WELCOME AND CONCERNS OF THE CONGREGATION

PRELUDE “Savior of the Nations, Come” J. S. Bach LIGHTING THE ADVENT CANDLES

*HYMN 96 “On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry”

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Lord Jesus, as you have come to us, let us now come to you. Our hearts are cold. Warm them with your selfless love. Our hearts are sinful. Cleanse them with your precious blood. Our hearts are weak. Strengthen them with your joyous

Spirit. Our hearts are empty. Fill them with your divine presence. Lord Jesus, our hearts are yours. Possess them always and only for yourself… —St. Augustine

Silent Prayers of confession

WORDS OF ASSURANCE – from 1 Thessalonians 5:23

May the God of peace cleanse you through and through. The promise from Scripture is that our whole being -- spirit, soul and body will be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Rejoice and give thanks, for we receive forgiveness and healing in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Thanks be to God!

*GLORIA

SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM

HYMN “Jesus Loves Me”

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

SCRIPTURE LESSONS: Matthew 3:1-12; Psalm 98

SERMON “Preparing for Joy” Rev. Barrett Ingram

*HYMN 134 “Joy to the World”

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH The Apostles’ Creed Page 35

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic* Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.

PASTORAL PRAYER AND THE LORD’S PRAYER

OFFERTORY ANTHEM “Prepare the Way” Michael Larkin

RECEIVING OF GOD’S TITHES AND OFFERINGS

*DOXOLOGY

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

Praise Him, all creatures here below;

Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen

*PRAYER OF DEDICATION

*HYMN 123 “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear”

*BENEDICTION

*POSTLUDE