Description
Luke 3:7-18
We often use the word Joy in conjunction with Christmas, but what is true Joy? As we look through catalogues and department store holiday displays we see the picture of happiness that our culture uses interchangeably with joy. Joy is not found in the things of this world. Money, power, or prestige is not of eternal worth. As we celebrate the third week in advent we remember that Jesus brings true joy into the world. He baptizes with the Holy Spirit and thus his joy wells up from inside us to shine in the midst of any circumstance.
We Lift Our Hearts in Worship
[Preservice options include videos (countdowns, worship music, welcomes), worship music CD, or live music by worship band.]
Call to Worship: Isaiah 12:2-6 A Song of Praise (read responsively)
2 Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.”
3 With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.
4 In that day you will say: “Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted.
5 Sing to the Lord, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world.
6 Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel among you.”
Invocation and Introduction of Today’s Theme
Pastor In the name of God our Father, who delights in us
ALL In the name of God the Son, Emanuel, God with us
Pastor In the name of God the Holy Spirit, who renews us and sustains us
ALL You are the source of our Joy!
Opening Prayer
Pastor Father, You take joy in us and have come to bring healing and peace. Well up joy from within us Lord as Your Church gathers to worship You and hear from Your Word. We place our hopes in You and joyfully give you praise. In Jesus’ Na
ALL Amen!
Time of Praise and Worship
Joy To The World (Unspeakable Joy)
Chris Tomlin | Ed Cash | George Frederic Handel | Isaac Watts | Matt Gilder, © worshiptogether.com songs | sixsteps Music | Vamos Publishing | Alletrop Music | Ryan House Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) | (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) | (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) | (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.) | (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.)
Today Is The Day
Lincoln Brewster & Paul Baloche, ©2008 Integrity’s Praise! Music; Integrity’s Hosanna! Music; Leadworship Songs (Admin. by Integrity Music, Inc.)
Wonderful Maker
Chris Tomlin & Matt Redman, ©2002 Thankyou Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) sixsteps Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
[Traditional Options]
O Lord, How Shall I Meet You
ELW 241; LBW 23; LSB 334; LW 19; NCH 102; PH 11
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
Time of Greeting
Lighting of the Advent Candle
[Optional: Children’s Message and/or Dismissal to Children’s Church]
We Hear God’s Word
[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]
First Reading Zephaniah 3:14-20
The Prophet Zephaniah proclaims the promise of God’s favor and redemption of Israel.
14 Sing, Daughter Zion; shout aloud, Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, Daughter Jerusalem! 15 The Lord has taken away your punishment, he has turned back your enemy. The Lord, the King of Israel, is with you; never again will you fear any harm. 16 On that day they will say to Jerusalem, “Do not fear, Zion; do not let your hands hang limp.17 The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” 18 “I will remove from you all who mourn over the loss of your appointed festivals, which is a burden and reproach for you.19 At that time I will deal with all who oppressed you. I will rescue the lame; I will gather the exiles. I will give them praise and honor in every land where they have suffered shame. 20 At that time I will gather you; at that time I will bring you home. I will give you honor and praise among all the peoples of the earth when I restore your fortunes before your very eyes,” says the Lord.
