December 15, 2024 Worship Service

Welcome & Announcements Prelude O Thou Joyful Call to Worship One: We are waiting for the birth of the Christ Child. All: We are waiting for Jesus, the One Who Saves, to come again. One: We are waiting for the angels to sing, for the shepherds to come; All: We are waiting for Jesus, who is Emmanuel, God-with-us. One: We are waiting for the magi to come from the east with their gifts; All: We are waiting for Jesus to be born again in our hearts. One: Come, for our time of waiting is almost complete; All: Come, worship Christ, for Christ is coming again, into our hearts, into our world, in new and glorious ways! *Hymn # 128 One Candle Is Lit Prayer of Invocation God of Wonderful Surprises, our hearts are filled with anticipation and wonder, as we prepare to welcome the Christ Child. We praise you for coming to us in the most unexpected way – through the humble birth of a baby in a stable, a sign of hope wrapped in swaddling clothes. May this time of worship draw us closer to you and inspire us to share the good news of the birth of Jesus. With joy, we share the prayer he taught us: 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. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. Advent Candle Lighting Alex Brown & Nolan O'Connor One: This season of preparation is half done and today we light the third candle of our wreath. It is pink to remind us that there is so much about which we rejoice. All: In the midst of all the parties and merriment, we are a people seeking true joy in the arms of the One who comes to bring it. Even as night continues to lengthen, we sense the coming of light that will brighten our days. One: The prophet Isaiah said: I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, whole being shall praise my God. For as the earth brings forth it shoots, as a garden springs up with what has been sown in it, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to sprout and grow before all the nations. All: Christ is coming to make all things new! With expansive imagination, we are opening to Christ, the light of the world. The Advent Candle of Joy One: We light this third Advent candle, as we joyfully await the birth of the Christ Child. Lighting of the Third Candle One: Let us pray: All: Gracious God, in this Advent season, we celebrate your promises, which proclaims the Spirit’s gift of joy. May our spirits remain uplifted as we prepare for the birth of the Christ Child. Amen. Hymn # 132 When God is a Child Joy is a song that welcomes the dawn, Telling the world that the Savior is born. When God is a child, there’s joy in our song, The last shall be first, and the weak shall be strong, And none shall be afraid. Sacrament of Baptism Invitation to Baptism Baptism of Presley Steele & Brady Fraulino Prayer for the Newly Baptized Anthem A Virgin Unspotted Billings A Very Mixed-Up Christmas Pageant Homily Joy of Joys Pastoral Prayers Offering Offertory I Wonder As I Wander Traditional Appalachian Melody *Doxology Praise God for gifts of hope and peace Praise God for gifts of joy and love Praise God for sending Christ to dwell On earth for us – Emmanuel. Amen. *Prayer of Dedication Generous God, in this season of faith, hope, and love, we see evidence of the countless ways that you have provided for our needs. Bless our tithes and offerings, that our gifts may help those who are in need and spread the good news of Jesus Christ. Amen. *Hymn # 155 Angels We Have Heard On High Benediction Postlude How Great Our Joy! Traditional German Carol The music is used by permission granted through CCLI number 11454664. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Be sure to visit us on Facebook to get updates on current events! https://www.facebook.com/firstchurchportla...