John Calvin Presbyterian Church

1. O come, all ye faithful, Joyful and triumphant,

O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem!

Come and behold him, Born the king of angels

(refrain) O come, let us adore him, O come let us adore him, 

O come let us adore him, Christ, the Lord!

2, Yea, Lord, we greet thee, Born this happy morning, 

Jesus, to thee be all glory given;

Word of the Father, Now in flesh appearing! (refrain)

3. Sing, choirs of angels, Sing in exultation!

Sing all ye citizens of heaven above!

Glory to God, all glory in the highest! (refrain)  

WORDS OF WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

MINUTE FOR MISSION Christmas Joy offering 

                       

EXPECTATION FOR MESSIAH

LIGHTING of the ADVENT CANDLES                         

PERSON 1: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.

ALL: For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given. 

PERSON 2: Sing praise to the newborn child,

ALL: Our hope of salvation, prince of peace, joy everlasting, and love of God eternal. 

PERSON 3: Lift high your voices in a song of celebration!

ALL: The light has come!

 

RESPONSIVE HYMN [BLUE#9] [GTG#88]: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

7. O come, Desire of nations bind all peoples in one heart and mind;

bid envy, strife, and discord cease; fill the whole world with heaven’s peace.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel. 

LITANY FOR ADVENT: O ANTIPHONS

ONE: O Wisdom, 

coming forth from the mouth of the Most High,

pervading and permeating all creation,

you order all things with strength and gentleness:

Come now and teach us the way of salvation. 

MANY: Come, Lord Jesus.

O Adonai, Ruler of the house of Israel, 

you appeared in a burning bush to Moses

and gave him the law on Sinai:

Come with outstretched arm to save us. 

MANY: Come, Lord Jesus.

O Root of Jesse,

rising as a sign for all the peoples, 

before you, earthly rulers will keep silent,

and nations give you honor:

Come quickly to deliver us.

MANY: Come, Lord Jesus.

O Key of David,

Scepter over the house of Israel,

you open and no one can close,

you close and no one can open:

Come to set the prisoners free.

MANY: Come, Lord Jesus.

O Radiant Dawn,

splendor of eternal light,

Sun of justice:

Come, shine on those who live in darkness

and in the shadow of death. 

MANY: Come, Lord Jesus.

O Ruler of the nations,

Monarch for whom the people long,

you are the cornerstone uniting all humanity:

Come, save us all,

whom you formed out of clay.

MANY: Come, Lord Jesus.

O Emmanuel,

our Sovereign and lawgiver,

desire of the nations and Savior of all:

Come and save us, O Lord our God. 

MANY: Come, Lord Jesus.

Grace of Grace, 

ever faithful to your promises,

the earth rejoices in hope of our Savior’s coming

and looks forward with longing 

to his return at the end of time.

Prepare our hearts to receive him when he comes, 

for he is Lord forever and ever. Amen. 

CHILDREN’S SERMON

THE WORD WRITTEN AND PROCLAIMED 

FIRST LESSON                                                         Luke 2:1-20

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,

‘Glory to God in the highest heaven,

   and on earth peace among those whom he favors!’

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.’ So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

ONE: Heaven and earth will pass away but the Word of the Lord stands forever.

MANY: Thanks be to God         

HOMILY     “Why Lies He In Such Mean Estate?”         The Rev. Aaron Ochart

THE WORD MADE FLESH   

OFFERTORY   

       

DOXOLOGY [GTG#606]

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Praise God, all creatures here below.

Praise God above, ye heavenly host;: praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen    

HYMN: [GTG #145]          “What Child is This”         GREENSLEEVES

1. What child is this, who laid to rest, on Mary’s lap is sleeping?

Whom angels greet with anthems sweet while shepherds watch are keeping?

This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing;

haste, haste, to bring him laud, the babe, the son of Mary!

2. Why lies he in such mean estate where ox and ass are feeding?

Good Christians, fear; for sinners here the silent Word is pleading.

Nails, spear, shall pierce him through; the cross be born for me, for you.

Hail, hail, the Word made flesh, the babe, the son of Mary. 

3. So bring him incense, gold and myrrh; come, one and all, to own him.

The King of kings salvation brings; let loving hearts enthrone him. 

Raise, raise the songs on high. The virgin sings a lullaby.

Joy, joy for Christ is born, the babe, the son of Mary!

LITANY FOR CHRISTMAS   

One: The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all.

Many: Glory to God in the highest!

One: the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.

Many: Glory to God in the highest!

One: For a child has been born for us, a Son has been given to us.

Many: Glory to God in the highest!

One: He is Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Many: Glory to God in the highest!

One: To us is born in the City of David a Savior, the Messiah, the Lord.

Many: Glory to God in the highest!

One: And the Word became flesh and lived among us. 

Many: Glory to God in the highest!

Christ has been born! Give him glory! 

Christ has come down from heaven! receive him!

Christ is now on earth! Exalt him!

O earth, sing to the Lord!

O you nations, praise him in joy, for he has been glorified!

Amen!

CANDLE LIGHTING, and CLOSING HYMN:

“Silent Night, Holy Night”           STILLE NACHT

Silent night, holy night! All is calm, all is bright 

‘round yon virgin mother and child!

Holy infant, so tender and mild,

sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace. 

Silent night, holy night! Shepherds quake a the sight;

glories stream from heaven afar, 

heavenly hosts sing “Alleluia: 

Christ the Savior is born; Christ the Savior is born.

Silent night, holy night! Son of God, love’s pure light

radiant beams from thy holy face, 

with the dawn of redeeming grace,

Jesus, Lord, at thy birth, Jesus, Lord, at thy birth. 

Silent night, holy night! wondrous star, lend thy light;

with the angels let us sing Alleluia to our King:

Christ the Savior is born; Christ the savior is born.

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

*Note: the hymn lyrics in the bulletin and on the projection screen are from the Glory To God Hymnal (© 2013 Westminster John Knox Press), which we are transitioning to. Words in the “Blue” Presbyterian Hymnal (© 1990) in your pew may differ slightly.

Participating in today’s service are Rev. Aaron Ochart, Pastor; Louise Ochart, CE Leader; Kelly Cuppett, Music Director. Appreciation to Dennis Lauland. Mike Fortin, and David Garland for the video production of today’s service. 

The Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by Permission. All Rights Reserved. 

STAFF

Church Office 504.888.1375   

Playschool Office           504.888.1378

The Reverend Aaron Ochart – Head of Staff

Louise Ochart – Christian Education Leader

Kelly Cuppett – Music Director

Lauren Crisler  – Playschool Director

Stephanie Galliano – Playschool Admin. Asst.

For more information, visit our website at www.JohnCalvinChurch.org

 or find us @JohnCalvinMetairie on

on a cold winter’s night that was so deep.

Refrain: Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell,

born is the King of Israel

2 They looked up and saw a star shining in the east beyond them far;

and to the earth it gave great light, and so it continued both day and night. [Refrain]

3 And by the light of that same star three wise men came from country far;

to seek for a king was their intent, and to follow the star wherever it went. [Refrain]

4 This star drew nigh to the northwest; o’er Bethlehem it took its rest,

and there it did both stop and stay, right over the place where Jesus lay. [Refrain]

WORDS OF WELCOME Rev Ochart and Louise Ochart

MINUTE FOR MISSION

EXPECTATION FOR MESSIAH

LIGHTING THE ADVENT CANDLE

1st PERSON: rejoice, for the lord will come and save you.

2nd PERSON: Then the eyes of the blind will be opened, 

and the ears of the deaf unstopped; 

then the lame will leap like a deer, 

and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy. 

3rd PERSON:  God’s ransomed people will return

And come to Zion with singing;

They will obtain joy and gladness, 

And sorrow and sighing will flee away. 

With joy you will say:

ALL: “Give Thanks to the Lord! 

Praise God’s holy name!

[Light the Candles]

RESPONSIVE HYMN[BLUE#9] [GTG#88]: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

O come, thou Dayspring, come and cheer our spirits by thine advent here;

disperse the gloomy clouds of night, and death’s dark shadows put to flight. 

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

PRAYER OF THE DAY Brock Moore

God of the prophets, you sent John into the world to proclaim the coming of

your son. Give us ears to hear the proclamations of your promises and eyes to

see your presence in this world. Amen.

HYMN OF THE MONTH  [GTG#86]      “The People Who Walked In Darkness”

1. The people who walked in darkness awaken to see a great light. 

The people who dwelt in the land of the shadow rise to a star shining bright

His name is Wonderful, Counselor, Almighty God, 

Father forever, Prince of Peace (Repeat)

5. How vast is our God’s dominion! How far truth and mercy extend. 

The zeal of the Lord will accomplish its purpose: justice shall reign without end. 

