2024 Dec 1st - St Paul's Presbyterian Church, Welkom

Order of Service: First Sunday of Advent

Gathering:

Prelude: "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" (Instrumental) during which an elder lights the first Advent Candle.

Lighting of the Advent Candle: First Advent Candle

Call to Worship: "We gather together on this Advent season to celebrate the coming birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ. To worship, to commemorate, and to hear the story. A story of justice, mission, and service."

Prayers:

Opening Prayer: A prayer of thanksgiving and invocation for the Advent season.

Gracious and Loving God,

As we gather in this sacred space, we lift our hearts in gratitude for the gift of this Advent season. We thank You for the promise of hope, love, joy, and peace that it brings. As we light the first candle of Advent, let its light remind us of the light of Christ, which shines brightly in our lives and in our world.

Lord, we ask that You prepare our hearts to receive the message of this season. Help us to slow down and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas, the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Open our hearts and minds to Your presence, guiding us to live out Your love and grace each day.

As we journey together through this time of waiting and anticipation, may we be filled with the spirit of hope and the assurance of Your promises. Bless our worship today and throughout this season, and may our hearts be a reflection of Your light in the world.

In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Prayer of Confession: A corporate prayer of confession, followed by the Assurance of Pardon.

Prayer of Confession:

Merciful God,

We confess that we have not loved You with our whole heart. We have failed to be an obedient church. We have not done Your will, we have broken Your law, we have rebelled against Your love. We have not loved our neighbors, and we have not heard the cry of the needy.

Forgive us, we pray. Free us for joyful obedience, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon:

Hear the good news:

Christ died for us while we were yet sinners; that proves God's love toward us. In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven.

People: In the name of Jesus Christ, I are forgiven. Glory to God. Amen.

Scripture Reading:

Old Testament Reading: Lydia: Isaiah 40:1-5

New Testament Reading: Cathy: Mark 1:1-11

Sermon:

Title: "An Old Hope; A New Hope"

Preacher: Rev. George van der Westhuizen

Advent sermon for Dec 1st 2024

Sermon Title: "An Old Hope; A New Hope" Introduction: Greeting and Context: Welcome the congregation to the Advent season, a time of preparation and anticipation for the coming of Christ.

Theme Introduction: Introduce the theme of hope, both the ancient hope of Israel and the new hope brought by Jesus.

I. The Old Hope: The Promise of the Messiah

Prophetic Hope: Reflect on the prophecies of the Old Testament, particularly Isaiah 40:1-5, which speaks of comfort and preparation for the coming of the Lord.

Historical Context: Discuss the situation of the Israelites during the time of Isaiah and their longing for deliverance.

Application: Relate this ancient hope to the struggles and longings people face today, emphasizing that God's promises are still relevant.

II. The New Hope: The Fulfillment in Jesus

Introduction of John the Baptist: Use Mark 1:1-11 to introduce John the Baptist, the forerunner who prepares the way for Jesus.

Jesus as the Fulfillment: Highlight how Jesus fulfills the prophecies and brings a new kind of hope—salvation and redemption for all.

Personal Application: Encourage the congregation to see Jesus as their source of hope in their personal lives and circumstances.

III. Living in Hope: Our Response Advent Practices: Suggest practical ways to live out this hope during the Advent season, such as acts of kindness, prayer, and reflection.

Community of Hope: Encourage the congregation to be a community that embodies and shares this hope with others, especially those in need.

Challenge: Challenge each person to find ways to bring hope into their homes, workplaces, and communities.

Conclusion: Summary: Recap the main points of the sermon, reminding the congregation of the dual aspects of hope—the ancient promise and the new fulfillment.

Prayer: Close with a prayer asking for God's guidance and blessing as the congregation prepares their hearts for Christmas.

Affirmation of Faith:

We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds; Light of Light, very God of very God; begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made.

Who, for us and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary, and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; He suffered and was buried; and the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and sits on the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again, with glory, to judge the quick and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of Life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son; who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified; who spoke by the prophets.

We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins; and we look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Responsive Song: "Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus"

Intimations: John Oberholzer

Offering: Janet

Call for the Offering: A brief explanation of the offering and its purpose.

Prayer of Dedication: A prayer dedicating the gifts to God's work.

Closing:

Hymn: "Joy to the World"

Benediction: "Go in peace. The Lord's name be praised."

Postlude:

Closing Song: "Give Me Faith" or "Goodness of God"