Welcome to the Sunday Gathering recap (songs, hymns, liturgy and sermon). This blog gives you an opportunity to reflect on what you heard in the gathering or catch up if you weren’t able to be with us.
*The indented sections are responses read aloud by the congregation during the Gathering
HIDDEN CHRISTMAS - The Shepherds
CALL TO WORSHIP
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.
In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
(John 1:1-5)
Song: O Come All Ye Faithful
Song: Angels from the Realms of Glory
CONFESSION AND ASSURANCE
We've already heard that Jesus is the light of the world, that the darkness of the world could not overcome his light. So often though we live as though this wasn't true. We choose darkness over God's light and we're in need of his help. Let's pray these words together now confessing this tendency in our hearts and asking for God's help in this.
Lord God, we praise you for sending light into this world. We confess that we live as though the light had never defeated darkness.
We confess that we ignore the Saviour you sent to be among us and to live in us. We’ve kept the birth of your Son confined to the Christmas season and do not yearn for his coming each moment in our waiting hearts.
Forgive us for this we pray. Prepare us for His return. Help us rejoice in the light so that your grace can illuminate the darkened places of our hearts. Amen
Song: Made Alive
PASSING OF THE PEACE
PREACHING OF THE WORD
Gary Aston preached to us from Luke 2:8-20, looking at the shepherd’s story. Click here to listen to that sermon.
COMMUNION
Every week we want to respond to what God has done for us in Jesus. One of the great ways he has provided for us to remember the truth of the gospel is giving us communion. As we take the bread and wine we remember what Jesus has done for us.
POST COMMUNION READING
Jesus’ death brings us life and this meal reminds us that we are fed by Jesus and forgiven because of Jesus.
We rejoice that You have died, rose again, and are now with the Father advocating for us. Amen.
With our money, time, and talent we give generously, knowing that through Your Son, Jesus, You have generously given to us.
We rejoice that You have given everything and we joyfully give everything back to Your care. Amen.
Song: When I Survey
Song: In Christ Alone
COMMITMENT READING
Heavenly Father, in a world filled with so much darkness, we pray that we might know the hope that comes with your light.
Jesus, thank you that you entered into the darkness and defeated its power; that you conquered sin and offer rescue to us all. We praise you that one day you will return to bring peace to reign. Amen.
Song: Hark the Herald Angels Sing
BENEDICTION
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace this Christmas as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Peace be with you.
And also with you.