Starling Avenue Baptist Church
Third Sunday of Advent—Lessons and Carols December 17, 2023 ╬ 11:00 a.m.
The Worship of God The Third Sunday in Advent—Lessons and Carols December 17, 2023 *We invite you to stand as you are able.
Worship Through Praise and Thanksgiving Welcome
Angela Zimmerman
Call to Worship This is the season of holy waiting. We watch for the One who scatters the proud and lifts up the lowly. We wait for the day when our spirits will rejoice to know God’s favor. We watch while the light of day begins to fill the sky. Come let us walk in the light of God! Life of the Community Prelude
Anne Stultz Gesu Bambino
Lighting of the Advent Wreath
Mark Hayes Richard & Margaret Caldwell
The light glowing from our Advent wreath is burning brighter. This radiance warms our hearts and fills us with joy! The Lord has done great things for us. Let us rejoice. “May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy. Those who go out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, carrying their sheaves” (Psalm 126:5-6). (The first three candles are lit.) Light three candles, see them glow Brightly, so that all may know How three candles show the way Making our darkness bright as God’s day. 3
Those who go out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, carrying their sheaves
Hymn #117
Still, Still, Still
Giving of our Tithes and Offerings Offertory Prayer Offertory Once He Came in Blessing *Christmas Response (#85) Christians All, Your Lord Is Coming
STILL, STILL, STILL
Linda Pulliam Michael Burkhardt PLEADING SAVIOR
Christians All, your Lord is coming, drawing near in holy birth Ring the bells and sound the trumpets, let your music fill the earth, Dance and move to show God’s glory; kneel and pause to hear God’s word. Alleluia! Alleluia! Rise and let your songs be heard.
Worship Through Lessons and Carols Anthem
Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming (SABC Choir)
The Bidding Prayer
Joel Raney
Angela Zimmerman
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. The First Reading Hymn #79 The Second Reading
God Gives a Sign (Matthew 1:18-25) O Come, O Come, Emmanuel The Branch from Jesse (Isaiah 11:1-5)
Anne Stultz VENI EMMANUEL
Angela Zimmerman
Piano Solo
It Came Upon the Midnight Clear (Nolan Anthony)
Victor Labenske
The Third Reading
The Angel’s Annunciation to Mary (Luke 1:26-33)
Anne Stultz
Coventry Carol (SABC Handbell Choir)
Noel Piercy
Handbells
The Fourth Reading Anthem
The Fifth Reading Piano Solo
The Birth of Jesus (Luke 2:1-7)
Angela Zimmerman
O Little Town of Bethlehem (SABC Choir)
Lewis Redner
Angels’ Good News to Shepherds (Luke 2:8-15)
Anne Stultz
Shepherd’s Worship (Nolan Anthony)
James Koerts
The Sixth Reading
Shepherds Visit the Baby Jesus (Luke 2:16-20)
Angela Zimmerman
Hymn #127
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
MENDELSSOHN
The Seventh Reading
Praise God for His Salvation (Titus 2:11-14)
Anne Stultz
Piano Solo
Night of Wonder (Nolan Anthony)
James Koerts
Hymn #119
His Name Is Called Emmanuel
Benediction
LASST UNS ERFREUEN
Angela Zimmerman
Thanks be to God!
(Please put your nametag in the basket provided at either entrance when leaving.)