The Highly Favored Mary, the Mother of our Lord

The Fourth Sunday in Advent

This Sunday, the fourth Sunday in Advent, we consider the person and faith of Mary, the Mother of our Lord. When the archangel Gabriel appeared to Mary to tell her the great news that God had chosen her to bear the promised Messiah and the Savior of the world. At this, she was “greatly disturbed.” But Gabriel spoke words of comfort, and Mary agreed to be God’s willing vessel. Imagine the faith that was required to say “yes” to God in this circumstance? Roman Catholic Christians may make too much of her; but surely we have underestimated the example she is for all of us. Come and share in the good news about Mary, chief among the many women characters in Jesus’ origin story.

WE GATHER FOR WORSHIP

Prelude: “The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came”, Anna Laura Page

Welcome and Announcements

Choral Introit: “On This Day Earth Shall Ring”, Latin tune; “Personet Hodie”, Latin text, “Ideo Gloria in exclesis Deo”

Confession and Forgiveness

Gathering Hymn: “O Come, O Come Emmanuel”

Apostolic Greeting

Prayer of the Day

First Reading: Micah 5:2-5a

Choir Anthem: “God’s Love Made Visable”, text by Iola Brubeck, music by Dave Brubeck

Children’s Time

Gospel Acclamation

Gospel: Luke 1:39-55

Sermon: “The Highly Favored Mary, the Mother of our Lord”, Pastor Kevin Murphy

Sermon Hymn: “People, Look East”

Apostles Creed

Prayers of Intercession

The Lord’s Prayer

Offertory: “Advent Prayer”

Offering Response and Prayer

Benediction

Sending Hymn: “All Earth is Hopeful”

Dismissal

Postlude: “Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates”, Paul Fey