Order of Service – Sunday 13 December 2020 – ADVENT 3 – Joy
Click the link below to download the Order of Service.
CALL TO WORSHIP and PSALM 126
“The One who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.” (John 1:9)
You sent Your prophet John to prepare the way for the coming of Your Son, our Saviour.
You gave a song to Mary!
May the joy of Christ penetrate our lives and the life of Your world.
Send Your joy like a sudden downpour of refreshing rain.
You make our hearts glad, our feet to dance and our voice to sing!
CAROL: “Joy to the World – Ode to Joy” – The Piano Guys (On Screen)
PRAYER OF INTERCESSION
God, when joy is depleted,
help us not to miss the surprising splashes for brilliant light and colour in the world You have made.
God, who cares for the broken hearted,
shine Your light into places of despair and hopelessness.
Today we especially pray for Sri Lankan refugees returning home to rebuild their lives.
Provide safety and security so that fear and suspicion may be replaced by trust.
We look to that day when there is understanding and respect across our differences and people of different faiths and ethnicities will not be misrepresented or vilified.
Help us, like John to testify to Your light that shines in every place. Amen.
CAROL: 299 “While Shepherd Watched Their Flocks by Night ”
ADVENT RESPONSIVE READING
Rejoice in the Lord; again I will say, Rejoice! Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, O people of God, and shout for joy, all who are upright in heart.
Why should we rejoice? The world has become a dark and hostile place. Enemies surround us. Disaster lurks at every corner. There is no justice. There is no peace.
The Lord is near. Let all who take refuge in the Lord rejoice. Let all who hope for deliverance sing for joy. The Lord is near!
Why should we sing? We are often discouraged and weighed down by our own failures. Sometimes we are overly confident in our own ability to change. We long for Your renewing presence among us.
Rejoice, for the Lord is near. The Lord has turned away our enemies. He has taken away the judgments against us. The Lord will make known His victory. He will reveal His vindication in the sight of all people.
O Lord, spread Your protection over us, so that those who love Your name may exalt in You. Remind us that You have already defeated the powers of darkness. Create in us a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within us.
Sing to the Lord for joy, all the earth. Break forth into joyous song and sing praises, people of God. For He has remembered His steadfast love and faithfulness to those who call upon Him.
O Lord, You have given us a new song, a song of praise to our God. We rejoice that You are near. Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!
The Lord, our God, is in our midst. He will gather the outcast. He will change their shame into praise and renown in all the earth. He will renew us in his love.
We sing to the Lord, because He loves us. We rejoice for the Lord is near. Surely He is coming soon. Come, Lord Jesus!
LIGHTING OF THE THIRD ADVENT CANDLE – JOY Jan Cartwright
For Yolŋu people, joy or Ŋoy-djulŋithinyamirr is a deep feeling of happiness and contentment that comes from practising Mägaya Rom as we care for country and walk the path that leads to life. God, our Creator brings healing, and fruitfulness and plentiful gifts to share.
In knowing You, is our true joy.
In sharing Your gifts, we find true contentment. (The pink candle is lit.)
CAROL: 303 “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”
CHRISTMAS BOWL – Video Clip
CAROL: 316 “O Little Town of Bethlehem” (Vs. 1, 2 & 4)
BIBLE READING 1 – Frank Knowles
Isaiah 61:1-4 and 8-11 (Pages 739-740)
CAROL: 312 “Once in Royal David’s City ” (Vs. 1, 2, 4 & 5)
BIBLE READING 2 – Lina Bomoushakian
Luke 1:46-55 (Page 1013)
CAROL: “O Holy Night ” – King’s College Choir, Cambridge (On Screen)
BIBLE READINGS 3 & 4 – Dianna Brookes
John 1:1-8 and 19-28 (Page 1049) 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 (Page 1171)
MESSAGE: “JOY – Rejoice, Sing and Praise” Krikor Youmshajekian
HYMN: 301 “The First Nowell ”
NOTICES – Christmas Eve Service: Thursday 24th December 7:30 pm.
– Christmas Day Service: Friday 25th December 9:00 am.
OFFERING – DEDICATION OF OFFERING
Thank You God for the hints of joy in the midst of life’s difficulties and calamities. By Your Spirit, take what we offer, small that it is, to bring blessing and joy to others. With these gifts we dedicate our lives to You, for Your glory. Amen.
CAROL: 304 “O Come, All Ye Faithful”
SENDING OUT – BENEDICTION
Go out as God’s joy-filled people to find joy in whatever circumstances of life you face. Know God’s favour and share God’s joy with those you meet along the way.
Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we trust in Your goodness and believe in Your kindness.
We go rejoicing in God our Saviour who has done great things! Amen.
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To contact Krikor call 0418 417 411
Church Website: http://www.longueville.unitingchurch.org.au
Church email: standrewsunite@tpg.com.au
Church Office phone: 9427 4740