December 15, 2019

Worship

Before We Worship

In the past two weeks we focused our Advent meditations on Hope and Peace. Jesus’ birth was an event that answered Israel’s longing for hope and peace. Jesus’ birth is also the answer to our yearning for hope and peace. This week our Advent celebration focuses on Joy.

In Isaiah 12 we read what God’s salvation produces in us. “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the LORD God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.” The people to whom Isaiah ministered desperately needed to hear these words. For they were often seeking their salvation not in the Lord, but in the things that cannot save them. So they trusted in the empty promises of the idols, and trusted them to save them from poverty. What, after all, was Baal? He was the god who promised crop and harvest. Then in times of judgment Israel trusted in the strength of human allies to deliver them from the attacking Assyrians and the Babylonians. But they did not turn to the LORD to be their salvation.

We often do the same thing. We put our trust and confidence in man-made things of the world. We dutifully bow down for hours before screens big and small, seeking our solace in the warm glow of their light. We put our trust in our politicians, and defend their honor from critics with a zeal and absolute loyalty that only God deserves. And what do we have to show for all this? Rancor and disappointment.

But Isaiah tells us what happens when God “has become my salvation.” For he writes, “With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.” So we are commanded: “Shout, and sing for joy, O inhabitants of Zion, for great is your midst is the Holy One of Israel.” The Holy One of Israel is none other than Jesus Christ. Joy is the result when he is our salvation.

Christmas is the season when believers and unbelievers alike speak often of joy. But it is only the believers who understand and experience this joy. For we have not turned to idols that cannot save us. We have turned to Jesus. He is powerful to save us. He is able to fill our hearts with joy that will never be exhausted. Come, let us sing for joy. For the Holy One of Israel has come.

Call to Worship

‡ Isaiah 12:1–6 (p. 576)

‡ Trinity Hymnal #203 “Hark! the Herald Angels Sing”

‡ Trinity Hymnal #731 “Doxology”

Prayer of Invocation

The Reading and Exposition of the Law

Romans 14:17 (p. 949)

Prayer of Confession

The Proclamation of the Gospel

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” (Romans 15:13)

Trinity Hymnal #214 “Angels We Have Heard on High”

Confession of Faith — The Apostles’ Creed

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

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

Presentation of Gifts and Offering

Pastoral Prayer

The Proclamation of God’s Word

Matthew 1:1–17 (p. 807)

Thou Long-Expected Jesus

Rev. Ken Han

The Sacrament of The Lord’s Supper

We participate in the Lord’s Supper weekly. We welcome to the Lord’s Table all baptized believers who have sincere faith in Jesus Christ, and regularly worship in a Reformed or evangelical church.

The Lord’s Supper is a sign and a seal of the new covenant blessings. When we participate in the Lord’s Supper with faith, it strengthens our bond with our covenant Lord, Jesus Christ. Thus we participate properly when we come to our Savior with faith and repentance as we renew our resolve to forsake sin and live for his glory.

The Lord’s Supper also renews our bonds with God’s covenant community, the body of believers in the local church. As we receive the Lord’s Supper, we renew our pledge to give ourselves away in loving service.

During the distribution of the bread we will sing TH #196 “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus” stanzas 1–2, and stanzas 3–4 during the distribution of the cup.

Trinity Hymnal #37 “All That I Am I Owe to Thee”

Benediction

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Growth Resources

Family Devotion for the Week

The December 8, 2019 sermon, Matthew 1:1–17. "Thou Long-Expected Jesus" is available on our church website. You can also catch up on older sermons from our Sermon page and subscribe to sermon podcast here.

Upcoming Events and Notices

Join us for “12 for 19” as we read 12 great books in the year 2019. In December we will read “Strength for the Weary” by Derek Thomas.

The catechism lessons for children and adults will resume in January.

December 15 (Lord’s Day): Please join us as we celebrate the birth of our Lord with food, music, and fellowship.

December 29 (Lord’s Day): Please join us as we discuss the last book of 2019, “Strength for the Weary,” by Derek Thomas.

Nursery Volunteers

December 15: Yoori Han

December 22: Kelly Rogers