Description
Ephesians 1:3-14
It is crystal clear in the passage from Ephesians for today that when people are living their lives “in Christ” they have it all! They take on an identity that brings an inheritance, an abundant life, eternal life, and are forever marked with the Holy Spirit. There is nothing in this world that can provide benefits such as hope, and promise like the reality of Christ living in us. “In Christ” we can change our behavior. “In Christ” we have the presence of God. “In Christ” we are connected to our brothers and sisters. “In Christ” we have purpose and meaning in life. Again, we have ALL we will ever need!
We Lift Our Hearts in Worship
[Preservice options include videos (countdowns, worship music, welcomes), worship music CD, or live music by worship band.]
Time of Praise and Worship
Love Came Down
Brian Johnson, Ian McIntosh, Jenn Johnson, Jeremy Edwardson, & Jeremy Riddle, ©2009 Bethel Music (Admin. by Bethel Music Publishing) Jeremy Edwardson Music (Admin. by Bethel Music Publishing) Mercy / Vineyard Publishing (Admin. by Vineyard Music USA)
Our God Saves
Brenton Brown and Paul Baloche, ©2007 Thankyou Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) Integrity’s Hosanna! Music Leadworship Songs (Admin. by Integrity Music, Inc.)
The Stand
Joel Houston, ©2005 Hillsong Publishing (Admin.by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
[Traditional Options]
All Hail The Power of Jesus’ Name
BH 75 40,41,42; BH 91 200,201, 202; CH 16,43; CHH 91,92; EH 450,451; ELW 634; HWC 96,97; HPW 19; HFG 325,326,327; HLC 62,63; HGP 20,21; HSP 2,3,4; LBW 328,329; LSB 549; LW 272; NCH 304; PH 142,143; RH 30,31; STTL 124,126; WC 93,95; UMH 154,155; WAR 100,106; WHM 4,5; WIS 10,11
Jesus Has Come and Brings Pleasure
LSB 533; LW 78
What Child Is This
BH 91 118; CH 281; CHH 162; EH 115; ELW 296; HWC 137; HFG 180; HLC 105; HGP 77; LBW 40; LSB 370; LW 61; NCH 148; PH 53; RH 143; RS 530; STTL 179; WC 150; UMH 219; WAR 184; WHM 140; WIS 164
Invocation and Introduction of Today’s Theme
Pastor We are here to worship God our Father, made manifest in Christ, the Word made flesh, who lives among us, full of grace and truth.
ALL Amen!
Opening Prayer
Pastor Lord God, we are still rejoicing in the gift of your son, Jesus Christ, who came in to the world as a baby to reveal to us who you are and teach us about love, compassion, forgiveness, grace, hope, and peace. We are so amazed at the incredible love you have for us and it is for this reason, you took up residence with us. You did not distance yourself from us but instead you came into the world to be with us and show us by example who you are. In Christ, we have everything for an abundant life on earth and salvation for the future. In Christ, we have our identity. In Christ, we have an inheritance forever. We thank you and praise you.
ALL In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen
Time of Greeting
Time of Confession and Forgiveness
[Alternate location: following Message]
Pastor: Lord, we bring to you our sins – those things that drive a wedge between us and cause separation.
People: We admit that often we control others or attempt to mold them into what we want them to be.
We confess to you that we need to make changes in particular areas of our lives, yet we have not put forth the effort to do so.
We know that the voice of Jesus was filled with true wisdom but we allow other voices to get the best hearing.
We realize that you have called us to love unconditionally but we have put conditions on love in many instances.
We accept the message of Christ and embrace the new life we have in Christ, yet we do not always live our lives in conformity to His example.
We are aware of the pressures of this world which entice us away from Christ and his desire for us and our lives.
(silence for personal confession)
We have laid our sins and shortcomings before you and are sorry, therefore we ask for your forgiveness.
Pastor: As a called and ordained minister of Christ and by His authority, I declare to you that your sins are forgiven. In Christ, you are restored. We now have reason to rejoice!
We Hear God’s Word
[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]
First Reading Jeremiah 31:7-14
God will turn Israel’s mourning into joy and they will be filled and satisfied with his goodness.
7 This is what the Lord says: “Sing with joy for Jacob; shout for the foremost of the nations. Make your praises heard, and say, ‘Lord, save your people, the remnant of Israel.’ 8 See, I will bring them from the land of the north and gather them from the ends of the earth. Among them will be the blind and the lame,
expectant mothers and women in labor; a great throng will return. 9 They will come with weeping; they will pray as I bring them back. I will lead them beside streams of water on a level path where they will not stumble, because I am Israel’s father, and Ephraim is my firstborn son. 10 “Hear the word of the Lord, you nations; proclaim it in distant coastlands: ‘He who scattered Israel will gather them and will watch over his flock like a shepherd. 11 For the Lord will deliver Jacob and redeem them from the hand of those stronger than they. 12 They will come and shout for joy on the heights of Zion; they will rejoice in the bounty of the Lord— the grain, the new wine and the olive oil, the young of the flocks and herds.
They will be like a well-watered garden, and they will sorrow no more. 13 Then young women will dance and be glad, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow. 14 I will satisfy the priests with abundance, and my people will be filled with my bounty,” declares the Lord.
