Description
Matthew 4:12-23
The prophet Isaiah’s words spoken years in advance paved the path for the coming of the Lord Jesus. The Great Light of Christ Jesus shattered the hopeless darkness as Jesus commanded, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” The disciples answered the call to follow, dropping their nets, their incomes, and lives that they knew so well. What in your life would diminish at the sight of the Great Light, Jesus?
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
Glorious Day (Living He Loved Me)
Wilbur Chapman, Mark Hall, & Michael Bleecker, © 2009 Word Music, LLC (a div. of Word Music Group, Inc.) My Refuge Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) Sony/ATV Tree Publishing (Admin. by Sony/ATV Songs LLC)
Awakening
Chris Tomlin & Reuben Morgan, ©2010 worshiptogether.com Songs/sixsteps Music / Vamos Publishing / Hillsong Publishing (ASCAP) (admin by EMI CMG Publishing)
Living Hope
Brian Johnson & Phil Wickham, © Phil Wickham Music (Fair Trade Music Publishing [c/o Essential Music Publishing LLC]) Simply Global Songs (Fair Trade Music Publishing [c/o Essential Music Publishing LLC]) Sing My Songs (Fair Trade Music Publishing [c/o Essential Music Publishing LLC]) Bethel Music Publishing
[Traditional Options]
Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness
CH 293; ELW 843; HS 98 881; LSB 849; STTL 214; WAR 93
Come Unto Me Ye Weary
LSB 684; LW 345
Arise and Shine in Splendor
LSB 396; LW 85
Invocation
Pastor / Worship Leader
Greetings to you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ!
Worshipers
He is the light of life and shatters the darkness.
Opening Prayer / Theme Introduction
Pastor / Worship Leader
Father in Heaven, we gather together in Your name.
Worshipers
We are strengthened by Your Spirit as Your body.
Pastor / Worship Leader
Unite us together for the sake of Your Kingdom.
Worshipers
We are Yours.
Pastor / Worship Leader
May our praises be pleasing to You, O Lord. Amen.
Time of Confession and Forgiveness
[Alternate location: following Message]
Pastor / Worship Leader
The Lord is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us of all unrighteousness.
Worshipers
It is through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ that we are forgiven.
Pastor / Worship Leader
So, let us boldly approach the throne of God with confidence because Jesus has made the way to the Father. Let us take time now to confess our sins to God, the Father, who loves us and has given Himself up for us so that we can live in freedom.
(Allow time for prayer and confession)
Pastor / Worship Leader
Thank You, Lord, for Your faithfulness and love for us. We are forgiven and free through Jesus. Amen.
We Hear God’s Word
[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]
First Reading Isaiah 9:1-4
Prophesied years before Jesus was born, the Lord spoke through Isaiah the prophet about His coming. Jesus would be a great light piercing the deep darkness and would bring the hope and salvation that this world needed.
Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan— 2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. 3 You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder. 4 For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor.
