BETHANY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH December 10, 2023 2nd Sunday of Advent

PRELUDE Debbie Harris
OPENING SCRIPTURE: Genesis 22:15-18
The angel of the Lord called to Abraham from heaven a second time and said, “I swear by myself, declares the Lord, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, and through your seed all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.”

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH

*CALL TO WORSHIP
Leader: In Advent we celebrate God’s gift of a new beginning.
People: We praise you, O God of new beginnings, for turning despair into hope.
Leader: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
People: We praise you, O God, for creating the world out of chaos.
Leader: In the beginning the Word was with God, chasing the darkness into day.
People: We praise you, O God, for bringing light out of night.
Leader: Let us bear witness to the light that was with God in the beginning.
People: Let us bear witness to the light that became flesh in Jesus Chris

*OPENING PRAYER
*OPENING HYMN: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing! #163

Be Seated

CALL TO CONFESSION
PRAYER OF CONFESSION God of forgiveness and mercy, hear our prayer as we confess our sin. With moments so critical we let time go by. With deliverance so near we linger in the darkness. With Christ as our armor, we fear the unknown foe. With the night having passed, we still hesitate to greet the new day. (moment of silent confession) O God, lead us forth, that we may meet the moment you graciously give us. Dispel the shadows, so that your will may be clear. Clothed with light and new life in Christ, let us go forth as those awake to your will. Amen


ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Leader: Hear and believe the good news of the gospel People: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven!

GLORIA PATRI #546
PSALM READING: Psalm 121
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE

Stand and wave hello to those around you as the children go back to their seats.

PASTORAL PRAYER with LORD’S PRAYER
SCRIPTURE READING
Gospel Lesson: John 15:9-17
Epistle Lesson: Galatians 3:15-22

Leader: This is the Word of the Lord
All: Thanks be to God
Take a minute to think about what this scripture says to you.
SERMON The Messiah in the Torah:
The Seed

*PRESENTATION OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS
*DOXOLOGY #544
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION
What a joy to give! What a delight to join our efforts to your purposes. You inspire us to oppose wickedness, to stand up for the oppressed, to work for harmony among all your children. Lead us, together, to your holy mountain, where all are valued and no one is excluded. May our offerings spread the knowledge of your ways across this earth, widening the circle of inclusion to
embrace all your children. In his name we pray, Amen!

*APOSTLE’S CREED

*CLOSING HYMN: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel #147


*CHARGE
Leader: We seek to live in the light of God’s love.
People: We want to be ready when Christ comes.
Leader: It has been good to meet together in God’s house.
People: It is good to serve together in God’s world.
Leader: May we carry the peace of God wherever we go..
People: Let us share that peace with all whom we meet!

BENEDICTION

*Choral Benediction: Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus. #151 (First Tune)