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
This is the day that the Lord has made.
First Sunday of Advent
December 1, 2024 10:00 AM
Our Approach to God
Prelude “Away in the Manager” -Hymn #86
Welcome and Announcements
Opening Prayer
*Opening Hymn “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” -Hymn #61
Introductory Words
Advent Readers David and Cheryl Griggs
Our readings today are taken from Jeremiah 33 and Psalm 25.
The days are coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfill the good promise, I made to my people. In those days and at that time I will make a righteous Branch sprout from David’s line; he will do what is just and right in the land. (Jeremiah 33:14-15)
Fill us with hope, Heavenly Father.
In those days my people will be saved and will live in safety. This is the name by which it will be called: The Lord Our Righteous Savior. (Jeremiah 33:16)
Fill us with hope, Son of the Living God.
Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. (Psalm 25:5)
Fill us with hope, Spirit of the Living God.
We light this candle of Hope, the hope of our coming Savior, Jesus Christ. We wait for the coming of the Christ child.
(LIGHT THE FIRST CANDLE)
Prayer: Gracious God, we wait for the time when all your promises will be fulfilled. Give us patience and trust in You as we wait. Help us, Lord, to share your hope and your salvation with others. Amen.
Children’s Message Rose Admiraal
*Opening Praise Songs
“Come Now Is the Time to Worship” -CCLI #2430948
“What Child is This” Hymn 95 -CCLI #30983
Call to Confession –Isaiah 59:2
Silent Prayer of Confession
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 –Isaiah 59:21
Special Music “De tierra lejana venimos” Lynnann and Fernando Rivas “From a Distant Home” Hymn 106
Offering Ourselves and our Gifts “What Child is This” -Hymn #95
Doxology
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below,
Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
The Word of God in Proclamation
Prayer of Inspiration
Scripture Isaiah 64 (Pew Bible Pages 1068-1069)
This is the Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Sermon “Waiting with Hope”
Our Response to God
Prayer of Application
*Profession of Faith: The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried;He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
*Hymn of Application “Angels We Have Heard on High ” -Hymn #82
Sharing of Joys and Concerns
Prayers of the People
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
*Closing Praise Song “My Life is in You, Lord“ -CCLI #17315
*Benediction
*Postlude “Silent Night, Holy Night” -Hymn #85
Prayer Leader is available after the service, by the front door of the Sanctuary, to pray for your needs