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