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, he said to Nathan the prophet, “Here I am, living in a house of cedar, while the ark of God remains in a tent.” Nathan replied to the king, “Whatever you have in mind, go ahead and do it, for the Lord is with you.” But that night the word of the Lord came to Nathan, saying: “Go and tell my servant David, ‘This is what the Lord says: Are you the one to build me a house to dwell in? 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. 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?”’ “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. 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: