Order of Service, December 20, 2020

Introduction

The sermon text for this Lord’s Day (1 Timothy 3:14-16) contains the echo of an ancient creed that explains the significance of Christ’s coming. We, the church, confess Christ. He is the anchor of our faith.

The hymns selected for the worship service celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP

Welcome

Prelude:     The First Noel
Jennifer and Andrew Lont

Call to Worship:     1 Timothy 1:15-16

Invocation

PROCLAMATION

Hymn 88        O Come, All Ye Faithful

Hymn 91     Once in Royal David’s City

Scripture Reading:     Luke 2:1-20

Pastoral Prayer

Hymn      O Little Town of Bethlehem

Note: Famed 19th century preacher, Phillips Brooks, wrote this Christmas hymn for the children of his church in 1868. It was inspired by his memories of a visit he paid to Bethlehem three years earlier. We find the theme of “light” in the first verse: In contrast to the dark night (a metaphor for the world’s condition), “in thy dark streets shineth The everlasting Light.” We will sing it to Ralph Vaugh Williams beautiful arrangement of the tune, Forest Green.

Hymn 111     Angels from the Realms of Glory

Message:      The Truth We Confess
1 Timothy 3:14-16
Pastor Steven Thomas

RESPONSE

Hymn 109     Silent Night! Holy Night!

Prayer Response:     Jon Lont

Benediction:      John Miles