Matthew 2:13-23 | As we celebrate the Twelve Days of Christmas, our gospel today confronts us with the death of innocent children at the hands of Herod. The birth of Christ does not remove the power of evil from our world, but its light gives us hope. So join us this weekend for worship as we continue to bask in the light of Christ come to earth, and as we gather around word and meal where God redeems us, lifts us up, and carries us as in days of old.
Special thanks to the Bishop’s Office of the Southeastern Iowa Synod and lay leaders at Shepherd of the Cross for leadership today in worship!
Sunday, December 28 2025, First Sunday of Christmas
Copyright acknowledgments: Music covered under Augsburg Fortress License #SB135131, CCLI License #1141706, One License #738128-A. Scripture from New Revised Standard Version Bible, © 1989 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. Gathering Song: O Come, All Ye Faithful. Text: attr. John Fancis Wade, 1711-1786; tr. Frederick Oakeley, 1802-1880, sts. 1, 3-4; tr. unknown, st.2. Music: attr. John Francis Wade. Text and Music: © Public Domain. Hymn of the Day: What Child is This. Text: William C. Dix, 1837-1898. Music: English ballad, 16th cent. Text and Music: © Public Domain. Offering Song: Do You Hear What I Hear?. Text and Music: Gloria Adele Shain, Noel Regney. Text and Music: © 1977 Universal Music Works on behalf of Primary Wave Jewel (Admin. by Universal Music Publishing Group). Covered under CCLI subscription. Sending Song: Go Tell it on the Mountain. Text: French carol; tr. H. F. Hemy, The Crown of Jesus Music, 1864. Music: French carol; arr. Edward S. Barnes, 1887-1958. Text and Music: © Public Domain.