Fourth Sunday of Advent
We Gather as the Body of Christ
WELCOME, ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND
FUNNY STORY Pastor Bob
CENTERING WORDS
(Isaiah 7, Matthew 1)
Look the young woman is with child and shall bear a son. You shall name him Immanuel. When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded. Today, the promise of new life comes to us. How will we receive it? How will we claim it? How will we live it?
CALL TO WORSHIP (Psalm 80)
responsive reading Sharon Stewart
O God, hear our call.
Stir up your strength and come to save us!
Restore us, O God.
Let your face shine, that we may be saved.
For we know that new life is coming.
A child will change us all.
Let your hand be upon him in blessing.
For he will bring you near.
He will be God-with-us.
Give us life, O God, and we will forever call on your name.
HYMN
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
UMC Hymnal #240
OPENING PRAYER (Unison)
Holy One, you send us new life in so many forms.
Open our minds, that we may recognize it.
Open our hearts, that we may receive it.
Open our bodies, that we may embrace it.
Open our souls, that we may live it.
Open us this day and all the days ahead. Amen.
OLD TESTAMENT READING
Isaiah 7: 10-16 (New Living Translation)
Sharon Stewart
ADVENT WREATH CANDLE LIGHTING
Pastor Bob & Sharon Stewart
Scripture: Micah 5: 2-5
Lighting the Fourth Candle of Advent
The Candle of LOVE
Emmanuel, Emanuel UMH #204
Advent Prayer (Unison)
God of Love help us to believe in and experience the extraordinary, never-ceasing love you have for us. Show us how we can share this wonderful love with others. Amen.
EPISTLE READING
Romans 1: 1-7 Sharon Stewart
CHILDREN'S TIME with Pastor Bob
PREPARATION for PRAYER
What Child Is This vs 1
UMC Hymnal #219
PASTORAL PRAYER
We Attend to the Word
HYMN:
There’s Something About That Name
UMC Hymnal #171
GOSPEL LESSON Matthew 1: 18-25
New Life Translation
MEDITATION Pastor Bob
And the Angel said…
We Gather at Christ's Table
INVITATION TO OFFERING
Pastor Bob
God so loved the world that he sent us Jesus to save us and to give us an eternal life. May we return that LOVE to God by sharing our gifts that we offer today.
Give as you are called and as you are able.
OFFERTORY
Breath of Heaven by Amy Grant
Barbara Houser – soloist
DOXOLOGY
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow
UMC Hymnal #94
BLESSING OF THE OFFERING
(Unison) Pastor Bob
God of promises and love, receive these gifts we return to you out of our abundance and love for you and for others. Bless this offering, that our gifts may be signs of hope, peace, joy, and love for others in need. Amen.
COMMUNION HYMN
I Come with Joy vs 1,2,3, & 5
UMC Hymnal #617
GREAT THANKSGIVING
HOLY COMMUNION…COME TO THE TABLE OF LOVE
LORD’S PRAYER
We Are Sent in Ministry to the World
HYMN: O Little Town of Bethlehem
vs 1 & 4 UMC Hymnal #230
BENEDICTION
Pastor Bob
Beloved, welcome the grace of God,
as you welcome the coming of Christ.
Go in peace to love and to serve. Amen.
SENDING FORTH HYMN
Let There Be Peace on Earth
UMC Hymnal #431
DEPART IN PEACE MY FRIENDS...SHALOM!
Worship Liturgy is taken from two sources: Lectionary Liturgies and the Abingdon Worship Annual 2022.