ADVENT - The Word
CALL TO WORSHIP
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: Hear these word from the prophet Isaiah:
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined.
And today, above our darkness and sin, the Word of truth and light resounds. Over nations deep in despair His salvation dawns. Let's declare these words together:
For a child is born to us, a Son is given to us. And He will be called: Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
(based on Isaiah 9)
Song: Joy To The World
Song: Come Praise and Glorify
CONFESSION AND ASSURANCE
When we're faced with God's glory and majesty, we're reminded of our sin and brokenness. God tells us in his word that all have turned away from him. Without him, all of us are spiritually poor. We reject God and rebel against him, and then wonder why he feels distant from us. Take a moment to reflect on that now, to confess your need for God now.
Heavenly Father, even though we have seen your glory displayed in creation and heard you speak to us in your word, we confess that we are guilty of suppressing the truth. We bury what we know to be true of you and ignore you speaking to us.
We ask that you would open our eyes to see your glory revealed to us and give
us ears to hear all that you are saying to us through your word. Amen.
There is true freedom to be found in Jesus, through him, we have been set free from sin and we can know the joy of relationship with God.
Song: O Come O Come Emmanuel
PASSING OF THE PEACE
PREACHING OF THE WORD
Oli Simmons preached the first in our Advent series from John 1:1-3. Click here to listen to the sermon.
COMMUNION
Every week we want to respond to what God has done for us in Jesus. One of the great ways he has provided for us to remember the truth of the gospel is giving us communion. As we take the bread and wine we remember what Jesus has done for us.
POST COMMUNION READING
Jesus’ death brings us life and this meal reminds us that we are fed by Jesus and forgiven because of Jesus.
We rejoice that You have died, rose again, and are now with the Father advocating for us. Amen.
With our money, time, and talent we give generously, knowing that through Your Son, Jesus, You have generously given to us.
We rejoice that You have given everything and we joyfully give everything back to Your care. Amen.
Song: The Power of the Cross
Song: Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone)
COMMITMENT READING
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
(Based on John 1:1-3;14)
This is the truth we celebrate in this season of Advent. God coming to us in Jesus, dwelling among his people and revealing his glory to us.
BENEDICTION
May Jesus Christ, the sun of righteousness, who comes with healing in his wings, fill you with the joy and peace that passes all understanding in this season of Advent.
Peace be with you.
And also with you.
Amen.
