26th Sunday After Pentecost
Chrismon Service
November 26, 2023
| Pastor: Ralph Wrightstone | Bulletin . Insert . Photos from 2022 | Music Director: Travis Oaks |
Next Sunday is the first of the four Sundays in the Season of Advent which ends on
Christmas Eve.
Since the 1980's, Bethel has had a Chrismon Service to introduce the Season of Advent during
which members of the congregation would join in decorating a lighted tree with ornaments having
Christian symbolism.
During the service the Chrismons are presented in three groups: Nativity, Passion and
Victory. Chrismons in each group are described, an appropriate hymn is sung and then those
gathered in the church are invited to place ornaments from the group on the tree.
This online service has been designed to allow you to participate in every way, except for placing
the ornaments on the tree. Click on the "Bethel United Methodist Church" script above
for links to some Resource material for this service
We are also having a service at 11:00 this morning in Bethel's sanctuary. For those unable to
attend the services at the church, a new service will be available here online
before 9:00 am each Sunday morning, using the same format as the on-site service. So you may
"gather" here for an "Early Service" at 10:00 or the traditional service at 11:00...actually it
will be available here at any time all week. We hope that you will find it a refreshing place to
come into God's house.
NOTE: Each part of this online service consists of an audio file and, for most, a Link to a pdf file of "projection slides". Click on the
symbol to play the audio file under a separate browser tab or in a new
window. Then select the "Bethel 11/26/23 Service" browser tab or return to this window to
open the Link to the "slides". It is best to stop the playing of one Audio segment and
close its tab or window before starting another.
We hope that you will fully participate in the service provided here, taking the time to raise
your voice or read along with the hymns and responses, and listening to the recorded messages and
songs that have been prepared for you. Realize that, though not meeting face-to-face, you are
virtually gathering with many others for this time of worship, celebration and spiritual
refreshment.
We begin today with a brief traditional worship service before going into the Chrismon Service.
Declaration of the Good News
Leader: Hear the good news which we receive, in which we stand, and by which we are saved:
That Jesus Christ was born, lived, and died for our sins according to the Scriptures; that he was
buried; that he was raised on the third day; and that he appeared to the women, to Peter, then to
the Twelve, and to many faithful witnesses. We believe he is the Christ, the Son of the living God.
He is our Savior, the Victor over the powers of sin and death. He is the first and the last, the
beginning and the end. He is our Lord and our God.
People: Amen.
People: Be born in us, O Lord. Be born in every part of our lives. Be born in every
place where we live, until we are conscious of your presence: In our joys and sorrows; in our fears
and our failures; in our hopes and our
dreams; in our work and in our worship, be born in us, O Lord, be born in us
this day. Amen.
Christmas Confession (All together)
Almighty God, who sent a star to guide men to the Holy Child Jesus, we confess we have not
always followed the light of your Word. We have not searched for signs of your love in the world.
We have failed to praise your Son’s birth, and refused his peace on earth. We have questioned the
good news. We have expected little and hoped for less. Forgive us, Lord, for such self-serving
symbols that mark our lives. Open our hearts to your abiding presence.
May the joy of the angels become our joy; may the devotion of the Shepherds become our devotion;
may the vision of the wise men become our vision; may the wonder of your love be born in us,
through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Chrismon Service
INTRODUCTION TO CHRISMONS
At Christmas, not only does the star lead us to Bethlehem, but also to Nazareth, Galilee,
Capernaum, Jerusalem, Calvary, and heaven. For as part of Jesus’ birth, we also celebrate his life
and ministry, his death and resurrection, and his ultimate victory over the powers of sin and death.
Like the three kings, we present our gifts to Jesus and to one another. Today, we will present our
offerings in the form of CHRISMONS. CHRISMON is a combination of two words: CHRIST and MONogram. A
Chrismon is a symbol of Christ.
Christian symbols date back to the early church. They are found on the walls of the Roman
catacombs, on jewelry and utensils from excavations in Palestine and elsewhere. Early Christians
used them to identify themselves to one another, to designate meeting places, and sometimes, to
show nonbelievers where they stood. These symbols of the early church served to transmit the faith
and beliefs of the followers of Jesus Christ.
Chrismons were first used in 1957 to decorate a Christmas tree in the Lutheran Church of the
Ascension in Danville, Virginia. They were composed of white and gold materials, WHITE is symbolic
of our Lord’s purity and perfection, GOLD, of his majesty, glory and triumph. The green of the tree
is symbolic of promised healing. The white lights on the tree point to Christ as the light of the
world
Hymn:
. Verses - "O Come, O Come Emmanuel (v 1,2)" . (UMH 211)
The Epiphany
Star .
The Epiphany Star is the 'Star of Bethelehem' that announced the Birth of Jesus.
(Matthew 2:1-2) Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the East, and have come to worship him." The Christmas Rose .
This is the biblical 'Rose of Sharon'. 'Sharon' was a flat, arid land stretching from
Mt.Carmel to the Mediterranean. A flower growing in this area would have been an unexpected and
glorious site.