His name is Wonderful, Counselor, Almighty God, 

Father forever, Prince of Peace (Repeat)

 REPENTANCE

CALL TO CONFESSION Deborah Nolan    

A Voice is crying in the wilderness: 

Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.

Trusting in God’s grace, let us confess our sin; first in a moment of silence, and then together.

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION Deborah Nolan

Let us join together in the unison the prayer of confession. Let us pray…

ALL: God with us, you are coming into the world to bring all people together in peace. We confess that we have not expected your kingdom to come on earth as it is in heaven. We live casual lives, ignoring your promised judgment. We accept lies as truth, exploit and abuse both neighbor and nature, and refuse your justice and peace. 

In your mercy, forgive us. Grant us wisdom to welcome your way, and to seek things that will endure when Christ comes to judge the world. Amen

ASSURANCE OF PARDON    Deborah Nolan

The wilderness will rejoice; the dry land will blossom. 

The people of God will return with joy and singing. 

in the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven! Thanks be to God.                 

GLORIA PATRI [BLUE#579] [GTG#581]

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, 

world without end, Amen, Amen.

THE WORD WRITTEN AND PROCLAIMED

SCRIPTURE LESSON                                         Luke 2:1-14 David Russo

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,

‘Glory to God in the highest heaven,

   and on earth peace among those whom he favors!’

ONE: Heaven and earth will pass away but the Word of the Lord stands forever.

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON                           “TOO BUSY”                  

Asher Ochart, Ian Nolan, Jack Dixson, Kate Russo, Joseph Hebert, Caleb Hebert, Deborah Nolan, David Russo, Christian Hebert, Brock Moore Matthew Freudenthal

 THE WORD MADE FLESH   

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Heidelberg Catechism       Caleb Hebert

ONE: What is your only comfort, in life and in death?

MANY: That I belong body and soul, in life and in death not to myself but to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ, who at the cost of his own blood has fully paid for all my sins and has completely freed me from the dominion of the devil; that he protects me so well that without the will of my Father in heaven not a hair can fall from my head; indeed, that everything must fit his purpose for my salvation. Therefore, by the Holy Spirit, he also assures me of eternal life, and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for him. Amen.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY      God Rest ye Merry Gentlemen

DOXOLOGY[BLUE#592] [GTG# 606]

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;

Praise God, all creatures here below;

Praise God above, ye heavenly hosts;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. 

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE 

THE LORD’S PRAYER Christian Hebert

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever.  Amen 

HYMN [Blue #29] [GTG#136]  Go, Tell it On the Mountain Youth Kazoo Choir 

Refrain: Go, tell it on the mountain,
over the hills and everywhere;
go, tell it on the mountain
that Jesus Christ is born!

1 While shepherds kept their watching
o’er silent flocks by night,
behold, throughout the heavens
there shone a holy light. [Refrain]

2 The shepherds feared and trembled
when lo! above the earth
rang out the angel chorus
that hailed our Savior’s birth. [Refrain]

3 Down in a lowly manger
the humble Christ was born,
and God sent us salvation
that blessed Christmas morn. [Refrain]

PARTING PRAYER  

Almighty God, you have made us and all things to serve you. Now prepare the world for your rule. Come quickly to save us, so that wars and violence shall end, and your children may live in peace, honoring one another with justice and love; through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen.

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

RESPONSE [Blue #29] [GTG#136]  Go, Tell it On the Mountain

Refrain:
Go, tell it on the mountain,
over the hills and everywhere;
go, tell it on the mountain
that Jesus Christ is born!       

Participating in today’s service are Rev. Aaron Ochart, Pastor; Louise Ochart CE Leader; Kelly Cuppett, Music Director. Appreciation to Mike Fortin, Briana and Cameron Mayfield, Dennis Lauland, and David Garland for the video production of today’s service. 

The Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by Permission. All Rights Reserved.  

STAFF

[Light the Candles]

RESPONSIVE HYMN [GTG#88]: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

O come, thou Wisdom from on high, who orderest all things mightily:

to us the path of knowledge show; and teach us in her ways to go. 

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel

shall come to thee, O Israel.      

