JOY TO THE WORLD (UNSPEAKABLE JOY)
Call to Worship: Isaiah 55:1-2,6-9
Advent confronts us with the reality that from our physical needs to our spiritual needs, and our greatest need - to be made right with God the Father - you and I are incapable of saving ourselves. But Advent reminds us that God is with us, God is among us, God is for us, and God saves us. That is the good news of great joy - that we cannot save ourselves, but God, in and through Christ saves us. Let’s sing and celebrate together:
GREAT THINGS/ANGELS WE HAVE HEARD ON HIGH
TRISAGION
Reading: Luke 1:39-45
Sermon: John 2:1-12
I think about how in the Old Testament, Moses - this towering figure, the servant of the Lord asks God, ‘Show me your glory.’ And God says, ‘No… but I will let my glory pass by you.’ A little later on King David - this man after God’s own heart says, ‘There is one thing I ask of the Lord, there is one thing I desire, one thing I seek after - gaze upon the beauty and glory of the Lord and to dwell in his house forever.’ The New Testament tells us that we see ‘the glory of God in the face of the Son.’ Brothers and sisters, if you are here as a follower of Jesus, you have seen and experienced the glory of God in a way that Moses and David never did. Let Advent be a reminder to you to cease striving, and simply receive. Let’s celebrate God’s revealed glory, would you stand if you’re able, we’ll sing together.
A THOUSAND HALLELUJAHS
BEHOLD
Reading: John 1:9-14
Benediction/Advent Candle Lighting