GATHERING & ADORATION
PRELUDE “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee,” Worshipbook #11
WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS
We shine brighter and warmer today because you are here!
Please be sure to sign the Welcome Book located on the inside of each pew.
*THE LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH Holly, Adam, & Abbie Yeager
We come today as people who are also surrounded by suffering and grief. And yet, the Spirit hovers among us,
tending and anointing, inspiring freedom where there is captivity, declaring blessing in places the world has cursed,
and igniting fierce joy where mourning and heartache prevail.
We wait as people who experience hardship and pain, yet we are called
to witness to the persistent joy that sustains our life as God’s people.
We light these candles as signs of our shocking hope, just peace, and fierce joy.
May our lives shine with the fierce, tenacious joy of the Light who lives in our hearts
as we wait and work for the coming of God’s Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.
Alongside the candles of HOPE and PEACE, we now light the candle of JOY.
*SING TO THE LORD “Joy to the World! The Lord Is Come!”
Worshipbook #146
CREATIVE READING OF THE CHRISTMAS STORY Children & Youth from Pleasant Community Church
SONG – “Silent Night”
Silent night holy night
All is calm, all is bright
‘Round yon virgin mother and Child
Holy Infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace
RELEASING THE BLESSING (Tithes & Offerings)
Offertory – “Christmas Offering”
*“Doxology”
Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise Him all creatures here below
Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts
Praise Father Son and Holy Ghost, Amen
Today, there is no Junior Church on account of many of our children leading us in worship.
THE WORD THAT BRINGS LIFE…
LORD, HEAR OUR PRAYERS FOR OTHERS & OURSELVES
SONG – “Tremble”
ISAIAH 61:1-4, 8-11 & JOHN 1:6-8, 19-28
MESSAGE Our Fierce Joy
OUR RESPONSE TO ALL THAT GOD HAS BEEN DOING
SING TO THE LORD “How Many Kings”
OUR TIME TOGETHER IS OVER.
GO NOW, DOING THE WORK OF CHRISTMAS!
BENEDICTION
*SING TO THE LORD “Soon and Very Soon, We are Going to See the King”
*POSTLUDE
_________________
*Please stand if able.