Proclaiming the Gospel and Making Disciples Welcome! Welcome Invocation Confession and Forgiveness: P: Prepare ye the way of the Lord! C: Prepare our hearts oh, Lord. P: John the Baptist proclaimed a message of repentance in preparation for Jesus.  In the same way, we prepare ourselves for worship by confessing our sins. (a time of silence to reflect and personally confess our sins) C: Heavenly Father, we confess that we have sinned against You and against our neighbor.  We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen P: The Lord has heard your cry for mercy.  Therefore I announce unto the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.  In His stead and by the command of my Lord Jesus Christ, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. C: Come, Lord Jesus, Come.  Amen. Songs of Praise and Worship On Jordan's Bank the Baptist's Cry (vs 1 and 2) Jesus Messiah O Come, O Come Emmanuel Old Testament Reading -  Isaiah 40:1-5 Comfort, comfort my people,     says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,     and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed,     that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the Lord's hand     double for all her sins. A voice of one calling: "In the wilderness prepare     the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert     a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up,     every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level,     the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the Lord will be revealed,     and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken." Epistle Reading -  Romans 3:19-26 Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God's sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin. But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished — he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus. Children's Message (Children dismissed to Children's Church) Sermon Hymn - Savior of the Nations Come Sermon - Prepare for the Coming of Our Savior Mark 1:1-8 The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God, as it is written in Isaiah the prophet: "I will send my messenger ahead of you,     who will prepare your way"— "a voice of one calling in the wilderness, 'Prepare the way for the Lord,     make straight paths for him.'" And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. John wore clothing made of camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. And this was his message: "After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit." Offering  (Children return during offering) Prayers Apostles' Creed I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. The Lord's Prayer Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.  For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever.  Amen Words of Institution PeaceP: The peace of the Lord be with you all. C: And also with you. P: We greet each other in the peace of Christ. Distribution Prayer Benediction Closing Song - O Come All Ye Faithful Announcements (Service Ends) Clean Up

invocation

confession and forgiveness

pastor Prepare ye the way of the Lord!

congregation Prepare our hearts oh, Lord.

John the Baptist proclaimed a message of repentance in preparation for Jesus.  In the same way, we prepare ourselves for worship by confessing our sins. pastor

(a time of silence to reflect and personally confess our sins)

Heavenly Father, we confess that we have sinned against You and against our neighbor.  We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. congregation

For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen . congregation

The Lord has heard your cry for mercy The Lord has heard your cry for mercy.  Therefore I announce unto the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.  In His stead and by the command of my Lord Jesus Christ, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.  pastor

congregation Come, Lord Jesus, Come.  Amen.

On Jordan's Bank the Baptist's Cry (vs 1 and 2)

On Jordan's bank the Baptist's cry Announces that the Lord is nigh; Awake and hearken, for he brings Glad tidings of the King of kings! 1 On Jordan's bank the Baptist's cry Announces that the Lord is nigh; Awake and hearken, for he brings Glad tidings of the King of kings! 2 Then cleansed be ev'ry life from sin; Make straight the way for God within, And let us all our hearts prepare For Christ to come and enter there.

Then cleansed be ev'ry life from sin; Make straight the way for God within, And let us all our hearts prepare For Christ to come and enter there.. On Jordan's bank the Baptist's cry Announces that the Lord is nigh; Awake and hearken, for he brings Glad tidings of the King of kings! 2 Then cleansed be ev'ry life from sin; Make straight the way for God within, And let us all our hearts prepare For Christ to come and enter there. 3 We hail Thee as our Savior, Lord, Our refuge and our great reward; Without Thy grace we waste away Like flow'rs that wither and decay. 4 Lay on the sick Thy healing hand And make the fallen strong to stand; Show us the glory of Thy face Till beauty springs in ev'ry place. 5 All praise, eternal Son, to Thee Whose advent sets Thy people free. Whom with the Father we adore And Holy Spirit evermore.