(Isa 35:1-2) The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon; they will see the glory of the LORD, the splendor of our God. The Manger .
The Manger reminds us of Jesus' lowly birth in a stable.
(Luke 2:1-7) In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. The Angel .
The Angel reminds us of the Heavenly messengers that announced Jesus' birth
(Luke 2:8-14) And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."Hymn:
. Verses -
"Away in a Manger" . (UMH 217)
PRESENTATION OF THE PASSION SYMBOLS
The Chalice .
The Chalice reminds us of the cup of Communion, representing Christ's shed, saving
blood in the crucifixion.
(Mat 26:26-28) While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is my body." Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. The Crosses .
The Crosses remind of Christ's crucifixion and taking on the sins of the world
(John 19:16-18) Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified. So the soldiers took charge of Jesus. Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha). Here they crucified him, and with him two others -- one on each side and Jesus in the middle.
.
.
The
Sacrificial Lamb .
This reminds us of Christ's becoming the atonement for our sins.
(Isa 53:4-7) Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. (John 1:29) The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! The Butterfly .
The Butterfly reminds us of Christ's resurrection and the 'New Life' that it promises for all
His followers. Just as the caterpillar spins a cocoon and lies encased in a seemingly
dead shell only to emerge in a changed form as a beautiful butterfly, so Jesus was
entombed, but rose from the dead.
(Mat 28:1-7) After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the
other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came
down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was
like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they
shook and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you
are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and
see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and
is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”
The Dove and the Shell .
These are symbols of Baptism...'The Shell' represents the cleansing waters and 'The
Dove' represents the Spirit's presence and approval.
(Mat 3:16-17) As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased."… (Mat 28:19-20) Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."Hymn:
. Verses -
"The Old Rugged Cross (vs 1)" . (UMH 504)
PRESENTATION OF THE SYMBOLS OF VICTORY
Alpha and Omega .
'Alpha and Omega' are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, and as such they
symbolize Christ as the beginning and the end.
(Rev 22:13) I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.. The Chi Rho .
Chi and Rho are the first two letters of the Greek word “CHRISTOS” meaning Christ.
(Mat 16:15-16) He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” The Fish .
The first letters of the Greek words for “Jesus Christ, God's Son, Savior” form the word
for fish, “ICTHUS”.
(Mat 4:19) "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." The Shepherd's Staff .
The Staff is the shepherd’s tool for guiding his sheep and symbolic of Christ, the Good
Shepherd.
(John 10:11) "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep". The Cross and Orb .
The 'Orb' symbolizes the world and with the Cross, the triumph of Christ over it.
(1 John 4:9-10) This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. (Heb 13:8) Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. The Iota- Chi .
'Iota' and 'Chi' are the Greek first characters of the title 'Jesus Christ'
(Phil 2:9-11) Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. The Crown .
The Crown symbolizes sovereignty and shows us that Christ is the Ruler over all
Creation.
(Rev 11:15) The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever." The IHS .
The Greek letters: IHS (Iota Eta Sigma) are the first three characters in the
Greek spelling of JESUS.
(Mat 1:21) She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.Hymn:
. Verses - "Up From the Grave He Arose (vs 1,3)" . (UMH
322)
Chrismon Prayer
Almighty God, whose glory and majesty glow through the symbols of Christ, may these Chrismons ever
remind us of your love entering our lives. May these gifts we have hung upon the tree become the
gifts of your comfort and joy we share with others. So may we sing of redemption’s happy dawn, for
Jesus Christ is born in Bethlehem; through the heaven-born Prince of Peace, we pray. Amen.
Hymn:
. Verses -
"Joy to the World" . (UMH 246)
Benediction
Thank you for coming. Our prayer will be that we will soon all gather again for worship in Bethel's Sanctuary, but intil then we'll be here for you on Sunday morning.
Please let us know of any problems you have with or suggestions about this site by sending an email to "bumctlh@gmail.com". If you have any announcements or prayer concerns you would like included next week you may contact Pastor Ralph Wrightstone directly at: 850-591-9785
NOTE: Each part of this online service consists of an audio file and, for most, a Link to a pdf file of "projection slides". Click on the
symbol to play the audio file under a separate browser tab or in a new
window. Then select the "Bethel 11/26/23 Service" browser tab or return to this window to
open the Link to the "slides". It is best to stop the playing of one Audio segment and
close its tab or window before starting another.
We hope that you will fully participate in the service provided here, taking the time to raise
your voice or read along with the hymns and responses, and listening to the recorded messages and
songs that have been prepared for you. Realize that, though not meeting face-to-face, you are
virtually gathering with many others for this time of worship, celebration and spiritual
refreshment.
We begin today with a brief traditional worship service before going into the Chrismon Service.
