Sunday, December 15th, 2019

Call to Worship

L: Who is that coming up from the wilderness, like a column of smoke perfumed with myrrh and frankincense with all the fragrant spices of the merchant.

P: Behold it is the litter of Solomon! About it are sixty mighty men of the mighty men of Israel, all girt with swords and expert in war, each with his sword at his thigh against alarms by night.

L: King Solomon made himself a palanquin from the wood of Lebanon. He made its posts silver, its back of gold, its seat of purple; it was lovingly wrought within by the daughters of Jerusalem.

P: Go forth, O daughters of Zion and behold King Solomon withe crown with which his mother crowned him on the day of his wedding, on the day of the gladness of his heart.

Prayer of Invocation: Dear Lord Jesus, you say to us, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him and will sup with him and he with me,” and we answer thee, “O Jesus, thy father’s son, come in, blessed of the Lord!” Amen.

Prayer of Confession: While we were yet enemies you reconciled us to yourself; you  raise us on high so that even now we are “more than conquerors through him who loved us.” The battle is over and Jesus has won.  Father, forgive us when we hold down this truth in unrighteousness. Our words and deeds show that we have wandered away from you. We fall prey to greed, despair and fear and how clearly we see the speck in our brother’s eye but forget all about the log in our own! Lead us through your Holy Spirit into all truth. Release us from hands too strong for us.  In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon: When John saw Jesus he said, “Behold the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.” Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, and heals all your diseases who redeems your life from the pit, and crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, and satisfies you with good as long as you live, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. Hear the good news.

P: In Jesus Anointed we are forgiven. Amen

Special Moment: Advent Reading and Candle Lighting 

Scripture: Psalm 90, Ephesians 1

Sermon: He chose us in him before the foundation of the world

Hymns (E) #135 While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks,   #157 Away in A Manger

Announcements: Our Christmas Eve service is Tuesday, Dec. 24th at 4 pm.

If you would like to go caroling in Ellsworth or Hager City following the service please contact Pastor Amy.