The Order of Worship for December 3, 2023
Gathering & Preparation
The beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God. It is written in Isaiah the prophet: “I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way” – “a voice of one calling in the desert, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’ “ – Mark 1:1-3
Welcome
Prelude
*Call to Worship
*Hymn #196 – Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus
*Prayer of Adoration
*Affirmation of Faith – Nicene Creed (Trinity Hymnal p.846)
Unison Prayer of Confession
God of grace and truth, in Jesus Christ you came among us as light shining in the darkness. We confess that we have not welcomed the light, or trusted good news to be good. We have closed our eyes to glory in our midst, expecting little, and hoping for less. When we allow darkness to overcome the light, forgive us, Lord. When we reduce Christmas to plastic and tinsel, have mercy on us, Father. When hardness of heart keeps us from seeing and hearing and touching, let your grace consume us, O God. Forgive our doubt, and renew our hope; so that we may receive the fullness of your grace, and live in the truth of Christ the Lord.
Silent Prayer
Assurance & Comfort of the Gospel of Jesus Christ
Worship through Giving
Offertory – I Hear the Prophet Callin’ (Choplin)
*Hymn #735 – Gloria Patri
*Prayer of Thanksgiving
*Hymn #203 – Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 1:3-12
Sermon: “A Living Hope” by Rev. Lindon Fowler
*Hymn – What Child is This? (Public Domain)
The Lord’s Supper
*Hymn – Behold the Lamb (Sixsteps Music 2018)
*Benediction
Postlude
Announcements
