Description
Matthew 1:18-25
The account of Jesus coming into the world puts into perspective the humanity of His divine birth. Immanuel, God with us, perfectly encompasses God’s nature. Mary experienced the radical calling on her life to birth the Son of God, and Joseph had to obey the Lord in a sacrificial way and lead his family in the way of God. As we experience this season of Advent, let’s put our trust in Immanuel, God with us.
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
Advent Hymn
Christy Nockels, © 2016 Sweater Weather Music (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.)
Your Great Name
Krissy Nordhoff & Michael Neale, ©2008 Integrity’s Praise! Music | TwoNords Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) | (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.)
What a Beautiful Name
Ben Fielding & Brooke Ligertwood, © 2016 Hillsong Music Publishing (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)
[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
Let the Earth Now Praise the Lord
LSB 869; LW 33
From Heaven Above to Earth I Come
CH 146; EH 80; ELW 268; HLC 111; LBW 51; LSB 358; LW 37; NCH 130; PH 54
Invocation
Pastor / Worship Leader
There is but one name above all else. His name is Immanuel, God with us. Satan trembles at the sound of Immanuel. The angels rejoice when they hear Immanuel. Let’s say it together- Immanuel!
Worshipers
Immanuel- God with us!
Pastor / Worship Leader
Immanuel, God with us, is Heaven’s sonnet, the chorus of angels, and the song of the redeemed. Let’s praise Immanuel together.
Opening Prayer / Theme Introduction
Pastor / Worship Leader
Immanuel, we join with the angels in their holy song whether we believe our voices are fit for singing or not. May our praises rise like incense before You. May our worship be a sweet aroma unto You. You are God with us. Teach us the depth of Your name.
Worshipers
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Time of Confession and Forgiveness
[Alternate location: following Message]
Pastor / Worship Leader
Whatever you brought in with you today, the Lord can handle it. If you’re carrying a burden of guilt or sin, God can carry it. If you feel down trodden, ashamed, broken, or afraid, remember that it is Jesus who took our shame, our guilt, our pain, our sickness, and our diseases on the cross and put it upon Himself so that we would not need to bear it. He loves us, and He is with us. Give it now to the Lord.
Worshipers
Jesus, we give you our burdens and confess our sins to You now, because You can carry it. You care for us and died for us while we were still sinners. We release this burden into Your nail scarred hands. Forgive us now.
Pastor / Worship Leader
We accept Your gift of grace and choose to leave our burdens at Your feet and clothe ourselves in Your forgiveness, freely offering it to others.
Worshipers
Thank you, Jesus. Help us to live like You. Amen.
We Hear God’s Word
[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]
First Reading Isaiah 7:10-16
The Lord spoke through the prophet Isaiah to Ahaz and the whole house of David that Immanuel, God with us, would be born from a virgin. Deliverance was on its way.
10 Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, 11 “Ask the Lord your God for a sign, whether in the deepest depths or in the highest heights.” 12 But Ahaz said, “I will not ask; I will not put the Lord to the test.” 13 Then Isaiah said, “Hear now, you house of David! Is it not enough to try the patience of humans? Will you try the patience of my God also? 14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. 15 He will be eating curds and honey when he knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right, 16 for before the boy knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right, the land of the two kings you dread will be laid waste.
