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”