The First Sunday of Advent
Reflection:
From hymn:
Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take; the clouds ye so much dread
are big with mercy, and shall break in blessings on your head. ~ William Cowper, 1774
From a poem:
God all-bounteous, all-creative, Whom no ills from good dissuade.
Is incarnate, and a native Of the very world he made. ~ Christopher Smart (1722-1771), The Nativity. A crazy poet who often fell on his knees in public and prayed. Was confined in an asylum.
Hymn:
As with Gladness Men of Old
Words by: William Chatterton Dix, 1860
Music by: Conrad Kocher, 1838
Prayer of Adoration concluded by the Lord's Prayer
Doxology (see previous note on this)
Silent Praise and Thanksgiving
Scripture Reading - Isaiah 9:2-7
Prayer of Confession:
O Lord, we have not longed for your coming and your kingdom as we ought. We have not denied ourselves, taken up the cross and followed you. Instead, clinging to the things of this world and counting them dear, we have grown callous to the needs of the poor, the lonely and the suffering. We have not cried out for justice nor cared about those who are without Christ and without hope in this world. Lord, forgive us for our offenses and grant that by the power of your Spirit, we might live in light of your coming again.
Private Confession
Song of Renewal:
Lo, How a Rose 'ere Blooming (German hymn, melody arranged by Praetorius. 16th century)
Prayers of the People
Hymn:
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
Latin antiphon, 12th century
Plainsong, 13th century
The Peace of God
Announcements
Scripture Reading - Matthew 1:1-17
Sermon - The Mothers of Jesus - Dr. Timothy Keller
First sermon in series: The Messiah According to Matthew (Advent Series)
Notes:
Note "mothers" of Jesus. Plural. Not many would preach on a family tree. Keller noted that it is like a resume. However, the people of note were the women: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth & Uriah's wife.
Offertory - Magnificat - M. Scot Sherman/arr. Jennings
Laura Pfortmiller, soprano
Hymn:
All Praise to Thee, Eternal Lord
Words by Martin Luther, 1524Music by Robert Schumann, 1839
Benediction
Dismissal
Postlude