ADVENT: WAITING - Simeon
CALL TO WORSHIP
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 fulfilment 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.
It is a season of expectation of anticipation. 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 words from the prophet Isaiah:
Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name "Immanuel" which means, God with us.
(Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23)
In Jesus, God has promised to be with us. Let's sing out together now in celebration of that truth and in anticipation.
Song: O Come O Come Emmanuel
Song: Saviour of the World
CONFESSION AND ASSURANCE
When we remember and celebrate Jesus coming into this world, we are humbled to remember why he came. One of the truths of the gospel is that humanity was in need of rescue. The prophet Isaiah says that the people of Israel were walking in darkness, in need of light. The same is true of us today. Without God, we are in darkness, in need of Christ's light. Our sin enslaves us and we need a rescuer.
The promise of the gospel is that Jesus came to save us from our sins. We no longer need to feel weighed down by our sin, instead we can know the freedom that comes in Christ. Let's pray these words, thanking God for this truth together now:
Father God, thank you that even though we were once walking in darkness, you shone your light Into our lives. Thank you that in sending Jesus, you brought light and life into this world.
We praise you that the darkness could not overcome his light. We ask that you would deal with our darkness this Christmas and help us to live in the light you bring. Amen.
Song: You Alone Can Rescue
PASSING OF THE PEACE
PREACHING OF THE WORD
Gary Aston preached to us from Luke 2:25-35 this Sunday as we began our Advent series. 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: How Deep the Father’s Love
Song: Once in Royal David’s City
COMMITMENT READING
Father God, help us to see our need for a rescuer. As we are reminded of our sin help us to receive your gift of grace with thankfulness. And would we know the deep joy of Jesus' rescue this Advent. Amen
Song: O Come All Ye Faithful
BENEDICTION
In this season of advent, may God's light shine in your darkness. May the spirit open your eyes to see his coming, and may Jesus' glory captivate your hearts this season. Go in hope of the peace he brings to the world.
Peace be with you.
And also with you.
