Timber Ridge "Old Stone" Presbyterian Church
Yoked Together with
Timber Ridge "Old Stone" Presbyterian Church Yoked Together with
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| For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 (NRSV)
CHRISTMAS SKIT DURING WORSHIP
Timber Ridge Presbyterian Church Service for the Lord’s Day December 5, 2004—2nd Sunday in Advent
ORDER OF WORSHIP
Prelude Chatter with the Angels The Handbell Choir
Opening Sentences and Prayer of the Day
Come to Bethlehem and See[1] Introduction
Scripture Luke 1:5-17
Elizabeth speaks Congregational Response: Elizabeth, we too are weak. We know the limits that time and space place upon us. We feel inadequate to play a part in establishing God’s rule in this world. But God worked through your weakness, Elizabeth, and can work through ours as well. God can only work through those who recognize their weakness and trust completely in the strength of the Lord. God, help us to offer you our weakness as an opportunity to experience your strength. Amen. Congregational Carol 244, vs. 1 Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus
Lighting of the Advent Candle The Voices of Advent: Elizabeth
Congregational Carol 244, vs. 2 Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus
Scripture Matthew 1:18-25
Joseph speaks Congregational Response: We have reflected upon this miraculous and mysterious birth for centuries, Joseph, and we do not understand how God brought his salvation through this humble birth. But, like you, we believe, and we love. *Congregational Carol 245, vs. 1&2 O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
Scripture Luke 2:1-7
The Innkeeper Speaks Congregational Response: If you had only known who that child is, you would have given him the best room. But you cared, and you lovingly gave all that you had to give. That is all the child could ask of you; it’s all he’s ever asked of anyone. Congregational Carol 262, vs. 1 Away in a Manger
Scripture Luke 2:8-18
A Shepherd Speaks Congregational Response: Shepherd, we are sinners, too. We make ourselves distant from God and from other people we choose to see as “unworthy.” The good news came to you first because you were ready to hear it. God, help us to see our sin, to listen to the good news, and to proclaim it to all people. Amen. Congregational Carol 277, vs. 1 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Scripture Matthew 2:1-2, 9-12
A Wise Man Speaks Congregational Response: Like you, wise man, our world has been turned upside down by this child. And like you, we need to offer him our gifts. But we need not bring gifts of precious metal, rare incense, or fine perfumes. We can bring something he desires and deserves much more: the gift of our hearts. Congregational Carol 249, vs. 1 O Come, All Ye Faithful
Scripture Matthew 2:16-20
Herod Speaks Congregational Response: You used your power, Herod. You killed innocent children in order to selfishly cling to what you had. We despise what you did, but in doing so we also despise part of ourselves. We, too, end the lives of starving children by selfishly clinging to what is ours while they have nothing to eat. We, too, attack anything that challenges our false belief that we are independent from God and other people. But, Herod, your power did not stop God, and neither will ours. All of the darkness in the world cannot overcome God’s light. Congregational Carol 253, vs. 1 Silent Night! Holy Night!
Scripture Luke 2:25-35
Simeon Speaks Congregational Response: Simeon, like you we see so much promise and peace in this young child. We, like Mary, need to be reminded that this deliverer did not ascend to a throne, but to a cross. We too must be ready to face the pain which comes from doing God’s work in the world. But we do not suffer in vain because we have great hope of salvation. Uplifted by this hope we, like you, can live and die in peace! *Congregational Carol 270, vs. 1&2 Joy to the World!
Scripture Luke 2:51-52
Mary Speaks Congregational Response: Mary, we too ponder his life in our hearts. We stand in awe of his life, but even more in awe of his death. He paid a great price for doing God’s will in order to set us free to do God’s will. Mary, your son is a deliverer! He is our deliverer! *Congregational Carol 250, vs. 1 O Little Town of Bethlehem
*A Sign of the Promise[2] (The congregation is invited to come forward, as able, to receive a star, a sign of God’s promise to us)
*Congregational Carol 250, vs. 2 O Little Town of Bethlehem
Offertory Offering and Prayer of Dedication
*Congregational Carol 247 Let’s Worship and Adore Him *Benediction *Postlude *All who are able may stand. |
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