Description
Luke 2:22-40
Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to Jerusalem to be consecrated to the Lord. A righteous man named Simeon met Jesus in the temple courts and knew that He was the Lord’s Messiah. He blessed them and praised God. Anna, a faithful prophet, also gave thanks to God and confirmed that Jesus was the Lord’s Messiah. Jesus grew in wisdom and strength, and the grace of the Lord was with Him.
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
A Christmas Alleluia
Chris Tomlin & Jonas Myrin, © 2015 Capitol CMG Paragon (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) S. D. G. Publishing (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Sixsteps Songs (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Son of the Lion (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Worship Together Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)
Messiah
Francesca Battistelli, Jeff Pardom Molly Reedm © Da Bears Da Bears Da Bears Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Meaux Jeaux Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Dayspring Music, LLC (Admin. by Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.) Word Music, LLC (Admin. by WB Music Corp.) Francesca Music (Admin. by Word Entertainment, LLC) Goes Something Like This Music (Admin. by Word Entertainment, LLC) [Music Available at Lifewayworship.com]
While You Were Sleeping (Christmas Version)
Mark Hall, ©2005 My Refuge Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) Sony/ATV Tree Publishing (Admin. by Sony/ATV Songs LLC)
[Traditional Options]
Angels From the Realms
BH 75 87; BH 91 94; CH 259; CHH 149; EH 93; ELW 275; HWC 131; HFG 190; HLC 110; HGP 62; HSP 333; LBW 50; LSB 367; LW 50; NCH 126; PH 22; RH 135; RS 508; STTL 192; WC 174; UMH 220; WAR 189; WHM 155; WIS 163
The First Noel
BH 75 91; BH 91 85; CH 265; CHH 151; EH 109; ELW 300; HWC 136; HFG 179; HLC 108; HGP 88; HSP 341; LBW 56; NCH 139; PH 56; RH 139; RS 537; STTL 167; WC 162; UMH 245; WAR 229; WHM 131; WIS 183
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
BH75 83; BH 91 88; CH 277; CHH 150; EH 87; ELW 270; HWC 133; HFG 184; HLC 106; LBW 60; LSB 380; LW 49; NCH 144; PH 31; RH 137; RS 502; STTL 191; WC 171; UMH 240; WAR 185; WHM 137; WIS 175
Invocation
Pastor / Worship Leader
It is the last Sunday of 2021. As we wrap up this year, we may become sentimental as we remember all the memories made. Some of us may feel anxious thinking about the upcoming year of 2022 and all that could happen. Time seems to pass by quicker and quicker every year. So, let’s slow down our minds and focus them on the Lord, the Messiah, who desires our whole hearts. Let’s offer ourselves and anything that we are carrying to Him who is able.
Worshipers
To the King who is able!
Opening Prayer / Theme Introduction
Pastor / Worship Leader
Oh Lord, we come to You now, some of us burdened, some excited, some filled with hope, others filled with turmoil, and we ask You to lift off our burdens and care for us. Slow us down, Lord, to appreciate Your beauty, Your peace, and Your kindness. Clothe us with compassion, we ask.
Worshipers
In the name of Jesus we pray, amen.
Time of Confession and Forgiveness
[Alternate location: following Message]
Pastor / Worship Leader
It is the kindness of the Lord that leads us to repentance. During this time, let us clear our slates. Confess your sins to the Father.
Worshipers
He is faithful and just to forgive us!
Pastor / Worship Leader
Don’t be afraid, the Father loves us and calls us to Him.
Worshipers
We are not afraid- we are walking boldly before the forgiving Lord who sacrificially died and shed His blood for us. He made a way, and we will walk in Him and receive His forgiveness now.
Pastor/ Worship Leader
Thank You Jesus. You are so good to us. Amen.
We Hear God’s Word
[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]
First Reading Exodus 13:1-3a, 11-15
The Lord’s Passover was a serious event. The only element that would save the Israelites from the destructive plagues was an innocent lamb’s blood spread over their doorposts.
The Lord said to Moses, 2 “Consecrate to me every firstborn male. The first offspring of every womb among the Israelites belongs to me, whether human or animal.” 3 Then Moses said to the people, “Commemorate this day, the day you came out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery, because the Lord brought you out of it with a mighty hand. Eat nothing containing yeast. 11 This is how you are to eat it: with your cloak tucked into your belt, your sandals on your feet and your staff in your hand. Eat it in haste; it is the Lord’s Passover 12 “On that same night I will pass through Egypt and strike down every firstborn of both people and animals, and I will bring judgment on all the gods of Egypt. I am the Lord. 13 The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are, and when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt. 14 “This is a day you are to commemorate; for the generations to come you shall celebrate it as a festival to the Lord—a lasting ordinance. 15 For seven days you are to eat bread made without yeast. On the first day remove the yeast from your houses, for whoever eats anything with yeast in it from the first day through the seventh must be cut off from Israel.