PRAYER OF THE DAY 

Holy Lord, a voice has been heard in the wilderness preparing the way for

your son to arrive in this world. Prepare our hearts to receive your son and help

us to prepare for his coming. Amen.

*HYMN OF THE MONTH  [GTG#86]      “The People Who Walked In Darkness”

1. The people who walked in darkness awaken to see a great light. 

The people who dwelt in the land of the shadow rise to a star shining bright

His name is Wonderful, Counselor, Almighty God, 

Father forever, Prince of Peace (Repeat)

4. For us now a child is given, for all the despised and forlorn. 

The rule of compassion shall rest on his shoulder. God’s own Messiah is born! 

His name is Wonderful, Counselor, Almighty God, 

Father forever, Prince of Peace (Repeat)

 REPENTANCE

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

God with us, you are coming into the world to bring all people together in peace. We confess that we have not expected your kingdom to come on earth as it is in heaven. We live casual lives, ignoring your promised judgment. We accept lies as truth, exploit and abuse both neighbor and nature, and refuse your justice and peace. 

In your mercy, forgive us. Grant us wisdom to welcome your way, and to seek things that will endure when Christ comes to judge the world. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON                    

GLORIA PATRI [BLUE#579] [GTG#581]

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, 

world without end, Amen, Amen.

THE WORD WRITTEN AND PROCLAIMED

SCRIPTURE LESSON                                         Isaiah 40:1-11

Comfort, O comfort my people,

   says your God.

Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,

   and cry to her

that she has served her term,

   that her penalty is paid,

that she has received from the Lord’s hand

   double for all her sins.

A voice cries out:

‘In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord,

   make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

Every valley shall be lifted up,

   and every mountain and hill be made low;

the uneven ground shall become level,

   and the rough places a plain.

Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed,

   and all people shall see it together,

   for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.’

A voice says, ‘Cry out!’

   And I said, ‘What shall I cry?’

All people are grass,

   their constancy is like the flower of the field.

The grass withers, the flower fades,

   when the breath of the Lord blows upon it;

   surely the people are grass.

The grass withers, the flower fades;

   but the word of our God will stand for ever.

Get you up to a high mountain,

   O Zion, herald of good tidings;

lift up your voice with strength,

   O Jerusalem, herald of good tidings,

   lift it up, do not fear;

say to the cities of Judah,

   ‘Here is your God!’

See, the Lord God comes with might,

   and his arm rules for him;

his reward is with him,

   and his recompense before him.

He will feed his flock like a shepherd;

   he will gather the lambs in his arms,

and carry them in his bosom,

   and gently lead the mother sheep.

ONE: Heaven and earth will pass away but the Word of the Lord stands forever.

MANY: Thanks be to God

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN 

CANTATA: THE CHRISTMAS LIGHT 

edited and arranged by Patrick M. Liebergen 

Conductor: Renna Shows Pianist: Kelly Cuppett

Choir: Bill Bottomley, Hazel Clinard, Lila Crotty, Pat Ellzey, Will Ellzey, Cheryl Emery, Alice Hull, Briana Mayfield, Cameron Mayfield, Aaron Ochart, Ron Palmisano, Karla Russo, Lindsay Shin, Betty Wan, Theo Wan, Dee Watkins.

Narrators: Sharon Fortin, Susan Lassalle, Louise Ochart  

 THE WORD MADE FLESH   

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH             Nicene Creed

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father; through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became truly human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. 

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY                   

DOXOLOGY[BLUE#592] [GTG# 606]

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;

Praise God, all creatures here below;

Praise God above, ye heavenly hosts;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. 

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

THE LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever.  Amen

HYMN [Blue #12] [GTG#105]  “People, Look East”

1. People, look east. The time is near  Of the crowning of the year.

Make your house fair as you are able, Trim the hearth and set the table.

People, look east and sing today: Love, the guest, is on the way.

2. Furrows, be glad. Though earth is bare, One more seed is planted there:

Give up your strength the seed to nourish, 

That in course the flower may flourish.

People, look east and sing today: Love, the rose, is on the way.

3. Birds, though you long have ceased to build, 

Guard the nest that must be filled.

Even the hour when wings are frozen God for fledging time has chosen.

People, look east and sing today: Love, the bird, is on the way.

4. Stars, keep the watch. When night is dim 

One more light the bowl shall brim,

Shining beyond the frosty weather, Bright as sun and moon together.

People, look east and sing today: Love, the star, is on the way.

