Description
Luke 3:7-18
John baptized people with water proclaiming that One greater than he would be coming to baptize them with the Holy Spirit and fire. John’s fervor for proclaiming the Good News landed him in prison and eventually led to his death. Jesus will return again someday, and we must continue to spread the Gospel in His name until then.
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
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]
To Jordan Came the Christ, Our Lord
LBW 79; LSB 406/407; LW 223
Come, Holy Ghost, Creator Blest
LSB 498, 499
O Lord, How Shall I Meet You
ELW 241; LBW 23; LSB 334; LW 19; NCH 102; PH 11
Invocation
Pastor Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ who strengthens us, loves us, and has made a way for us.
ALL He is the One, the Way Maker, and Beautiful Savior. He is Jesus Christ, Lord of all!
Opening Prayer / Theme Introduction
Pastor/Worship Leader speaks
Pastor Beautiful Jesus, you are the Messiah, the Christ. You carved out a way for us to know the Father. You’ve granted us salvation and we are eternal grateful for all You’ve done for us.
ALL Thank you, Jesus, amen.
Time of Confession and Forgiveness
[Alternate location: following Message]
Pastor Jesus, forgive us.
ALL We are sinners in need of the Saving One.
Pastor We confess.
ALL We forget to honor You above all others. We confess that we go our own ways without seeking Yours. We confess that we carry our own carries, worries, and anxieties instead of presenting our requests to you. Forgive us, Lord.
Pastor Because of His shed blood, we are clean! Because of His broken body, we are forgiven!
ALL Hallelujah! We are forgiven! Praise You, Jesus!
Pastor Amen.
We Hear God’s Word
[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]
First Reading Zephaniah 3:14-20
A message of hope awaits God’s people as He promised to lift His hand of punishment and be with His people and rejoice over them with singing.
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
