This blog gives you a glimpse into the upcoming Sunday Gathering. It's an opportunity to read through the passage we'll be studying together, pray through some of the liturgy we'll be using, and listen to a selection of the songs we’ll be singing
ADVENT - The Word
SERMON
This is the first Sunday in Advent and Oli Simmons will be kicking off our Advent series in John 1:1-3. The season of Advent, is a season of waiting, it's designed to cultivate our awareness of God’s actions—past, present, and future. In Advent we heighten our anticipation for the ultimate fulfillment of all Old Testament promises. In this way Advent highlights for us the larger story of God’s redemptive plan. While we remember Israel’s waiting and hoping and we give thanks for Christ’s birth, we also anticipate his second coming at the end of time.
LITURGY
CALL TO WORSHIP
The coming birth of our Saviour, Jesus was foretold to the people of Israel and to a world, who like us now, was longing for a Saviour to bring relief from the suffering and sin: Hear these word from the prophet Isaiah:
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined.
And today, above our darkness and sin, the Word of truth and light resounds. Over nations deep in despair His salvation dawns. Let's declare these words together:
For a child is born to us, a Son is given to us. And He will be called: Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
(based on Isaiah 9)
MUSIC
- Joy to the World: A celebration of the joy that dawned when Jesus came into this world.
Hark the Herald Angels Sing: A glorious reminder that Jesus gave up his rights and glory in heaven, coming down in human form so that we would know him and be raised to new life.