Description
Luke 1:26-38
Angels figure prominently in the birth of Jesus Christ. In the Gospel of Luke, Luke records two accounts of angel appearances prior to Jesus’ birth. Once to Zechariah to foretell the birth of John the Baptist. And this one, where the angel Gabriel by name, sent to Mary, a virgin betrothed to Joseph, delivers a stunning message. Mary will conceive and give birth to a son. He states that the Holy Spirit will come upon her and her son will be called the Son of God. Mary’s response? “I am the Lord’s servant. 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
Even So Come
Chris Tomlin | Jason Ingram | Jess Cates
© 2015 S. D. G. Publishing; Twelve Lions Music; Worship Together Music; Open Hands Music; So Essential Tunes; Chrissamsongs Inc; Go Mia Music; Vistaville Music
O, Come, All Ye Faithful
John Francis Wade, ©several publishers
Available on www.PraiseCharts.com, www.LifewayWorship.com, www.MusicNotes.com
Offering (Christmas Version)
Paul Baloche ©2002 Integrity’s Hosanna! Music
[Traditional Options]
O Come, All Ye Faithful
BH 75 81; BH 91 89; CH 249; CHH 148; EH 83; ELW 283; HWC 145; HPW 20; HFG 193; HLC 103; HGP 78; HSP 332; LBW 45; LSB 379; LW 41; NCH 135; PH 41; RH 133; RS 499; STTL 175; WC 173; UMH 234; WAR 182; WHM 133; WIS 178
All My Heart Today Rejoices
ELW 273; HFC 203; PH 21
Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates
BH 91 128; CHH 129; EH 436; HFG 239; LBW 32; LSB 340/341; LW 23/24; NCH 117; PH 8; UMH 213; WAR 176
Invocation
Pastor / Worship Leader
We will sing of your steadfast love, O Lord, forever.
Worshipers
Our souls magnify the Lord.
Pastor / Worship Leader
With our mouths, we proclaim God’s faithfulness to all generations.
Worshipers
Our spirits rejoice in God our savior.
Pastor / Worship Leader
We declare that your steadfast love is established forever.
Worshipers
His mercy is to those who fear him from generation to generation.
Pastor / Worship Leader
Your faithfulness is as firm as the heavens.
Worshipers
You are our God and the Rock of our salvation. Amen.
Opening Prayer / Theme Introduction
Pastor / Worship Leader
Heavenly Father, the Most High Lord of all, you have a surprising preference for people who are small and humble and who expect everything from you. You chose Mary, the unassuming virgin from Nazareth, to become the mother of your Son Jesus. Through your Holy Spirit make us aware of the poverty of our hearts, that we may be open to you and welcome you, be ready, like Mary, to serve you and your plans, and expect everything from you. Come to us and give yourself to us through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Worshipers
Amen!
Time of Confession and Forgiveness
[Alternate location: following Message]
Pastor / Worship Leader
Lord, we confess.
Worshipers
We acknowledge and confess that we have put ourselves first when considering Christmas day.
Pastor / Worship Leader
We confess that we have neglected you, our Savior, and focused more on presents and dinners and problems and earthly desires. We confess that at times even, we will be happy when the day is over.
Worshipers
We confess that our anticipation has not been to celebrate first, the coming of the Savior into the world, the coming of the One who would eventually die for our very souls, the coming of Immanuel, God with us.
Pastor / Worship Leader
We repent of this Lord. And we humbly ask of your forgiveness.
Worshipers
Forgive us Lord for our sins.
Pastor / Worship Leader
Amen!
Worshipers
Amen!
We Hear God’s Word
[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]
First Reading 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16
David has replaced Saul as King over Israel. He has been at war, conquering Jerusalem and defeating the Philistines. He has brought the ark to Jerusalem and has now settled into his palace. David wants to build a house for the Lord, but the Lord sends David a message. The Lord will make David great and provide for the people of Israel a place to dwell. The Lord will establish a house, a kingdom and a throne that will endure forever.
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. “‘The Lord declares to you that the Lord himself will establish a house for you:
