December 18, 2022

Fourth Sunday of Advent


Prelude

Welcome & Announcements

Lighting of Advent Candle

Response UMH #211 (vs.4) — O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

Opening Prayer

Apostles’ Creed

Gloria Patri UMH #70

Offering Moment & Doxology UMH #95

CANTATA

The Birthday of the King

by Stan Pethel

Narrator — Larry Bolt

Director — Kristie Willis

This is the story of how Jesus Christ, the Son of God, brought good news to men.  It is the celebration of “The Birthday of a King.”

The Birthday of a King

Where is He that is born the King of the Jews?  Look across the valley of Jordan to the land of Jacob and Rachel, and of Ruth and Boaz.  Look you to the hills of the city of David.  Look to a stable bare and a manger.  Look to the little town of Bethlehem.

In the Village of Bethlehem

The first to hear the announcement of Christ’s birth were shepherds.  God sent an angel to proclaim the story.  He said, “I bring you good news of great joy, which shall be to all people.  For today a Savior is born in the city of David, which is Christ the Lord.”  Then he was joined by heaven’s host who sang, “Glory to God in heaven, and on earth peace, good will to men.”

How the Angels Sang

When the Angels had left them, the shepherds went across to Bethlehem.  They said, “Let us see this thing which the Lord has made known to us.”  So they hurried on and found Mary, Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger.

A Child Is Born

The birth of Jesus was the fulfillment of God’s prophecy.  Jesus is our promise of hope, our promise of joy, and our promise of peace.

The Promise — Julie Fleshman, soloist

When Jesus was born, wise men came from the East.  God had led them.  He had given them a sign.  They said, “We have seen His star and have come to worship Him.”

In the Midnight Sky

This is the beginning of the story of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who brings the good news, the promise of forgiveness, and the gift of eternal life.  Celebrate His birth!  Spread the good news to all people!  Let all the earth rejoice!  Spread the good tidings!  The Lord is come!  It is the birthday of a King!

The Birthday of a King

Benediction

Let us pray.  Our Father, we have heard the joyful story of Jesus’ birth.  Let the excitement of this moment lead us to share His love with others, for Lord, that is why we have come.

We Have Come

Postlude — In the Midnight Sky