Worship 12/17/2023

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.)