Description
Luke 1:26-38
In a miraculously holy moment, the angel Gabriel relayed God’s message to the virgin Mary who would soon conceive by the Holy Spirit the Son of God. She would not be alone in pregnancy, however, as her relative would soon birth John the Baptist. Mary’s response to the startling news that would forever change her life and the world was humble: “May your word to me be fulfilled.”
We Lift Our Hearts in Worship
[Preservice options include video countdowns, worship song videos, welcomes), CDs, or live music.]
Welcome & Time of Greeting
Time of Praise and Worship
Christmas Day
Andrew Bergthold, Ed Cash, Franni Cash, Martin Cash, Scott Cash © 2019 Alletrop Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Andrew Bergthold Designee (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Capitol CMG Genesis (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Capitol CMG Paragon (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) McTyeire Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) We The Kingdom ASCAP Designee (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) We The Kingdom Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)
Angels From the Realms of Glory (Emmanuel)
Brenton Brown, Henry Thomas Smart, James Montgomery, Michael Rossback, Paul Baloche, © 2015 Thankyou Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Integrity Worship Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing (Integrity Music, David C Cook)) Integrity’s Hosanna! Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing (Integrity Music, David C Cook)) Leadworship Songs (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing (Integrity Music, David C Cook)) Michael Rossback Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing (Integrity Music, David C Cook))
Emmanuel (Hallowed Manger Ground)
Chris Tomlin & Ed Cash, ©2009 worshiptogether.com songs | sixsteps Music | Vamos Publishing | Alletrop Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) | (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) | (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) | (Admin. by Music Services)
[Traditional Options]
Savior Of The Nations Come
EH 54; ELW 263; LBW 28; LSB 332; LW 13; PH 14; RS 480; WC 138; UMH 214; WAR 168
Jesus! Name of Wondrous Love
BH75 74; EH 252; LSB 900; LW 182
It Came Upon the Midnight Clear
BH 75 86; BH 91 93; CH 251; CHH 153; EH 89; ELW 282; HWC 128; HFG 197; HLC 104; HGP 65; HSP 340; LBW 54; LSB 366; LW 62; NCH 131; PH 38; RH 140; RS 498; STTL 168; WC 170; UMH 218; WAR 191; WHM 134; WIS 182
Invocation
Pastor / Worship Leader
Only a few days remain before we celebrate our Savior’s birth. Are you caught up in the festivities that this holiday season brings? Perhaps you’re overwhelmed with heartbreak of present and past tragedies. Maybe you are harboring unforgiveness, empty wishes, or bitterness toward your family. What if we laid aside all the unwanted hustle and bustle, the burdens we are carrying, and the busyness of life at the feet of our Lord? What if for one moment we set aside just an hour to focus our attention on the Savior of the world, who was born in a manger as a babe, but fully God and human in one, who entered into this world to bridge a wide gap between us and God? I invite you to close your eyes, imagine the beautiful hope found in the God child’s eyes, and tell Him that you trust Him and desire to worship Him in this moment, right now.
(Allow a couple of minutes to focus attention on Jesus)
Worshipers
(Close eyes, pray, worship, focus your attention on the Lord)
What does Advent look like if instead of starting with words of celebration, thanksgiving, and even commemoration, preachers begin with words that remind God’s people that we can stand boldly and not be afraid? Perhaps, herein, lies one of the gems Mary treasured in her heart as she watched the gift of God grow and manifest in the world (Luke 2:19, 51).
Opening Prayer / Theme Introduction
Pastor / Worship Leader
Lord Jesus, we want to celebrate, bring our thanksgiving offerings to you, and commemorate the whole reason for this season- You. As we open up Your Word today and read, may you fill us with the encouragement to stand boldly and not be afraid as your angel Gabriel told Mary. We ask for Your favor to be upon us, Your people, because You are loving, kind, and a Promise Keeper. Father, we bring our worship gifts to you as praise offerings.
Worshipers
May our gifts of praise be pleasing to You, Holy Father. In the name of God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit we pray, amen.
Time of Confession and Forgiveness
[Alternate location: following Message]
Pastor / Worship Leader
Let us come before God our Father with humble hearts. Although we’d like to take credit for our earthly gains and accomplishments, we must give credit to our Lord. We make plans, and He changes them, for God knows best. We make plans based on our own experiences, knowledge, and opinions, but God knows all and sees all.
Worshipers
We confess that we are not above God of the Universe, but we are His masterpieces, His creation, and His objects of love.
Pastor / Worship Leader
Let us pause and reflect on our lives. Let us ask the Lord for forgiveness.
(Allow for a time of personal confession and reflection)
Worshipers
Father, forgive me. It is because of You that I am alive, breathing, and not dead in my sin. All things come from You, and I thank You for the life You’ve given me and the eternity that awaits. Jesus Christ, You are my Lord and Savior. You are the forgiver of my sins and giver of life. I surrender my all to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
We Hear God’s Word
[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]
First Reading 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16
While sitting in his cedar house, King David felt compelled to build the Lord something other than a tent to dwell in. That evening, the Lord came to the prophet Nathan in a dream with words for King David reminding him of his calling from God, not the other way around.
1 After the king was settled in his palace and the Lord had given him rest from all his enemies around him, 2 he said to Nathan the prophet, “Here I am, living in a house of cedar, while the ark of God remains in a tent.” 3 Nathan replied to the king, “Whatever you have in mind, go ahead and do it, for the Lord is with you.” 4 But that night the word of the Lord came to Nathan, saying: 5 “Go and tell my servant David, ‘This is what the Lord says: Are you the one to build me a house to dwell in? 6 I have not dwelt in a house from the day I brought the Israelites up out of Egypt to this day. I have been moving from place to place with a tent as my dwelling. 7 Wherever I have moved with all the Israelites, did I ever say to any of their rulers whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, “Why have you not built me a house of cedar?”’ 8 “Now then, tell my servant David, ‘This is what the Lord Almighty says: I took you from the pasture, from tending the flock, and appointed you ruler over my people Israel. 9 I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have cut off all your enemies from before you. Now I will make your name great, like the names of the greatest men on earth. 10 And I will provide a place for my people Israel and will plant them so that they can have a home of their own and no longer be disturbed. Wicked people will not oppress them anymore, as they did at the beginning 11 and have done ever since the time I appointed leaders over my people Israel. I will also give you rest from all your enemies. 16 “‘The Lord declares to you that the Lord himself will establish a house for you:
