WELCOME AND CONCERNS OF THE CONGREGATION

PRELUDE “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence” arr. John Innes

LIGHTING THE ADVENT CANDLES

*HYMN 110 “Love Has Come”

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

God of our salvation, straighten the winding ways of our hearts and smooth the paths made rough by sin. Turn our hearts to holy things, and bring to perfection the good you have begun in us. We ask this through him whose coming is certain, whose day draws near; your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ…

Silent Prayers of confession

WORDS OF ASSURANCE

Through God’s love, we are restored and saved, for God entered our world in Jesus Christ, “not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.” “Those who believe in him are not condemned.” (John 3,17, 18)

Thanks be to God!

*GLORIA

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

SCRIPTURE LESSONS: Isaiah 7:10–16; Matthew 1:18–25

SERMON “What about Joseph?” Rev. Barrett Ingram

Text: “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid…”– Matthew 1:20

SPECIAL MUSIC “Joseph Dearest, Joseph Mine”

*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 “Sheep May Safely Graze” J. S. Bach

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 146 “Gentle Mary Laid Her Child”

*BENEDICTION

*POSTLUDE