Description
Luke 21:25-36
Strange signs will accompany Jesus’ second coming. It’s important that we stand strong until the end, and not be weighed down by the anxieties of this life. Instead of turning to foolishness, drunkenness, or worry, we should be watchful and prayerful until we can stand face to face with the Son of Man.
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
O Come All Ye Faithful
David Moffitt, Sue Smith, Travis Cottrell, ©2006 New Spring, a division of Zomba Enterprises, Inc. / CCTB Music (ASCAP) (both administered by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing)
What Can I Do (Christmas Version)
Graham Kendrick & Paul Baloche, ©2006 Integrity’s Hosanna! Music; Make Way Music (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.)
Days Of Elijah
Robin Mark, ©1997 Daybreak Music, Ltd.
[Traditional Options]
Lo, He Comes with Clouds Descending
BH 91 199; CH 754; EH 57; ELW 435; HS98 802; HWC 241; HFG 306; HLC 185; HGP 146; LBW 27; LSB 336; LW 15; PH 6; RH 659; STTL 278; UMH 718; WAR 318; WHM 278; WIS 192
Prepare the Royal Highway
ELW 264; LBW 26; LSB 343; LW 27
Come Thou Long Expected Jesus
BH 75 79; BH 91 77; CH 244; CHH 125; EH 66; ELW 254; HWC 124; HFG 168; HLC 102; LBW 30; LSB 338; LW 22; NCH 122; PH 1,2; RH 115; RS 496; STTL 157; WC 135; UMH 196; WAR 153; WHM 121; WIS 181
Invocation
Pastor / Worship Leader
The Lord keeps His promises!
Worshipers
Indeed, He does.
Pastor/ Worship Leader
We need not fear the future or the enemy, for the Lord will fight our battles. We are to stand firm in His promises and plant our feet on the solid Rock- Jesus Christ.
Opening Prayer / Theme Introduction
Pastor / Worship Leader
Lord, in You alone we put our trust. Show us Your right ways and teach us Your paths. Guide us in Your truth- You are our Savior and we put our hope in You. You make all things new- so renew us today as we prepare to worship and praise Your holy name. In Jesus’ name we pray,
Worshipers
Amen.
Time of Confession and Forgiveness
[Alternate location: following Message]
Pastor / Worship Leader
Lord, we confess that we have been rebellious and disobedient to Your commands.
Worshipers
We confess that we have turned to drunkenness, the ways of the world, and anxieties that weigh us down. We are sorry.
Pastor/Worship Leader
Forgive us, Jesus, for Your ways are better, and You are good and upright. Instruct us in Your ways, Lord.
Worshipers
You are faithful to us, and You keep Your promises. Thank You for forgiving us.
Pastor/ Worship Leader
Yes, thank You, Lord. Amen.
We Hear God’s Word
[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]
First Reading Jeremiah 33:14-16
God fulfills His promises, and He made a promise to Israel and Judah. He would send a Branch from David’s line named “The Lord Our Righteous Savior.” This Savior is Jesus.
14 “‘The days are coming,’ declares the Lord, ‘when I will fulfill the good promise I made to the people of Israel and Judah. 15 “‘In those days and at that time I will make a righteous Branch sprout from David’s line; he will do what is just and right in the land. 16 In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. This is the name by which it will be called: The Lord Our Righteous Savior.’