5. Angels, announce with shouts of mirth Christ who brings new life to earth.

Set every peak and valley humming With the word, the Lord is coming.

People, look east and sing today: Love, the Lord, is on the way.

PARTING PRAYER

Almighty God, you have made us and all things to serve you. Now prepare the world for your rule. Come quickly to save us, so that wars and violence shall end, and your children may live in peace, honoring one another with justice and love; through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen.

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

RESPONSE [GTG 90]               “Wait for the Lord”

Wait for the Lord, whose day is near. 

Wait for the Lord; be strong; take heart!

POSTLUDE: Selections from A Christmas Light arr. Patrick Liebergen

Participating in today’s service are Rev. Aaron Ochart, Pastor; Louise Ochart CE Leader; Kelly Cuppett, Music Director. Appreciation to Dennis Lauland. Mike Fortin, and David Garland for the video production of today’s service. 

The Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by Permission. All Rights Reserved.  

STAFF

1. Come, thou long-expected Jesus, born to set thy people free;

from our fears and sins release us; let us find our rest in thee.

Israel’s strength and consolation, hope of all the earth thou art;

dear desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart.

2. Born thy people to deliver, born a child and yet a king,

born to reign in us forever, now thy gracious kingdom bring.

By thine own eternal Spirit rule in all our hearts alone;

by thine all-sufficient merit raise us to thy glorious throne.

WORDS OF WELCOME

EXPECTATION FOR MESSIAH

LIGHTING THE ADVENT CANDLE       adapted from Isa 59:9& Ps. 80:18-19

1st PERSON: O Lord of light, Come to save us. 

2nd PERSON: We wait for your light, but all is in darkness;

        We wait for brightness, but we walk in gloom. 

ALL: Give us life, and we will call on your name 

  Restore us, o Lord God of hosts. 

  Let your face shine that we may be saved. 

[Light the Candle]

RESPONSIVE HYMN[BLUE#9] [GTG#88]: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel,

that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel

shall come to thee, O Israel.      

PRAYER OF THE DAY 

God of the promised Messiah, as we wait for the fulfillment of your promise,

we watch, we listen, and we open our hearts for your Word. Show us signs of

your presence: a light in the darkness, a voice in the silence, and a stirring deep

within us. Amen.

*HYMN OF THE MONTH  [GTG#86]      “The People Who Walked In Darkness”

1. The people who walked in darkness awaken to see a great light. 

The people who dwelt in the land of the shadow rise to a star shining bright

His name is Wonderful, Counselor, Almighty God, 

Father forever, Prince of Peace

3. The yoke of despair and bondage, the chains of the slave masters’s rod 

are shattered and scattered like dust in a windstorm, loosed by the justice of God. 

His name is Wonderful, Counselor, Almighty God, 

Father forever, Prince of Peace

4. For us now a child is given, for all the despised and forlorn. 

The rule of compassion shall rest on his shoulder. God’s own Messiah is born! 

His name is Wonderful, Counselor, Almighty God, 

Father forever, Prince of Peace

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN 

RESPONSE HYMN [GTG#349):  Sleepers Wake, A Voice Astounds us” v. 1         

1 “Sleepers, wake!” A voice astounds us; the shout of rampart guards surrounds us:

“Awake, Jerusalem, arise!” Midnight’s peace their cry has broken,

their urgent summons clearly spoken: “The time has come, O maidens wise!

Rise up, and give us light; the Bridegroom is in sight. Alleluia!

Your lamps prepare and hasten there, that you the wedding feast may share.”

 REPENTANCE

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

God with us, you are coming into the world to bring all people together in peace. We confess that we have not expected your kingdom to come on earth as it is in heaven. We live casual lives, ignoring your promised judgment. We accept lies as truth, exploit and abuse both neighbor and nature, and refuse your justice and peace. 

In your mercy, forgive us. Grant us wisdom to welcome your way, and to seek things that will endure when Christ comes to judge the world. Amen

ASSURANCE OF PARDON                    

*GLORIA PATRI [BLUE#579] [GTG#581]  

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, 

world without end, Amen, Amen.

THE WORD WRITTEN AND PROCLAIMED

SCRIPTURE LESSON                                         Jeremiah 33:14-25

The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called: “The Lord is our righteousness.”

