THE DIVINE SERVICE December 21, The Fourth Sunday of Advent. In Preparation

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1 THE DIVINE SERVICE December 21, 2014 The Fourth Sunday of Advent In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, this church opens wide her doors and offers welcome to all who sin and need a Savior; to all who are spiritually weak and seek rest; to all who mourn and long for comfort; to all who struggle and desire victory; to all who are strangers and want fellowship; to all who hunger and thirst after righteousness; and to whosoever will come. Jesus taught us that if our brother has something against us, we ought to go and be reconciled to him before we do anything else in gathered worship. Please do that without delay if necessary. In Preparation PRELUDE Patricia Dolan WORDS OF PREPARATION Luke 1:26-38 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you! But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end. And Mary said to the angel, How will this be, since I am a virgin? And the angel answered her, The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy the Son of God. And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For nothing will be impossible with God. And Mary said, Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word. And the angel departed from her. (ESV) COLLECT OF THE DAY Stir up your power, O Lord, and come among us with great might; and because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. SILENT PRAYER Following the prelude, please observe silence in final preparation for gathered worship.

2 The Service of Entrance LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH His is no earthly kingdom; it comes from heaven above. His rule is peace and freedom and justice, truth, and love. So let your praise be sounding for kindness so abounding: Hosanna to the Lord, for he fulfills God s Word! v HYMN OF INVOCATION O sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things! The Lord has made known his salvation and revealed his righteousness in the sight of the nations. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. Let us pray. PRAYER OF ADORATION world without end. Amen. v Congregation stands as able 2

3 CORPORATE CONFESSION OF SIN Dearly beloved, we have come together in the presence of Almighty God our heavenly Father, to render thanks for the great benefits that we have received at his hands, to set forth his most worthy praise, to hear his holy Word, and to ask, for ourselves and on behalf of others, those things that are necessary for our life and our salvation. And so that we may prepare ourselves in heart and mind to worship him, let us with penitent and obedient hearts confess our sins, that we may obtain forgiveness by his infinite goodness and mercy. Let us humbly confess our sins unto Almighty God Almighty and most merciful Father; we have erred, and strayed from thy ways like lost sheep. We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts. We have offended against thy holy laws. We have left undone those things which we ought to have done; and we have done those things which we ought not to have done; and there is no health in us. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us, miserable offenders. Spare thou those, O God, who confess their faults. Restore thou those who are penitent; according to thy promises declared unto mankind in Christ Jesus our Lord. And grant, O most merciful Father, for his sake; that we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober life, to the glory of thy holy Name. Amen. Having confessed together our great need for God s mercy, let us now silently and humbly confess to God our personal and particular sins. DECLARATION OF ABSOLUTION Hear the Word of the Gospel: Christ has died for our sins and been raised for our justification. All you who repent of your sin and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ for your salvation, rejoice and be glad and give glory to the Lord who has taken away all of your sins in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. v Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. O Lord, open our lips, and our mouth will declare your praise. v Congregation stands as able 3

4 v GLORIA AND HYMN OF GRATITUDE AND PRAISE v Congregation stands as able 4

5 CHORAL ANTHEM Jesus Christ the Apple Tree Elizabeth Poston Joey Flathmann, soloist The tree of life my soul hath seen, Laden with fruit, and always green: The trees of nature fruitless be Compared with Christ the apple tree. His beauty doth all things excel: By faith I know, but ne er can tell The glory which I now can see In Jesus Christ the apple tree. For happiness I long have sought, And pleasure dearly I have bought: I missed of all; but now I see Tis found in Christ the apple tree. I m weary with my former toil, Here I will sit and rest awhile: Under the shadow I will be, Of Jesus Christ the apple tree. This fruit doth make my soul to thrive, It keeps my dying faith alive; Which makes my soul in haste to be With Jesus Christ the apple tree. (Anonymous) v Congregation stands as able 5

6 The Service of the Word THE EPISTLE LESSON 2 Samuel 7:1-16 Leader: This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God! THE PSALTER Psalm 89 v Congregation stands as able 6

7 THE EPISTLE LESSON Romans 16:25-27 Leader: This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God! v OUR RESPONSE v Congregation stands as able 7

8 WELCOME At this time, please sign and pass the attendance pads down the row. INTERLUDE PRAYER OF SUPPLICATION AND THANKSGIVING Unison: Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil: for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. v THE GOSPEL LESSON Luke 1:26-38 This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise be to you, O Christ! v PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION MORNING SERMON No Ordinary King Luke 1:26-38 Rev. Greg Ward v Congregation stands as able 8

