– -Liturgy for Advent Sunday, December 21, 2014- –
“And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom,that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him;his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away,and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed.” -Daniel 7:14
Prelude: While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks By Night (Peterson/Gullahorn arrangement)
Gathering Song: Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus (Red Mountain Music)
“O come let us adore Him, O come let us adore Him
O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!”
Lighting of the 4th Advent Candle: Jesus is Greater than the Kingdoms of this World
Call to Worship: (Daniel 7:13-14)
Leader: I saw in the night visions,
and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man,
and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him.
All: And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom,
that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him;
his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away,
and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed.
The fourth Advent Candle Is Lit
Adoration:
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (traditional, Mendelssohn & Wesley)
Call To Confession: During the Christmas season, it can be tempting to gloss over and try and ignore our pain, ignore the trouble in our souls. And the reality for many of us is that the Christmas season can be one of the hardest. So as we gather during this season of Advent, as we anticipate Christ’s return, we can pour our hearts out to the Lord, with all our mess, all our pain, and our prayer is, “Come, Lord Jesus!”. We long for Christ to come and set things right. We long for our anxious, fearful hearts to fully know the peace of Christ and his Kingdom reign.
So let’s take a moment to bring our burdens to the Lord, knowing he hears
(adapted from All Souls Christian Church Liturgy)
(time of silent confession)
Assurance of Pardon: (from Isaiah 40) The good news of Advent is that Jesus Christ has come into the world, has led the way through death that we may have life, and is coming again to make all things new.
Leader: Hear these words of assurance from Isaiah 40: “‘Comfort, comfort my people,’ says your God. ‘Your sin has been paid for.’
All: The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint and strengthens the powerless.”
Song of Response: Joy To The World (traditional)
(Prayers for our City, Offering, and Doxology/Word of Praise)
Hearing the Word: Matthew 2:13-23 (sermon audio posted separately)
Celebration of Communion
Sending: Go Tell It On The Mountain (traditional) ***Sung responsively with children and congregation
Benediction: (Numbers 6:24-26)
The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.
Go in that peace!