Hope Has Dawned, Noel

A Cantata for Christmas by Mary McDonald

December 14, 2025

HOPE HAS DAWNED, NOEL
A Cantata for Christmas
By Mary McDonald

David Rexroad, Narrator

Stout Memorial United Methodist Church

stoutmemorial@gmail.com 304-428-1179

Order of Worship
Third Sunday of Advent
December 14, 2025

Welcome and Announcements Rev. Helen R. Oates

Prelude Angels We Have Heard on High arr. Broughton Bonnie Leonhart

Choir Escort Saige Irick

Choral Introit Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence Chancel Choir
arranged by Mary McDonald
David Rexroad, soloist
words from Liturgy of Saint James

Lighting of the Advent Wreath Greg and Carolyn Bolton
Reader
Congregation: We choose to believe that the day is coming when “the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away” (Isaiah 35:10).
(After second reading finishes, light pink candle)

Hymn O Little Town of Bethlehem Verses 1 & 4 UMH 230

Opening Prayer Greg Bolton
Like the angelic proclamation, we too can sing ‘how great our joy!’. Our joy comes, O God, from the gift of your son who redeems us all. We are over-joyed that we are set free from those things that bind us – addictions, abuse, raging anger. You free us, so the light of Christ can shine even through us. Thank you. Amen.

Hope Has Dawned, Noel
A Cantata for Christmas by Mary McDonald

Hope Is Dawning Luke 2:11-12

Come, Jesus, Heavenly Light Matthew 1:1 and Jeremiah 23:5-6

Joys and Concerns
Morning Prayer and The Lord’s Prayer

My Soul Sings
Matthew 1:28-34, 46-47
Terri Bush, Soloist

Our Lord, Emmanuel!

How Great Our Joy!

Offertory Away in a Manger arr. Varner Bonnie Leonhart

Doxology UMH 94

Prayer of Dedication Today we offer our songs and praise to God. We are thankful for these gifts and for the labor of love happening in the preschool area. We are thankful that our mission is to tell others that Jesus is the Light to the World and through him, we have joy. Amen.

Hymn
Sing We Noel
Silent Night, Child of Light
*What Child Is This Verse 1 *
Worship Christ, the Newborn King
Hope is Dawning (Reprise)
UMH 219

Benediction

Postlude Let There Be Peace on Earth Bonnie Leonhart

Members of the Chancel Choir
Director – Terri Bush
Pianist – Bonnie Lockhart

Sopranos:
Sherry Bargeloh*
Judi Beary*
Judy Bennon*
Carolyn Bolton*
Paula Earnest*
Gabby Olson*
Alexandra Olson*
Jayne Whitlow*

Altos:
Dottie Enoch*
Debby Matheny*
Helen Oates*
Carol Ocheltree*
Sofia Olson
Nancy Sams*
Barbara Smith*

Tenors:
Roger Bush*
Bob Enoch*
Aaron Nutter*
Wally Earnest*

Basses:
Greg Bolton*
Jeff Olson*
David Rexroad
Bill Smith*
Paul VanDyke

*Denotes members singing in the Cantata