Advent 4A
We welcome in a spirit of silence as
the prelude begins our service.
The poinsettias and gracing our altar
in celebration of our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ, 2004th Birthday and in memory
of family and loved ones of our historic & beloved church! Your donations were
given to the Christmas Restoration Fund in lieu of fresh poinsettias this year.
OUR
APPROACH TO GOD
Prelude
Introit "Infant Holy, Infant Lowly"
Welcome
The Blessing of
the Christmas GiftsThe Lighting of the 4th
Advent Candle - J. Danielou
We live always during Advent.
WE ARE ALWAYS WAITING FOR THE MESSIAH TO COME.
The Messiah has come,
BUT IS NOT FULLY MANIFEST.
The Messiah is not fully manifest in us.
THE MESSIAH IS NOT FULLY MANIFEST IN HUMANKIND AS A WHOLE.
Just as Christ was born according to the flesh in Bethlehem
of
Judah,
SO MUST HE BE BORN ACCORDING TO THE SPIRIT IN EACH ONE OF US.
The Fourth Candle is now lit.
*Hymn 145
"O Come All Ye
Faithful"
Let us be before our God in silence.
Unison Prayer:
FATHER & MOTHER OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, THE EARTH
REJOICES IN
HOPE OF THE SAVIOR'S COMING & LOOKS FORWARD TO HIS RETURN AT THE
END OF TIME. PREPARE US & REMOVE FROM US WHAT HINDERS US FROM
BEING A SIGN OF JOY, HOPE & LOVE TO THE WORLD THAT HIS PRESENCE
DOES BESTOW. AMEN.
Kyrie
(sung)
LORD, HAVE MERCY ON US.
CHRIST, HAVE MERCY ON US.
LORD, HAVE MERCY ON US.
A Word of Assurance
The Summary of the
Law (Mark
12:29b-31)
This is the
first commandment:
HEAR O
ISRAEL,
THE LORD OUR GOD,
THE LORD IS ONE!
THEREFORE YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD
WITH ALL YOUR HEART,
WITH ALL YOUR SOUL,
WITH ALL YOUR MIND,
AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH.
This is the
second commandment:
YOU SHALL LOVE
YOUR NEIGHBOR AS
YOURSELF.
There
is no greater commandment
than these.
Anthem "The Bells of Bethlehem" I. Slaney & "Sing Gloria" K. Davis
THE WORD OF
GOD
*Responsive Reading:
Isaiah 9:2-7
*Gloria
Patri (Hymn No. 623)
GLORY BE
TO THE FATHER
AND TO THE SON
AND TO THE HOLY GHOST.
AS IT WAS IN THE BEGINNING,
IS NOW AND EVER SHALL BE,
WORLD WITHOUT END,
AMEN, AMEN!
The Greeting of Peace
Announcements
*Hymn "I Wonder as I Wander"
Scripture Lessons:
Jewish Scriptures:
Micah 5:2-5a
Epistle:
Hebrews 10:5-10
The Celtic Alleluia!
Gospel:
Matthew 1:18-25
Sermon by Fr. Jack Ryan
OUR
RESPONSE TO GOD
*Offertory Anthem
"Angels We Have Heard On High"
The Offering
*Doxology (625) and Prayer
PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM
ALL BLESSINGS FLOW;
PRAISE GOD ALL CREATURES HERE BELOW;
PRAISE GOD ABOVE YE HEAVENLY HOSTS;
PRAISE FATHER (CREATOR), SON (CHRIST) AND HOLY GHOST. AMEN.
Giving Thanks to God
The Prayer of the People & the
Lord's Prayer
*Hymn 125 "Joy to the
World"
*Benediction
*Choral Response "Ring the Bells" H. Bollback
Postlude
*Please stand if you are able.
Please join us for worship, if you
can, on Christmas Eve for Lessons & Carols in the Parish House at 10 PM.
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