WE GATHER AND APPROACH GOD
PRELUDE
“Joy to the World” – Orchestra
NOTES ON THE LIFE OF THE CHURCH
Rev. Doug de Graffenried
LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH – Lee and Lee Anne Denny, Greta and Trey
Leader: Listen. Hear the good news: God’s promised Messiah is coming. He brings good news for the poor and oppressed. He will bind up broken hearts. He will proclaim release to those who are held captive.
People: We light the third Advent Candle as a sign of joy — a testimony to the Light of God coming into our world that will shatter the darkness and bring healing to all who suffer and mourn.
Leader: Come, Lord Jesus.
People: Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Amen.
*O Come, All Ye Faithful – Congregation
*Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus – Congregation
O Come, O Come Emmanuel – Choir
O Holy Night – Choir
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. All things came into being through Him, and without Him not one thing was created. The life that was in Him became light for all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
To all who receive Him, who believe in Him, He gives power to become children of God. The Word became flesh, a man named Jesus. He lived among us, full of grace and truth. From His fullness, we have all received grace upon grace. In His name God has sent the Holy Spirit to teach us and to remind us of all that He has said. We believe that because He lives, we shall live also, to the glory of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit, Amen.
*GLORIA PATRI
PASTORAL PRAYER
Rev. Chris Winterman
LORD’S PRAYER
PRAYER RESPONSE
“Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling” – Hymnal, No. 348, verse 1 and 4
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
O Little Town of Bethlehem – Choir
What Child is This – Violin Duet
*Angels We Have Heard on High – Congregation
Away in a Manger – Choir
*A Christmas Trilogy – Congregation
*Silent Night, Holy Night
*BENEDICTION
Rev. Doug de Graffenried