Jesus Messiah

He became sin Who knew no sin That we might become His righteousness He humbled himself And carried the cross Love so Amazing

Jesus Messiah Name above all names Blessed Redeemer Emmanuel The rescue for sinners The ransom from heaven Lord of All

The whole earth trembled His body the bread His blood the wine Broken and poured out all for love The whole earth trembled And the veil was torn Love so amazing

Jesus Messiah Name above all names Blessed Redeemer Emmanuel The rescue for sinners The ransom from heaven Lord of All

All our hope is in You All the glory to You, God The light of the world

Jesus Messiah Name above all names Blessed Redeemer Emmanuel The rescue for sinners The ransom from heaven Lord of All

O come, O come, Emmanuel

And ransom captive Israel, That mourns in lonely exile here O come, O come, Emmanuel, And ransom captive Israel, That mourns in lonely exile here Until the Son of God appear.

Rejoice, rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.

thou wisdom from on high, Who ordered all things mightily; O come, thou wisdom from on high, Who ordered all things mightily; To us the path of knowledge show, And teach us in her ways to go.

Rejoice, rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.

In ancient times gave holy law In cloud and majesty and awe Oh, come, oh come, Our Lord of might Who to your tribes on Sinai’s height In ancient times gave holy law In cloud and majesty and awe

Rejoice, rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.

oh branch of Jesse’s tree, Free them from Satan’s tyranny; O come, oh branch of Jesse’s tree, Free them from Satan’s tyranny; That trust thy mighty power to save, And give them vict’ry o’er the grave.

Rejoice, rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.

that leads on high, And close the path to misery Oh, come, O Key of David, come, And open wide our heav'nly home; Make safe the way that leads on high, And close the path to misery

Rejoice, rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.

And cheer us by Thy drawing nigh; Disperse the gloomy clouds of night, O come, Thou Dayspring, from on high And cheer us by Thy drawing nigh; Disperse the gloomy clouds of night, And death's dark shadows put to flight.

Rejoice, rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Desire of nations, Bind in one the hearts of all mankind; Bid Thou our sad division cease, And be thyself our King of Peace.

old testament reading Isaiah 40:1-5

Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for,

that she has received from the Lord's hand double for all her sins. A voice of one calling: "In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord;

make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain.

And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken."

epistle reading Romans 3:19-26 Epistle Reading - James 1:16-18

Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God's sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.

But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption

that came by Christ Jesus that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished — he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.

(Children dismissed to Children's Church) children’s message (Children dismissed to Children's Church)

savior of nations, come

sermon Prepare for the Coming of Our Savior Sermon Hymn - O Come, O Come Emmanuel Sermon - God's Light Comes Into Our Darkness John 1:1-13 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." Offering  (Children return during offering) Prayers Nicene Creed I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of His Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made; who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate. He suffered and was buried. And the third day He rose again according to the Scriptures and ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of the Father. And He will come again with glory to judge both the living and the dead, whose kingdom will have no end. And I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of Life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified, who spoke by the prophets. And I believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church, I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins, and I look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen. The Lord's Prayer Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.  For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever.  Amen Words of Institution PeaceP: The peace of the Lord be with you all. C: And also with you. P: We greet each other in the peace of Christ. Distribution Prayer Benediction Closing Song - Joy to the World Announcements (Service Ends) Clean Up

offering

prayers

I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. apostles' creed

He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead. apostles' creed

apostles' creed I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. apostles' creed

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; the Lord’s prayer Prayers Offering (Children return during offering) The Lord's Prayer Words of Institution Peace P: The peace of the Lord be with you all. C: And also with you. P: We greet each other in the peace of Christ. Distribution - Beautiful Savior (have slides for the 3 verses we have in Planning Center) Prayer Benediction Closing Song - We Are Announcements

and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen the Lord’s prayer

words of institution

peace Pastor: The peace of the Lord be with you all. Congregation: And also with you. We greet each other in the peace of Christ. peace

distribution

prayer

benediction

o come, all ye faithful

O come all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant O come ye, o come ye to Bethlehem Come and behold Him, born the King of Angels

O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord

Highest most holy, Light of light eternal Born of a virgin a mortal he comes Son of the Father now in flesh appearing

Sing choirs of angels, sing in exultation O sing all ye citizens of heaven above Glory to God, glory in the highest

O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord

born this happy morning Jesus to Thee be all glory giv’n Yea, Lord we greet Thee, born this happy morning Jesus to Thee be all glory giv’n Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing

O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord

Proclaiming the Gospel and Making Disciples Have a great day!