Rejoice in what’s to come

Fourth Sunday of Advent

December 21, 2014

*Those that are able are invited to stand

Welcome and Announcements

- Gathering into worship -

Visual Call to Worship Busy Christmas

Opening Scripture 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16

*Opening Hymn “Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus” #196

*Opening Prayer

Mighty God, your faithfulness is magnified in the coming of your Son, in the long-awaited birth of the promised Messiah.

May we, like Mary, proclaim your greatness as we rejoice in our Savior, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

*Chorus “Emmanuel, Emmanuel” #204

Emmanuel, Emmanuel, his name is called Emmanuel.

God with us, revealed in us, his name is called Emmanuel.

Anthem “Sing A Song Of Merry Christmas” Choir

- Offering our prayers -

(You are invited to share your prayer concerns with the congregation by writing them on the

Prayer Request cards in the pews and placing them in the offering plate.)

*Prayer Hymn “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming” #216

Silent Prayer / Pastoral Prayer / 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 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 forever. Amen.

- Becoming the church through the word –

Scripture Luke 1:46-55

Advent Wreath Meditation

Children’s Sermon

Scripture Luke 1:26-38

Prayer of Illumination

Astonishing God, send your Holy Spirit upon us as we await the coming of your Son and reflect on your words.

Fill us with good things that we may conceive your reign on earth and glorify you according to your Word; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.

Sermon

Visual Inspiration First Christmas with Mary

- Sharing our blessings -

Offering Our Gifts and Tithes

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*Doxology “Angels We Have Heard on High” (Refrain) #238

Gloria, in excelsis Deo! Gloria, in excelsis Deo!

*Offering Prayer

Gracious God, you work miracles. Nothing can hinder your purposes. Your love shines forth in your living Word. We pray that the world will reflect your Word. Use these offerings to create small miracles of transformation in our communities. We pray through Christ our Lord. Amen.

- Taking the Word to the World -

*Closing Hymn “Tell Out, My Soul” #200

*Benediction

*Chorus “I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light” (Refrain) #206

In him there is no darkness at all. The night and the day are both alike.

The Lamb is the light of the city of God. Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus.

Postlude