Order of Worship December 19: LOVE

 

CENTERING PRAYER

My soul magnifies the Lord! All is ready Stable prepared Shepherds working Magi journeying Gifts are chosen My soul magnifies the Lord! A city awaits Crowded and bustling Stars are shining People expecting A drama unfolding My soul magnifies the Lord!

The Lord is coming To save his people Mary's obedience Jesus' willingness Your gracious gift to us My soul magnifies the Lord!

PRELUDE (Sunday Worship)     Once in Royal David’s City     Rokey 

WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS 

ADVENT WREATH LITURGY 

We light these candles as a sign of the coming light of Christ. 

In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord!

 Make a highway in the desert for our God. 

From ages of old, no ear has heard, no eye has seen one so glorious as the Lord our God, for whom we wait. 

Every valley shall be lifted, every mountain and hill, made low; 

Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed. 

God’s anointed one is coming – 

to bring good news to the oppressed, 

to bind up the brokenhearted, 

to proclaim liberty to the captives, 

and to announce the time of the Lord’s favor. 

The promise of the Lord is sure; the realm of God will be established forever. 

Let us live into LOVE!

 † HYMN    “My Soul Cries Out with a Joyful Shout”     Hymnal #100

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

God our Savior, we ask for your mercy. Though we have heard Mary’s song, we still seek security in pride and power and possessions. Though we know your story, we resist the costs of following you. We pass by those considered lowly in this world. We turn away from hungry people who still wait to be filled. Forgive us, we pray. Help us to work for the justice you intend. Make us messengers of the peace you bring. As we wait for you, turn our apathy into acts of love and service. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, Emmanuel. (Silent Confession)

ASSURANCE OF GRACE 

† SHARING THE PEACE OF CHRIST 

The peace of Christ be with you. And also with you. 

†GLORIA PATRI Hymnal #581

 TIME WITH CHILDREN (Sunday Worship) (Children 5 th grade and younger may leave to attend Sunday School) 

† HYMN     “Angels We Have Heard on High”     Hymnal #113 

SCRIPTURE Luke 1:39-55

 SERMON    “A Turn for the Better”     Rev. Dr. Dave Burgess 

† AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Apostles’ Creed 

I believe in God, the Father almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ his only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.

 OFFERING Song of Mary and Joseph      Purifoy 

Soloists: Amy Shelton and John Lesh Chancel Choir 

† THE DOXOLOGY Hymnal #606 

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER 

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 debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. 

† HYMN      “Good Christian Friends, Rejoice”      Hymnal #132 

† CHARGE AND BLESSING 

† BENEDICTION “Peace On the Earth”

 POSTLUDE (Sunday Worship) Verset Temps de Noel Guittard 

† You are invited to stand, as you are able