Introduction
The angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would miraculously conceive and bear the Son of God. He also informed her of the miraculous conception of her relative, Elizabeth. The young Mary promptly made the arduous journey to visit Elizabeth. Luke’s description of their meeting is filled with signs of the sovereign work of God. Under the direction of the Spirit of God, the old woman pronounce blessing—twice on Mary and once on the child Mary carried.
In this Lord’s Day service we will focus on the blessedness of the virgin Mary, mother of our Lord.
PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP
Prelude
Call to Worship Lamentations 3:22-24
Invocation
PROCLAMATION
Hymn 243 Come Thou Found of Every Blessing
Worship through Giving
Response: Doxology
Hymn 247 Amazing Grace
Note: In 1:28, 30, Gabriel greeted Mary as a recipient of God’s grace. Through her, God extended his grace to fallen humanity.
Scripture Reading Genesis 3:1-24
Notes: The miraculous conception of God’s own Son in the womb of the virgin Mary was the long-awaited fulfillment of the promise that God made to Eve.
Pastoral Prayer
Hymn 335 And Can It Be?
Notes: Charles Wesley’s magnificent hymn compresses the span of the Gospel story into 5 verses. The third verse lays before us the wonders of the incarnation. He left his Father’s throne, humbled himself to become on of us, and died for us. Can it be? Can mercy this immense and free be ours? Amazing love!
Message Mary, Blessed Among Women
Luke 1:39-45
Pastor Steven Thomas
RESPONSE
Hymn 91 Once in Royal David’s City
Note: This beloved Christmas hymn is one of the few that refers to Mary by name. It moves our thoughts of Mary’s child from the humble birth to His glorious reign. “With His children gathered ‘round, His great praise shall e’er resound.” It expresses our confidence that he will lead us “To the place where He has gone” because of “His own redeeming love.”
Prayer Response Mark Buhr
Benediction John Miles