Service for the First Sunday of Advent – Matthew 24:36–44
Revelation: God Making Himself Known to Us
Silent Prayer and Meditation
Prelude: “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”
Christian Greeting
Leader: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Scripture Reading: Psalm 122
Reader: The Word of the Lord
People: Thanks be to God.
Adoration: Exalting Our Glorious God
*Hymn 91: Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus
*Corporate Prayer of Praise
*Advent Gloria (Refrain, Hymn 113)
Confession: Lifting Contrite Hearts up to the Lord
Advent Candle Lighting
Processional: Of the Father’s Love Begotten
Lighting of the First Advent Candle
Scripture Reading: Matthew 24:36–44
Recessional: Gloria in excelsis deo!
Silent Prayers of Repentance
Corporate Prayer of Confession
O God of our salvation,
in Christ you have done great things—
our hearts are filled with joy.
By your power you lifted us out of the wasteland of sin
and brought us with joy and laughter into your kingdom.
Salvation is your gift to us.
But we confess that often we try to replace your gift
with our own efforts.
We try to complete what is already perfect;
We try to add to what is already full;
We try to earn what we already have.
Forgive us for our foolishness.
Help us to focus on your grace.
Help us to live grateful lives in return.
For Jesus’s sake alone,
Amen.
Propitiation: Declaring God’s Forgiveness
Declaration of the Good News: Luke 24:46-47
Leader: In Christ your sins are forgiven you!
People: The Lord be praised!
*Hymn 99: Hark, the Glad Sound! The Savior Comes
Proclamation: God Speaking through His Word
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 2:1-5
Sermon
Dedication: Responding to the Word of God
*Hymn 105: Jesus Shall Reign
*Offertory Prayer
Offertory: “Lo, How a Rose is Blooming”
Communion: Feasting with the Master
*Declaration of Faith: Nicene Creed (Hymnal, 272)
Introduction and Welcome
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Words of Institution
The Bread of Life and the Cup of Salvation
*The Acclamation
Leader: Great is the mystery of our faith!
People: Christ has died! Christ is risen!
Christ will come again! Hallelujah!
*Hymn 13: Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow
Benevolence Offering
Commission: God Sending Us Forth to Serve Him
Pastoral Welcome & Announcements
*Hymn 96: Christ Is Coming! Let Creation (Tune: 264)
*Pastoral Charge and Benediction
Postlude: “Rejoice, the Lord is King”