PRELUDE: In dulci jubilo (BMW 729) by J.S. Bach
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
CALL TO WORSHIP
PRAYER
HYMN: O Come, All Ye Faithful [Adeste Fideles]
PRAYER
LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH: Love
INVITATION: Hope Is a Star
Choir: Joy is a song that welcomes the dawn, telling the world that the Savior is born. Love is a flame that burns in our hearts. Jesus has come and will never depart.
Congregation: 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, none shall be afraid.
RESPONSIVE LITANY: Love
Leader: In this season of Advent, we remember that Christ’s coming will bring us love. For those who are forsaken and alone
People: Christ will bring us love.
Leader: For those who are angry and hostile
People: Christ will bring us love.
Leader: For those who have turned away from personal interaction
People: Christ will bring us love.
Leader: For those who are pariahs, touched by scandal
People: Christ will bring us love.
CANDLE LIGHTING
All singing: 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, none shall be afraid.
PRAYER
SCRIPTURE LESSON: Matthew 1:18-25
HYMN: What Mystery Is This We Read
SERMON: “Can We Love Being Loved by God?”
ANTHEM: Rejoice and Be Merry by Patti Drennan; Emily Lacina and Peter Bates, pianists
Rejoice and be merry in songs and in mirth. O praise our Redeemer, all mortals on earth: Soon will be the birthday of Jesus our King, who brought us salvation; his praises we’ll sing. A heavenly vision appeared in the sky, vast numbers of angels the shepherds did spy, proclaiming the birthday of Jesus our King. Child of Wonder, Child of Light! Born a King that glorious night! A brilliant star in the sky did appear, which led the wise men to quickly draw near. They found the Messiah, sweet Jesus our King.
PRAYER
HYMN: O Little Town of Bethlehem [St. Louis]
BENEDICTION
BENEDICTION RESPONSE: O Little Town of Bethlehem English Folk Melody arr. b John Carter
O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie! Above thy deep and dreamless sleep, the silent starts go by. Yet, in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light. The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee, in thee tonight. [Phillips Brooks]
POSTLUDE: Improvisation on “The King Shall Come” by Michael Burkhardt
If you would like to purchase a poinsettia or two to enhance the beauty of the Sanctuary this Advent & Christmas season, please click on the following link. Thank you! https://forms.gle/wNoSkonPoJBJinjf8
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If you would like to attend the review of the budget, please visit Meet.Google.com & use the meeting code: goeumjnwgq or dial in from your phone, 1-209-781-9485 & enter this PIN: 443 527 177# at 11:50 a.m. (PST) on 12/18/22.
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