Description
Matthew 2:13-23
Limited in physicality as a newborn babe, God carefully orchestrated and protected Jesus’ early life on earth. Herod, threatened by the reign of King Jesus, desperately wanted Him dead. Even as disaster and threats were made against Christ, the ancient prophesies would be fulfilled according to the Word of God. As we witness tragedies, horrors, and threats in our world today, we can rest in God’s unchanging character and know that His promises are true and will come to pass at the right time.
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
Jesus Son of God
Chris Tomlin, Jason Ingram, & Matt Maher, ©2012 Sixsteps Songs (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) Worship Together Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing), A Thousand Generations Publishing (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing), Valley Of Songs Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing), Thankyou Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing), Sony/ATV Timber Publishing (Admin. by Sony/ATV Sounds LLC), Open Hands Music (Admin. by Sony/ATV Sounds LLC)
He Shall Reign Forevermore
Chris Tomlin & Matt Maher, © 2015 S. D. G. Publishing (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Sixsteps Songs (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Worship Together Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Be Essential Songs (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) I Am A Pilgrim Songs (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC)
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)
[Traditional Options]
Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers
EH 68; ELW 244; HS 98 801; LBW 25; LSB 515; PH 15
Brightest And Best Of The Stars Of The Morning
CHH 174; EH 117,118; ELW 303; LBW 84; LSB 400; LW 86, NCH 157,156; PH 67; RS 533; WC 182; WAR 235
Invocation
Pastor / Worship Leader
All angels, creatures, and people, praise the Lord!
Worshipers
We praise the Lord!
Pastor / Worship Leader
Whether you’re young or old, man or woman, praise the Lord!
Opening Prayer / Theme Introduction
Pastor / Worship Leader
Father God, Your timing is perfect and unpredictable. We do not know what is best, but You can see before us and behind us, and You ordained this world. We trust You. Today as we worship You, may our trust increase in You. Spirit of God, fill us now with understanding. In Jesus’ name we pray,
Worshipers
Amen.
Time of Confession and Forgiveness
[Alternate location: following Message]
Pastor / Worship Leader
Too often do I elevate myself as the boss, the CEO, the god of my life.
Worshipers
We too become entangled in the trap of self-reliance, independence, and pride. Forgive us, Lord.
Pastor / Worship Leader
Forgive us for trespassing on the territory of our hearts that should be fully committed to You. We are forgetful and focus on the gaps and negativity. We sit idle and ponder how we would fix this world instead of humbling ourselves before Your throne and presenting our requests before You with thanksgiving.
Worshipers
Help us, O God. Forgive us.
Pastor / Worship Leader
I have great news! We are forgiven! We have access to the Father through Jesus Christ, the Son of God who has purchased us with His blood and wiped our slates clean of sin. He has forgiven our trespasses and reconciled us to Father God. In Him, we are sons and daughters of God. We are His children. Hallelujah!
Worshipers
What a relief to know that we are the children of God. Thank you, God, for this wonderful gift. We will follow You all the days of our lives. Amen.
We Hear God’s Word
[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]
First Reading Isaiah 63:7-14
The Lord’s mercy and might is remembered. Even in our lowest place, we can still praise the Lord and remember all the good things He has done.
I will tell of the kindnesses of the Lord, the deeds for which he is to be praised, according to all the Lord has done for us— yes, the many good things he has done for Israel, according to his compassion and many kindnesses. 8 He said, “Surely they are my people, children who will be true to me” and so he became their Savior. 9 In all their distress he too was distressed, and the angel of his presence saved them. In his love and mercy he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried themall the days of old. 10 Yet they rebelled and grieved his Holy Spirit. So he turned and became their enemyand he himself fought against them. 11 Then his people recalled the days of old, the days of Moses and his people—where is he who brought them through the sea, with the shepherd of his flock? Where is he who set his Holy Spirit among them, 12 who sent his glorious arm of power to be at Moses’ right hand,
who divided the waters before them, to gain for himself everlasting renown, 13 who led them through the depths? Like a horse in open country, they did not stumble; 14 like cattle that go down to the plain, they were given rest by the Spirit of the Lord. This is how you guided your people to make for yourself a glorious name.
