Instrumentalists: Steve & Karen

Announcements

Congregation:
Joy to the World
Hymn of Joy

Reader 1: Today, we light the Advent candle of Joy. This flame represents the radiant joy that fills our hearts as we anticipate the birth of Jesus. Just as this small light can fill a dark room, may the joy of Christ illumine our lives and bring hope to those around us.   You find “Joy” at the heart of the Christmas story starting first in Luke chapter 1 with Mary.

Reader 2: Mary trusted God’s sovereign plan.  Upon hearing the news that she was chosen to be the mother of the Messiah she responded with trust in  Luke 1:38 Mary says, “‘I am the Lord’s servant, May it be done to me according to your word’ (Luke 1:38) and then with Joy in Luke 1:47 “Oh, how my soul praises the Lord.
How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!”

Reader 1:  As we move into we see God’s sovereign plan for salvation unfold.   Luke 2: 1- 6  At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. 2 (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. 4 And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. 5 He took with him Mary, to whom he was engaged, who was now expecting a child.

Reader 2: 6 And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. 7 She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them  8 That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. 9 Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, 10 but the angel reassured them.

Reader 1:   “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great JOY to all people. 11 The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! 12 And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”

Reader 2:  13 Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”

Reader 1: On this dark night, many lights shone brightly in Bethlehem- the star, the host of angels, but the greatest light of all was the baby born who is the Light of the World.

Special Music: On a Dark Night (This is King Jesus)  Steve

Reader 1:  Joy, the overwhelming emotion that filled the hearts of the shepherds as they heard the angelic proclamation of Jesus’ birth.

Reader 2: It’s the profound realization that God has come to live among us! The long-awaited Messiah has come, bringing salvation, hope, and everlasting joy to the world.

Reader 1: As we have journeyed through Advent, we must remember to embrace the joy that Jesus offers us. We can rejoice in His presence, His grace, and His redemptive work in our lives. May this joy inspire us to share His love and hope with others, illuminating their paths and bringing joy to their hearts.

Reader 2: In a moment, we will sing a song that invites us to “Come and adore Him, bow down before Him, sing hallelujah to the Light of the world.” With these words, we join in with the shepherds, knowing that our Savior has come and continues to bring joy into our lives.

Congregation:
Light of the World

Special Music: In the Fullness of Time (Pastor, Steve, & Jack)

Reader 1: Remember the gift of joy that comes through Jesus. Let it fill  you with overflowing joy and empower you to share it with those around us. Be beacons of joy in our lost and hurting world. “May the God of hope fill you with all JOY and peace in believing” (Romans 15:13). And when we do trust the promises of God and have joy, peace, and love; God is glorified. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased! Everyone—from every people, tribe, nation and tongue—all who would believe- be filled with Joy!

Congregation:
Hark the Herald Angels Sing
Joy Has Dawned

Special Music: I Wonder as I Wander-  Tracy

Message

Closing:   Behold