the Virgin’s womb. Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; hail the incarnate Deity. Pleased as man with man to dwell; Jesus, our Emmanuel! Hark! The herald angels sing glory to the newborn King! Public Domain
“The First Nowell” The first Nowell the angel did say was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay; in fields as they lay, keeping their sheep, on a cold winter’s night that was so deep. Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, born is the King of Israel.
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They looked up high and saw a star shining in the east beyond them far, and to the earth it gave great light, and so it continued both day and night. Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, born is the King of Israel.
Word: English Carol, 18th century; Music: The First Nowell, English Carol, 17th century; Harmony: John Stainer
“Greensleeves” What child is this, who, laid to rest on Mary’s lap is sleeping? Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, while shepherds watch are keeping? This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing; haste, haste to bring him laud, the babe, the son of Mary. Why lies he in such mean estate where ox and ass are feeding? Good Christian, fear; for sinners here the silent Word is pleading. This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing; haste, haste to bring him laud, the babe, the son of Mary.
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Words: William Chatterton Dix (1837–1898); Music: Greensleeves, English melody; Harmony: Christmas Carols New and Old,1871
Thank You To God For Our Time Together All
Standing
Thank you, Jesus, for this Holy Meal. Thank you for giving us this Holy Food that gives each of us the gift of life. And thank you for caring for us. Amen.
A Blessing The Dismissal Celebrant Let us go forth in the name of Christ. People Thanks be to God. The Closing Song “Joy To The World” Joy to the world! the Lord is come: let earth receive her King; let every heart prepare him room, and heaven and nature sing, and heaven and nature sing, and heaven and nature sing. Joy to the world! the Savior reigns; let us our songs employ, while fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains, repeat the sounding joy, repeat the sounding joy, repeat the sounding joy. He rules the world with truth and grace, and makes the nations prove the glories of his righteousness, and wonders of his love, and wonders of his love, and wonders of his love.
Words: Isaac Watts; Music: Antioch, George Frederic Handel (1685-1759); adapt. and arr. Lowell Mason (1792-1872).
Song permission granted by CCLI License #171820 & Hymn permission used by Rite Song, a one-time use reprint license for congregational use.
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Copyright ©kidadl | All Rights Reserved I Reprinted with permission
Annual Giving Campaign
As we begin a new year, we are grateful for God’s faithfulness and for the people who make Saint Michael a place of worship, belonging, and service.
Thank you to all who have already pledged for 2026. To support our planning for the year ahead, stewardship pledges will be received through January 31, 2026. Your pledge at any level strengthens our shared mission.
JOIN US!
MAKE YOUR 2026 PLEDGE TODAY Scan the QR code below or visit saintmichael.org/stewardship. 214.365.3503 | giving@saintmichael.org
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Joy! A Children’s Service Saint Michael Chapel
10 AM Education for All Ages
11 AM Contemporary Church
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NEXT WEEK: Education classes for all ages will resume on January 11.
Adults Bible Series | The Epistle to the Hebrews Room 203 | Led by the Rev. Dr. Andrew Grosso This series will familiarize participants with the imagery and spirituality of the epistle to the Hebrews and demonstrate how reflection on this text can be a source of inspiration and guidance. That Sacred Mystery | The Church Room 201 | Led by the Rev. David Faulkner We will think deeply about what the Church is, how she is to be understood, and what it truly means to be members of the Church. Class For Parents | Parenting in the Pews Room 212 | Led by Meghan Houk, Director of Children’s Ministries We will examine the role of worship in our lives as parents and discussing and envisioning what it means to introduce our children to a life of discipleship. Saint Michael 101 | Orientation Room 200 | Led by the Rev. Dr. Christopher D. Girata Those who are new to our church or interested in membership will learn about Saint Michael’s mission and purpose.
Youth Middle School: 6th and 7th Grade | Youth Room A Confirmation: 8th Grade | Youth Center High School: 9th – 12th Grade | Youth Room B
Children Godly Play: PreK – 1st Grade (Ages 3 – 7) PreK (Room 213) | Kindergarten (Room 211) | 1st Grade (Room 208) One Family of Faith: 2nd – 3rd Grade | Room 209 Launch 45: 4th – 5th Grade | Room 207 Nursery available in rooms 19 & 20 in school hallway. Enter through the Sunday Education Wing entrance. See map for details.
Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church 8011 Douglas Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75225 | 214.363.5471 saintmichael.org | @smaadallas