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December 24,
2006
Fourth Sunday
of Advent
Sunday Worship
at 11:00 a.m.
THE GATHERING TO WORSHIP
PRELUDE
BRINGING IN THE
LIGHT OF CHRIST
WELCOME AND PARISH
NOTES
FORETELLING OF THE
COMING OF THE MESSIAH
Isaiah 7:14
ADVENT REFLECTION from Cloth
for the Cradle
“The Village Gossips — Mrs.
Matthew, Mark and Luke”
*HYMN OF PRAISE #246
“Joy to the World” vs. 2, 3, & 4
*ENTRY INTO WORSHIP
One: The love of the coming One be with you all.
All: And also with you.
One: When God was ready to do a surprising thing,
a tiny clan,
a wandering tribe called Jews, were
chosen for the task.
All: God
has chosen the weak things of the world to put the arrogant to shame.
One: When
God was ready to do the most amazing thing that has ever happened, a young
woman named Mary was chosen.
All: Rejoice
Mary, chosen of God; the Lord is with you! Blessed are you among women; blessed
is the fruit of your womb!
*SHARING THE PEACE OF CHRIST
THE PEOPLE OF GOD PRAYING
LIGHTING OF THE
ADVENT WREATH CANDLE OF LOVE
___
If you have a prayer joy or concern
you would like shared during the
Prayer of the People, please hand it to an
usher during the Prayer Song.
PRAYER HYMN #216
“Lo How a Rose E’er Blooming”
UNISON PRAYER
Most gracious and loving
God, long ago you spoke to your people through prophets, but they did not
"get it." Then you sent an
angel to Mary, a mere teenager, and told her that she would be the mother of
your son. Amazing! Every year we hear the story of your greatest
gift. We get caught up in the
"trivial pursuits" of Christmas.
We are unable sustain this gift of your love. Help us in our unbelief. Help us to stay focused on Jesus. May we wear our faith as Mary did when she
said, "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to
your word." Amen.
PRAYER OF THE
PEOPLE
THE LORD’S PRAYER #895
THE
CHORAL ANTHEM Chancel
Choir
“Breath of Heaven” Arr. Lloyd Larson
SCRIPTURE READING N.T.
pg.57
Luke 1:39-56
MESSAGE Pastor
Dale Ostema
“God’s Christmas Surprise”
RESPONDING TO THE WORD
OFFERING INVITATION
OFFERING OUR
OURSELVES AND OUR GIFTS
ORGAN OFFERTORY
*DOXOLOGY Tune: Old 100th
Hope in the God who
reigns above,
who hold us all in
steadfast love;
whose spirit blows
across the earth,
preparing us for
second birth. Amen.
*PRAYER
OF CONSECRATION (in unison)
Gracious God, we
rejoice as we offer these gifts in response to the great things you have done
for us. We give thanks especially for
the great gift of your love clothed in human flesh. We pray that Jesus will be born anew into our
hearts, and that the witness of our lives will convince others of the wonder
and the miracle of Christmas. In Jesus’
name, we pray. Amen.
THE
SCATTERING TO SERVE
*HYMN OF DEDICATION #218
“It Came Upon a Midnight Clear”
*COMMISSION AND BLESSING
*POSTLUDE
*All who are able, please stand.
LARGE Print Bulletins, Hymnals & Bibles are available
along with hearing assistance devices.
An Usher will be glad to help you.