A Congregation of the Reformed Church in America
Our Life, Ministry, and Mission: To Have Hearts Centered on Christ and Hearts Open to our Neighbors
Order of Worship
December 14, 2025 Third Sunday of Advent – Holy Communion 10:00 AM
Our Approach to God
Prelude
Welcome
Opening Prayer
Children’s Message
Third Week of Advent – JOY – Readers: Betsy Leipold, Kathy Inzana, and Sue Baker
Reader 1: “When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dreamed. Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.”
Congregation: “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.”
LIGHTING OF FIRST AND SECOND PURPLE CANDLES AND THE PINK CANDLE
Reader 2: We light the candle of JOY because we have joy in knowing our Savior Jesus Christ. We wait for the for the coming of the Christ child who brings full joy. “Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy.”
Congregation: “Rejoice in the Lord, you who are righteous, and praise his holy name.”
Reader: 3: Prayer: Heavenly Father, the angels said, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” Help us, Lord, to wait for the coming of your Son. Fill us Father with joy because of the gift of salvation that you gave us. Fill us with joy as we serve a world that desperately needs the joy of Jesus. Amen.
*Opening Praise Songs
“I’ve Got the Joy Down in My Heart” -CCLI #6302498
“We Give You Glory” -CCLI #4874337
Call to Confession Confession Restores Our Joy –Psalm 32:1-5
Prayer of Confession -based on Isaiah 12
If we look at our own lives, we must confess the mixture of giving and selfishness,
our waiting on the Lord turned to an endless rush, our missing the mark of Advent.
Lord, forgive our frantic ways and misplaced efforts. But we can also trust in God, who still brings us salvation,
who still supplies us strength,
who hears our songs of gratitude,
who accepts our joyful praise.
Let us all draw water from the wells of salvation.
Let us shout it in church and in town:
The Lord’s great name will still be praised.
His saving deeds support our lives.
His greatness still astounds us.
The Holy One of Israel is among us.
Praise the Lord and sing for joy.
Amen!
Assurance of Pardon
People of God, Hear the Good News of the Gospel! By the love of God, by the blood of Christ, by the power of the Spirit, your sins are forgiven!
Thanks be to God!
Guide for Grateful Living Rejoice! -Psalm 32:11
Offering
Doxology
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow.
Praise Him, all creatures here below.
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host.
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
The Word of God in Proclamation & Sacrament
Prayer of Inspiration
Scripture Luke 2:8-15 (NIV Pew Bibles, Pages 1459-1460)
This is the Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Sermon “THE ANGEL’S SONG”
Prayer for Blessing
Almighty God, grant that the words we have heard this day may, through your grace, be so grafted within our hearts that they may bring forth in us the fruit of the Spirit, restoring our Joy in Jesus. To the honor and praise of your holy name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
*Profession of Faith The Apostles’ Creed On Screen
*Hymn of Response “Angels from the Realms of Glory” -Hymn #81, vv. 1,2,4,5
*Passing of the Peace
The peace of Christ be with you. And also with you.
The Institution of the Lord’s Supper -1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Communion Opening
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Lift up your hearts! We lift them up to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Holy and right it is, and our joyful duty to give thanks to you at all times and in all places, O Lord our Creator, almighty and everlasting God! You created heaven with all its hosts and the earth with all its plenty. You have given us life and being, and preserve us by your providence. But you have shown us the fullness of your love in sending into the world your Son, Jesus Christ, the eternal Word, made flesh for us and for our salvation. For the precious gift of this mighty Savior who has reconciled us to you. We praise and bless you, O God. With your whole Church on earth and with all the company of heaven,
we worship and adore your glorious name.
Sanctus
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest!
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest!
Communion Prayer On Screen
Preparation at the Lord’s Table
Invitation to the Lord’s Table
All believers here present are invited to participate in the celebration of the Lord’s Supper.
(Note: The bread is gluten-free out of consideration for those with dietary restrictions.)
Receiving Communion Congregation comes forward to receive bread and cup.
Our Response to God
Brothers and Sisters, since the Lord has now fed us at his Table, let us praise God’s holy name with heartfelt thanksgiving!
Thanksgiving Prayer (from Psalm 103, with additions) On Screen
Sharing of Joys and Concerns
Prayers of the People
The Lord’s Prayer On Screen
*Closing Hymn “Joy to the World” –Hymn #92
*Benediction
*Postlude
Prayer Leader is available after the service, by the front door of the Sanctuary, to pray for your needs.