Love The Worship of God Fourth Sunday of Advent December 22, 2019 For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son,

so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.

—John 3.16

Music for Gathering Marietta Mobley, piano

Global Missions Video

As we gather for worship, a video shares of how CBF's Offering for Global Missions—our special offering for December—supports the work of love around the world.

Advent Wreath

Opening Sentences Rev. Alan Sherouse

Choral Introit DIVINUM MYSTERIUM

Of the Father’s Love Begotten

Congregational Response

Of the Father’s love begotten, ere the worlds began to be, he is Alpha and Omega, he the source, the ending he, of the things that are, that have been and that future years shall see,

evermore and evermore.

2.

O that birth forever blessed, when the Virgin, full of grace by the Holy Ghost conceiving, bore the Savior of our race; and the Babe, the world’s Redeemer first revealed his sacred face,

evermore and evermore.

O ye heights of heaven, adore him, angel hosts, his praises sing, powers dominions bow before him, and extol our God and King; let no tongue on earth be silent, every voice in concert ring,

evermore and evermore.

†Psalm 80.1-7, 17-19 The Martin Family

Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock! You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh. Stir up your might, and come to save us!

Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved.

O Lord God of hosts, how long will you be angry with your people’s prayers? You have fed them with the bread of tears, and given them tears to drink in full measure.

Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved.

But let your hand be upon the one at your right hand, the one you made strong for yourself. Then we will never turn back from you; give us life, and we will call on your name.

Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved.

†Doxology DIVINUM MYSTERIUM

Christ, to thee with God the Father, and, O Holy Ghost, to thee, hymn and chant and high thanksgiving and unwearied praises be: honor, glory, and dominion and eternal victory,

evermore and evermore. 3.

†Carol 146 ANTIOCH

Joy to the World! the Lord Is Come

†Words of Friendship Rev. Courtney Willis

A Time for Children Christina McCord

Prayers of God’s People Rev. Chris Cherry

Opening of God’s Word Ezra Holmes

Scripture Lesson Rev. Willis Matthew 1.18-25

†Carol 144 CAROL The Hands That First Held Mary’s Child

Sermon Rev. Sherouse

A Little Bit Scared

†Carol 163 ES IST EIN’ ENTSPRUNGEN Lo, How A Rose E’er Blooming

Musical Interlude

Offertory Prayer Davis Troxler, deacon

Choral Offering John Rutter

What Sweeter Music Can We Bring Sanctuary Choir, Baker Lawrimore, Music Intern conducting

†Benediction Rev. Sherouse

†Song of Dismissal THE FIRST NOEL

Then let us all with one accord sing praises to our heavenly Lord, who hath made heaven and earth of naught, and with his blood our life hath bought.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, born is the King of Israel. 4.

Lift up your heads, O gates! and be lifted up, O ancient doors! that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory?

The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory.

Cover Art: Psalm 24 by Anneke Kaai.