Dear friends,
THIS SUNDAY Mr. Samuel Farrugia will be leading us in worship.
SUNDAY MARKS THE THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT, where we’ll light the Candle of Joy, also known as the Shepherd Candle, that reflects the joy that comes through Jesus’ incarnation and his redeeming grace.
“WHAT DO YOU EXPECT FROM GOD?” The God of the Bible is somewhat of a wily God – he seems to enjoy surprises and plot twists. The New Testament claims that he did indeed keep all the promises made to his people, and yet as he did so, he upended all expectations for how he would prove faithful to Israel. God sends his Son into the world to redeem it – surely the most important event in the history of humanity – and yet when this divine dénouement occurs, no one realizes what is happening. Those who do pay attention to the death of Jesus misinterpret it, except for the centurion in charge of the proceedings on Calvary (cf. Mk. 15:39). How ironic! As Jesus expires on the cross, the only person who realizes who he is…is the soldier who nailed him there! Instead of the Creator God acting in an overwhelming, inexorable, undeniable display of divine power and glory, he saves the world secretly – albeit under everyone’s noses (and redefines “power” and “glory” as he does so).
OUR CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE will be led by our Interim Moderator Rev. Dr. Roland De Vries on Wednesday, December 24 at 7:30 PM. Everyone is invited downstairs to join in fellowship after the service as we enjoy some mulled apple cider and home baked treats as we celebrate the birth of our Saviour.
Order of Service
Prelude
Welcome
Lighting of the Advent candle. The candle of Joy.
Hymn 119: “Hope is a star” (vs 3)
Call to Worship
Hymn 374: “O for a thousand tongues to sing” (vs 3 & 4 en français)
Prayer of Adoration
Prayer of Confession
Declaration of Grace
The Lord’s Prayer
Sunday School Christmas Pageant
Hymn 109: “All earth is waiting”
Responsive Reading: Psalm 24:1-8
Gloria Patri
1st Lesson – Isaiah 52:7-10 (en français BFC – English on the screen)
2nd Lesson – 1 Peter 1:8-12
Gospel Lesson – Luke 24:13-27
Sermon: “What did you expect?”
Confession of Faith – The Apostles’ Creed
Hymn 787: “The kingdom of God is justice and joy”
Offering and Offertory
Prayer of Thanksgiving and Intercession
Hymn 110: “Come, thou long expected Jesus”
Benediction
Go now in peace
Postlude