9 The Biblical significance of eating in God s presence can be noted from the Garden of Eden in Genesis to the Garden-City in Revelation. The Lord Jesus instituted the New Covenant at a meal the meal as he broke bread and shared the cup with his disciples. The Church has always repeated this meal as Christ and his Apostles command, the culmination of worship in God s presence and a bold proclamation of Christ s death until he comes. We invite all baptized Christians to come to this table, his table, and to rejoice with us in God s grace given to us in Christ. If you recognize yourself as a repentant and believing sinner, trusting in Christ s shed blood for the forgiveness of your sins, then come. Baptized children are admitted to the Table upon an age-appropriate profession of faith in Christ. Let us draw near, then, with thankful and reverent hearts and receive by faith the body and blood of Christ, a true nourishment for our souls. If you have any question about whether or not you should receive communion, please ask one of our elders. Communicants who for medical reasons must consume gluten free bread can receive this in front during the passing of the peace. Children are served only when accompanied by a parent. The center cup and inner circle contain grape juice and the outer circles contain wine. Our elders strongly encourage everyone to take the wine. The juice is available for those who cannot drink the wine in faith (Romans 14:23). Please hold each element until all have been served so that we may partake together. The Service of the Table v CORPORATE CONFESSION OF FAITH The Apostles Creed Unison: I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, And in Jesus Christ, his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen. PASSING OF THE PEACE v The peace of the Lord be always with you. And also with you! Let us offer one another a sign of peace. Members of the congregation greet one another with a sign of friendship such as the ancient words that the church has used over the centuries, The peace of Christ be with you, and the response, And also with you. v Congregation stands as able 9

10 TITHES AND OFFERINGS The earth is the Lord s, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. HYMN OF GRATITUDE TO GOD v Congregation stands as able 10

11 v Yours, Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the splendor, and the majesty; for everything in heaven and on earth is yours. v PRAYER OF DEDICATION Our Gracious God and Father, from thy hand we give to thee. You are our only hope in life and in death; all we are and possess is thine. Receive these gifts we present before thy throne of grace that thy House may be built, thy Kingdom come, thy people know thee, and thy glory be revealed to all people in all nations. We ask this through the matchless name of Jesus Christ our Lord who with the Holy Spirit ever lives and reigns with Thee, One God, world without end. Amen. v THE GREAT THANKSGIVING The Lord be with you! And also with you! Lift up your hearts! We lift them up to the Lord! Let us give thanks to our Lord God! It is good and right to do so! It is very good and right that we should at all times and in all places give thanks to you, O Holy Lord, Father Almighty, Everlasting God, through Jesus Christ our Lord, whose way John the Baptist prepared, proclaiming him the Messiah, the very Lamb of God, and calling sinners to repentance that they might escape from the wrath to be revealed when he comes again in glory. Therefore, with angels and archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we praise and magnify your glorious name, evermore praising you and singing: v Congregation stands as able 11

12 WORDS OF INSTITUTION PRAYER OF CONSECRATION COMMUNION HYMN (as the bread is served) v Congregation stands as able 12

13 AGNUS DEI COMMUNION HYMN (as the cup is served) v Congregation stands as able 13

14 v BENEDICTION v DEPARTING HYMN Magnificat v Congregation stands as able 14

15 LESSONS Psalm 89:1-5, I will sing of the mercies of the LORD forever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations. 2 For I have said, Mercy shall be built up forever: thy faithfulness shalt thou establish in the very heavens. 3 I have made a covenant with my chosen, I have sworn unto David my servant, 4 Thy seed will I establish forever, and build up thy throne to all generations. Selah. 5 And the heavens shall praise thy wonders, O LORD: thy faithfulness also in the congregation of the saints. 5 And the heavens shall praise thy wonders, O LORD: thy faithfulness also in the congregation of the saints. 6 For who in the heaven can be compared unto the LORD? who among the sons of the mighty can be likened unto the LORD? 19 Then thou spakest in vision to thy holy one, and saidst, I have laid help upon one that is mighty; I have exalted one chosen out of the people. 20 I have found David my servant; with my holy oil have I anointed him: 21 With whom my hand shall be established: mine arm also shall strengthen him. 22 The enemy shall not exact upon him; nor the son of wickedness afflict him. 23 And I will beat down his foes before his face, and plague them that hate him. 24 But my faithfulness and my mercy shall be with him: and in my name shall his horn be exalted. 25 I will set his hand also in the sea, and his right hand in the rivers. 26 He shall cry unto me, Thou art my father, my God, and the rock of my salvation. 27 Also I will make him my firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth. 28 My mercy will I keep for him for evermore, and my covenant shall stand fast with him. 29 His seed also will I make to endure forever, and his throne as the days of heaven. (RSV) 2 Samuel 7:1-9, 16 1 Now when the king lived in his house and the LORD had given him rest from all his surrounding enemies, 2 the king said to Nathan the prophet, See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells in a tent. 3 And Nathan said to the king, Go, do all that is in your heart, for the LORD is with you. 4 But that same night the word of the LORD came to Nathan, 5 Go and tell my servant David, Thus says the LORD: Would you build me a house to dwell in? 6 I have not lived in a house since the day I brought up the people of Israel from Egypt to this day, but I have been moving about in a tent for my dwelling. 7 In all places where I have moved with all the people of Israel, did I speak a word with any of the judges of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, saying, Why have you not built me a house of cedar? 8 Now, therefore, thus you shall say to my servant David, Thus says the LORD of hosts, I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep, that you should be prince over my people Israel. 9 And I have been with you wherever you went and have cut off all your enemies from before you. And I will make for you a great name, like the name of the great ones of the earth. 16 And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever. (ESV) Romans 16: Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages 26 but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith 27 to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen. (ESV) Sermon Lesson: Luke 1: In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin s name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you! 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end. 34 And Mary said to the angel, How will this be, since I am a virgin? 35 And the angel answered her, The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy the Son of God. 36 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God. 38 And Mary said, Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word. And the angel departed from her. (ESV) v Congregation stands as able 15