Order of Service, December 29, 2019

Introduction

The upcoming sermon was originally scheduled for last Sunday, but had to be postponed due to illness.

In it, we will finish our look at Simeon’s word to Mary and Joseph. He predicted that their Son, Jesus, would bring radical division between people and would reveal what is really in the hearts of all people. He added that Jesus would bring great sorrow to Mary. What did Simeon mean by this prophecy and how would it be fulfilled?

Three themes expressed in Simeon’s prophecy are woven throughout the hymns selected for our worship service: the separation that exists between those who trust Christ and those who do not, the deep suffering endured by Christ to secure our salvation, and the radical transformation the cross produces within the human heart.

PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP

Prelude

Call to Worship     1 John 4:9-12

Invocation

PROCLAMATION

Hymn 36     All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name

Worship through Giving
Response: Hymn     Psalm 23b

Hymn 150     ‘Tis the Christ

Scripture Reading      Romans 5:1-11

Pastoral Prayer

Hymn 238     How Sweet and Awful is the Place

Message     The Grace of God has Appeared
Luke 2:34-35
Pastor Steven Thomas

RESPONSE

Hymn 128     Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Prayer Response     Bill Cunnien

Benediction      John Miles