Presbyterian Church in America FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT WORSHIP SERVICE DECEMBER 22, 2013
8:15 AM Fourth Sunday of Advent Order of Worship Prelude Welcome I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day I heard the bells on Christmas day their old familiar carols play, and wild and sweet the words repeat of peace on earth, goodwill to men. I thought how, as the day had come, the belfries of all Christendom had rolled along the unbroken song of peace on earth, good will to men. And in despair I bowed my head: There is no peace on earth, I said, for hate is strong, and mocks the song of peace on earth, goodwill to men. Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: God is not dead, nor doth He sleep; the wrong shall fail, the right prevail, with peace on earth, goodwill to men. Then ringing, singing on its way, the word revolved from night to day; a voice, a chime, a chant sublime of peace on earth, goodwill to men! Call to Worship Angels We Have Heard on High Angels we have heard on high, sweetly singing over the plains and the mountains in reply, echo back their joyous strains. Chorus Gloria in excelsis Deo, Gloria in excelsis Deo. Shepherds, why this jubilee? Why your joyous strains prolong? Say what may the tidings be which inspire your heavenly song? Come to Bethlehem, and see Him whose birth the angels sing; come adore on bended knee, Christ the Lord, the newborn King. Lighting of the Advent Candle The Malone Family
Offering Prayer Andy Steele Offertory How Far Is It to Bethlehem? Ryan & Piper Barber Doxology Old One Hundredth 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. Confession of Sin and Assurance of Forgiveness Pastoral Prayer Sermon: A Christmas Carol Dan Ratchford Luke 2:1-20 What Child Is This? What Child is this, who, laid to rest, on Mary s lap is sleeping? Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, while shepherds watch are keeping? Chorus This, this is Christ, the King, Whom shepherds guard and angels sing. Haste, haste to bring Him laud, the Babe, the Son of Mary. Why lies He in such mean estate where ox and ass are feeding? Good Christian, fear, for sinners here the silent Word is pleading. So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh; come, peasant, king to own Him. The King of kings salvation brings; let loving hearts enthrone Him. Benediction Postlude
Prelude Welcome 10:30 AM Fourth Sunday of Advent Order of Worship O Come, All Ye Faithful O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant; O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem! Come and behold Him, born the King of angels! Chorus O come, let us adore Him! O come, let us adore Him! O come, let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord! Sing, choirs of angels; sing in exultation; O sing, all ye bright hosts of heaven above! Glory to God, all glory in the highest! Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning; Jesus, to Thee be all glory given: Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing! Call to Worship Away in a Manger Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, the little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head. The stars in the sky looked down where He lay; the little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay. The cattle are lowing; the Baby awakes, but little Lord Jesus no crying He makes. I love Thee, Lord Jesus; look down from the sky, and stay by my side until morning is nigh. Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask Thee to stay close by me forever, and love me, I pray. Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care, and fit us for heaven, to live with Thee there. Lighting of the Advent Candle The Williams Family O Little Town Of Bethlehem O little town of Bethlehem how still we see thee lie! Above the deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by. Yet in the dark streets shineth the everlasting Light; the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight. For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above, while mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wondering love. O morning stars, together proclaim the holy birth; and praises sing to God, the King, and peace to men on earth.
How silently, how silently the wondrous Gift is given! So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of His heaven. No ear may hear His coming. But in this world of sin, where meek souls will receive Him still, the dear Christ enters in. O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend on us, we pray. Cast out our sin, and enter in; be born in us today. We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell. O come to us, abide with us, our Lord, Emmanuel. Offering Prayer Steve Barton Offertory He Came Choir Doxology Old One Hundredth 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. Confession of Sin and Assurance of Forgiveness Pastoral Prayer Sermon: A Christmas Carol Dan Ratchford Luke 2:1-20 What Child Is This? What Child is this, who, laid to rest, on Mary s lap is sleeping? Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, while shepherds watch are keeping? Chorus This, this is Christ, the King, Whom shepherds guard and angels sing. Haste, haste to bring Him laud, the Babe, the Son of Mary. Why lies He in such mean estate where ox and ass are feeding? Good Christian, fear, for sinners here the silent Word is pleading. So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh; come, peasant, king to own Him. The King of kings salvation brings; let loving hearts enthrone Him. Benediction Postlude
SERMON NOTES A Christmas Carol Luke 2:1-20 A. THE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS B. TEXT 1. A decree from Rome 2. A trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem 3. In Bethlehem a. The birth of Jesus Christ b. The angels praising c. The shepherds witnessing d. The mother pondering C. APPLICATION
ANNOUNCEMENTS CHRISTMAS WORSHIP SCHEDULE SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22 4 TH SUNDAY OF ADVENT Regular services at 8:15 AM & 10:30 AM and Sunday School at 9:15 AM TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24 CHRISTMAS EVE Church Office Closed 6:00 PM CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE Refreshments immediately following the 6:00 PM service! 11:00 PM CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 25 CHRISTMAS DAY Church Office Closed DOWNING OF THE BROWNS Saturday, December 28 at 9:00 AM 12:00 PM @ CPC Join us on Saturday, December 28 to help take down the Christmas decorations. We need lots of help! The Church office will be closed: Christmas Day, December 25 & Thursday, December 26 New Year s Day, January 1, 2014 & Thursday, January 2
Welcome We are delighted to have you worship with us this Sunday. All visitors are requested to sign the visitors sheet in the main hall. Our Vision We exist to worship the living God, to make disciples and to build bridges into the Chapin community and the world. COME GROW GO Church Office and Worship Location: 600 Old Lexington Highway Chapin, SC 29036 Telephone: 803-345-0500 Facsimile: 803-932-4841 Website: www.chapinpres.org Office Hours: Monday -Thursday, 9 AM to 4 PM Office is closed on Fridays Worship Services and Sunday School Times: 8:15 AM & 10:30 AM Worship Services 9:15 AM Sunday School for all ages The flowers adorning the worship center today are given to the glory of God. MUSIC All Music is under Christian Copyright #2449931