Ordinance of Baptism

Call to Presence and Invocation Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14 (ESV)

Lighting of the Advent Wreath Candle of Hope

Advent Prayer

Call to Worship “Emmanuel”

Come, Thou long expected Jesus Born to set Thy people free; From our fears and sins release us, Let us find our rest in Thee. Israel’s Strength and Consolation, Hope of all the earth Thou art; Dear Desire of every nation, Joy of every longing heart. 77 ” Come, Thou long expected Jesus”

Born Thy people to deliver, Born a child and yet a King, Born to reign in us forever, Now Thy gracious kingdom bring. By Thine own eternal Spirit Rule in all our hearts alone; By Thine all sufficient merit, Raise us to Thy glorious throne. 77 ” Come, Thou long expected Jesus”

Sharing Of Praises and Concerns Prayer

Offertory Prayer Giving of Tithes and Offerings

253 Doxology Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

Children’s Message

Scripture Reading 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 Pastor Groover Scripture Reading 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 Pastor Groover

Special Music “Come Oh Come Emmanuel” Praise Team

“Celebrating a Simple Christmas” Pastor Groover

On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices, saying, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us." When he saw them he said to them, "Go and show yourselves to the priests." And as they went they were cleansed. Then one of them, when he saw

that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus answered, "Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" And he said to him, "Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well." Luke 17:11-19 (ESV)

THANKFULNESS IS IMPORTANT! INTRODUCTION Thanksgiving opens the door to greater blessing.

I. Ten lepers were blessed because of their faith.

As Jesus continued on toward Jerusalem, he reached the border between Galilee and Samaria. As he entered a village there, ten lepers stood at a distance, crying out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” He looked at them and said, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed of their leprosy. Luke 17:11-14 (NLT)

II. Our response to God's blessings is important.

III. Coming to church is an act of thanksgiving.

One of them, when he saw that he was healed, came back to Jesus, shouting, “Praise God!” He fell to the ground at Jesus’ feet, thanking him for what he had done. This man was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, “Didn’t I heal ten men? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?”

And Jesus said to the man, “Stand up and go. Your faith has healed you.” Luke 17:15–19 (NLT)

Conclusion Thanksgiving is much more than looking back on the blessings you have already received; thanksgiving is looking forward to the blessings you can receive.

Take my life, lead me, Lord, Make my life useful to Thee, Take my life, lead me, Lord, Make my life useful to Thee. 287 “Take My Life, Lead Me, Lord ”

Take my life, teach me, Lord, Make my life useful to Thee, Take my life, teach me, Lord, Make my life useful to Thee. 287 “Take My Life, Lead Me, Lord ”

Here I am, send me, Lord, Make my life useful to Thee, Here I am, send me, Lord, Make my life useful to Thee. 287 “Take My Life, Lead Me, Lord ”

Benediction

Go Forth with the Family Of God Postlude