For thus says the Lord: David shall never lack a man to sit on the throne of the house of Israel, and the levitical priests shall never lack a man in my presence to offer burnt offerings, to make grain offerings, and to make sacrifices for all time. The word of the Lord came to Jeremiah: Thus says the Lord: If any of you could break my covenant with the day and my covenant with the night, so that day and night would not come at their appointed time, only then could my covenant with my servant David be broken, so that he would not have a son to reign on his throne, and my covenant with my ministers the Levites. Just as the host of heaven cannot be numbered and the sands of the sea cannot be measured, so I will increase the offspring of my servant David, and the Levites who minister to me. The word of the Lord came to Jeremiah: Have you not observed how these people say, “The two families that the Lord chose have been rejected by him,” and how they hold my people in such contempt that they no longer regard them as a nation? Thus says the Lord: Only if I had not established my covenant with day and night and the ordinances of heaven and earth, would I reject the offspring of Jacob and of my servant David and not choose any of his descendants as rulers over the offspring of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. For I will restore their fortunes, and will have mercy upon them.

ONE: Heaven and earth will pass away but the Word of the Lord stands forever.

MANY: Thanks be to God

and hail him as thy matchless King through all eternity.

2 Crown him the Lord of love; behold his hands and side,

rich wounds, yet visible above, in beauty glorified:

no angel in the sky can fully bear that sight,

but downward bends his burning eye at mysteries so bright.

3 Crown him the Lord of peace, whose power a scepter sways

from pole to pole, that wars may cease, absorbed in prayer and praise.

His reign shall know no end; and round his pierced feet

fair flowers of paradise extend their fragrance ever sweet.

4 Crown him the Lord of years, the potentate of time;

creator of the rolling spheres, ineffably sublime.

All hail, Redeemer, hail! For thou hast died for me;

thy praise shall never, never fail throughout eternity.

WORDS OF WELCOME           

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP Ps. 100:3

ONE: The Lord is God; we are God’s people.

MANY: We are the sheep of God’s pasture.

                                                   

PRAYER OF THE DAY

God of faithfulness, your servant Josiah restored your holy words to a people longing for your guidance. Help us learn your Scriptures so that we might carry your words in our hearts, in our words, and in our actions. Amen.

HYMN OF THE MONTH [GTG# 506] 

“Look Who Gathers at Christ’s Table”

1. Look who gathers at Christ’s table! Hear the stories that they bring.

Some are weeping; some are laughing;

some have songs they want to sing.

Others ask why they’re invited, burdened by the wrong the’ve done.

Christ insists they all are welcome. there is room for ev’ryone.

2. Clouds of light surround the table; Ancient followers appear,

saints confessing how they wrestled with their guilt, their doubt and fear.

Peter tells of his denying Christ was ever in his sight;

Paul relates his fruitless efforts to obliterate the light.

3. Their sad stories are repeated in a thousand diff’rent ways,

but they share one thing in common: they all end in thanks and praise

for the host who has invited north and south and east and west

to converge around this table, where all life is fed and blest.

4. Bring your joy and bring your sadness, and prepare to be surprised

by the host whose hands are wounded, who will open wide your eyes

when he blesses bread and breaks it– truth and manna from above!–

and then passes wine that wakens in your heart the taste of love.

MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN      

 RESPONSE HYMN [GTG#86] 

“The People Who Walked in Darkness” 

1. The people who walked in darkness awaken to see a great light. 

The people who dwelt in the land of the shadow

 rise to a star shining bright

His name is Wonderful, Counselor, Almighty God, 

Father forever, Prince of Peace

REPENTANCE

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Almighty God, you love us, but we have not loved you. You call, but we have not listened. We walk away from neighbors in need, wrapped in our own concerns. We condone evil, prejudice, warfare, and greed.

God of grace, help us to admit our sin, so that as you come to us in mercy, we may repent, turn to you, and receive forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our redeemer. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON                     

GLORIA PATRI [Blue#579[ [GTG581]     

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,

world without end. Amen.

THE WORD READ AND PROCLAIMED

SCRIPTURE 2 Kings 22:1-10, 11-20; 23:1-3

Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign; he reigned for thirty-one years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Jedidah daughter of Adaiah of Bozkath. He did what was right in the sight of the Lord, and walked in all the way of his father David; he did not turn aside to the right or to the left.

