Description
Mark 1:1-8)
In the opening of Mark’s Gospel, he identifies who the Prophet Isaiah speaks of- John the Baptist- preparing the way for the Lord. John preaches a baptism of repentance and baptizes people in the Jordan River. But John speaks of the One who is coming, the One who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.
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, © S. D. G. Publishing (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)Sixsteps Songs (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)Worship Together Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Open Hands Music (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC)So Essential Tunes (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC)Lily Makes Music (Admin. by Kobalt Music Publishing America, Inc.)
He Has Come for Us (God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen)
Jason Ingram & Meredith Andrews, © 2009 Word Music, LLC (a div. of Word Music Group, Inc.) So Essential Tunes (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) Spirit Nashville Three (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) Spirit Nashville Three (Admin. by Spirit Music Group)
10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)
Matt Redman & Jonas Myrin, ©2011 Thankyou Music, Said And Done Music, sixsteps Music, SHOUT! Publishing (Admin EMI CMG Publishing)
[Traditional Options]
Hark! A Thrilling Voice Is Sounding
EH 59; ELW 246; LBW 37; LSB 345; LW 18
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
Infant Holy, Infant Lowly
BH 75 94; BH 91 1-6; CH 279; CHH 163; ELW 276; HS 98 812; HWC143; HFG 194; LBW 44; LSB 393; PH 37; RH 131; RS 509; STTL 186; WC 169; UMH 229; WAR 221; WHM 148
Invocation
Pastor / Worship Leader
A voice cries out: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
Worshipers
Then the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.
Pastor / Worship Leader
Speak to us, Lord. As you promised through your prophets Isaiah and John the Baptist, come to us now.
Worshipers
May all the barriers be removed so that we can receive your Word and worship you.
Pastor / Worship Leader
You Lord, are the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. You will not grow tired or weary, and your understanding no one can fathom.
Worshipers
Lord, let your glory be revealed!
Pastor / Worship Leader
Amen!
Worshipers
Amen!
Opening Prayer / Theme Introduction
Pastor / Worship Leader
Heavenly Father, as we come before you today, we are reminded of the miracles you have performed. Miracles of creation and rescue and redemption. We read the prophecies of your son, Jesus, of his righteousness and faithfulness. Of his coming and of his birth. We are thankful Lord as we can see a day of hope and peace, of rest and glory. Jesus, you are our savior, our redeemer. We know that you save and that you live. We praise you Jesus, and we love you. And we pray in Your Holy Name. Amen.
Worshipers
Amen!
Time of Confession and Forgiveness
[Alternate location: following Message]
Pastor / Worship Leader
Lord, we confess.
Worshipers
We confess that we have forgotten your miracles, your promises. We have trusted in ourselves first.
Pastor / Worship Leader
We confess that we do not seek you.
Worshipers
We confess that we do not keep our eyes, our hearts, and minds on You Jesus. We confess that we forget that you sit at the right hand of the Father, interceding for us, even now.
Pastor / Worship Leader
We confess that our focus is on our earthly circumstances instead of eternity. We confess and repent of our ways Lord, ways that do not include you first in our lives.
Worshipers
Forgive us Lord for our sins.
Pastor / Worship Leader
Have mercy on me Lord, a sinner.
Worshipers
Amen!
We Hear God’s Word
[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]
First Reading Isaiah 40:1-11
Somewhat like the Bible itself, the book of Isaiah, in the first 39 chapters can be considered as the book of judgment. (The first 39 books of the Bible are the Old Testament) In chapter 40 of Isaiah begins the book of comfort. (Book 40 of the Bible begins the New Testament) Isaiah begins this prophecy with “Comfort, comfort my people”. He prophecies of one preparing the way for the Lord and promises the word of God will endure forever. The sovereign Lord will come and shepherd His flock.
Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. 2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her
that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins. 3 A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. 4 Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. 5 And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” 6 A voice says, “Cry out.” And I said, “What shall I cry?” “All people are like grass, and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field. 7 The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the Lord blows on them. Surely the people are grass. 8 The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.” 9 You who bring good news to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who bring good news to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, “Here is your God!” 10 See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power, and he rules with a mighty arm. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. 11 He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.
