The Lord’s Day
December 16, 2007
Third Sunday of Advent
You once were not a people, but now you are the people of God;
you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
(1 Peter 2:10)
Prelude
Lighting of the Advent Candle Isaiah 9:2-7
The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them. You shall multiply the nation, You shall increase their gladness; they will be glad in Your presence as with the gladness of harvest, as men rejoice when they divide the spoil. For You shall break the yoke of their burden and the staff on their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, as at the battle of Midian. For every boot of the booted warrior in the battle tumult, and cloak rolled in blood, will be for burning, fuel for the fire. For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from then on and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will accomplish this.
*Call to Worship Psalm 20:5–7
Minister: We will sing for joy over your victory, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners.
Congregation: May the Lord fulfill all your petitions.
Minister: Now I know that the Lord saves His anointed;
Congregation: He will answer him from His holy heaven with the saving strength of His right hand.
Minister: Some boast in chariots and some in horses,
Congregation: But we will boast in the name of the Lord, our God.
*Gloria Patri No. 734
*Prayer of Invocation
*Hymn O Come, O Come, Emmanuel No. 194
Public Confession
All: Hear us, O Lord, and have mercy on Your people. Deliver us, we pray, from the misery of sin and the temptations that so easily beset us. Forgive our expressions of pride. Forgive us for boasting in ourselves. Forgive us for lacking joy. For Your glory, give us discernment regarding our sin. Create in us hearts that thrive on goodness and truth.
Children: Father in heaven, please forgive us whenever we do what is wrong. Help us to understand how much You love us and how thankful we should be.
Words of Assurance Galatians 5:16-18
Walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.
Response In Sweet Communion (inside front)
Prayer for the Tithe and Offerings
Collection of the Tithe and Offerings
*Doxology No. 731
*Declaring Our Faith The Larger Catechism (82-84)
What is the communion in glory which the members of the invisible church have with Christ?
The communion in glory which the members of the invisible church have with Christ is in this life, immediately after death, and at last perfected at the resurrection and day of judgment.
What is the communion in glory with Christ which the members of the invisible church enjoy in this life?
The members of the invisible church have communicated to them in this life the first fruits of glory with Christ, as they are members of Him their Head.
Shall all men die?
Death being threatened as the wages of sin, it is appointed unto all men once to die; for all have sinned.
Pastoral Prayer
*Responsive Reading Proverbs 17:15-28
He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous, both of them alike are an abomination to the Lord.
Why is there a price in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom, when he has no sense?
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
A man lacking in sense pledges and becomes guarantor in the presence of his neighbor.
He who loves transgression loves strife;
He who raises his door seeks destruction.
He who has a crooked mind finds no good,
And he who is perverted in his language falls into evil.
He who sires a fool does so to his sorrow,
And the father of a fool has no joy.
A joyful heart is good medicine,
But a broken spirit dries up the bones.
A wicked man receives a bribe from the bosom to pervert the ways of justice.
Wisdom is in the presence of the one who has understanding, but the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth.
A foolish son is a grief to his father
And bitterness to her who bore him.
It is also not good to fine the righteous,
Nor to strike the noble for their uprightness.
He who restrains his words has knowledge,
And he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.
Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise;
When he closes his lips, he is considered prudent.
*Hymn Thou Who Wast Rich beyond All Splendor No. 230
*Public Reading of the Word 2 Corinthians 13
*Prayer for the Ministry of the Word
Sermon Matthew 2:1-12
Hymn Comfort, Comfort Ye My People No. 197
Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper+
*Hymn As with Gladness Men of Old No. 226
*Benediction
*Threefold Amen No. 740
* Congregation will please stand
+ Visitors: please see the note on the back of this bulletin