In the eighteenth year of King Josiah, the king sent Shaphan son of Azaliah, son of Meshullam, the secretary, to the house of the Lord, saying, ‘Go up to the high priest Hilkiah, and have him count the entire sum of the money that has been brought into the house of the Lord, which the keepers of the threshold have collected from the people; let it be given into the hand of the workers who have the oversight of the house of the Lord; let them give it to the workers who are at the house of the Lord, repairing the house, that is, to the carpenters, to the builders, to the masons; and let them use it to buy timber and quarried stone to repair the house. But no account shall be asked from them for the money that is delivered into their hand, for they deal honestly.’

The high priest Hilkiah said to Shaphan the secretary, ‘I have found the book of the law in the house of the Lord.’ When Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, he read it. Then Shaphan the secretary came to the king, and reported to the king, ‘Your servants have emptied out the money that was found in the house, and have delivered it into the hand of the workers who have oversight of the house of the Lord.’ Shaphan the secretary informed the king, ‘The priest Hilkiah has given me a book.’ Shaphan then read it aloud to the king.

When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his clothes. Then the king commanded the priest Hilkiah, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Achbor son of Micaiah, Shaphan the secretary, and the king’s servant Asaiah, saying, ‘Go, inquire of the Lord for me, for the people, and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that has been found; for great is the wrath of the Lord that is kindled against us, because our ancestors did not obey the words of this book, to do according to all that is written concerning us.’

So the priest Hilkiah, Ahikam, Achbor, Shaphan, and Asaiah went to the prophetess Huldah the wife of Shallum son of Tikvah, son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe; she resided in Jerusalem in the Second Quarter, where they consulted her. She declared to them, ‘Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: Tell the man who sent you to me, Thus says the Lord, I will indeed bring disaster on this place and on its inhabitants—all the words of the book that the king of Judah has read. Because they have abandoned me and have made offerings to other gods, so that they have provoked me to anger with all the work of their hands, therefore my wrath will be kindled against this place, and it will not be quenched. But as to the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the Lord, thus shall you say to him, Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: Regarding the words that you have heard, because your heart was penitent, and you humbled yourself before the Lord, when you heard how I spoke against this place, and against its inhabitants, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and because you have torn your clothes and wept before me, I also have heard you, says the Lord. Therefore, I will gather you to your ancestors, and you shall be gathered to your grave in peace; your eyes shall not see all the disaster that I will bring on this place.’ They took the message back to the king.

Then the king directed that all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem should be gathered to him. The king went up to the house of the Lord, and with him went all the people of Judah, all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the priests, the prophets, and all the people, both small and great; he read in their hearing all the words of the book of the covenant that had been found in the house of the Lord. The king stood by the pillar and made a covenant before the Lord, to follow the Lord, keeping his commandments, his decrees, and his statutes, with all his heart and all his soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book. All the people joined in the covenant.

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON                       “Never Too Late”                     Reverend Ochart

 RESPONSE     

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Apostles’ Creed

I BELIEVE in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, 

And in Jesus Christ [God’s] only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. 

I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen. 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY                    “O For a World”

DOXOLOGY  [*BLUE#592] [GTG#606]

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;

Praise God, all creatures here below;

Praise God above, ye heavenly hosts;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

THE LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen

HYMN [*Blue#379][GTG#353] “My Hope is Built on Nothing Less”

1. My hope is built on nothing less

than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;

I dare not trust the sweetest frame, 

but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

Refrain: On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;

all other ground is sinking sand;

all other ground is sinking sand.

2. When darkness seems to hide his face,

I rest on his unchanging grace;

in every high and stormy gale,

my anchor holds within the veil. [Refrain]

3. His oath, his covenant, his blood

support me in the whelming flood;

when all around my soul gives way,

he then is all my hope and stay. [Refrain]

4. When he shall come with trumpet sound,

O may I then in him be found,

dressed in his righteousness alone,

faultless to stand before the throne. [Refrain]

PARTING PRAYER     William Bright (1824-1901)

Loving God, you want us to give thanks for all things, to fear nothing except losing you, and to lay all our cares on you, knowing that you care for us. Protect us from faithless fears and worldly anxieties, and grant that no clouds in this mortal life may hide from us the light of your immortal love shown to us your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

RESPONSE [GTG#44] “Like a Mother Who Has Borne Us” v. 2

2.Like a father who has taught us, 

grasped our hand and been our guide,

Lifted us and healed our sorrows, God has walked with us in life.

POSTLUDE