- . Slides -
Welcome and Announcements . (04:30)
- - Blessing of the Chrismon Tree (00:51)
- Hymn:
. Verses - "O Come All Ye Faithful (v 1,3,6)" . (UMH 234)
- . Slides -
Call to Worship . (02:55)
......and thanks to Lexie for helping with this - . Old Testament Reading:
"Psalm 100", a psalm of thanksgiving .
(00:51)
......consider following along with a favored translation of your own. - .
Slides - Pastor's Thoughts and Prayers .
(08:50)
- MESSAGE:
...... . Scripture:
Matthew 25:31-46 . (02:58)
......again, consider following along with a favored translation of your own.
...... . Lesson: "GOING, GOING, GONE!" .
(13:53)
......The sermon from the church service, with the same topic, will be on the Sermons Page later this week.
Declaration of the Good News
INTRODUCTION TO CHRISMONS
. Verses - "O Come, O Come Emmanuel (v 1,2)" . (UMH 211)
Click on a symbol to hear a recording for each Chrismon
type, or you may click on a PRESENTATION group heading, like that below, to hear all recordings in
the group sequentially.
PRESENTATION OF THE NATIVITY SYMBOLS symbol to hear a recording for each Chrismon
type, or you may click on a PRESENTATION group heading, like that below, to hear all recordings in
the group sequentially.
The Epiphany Star is the 'Star of Bethelehem' that announced the Birth of Jesus.(Matthew 2:1-2) Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the East, and have come to worship him." The Christmas Rose .
This is the biblical 'Rose of Sharon'. 'Sharon' was a flat, arid land stretching from
Mt.Carmel to the Mediterranean. A flower growing in this area would have been an unexpected and
glorious site.(Isa 35:1-2) The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon; they will see the glory of the LORD, the splendor of our God. The Manger .
The Manger reminds us of Jesus' lowly birth in a stable.(Luke 2:1-7) In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. The Angel .
The Angel reminds us of the Heavenly messengers that announced Jesus' birth(Luke 2:8-14) And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
. Verses -
"Away in a Manger" . (UMH 217)
The Chalice reminds us of the cup of Communion, representing Christ's shed, saving
blood in the crucifixion.(Mat 26:26-28) While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is my body." Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. The Crosses .
The Crosses remind of Christ's crucifixion and taking on the sins of the world(John 19:16-18) Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified. So the soldiers took charge of Jesus. Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha). Here they crucified him, and with him two others -- one on each side and Jesus in the middle.
.
.
This reminds us of Christ's becoming the atonement for our sins.(Isa 53:4-7) Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. (John 1:29) The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! The Butterfly .
The Butterfly reminds us of Christ's resurrection and the 'New Life' that it promises for all
His followers. Just as the caterpillar spins a cocoon and lies encased in a seemingly
dead shell only to emerge in a changed form as a beautiful butterfly, so Jesus was
entombed, but rose from the dead.
(Mat 28:1-7) After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the
other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came
down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was
like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they
shook and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you
are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and
see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and
is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”
The Dove and the Shell .
These are symbols of Baptism...'The Shell' represents the cleansing waters and 'The
Dove' represents the Spirit's presence and approval.
(Mat 3:16-17) As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased."… (Mat 28:19-20) Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
. Verses -
"The Old Rugged Cross (vs 1)" . (UMH 504)
'Alpha and Omega' are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, and as such they
symbolize Christ as the beginning and the end.(Rev 22:13) I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.. The Chi Rho .
Chi and Rho are the first two letters of the Greek word “CHRISTOS” meaning Christ.(Mat 16:15-16) He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” The Fish .
The first letters of the Greek words for “Jesus Christ, God's Son, Savior” form the word
for fish, “ICTHUS”.(Mat 4:19) "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." The Shepherd's Staff .
The Staff is the shepherd’s tool for guiding his sheep and symbolic of Christ, the Good
Shepherd.(John 10:11) "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep". The Cross and Orb .
The 'Orb' symbolizes the world and with the Cross, the triumph of Christ over it.(1 John 4:9-10) This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. (Heb 13:8) Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. The Iota- Chi .
'Iota' and 'Chi' are the Greek first characters of the title 'Jesus Christ'(Phil 2:9-11) Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. The Crown .
The Crown symbolizes sovereignty and shows us that Christ is the Ruler over all
Creation.(Rev 11:15) The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever." The IHS .
The Greek letters: IHS (Iota Eta Sigma) are the first three characters in the
Greek spelling of JESUS.(Mat 1:21) She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.
. Verses - "Up From the Grave He Arose (vs 1,3)" . (UMH
322) Chrismon Prayer . Verses -
"Joy to the World" . (UMH 246)
Benediction
Thank you for coming. Our prayer will be that we will soon all gather again for worship in Bethel's Sanctuary, but intil then we'll be here for you on Sunday morning.
Please let us know of any problems you have with or suggestions about this site by sending an email to "bumctlh@gmail.com". If you have any announcements or prayer concerns you would like included next week you may contact Pastor Ralph Wrightstone directly at: 850-591-9785