December 11, 2022, Worship at Grace Presbyterian Church

Order of Worship December 11, 2022 - Third Sunday of Advent Reflecting the Sacred: Sacred Space Rev. Dr. Joanne Sizoo, Pastor Cole Kessell, Elder on Call Grace Presbyterian Church Following Jesus, we love, welcome, and serve. Welcome and Announcements Crossing the Threshold "Carol of the Bells" Grace Ringers Call to Worship: O: We pray for Joy this day. M: We open to see the Sacred reflected in all things. O: We open to see each place M: as a gift of holy presence. O: This is the gift of the Christ Mystery, M: lighting the way to joy. Lighting the Candle of Joy **Opening Hymn of Joy #20 "All Things Bright and Beautiful" **Advent Affirmation of Faith: We believe in God, creator and lover of the earth, origin and destiny of us all. We believe in Jesus the Christ—God coming to us in the fragile promise of a baby yet unborn—who emerges as the herald of hope, God's laughter in the face of despair. Plunged into death and hell, he broke free the captives, and is leading the way to the land of promise where justice and peace will flourish. We believe in the Holy Spirit, who implants the seed of truth, brings us to birth as the body of Christ, and empowers us to confront and transform all that is corrupt, degrading and deceitful. We believe in the coming reign of God. Announced by the Baptist, it has drawn near to us in Jesus, and will be consummated in the glorious marriage of earth and heaven, when all who have passed through the world's deep sorrow will be raised from the waters, robed in righteousness, and gathered into the joyous fulfillment of God's desire. For the coming of that day on this day, we work and pray: Come, Lord Jesus, Come! Anthem "God with Us to Dwell" Grace Notes Choir Jenna Rozmarin, soloist Time with Young Disciples Scripture Isaiah 35: 1-10 and Luke 1: 46-55 The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the LORD, the majesty of our God. Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who are of a fearful heart, "Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God. He will come with vengeance, with terrible recompense. He will come and save you." Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy. For waters shall break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; the burning sand shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water; the haunt of jackals shall become a swamp, the grass shall become reeds and rushes. A highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Holy Way; the unclean shall not travel on it, but it shall be for God's people; no traveler, not even fools, shall go astray. No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it; they shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there. And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. – Isaiah 35: 1-10 And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever." – Luke 1: 46-55 Message Anointed to Sacred Work Historic Paradise Foundation Prayers of the People with the Lord’s Prayer **Closing Hymn #93 "Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates" **Benediction **Choral Response Emmanuel, Emmanuel, his name is called Emmanuel. God with us, revealed in us, his name is called Emmanuel. Postlude **congregation standing in body or spirit You can give online at http://onrealm.org/gracefortmill/give or text “GRACEFORTMILL” with any amount to 73256. Visit us online at http://www.GraceFortMill.org