So bring him incense,
Gold and Myrrh,
Come, peasant, king to own him;
The King of kings
Salvation brings,
Let loving hearts enthrone him.
Raise, raise the song on high,
The Virgin sings her lullaby;
Joy, joy for Christ is born,
The babe, the son of Mary!
WE RESPOND IN FAITH
Prayer Requests
Pastoral Prayer
Offertory Scripture and Prayer
Offertory
Doxology* (#554)
GOD SENDS US OUT TO SERVE
Benediction*
Sending Song*: Joy to the World! (#117)
Dismissal*
Pastor: Go in peace, to love and serve the Lord.
Congregation: Thanks be to God!
*Those able are invited to stand.
Today’s Servants
Door Greeters: Ramon & Bev Dotson; Ushers: Dave Tolley, Jim Lind, Andrew Lind;
Sound System: Dick and Carol Ostheimer; Nursery: Bev Tatlock and Kamrin Bick;
Fellowship: Jerry & Pat Hall and Susie Price; Song Leader: Tina Wheeldon;
Accompanist: Darlene Danford; Counters: Carol Ostheimer, Dorene Bick
Randy Price
Pastor Bailey
Mary Strantz
Pastor Bailey
Order of Worship + Fourth Sunday in Advent
WE GATHER AS GOD’S PEOPLE
Welcome, Announcements, and Greeting Time
Randy Price
Chimes
Lighting of the Advent Candle*
Randy Price
One: The Advent wreath is a circle with no beginning and no end. It is a symbol of
God’s unending love and faithfulness.
All: The shepherds were the first to hear the joyful announcement of Christ’s birth—
the good news of great joy for all the people.
One: Upon seeing the baby Jesus, the shepherds spread the word concerning what
had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed.
All: We also have heard this wonderful news. We welcomed the message with the
joy given by the Holy Spirit.
One: Though we have not seen Jesus, we love him; and even though we do not see
him now, we believe in him.
Opening Hymn*: Angels from the Realms of Glory (#124)
Invocation
Randy Price
Prayer of Confession
Randy Price
One: While we ask, Lord, for the most meaningful Advent season ever, we sadly
confess having done so little with so much. Forgive us Lord, for not bending the knee,
for not reading your Word, for not searching our hearts, for not facing our sins.
Forgive us according to your tender mercies, O God! Grant that when Christmas
morning breaks for us this year, we may have a fresh sense of your presence and a
renewed resolve to live to the praise of Christ’s glory. Amen.
Words of Assurance
Pastor Bailey
Song of Praise*: Angels We Have Heard on High (#136)
WE HEAR GOD’S WORD
Children’s Message
Song of Preparation: Carol at the Manger
Holy Child within the manger,
long ago yet ever near;
come as friend to every stranger,
come as hope for every fear.
As you lived to heal the broken,
greet the outcast, free the bound,
as you taught us love unspoken,
teach us now where you are found.
Judy Maiden
Once again we tell the story –
how your love for us was shown,
when the image of your glory
wore an image like our own.
Come, enlighten with your wisdom,
come and fill us with your grace.
May the fire of your compassion
kindle every land and race.
Holy Child within the manger,
lead us ever in your way,
so we see in every stranger
how you come to us today.
In our lives and in our living
give us strength to live as you,
that our hearts might be forgiving
and our spirits strong and true.
Scripture Reading: Luke 1:26-38
Sermon
Song of Response*: What Child Is This
What Child is this, who, laid to rest,
On Mary’s lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet
With anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard
And angels sing:
Haste, haste to bring him laud,
The babe, the Son of Mary.
Why lies he in such mean estate
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian, fear;
For sinners here
The silent Word is pleading.
Nails, spear shall pierce him through,
The cross be borne for me, for you;
Hail, hail the word made flesh,
The babe, the son of Mary!
Randy Price
Pastor Bailey