December 18 – God with us

We are closer than ever to the Birth of Christ. Today, we celebrate with special music and light the fourth candle on the Advent Wreath, the Candle of Love.

Please join us in-person or online for our 5 p.m. Christmas Eve service, and at 10 a.m. Christmas Day for the celebration worship marking the Birth of Jesus.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – I Wonder As I Wander (John Jacob Niles) – Marsha Fix, Vocalist

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: We come seeking a sign from God, the Creator of all life.
All: God heals those who are injured.
One: We come to worship God, the One who loves and takes cares of us.
All: God mends those who are broken.
One: We come to share in final preparations for the approaching celebration
of the birth of Christ.
All: Soon God’s Church will gather on the night our Dear Savior’s Birth.

*HYMN – O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (Verses 1,2,3 and 4) – #186

O come, O come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here,
Until the Son of God appear.

Refrain:
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan’s tyranny;
From depths of hell Thy people save,
And give them victory o’er the grave.
Refrain:

O come, Thou Dayspring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here;
And drive away the shades of night,
And pierce the clouds and bring us light!
Refrain:

O come, Thou Key of David, come
And open wide our heav’nly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.
Refrain:

O come, Messiah, come again,
And rid the world of death and sin.
Return, thou risen Saviour and King,
That heav’n and earth at last may sing.
Rejoice, rejoice; Emanuel
Has come to thee, O Israel!

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION – Inspired by Psalm 80
God of love – holy love, self-giving love, unconditional love, total love; we gather here now with gratitude for the ways your love lifts us up from the bleakest circumstances and into your marvelous light! We know of your goodness, and we are in awe of your acts of healing and mercy.
Emmanuel, you stir up this world through your unmatched strength and compassion. You help us recline and relax in green pastures. You lead us to refreshing shores beside still waters. You restore our souls.
Eternal Shepherd and Savior, we offer you our profound gratitude for your abundant blessings. Forever we will praise you, Christ Jesus. Amen.

ADVENT WREATH CANDLE LIGHTING – The Candle of Love

*PRAISE RESPONSE – Emmanuel – #185

Emmanuel, Emmanuel
His name is called Emmanuel;

God with us, revealed in us;
His name is called Emmanuel.

GOD’S WORD – Isaiah 7:10-16

SPECIAL MUSIC – Rose of Sharon (Larson) – Ivy Chapel Vocal Ensemble

GOD’S WORD – Matthew 1:18-25

SERMON – Pastor Dan

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE – Pastor Dan

*HYMN – Hark! The Herald Angels Sing – #191

Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King:
Peace on earth, and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!”
Joyful, all ye nations, rise,
Join the triumph of the skies;
With th’angelic hosts proclaim,
“Christ is born in Bethlehem!”

Refrain:
Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King”

Christ, by highest heaven adored,
Christ, the everlasting Lord,
Late in time behold him come,
Offspring of the Virgin’s womb:
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see;
Hail th’incarnate Deity,
Pleased as man with men to dwell,
Jesus, our Emmanuel. [Refrain]

Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings,
Risen with healing in His wings.
Mild He lays His glory by,
Born that man no more may die,
Born to raise the sons of earth,
Born to give them second birth. [Refrain]

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Good Christian Friends, Rejoice – L. Smith