A Service for the Lord’s Day
November 29, 2020
First Sunday of Advent
Lighting of the Advent Wreath
On the first Sunday of Advent, the Advent wreath reminds us of the gift of God’s Son and the salvation he brings. We light the first candle that stands for hope. We have hope because Jesus came to earth as God had promised. The prophets of Israel all spoke of the coming of Jesus, of how the Savior would be born in Bethlehem, a king in the line of David.
[Light 1 tall purple candle.]
As followers of Jesus, we await his return with hope. We remember that as he came to us humbly in the manger at Bethlehem and gave light to the world, so he is coming again to deliver his people. Prepare the way of the Lord!
Prayer of Confession
Lord God, our lives are filled with sin. We forget our neighbor’s needs and do not love you above all else. We need a Savior. Help us to be ready for Jesus in our own hearts. O come, O come, Savior of the world. Amen.
Assurance of Pardon
Hear the good news: Our Savior has come! While we were sinners, Christ was born. Christ died. Christ rose in victory. And in him we are forgiven. Thanks be to God! Amen.
Scripture Reading
Sermon – Ready with Hope – Rev. Blake Daniel
For those who prefer to worship from home this Sunday, we will be live-streaming the service. Simply visit our YouTube page at 11:00am to tune in. The service will also be saved as a video for you to view later if you wish. We thank you for your continued grace and patience as we try this new endeavor.
Affirmation of Faith – from The Second Helvetic Confession
Jesus Christ is the only Savior of the world, and the true awaited messiah. For we teach and believe that this Jesus Christ our Lord is the unique and eternal Savior of the human race, and thus of the whole world, in whom by faith are saved all who before the law, under the law, and under the Gospel were saved, and however many will be saved at the end of the world… Now there only remains for all of us to give all glory to Christ, believe in him, rest in him alone, despising and rejecting all other aids in life.
Prayers of the People
God of grace, we rejoice that you became flesh and made your dwelling among us, and we long for your return. You are our steadfast hope, the bush that burns but is never consumed. Please lead us into this season of Advent with an eager expectancy, and please hear us as we lift our joys and our concerns to you. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.
We pray for…
The nations of the world… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.
Those in authority… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.
The needs of the community… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.
The church universal, its mission, and those who minister… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.
The local congregation and its ministry, especially… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.
Those with particular needs… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.
We offer these prayers in your name — Jesus, Emmanuel, our long-awaited Messiah. And we pray now as you taught us, saying:
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
Tithes and Offerings
With gratitude for the gospel, we share our time, talents, and resources with the Lord. (You may give financially by visiting www.sylvapres.org/giving, or by dropping a check off at the church or sending one to FPC at P.O. Box 2152, Sylva, NC 28779. Thank you!)
Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Praise Him all creatures here below!
Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts!
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen.
A Prayer in the Absence of the Lord’s Supper
Lord Jesus, we believe that you are present in the Sacrament. We love you above all things and we long to receive you. Since we cannot at this time receive you sacramentally, we ask that you come spiritually into our hearts and unite yourself to us. Never let us be separated from you. We pray this in your name, amen.
Note: We will be offering “virtual communion” during our church-wide Zoom calls on the first Wednesday of the month. Please notify the church office if you would like to participate.
Benediction
May the peace of the risen Lord Christ go with you, wherever he may send you.
May he guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm.
May he bring you home rejoicing at the wonders he has shown you.
May he bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.