Welcome to the Sunday Gathering recap (songs, hymns, liturgy and sermon). This blog gives you an opportunity to reflect on what you heard in the gathering or catch up if you weren’t able to be with us.
*The indented sections are responses read aloud by the congregation during the Gathering
ADVENT - Traditional Carols
CALL TO WORSHIP
Long ago, the coming birth of our Saviour Jesus was foretold to the people of Israel and to a world, who like us now, was longing for a Saviour to bring relief from the suffering and sin: The prophets of old proclaimed that the people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine. And today, above the clamor of our darkness and sin, the Word of truth and light resounds. Over nations enshrouded in despair His salvation dawns.
For a child is born to us, a Son is given to us. And He will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Song: Come Thou Long Expected Jesus
Song: Joy To The World
READING
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
(Luke 2:1-7)
Song: Angels from the Realms of Glory
READING
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he enquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’” Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshipped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.
(Matthew 2:1-12)
Song: O Come O Come Emmanuel
PREACHING OF THE WORD
Gary Aston preached to us from Luke 1:5-25, 67-79. He helped us to see what Zechariah's song shows us about faith, joy and our hearts. Click here to listen to that sermon.
Song: O Holy Night
Song: O Come All Ye Faithful
Song: Hark the Herald Angels Sing
BENEDICTION
May you know the peace & joy that Jesus brings at this Christmas season.
Peace be with you.
And also with you.
Amen.