Order of Worship  12-10-2023

Call to Worship   Psalm 118:1-4

Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever! Let Israel say, “His steadfast love endures forever.” Let the house of Aaron say, “His steadfast love endures forever.” Let those who fear the LORD say, “His steadfast love endures forever.”

Invocation  and The Lord’s Prayer

Hymn of Praise                     “Joy Has Dawned”               #71

Scripture Reading        Genesis 15

Confession of Sin and Assurance of Pardon    Psalm 130:3-4

If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared.

Hymn of Assurance              “What Child Is This?”            #137

Confession of Faith      Heidelberg Catechism #43-44

1. 43 What further advantage do we receive from Christ’s sacrifice and death on the cross?

Through Christ’s death our old selves are crucified, put to death and buried with Him, so that the evil desires of the flesh may no longer rule us, but that instead we may dedicate ourselves as an offering of gratitude to Him

2. 44 Why does the creed add, “He descended to hell”?

To assure me in times of personal crisis and temptation that Christ my Lord, by suffering unspeakable anguish, pain, and terror of soul, especially on the cross but also earlier, has delivered me from the anguish and torment of hell.

Pastoral Prayer

Choral Anthem             “A Star, A Song, A Sign”

Presentation of Tithes and Offerings

The Preaching of God’s Word        “Unborn Children and Remarkable Mercy”

                                                                        Luke 1:39-55

Hymn of Response      “O Little Town of Bethlehem”                 #141

Benediction        Numbers 6:24-26

The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.