Creating a Highway to Our Hearts

This Sunday we celebrate the Advent Season with a special jazz worship service featuring a five piece Jazz band. Our Sermon for today is based on the Gospel lesson from Luke chapter 3. John the Baptist is a herald of the saving Lord, whose way is prepared by “repentance for the forgiveness of sins”. As we hear the careful record of human leaders, we sense the spectrum of political and religious authority that will be challenged by this coming Lord.

WE GATHER FOR WORSHIP

Prelude: “Lo, How A Rose E’er Blooming and The Holly and The Ivy”

Welcome and Announcements

Confession and Forgiveness

Gathering Carols: “O Come, O Come Emmanuel”, “The First Noel”, “Angel We Have Heard on High”

Prayer of the Day

First Reading: Psalm 150:1-6

Anthem: “Carol of the Bells”, Ukrainian Folk Tune

Gospel Acclamation Gospel: Luke 3:1-6

Sermon: Creating a Highway to our Hearts, Rev. Dr. Kevin Murphy

Hymns: “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear”, and “O Little Town of Bethlehem”

Prayers of Intercession

The Lord’s Prayer Offertory: “Arbol De Navidad (O Christmas Tree)”, Traditional German Tune

Offering Response and Prayer

Benediction

Sending Carols: “Good Christian Friends Rejoice”, “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”

Dismissal

Postlude: “Joy to the World”