THE CANTICLES OF CHRISTMAS The First Sunday after Christmas December 31, 2017 Meditation Simeon had grasped the truth at the heart of the Old Testament: When Israel’s history comes to its God-ordained goal, then at last light will dawn for the world. All the nations, not just the Jews, will see what God is unveiling – a plan of salvation for all people without distinction. This will be the true glory of Israel itself, to have been the bearer of promise, the nation in and from whom the true world ruler would arise: “A light for revelation to the nations and glory for your people Israel.” This is not the sort of revelation the world was expecting, and not the sort of glory Israel wanted, but true revelation and true glory nonetheless. —N. T. Wright Gathering Music Invitation to Worship Call to Worship
David Fulk “Angels from the Realms of Glory” Sanctuary Choir
arr. Dan Forrest
Litany of Celebration Connie McNeill Leader: To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven. People:
God has made everything beautiful in its time.
Leader:
The light of God has been revealed through the birth of the baby Jesus.
People:
A time to be born.
Leader:
Mine eyes have seen thy salvation.
People:
A time to seek.
Leader:
I saw a new heaven and a new earth, the holy city coming down out of heaven from God.
People:
A time to build up.
Leader:
The Lord is making all things new.
People:
A time to dance!
All:
God has made everything beautiful in its time!
Practicing the Presence
“Gigue” Elizabeth Gillespie, Violin
Arcangelo Corelli
+Carols for Christmas 122
“Good Christian Friends, Rejoice” (stanzas 2 and 3)
143
“Go, Tell It on the Mountain”
IN DULCI JUBILO
GO TELL IT
Celebration of Baptism Alex Trischler Alex’s Faith Story is read by his father, Steve Trischler, and his friend, Reese Zailo. Carol
“Sing the Canticles” Composed by David Fulk for Second Baptist Church
Prayers of the People +Carols of Christmas 137 Gospel Reading
Sermon
POSEY
Sue Wright “Sing We Now of Christmas” (stanzas 1-3) Luke 2:21-35 (Pew Bible, page 45, New Testament) Leader: This is the Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God. “Nunc Dimittis”
FRENCH CAROL
Don Brown
Jason Edwards
Lord, now let thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy word; for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation. +Hymn of Response 140 “Jesus Came to Dwell Among Us” HARLAN The worship of the living God invites our response. Those who wish to profess faith in Christ and/or to unite with the church are invited to come forward and share your decision with the pastor. +Offertory Prayer Offertory
John Shank “Allegro” Elizabeth Gillespie, Violin
Arcangelo Corelli
+Presentation of Offerings 148 “What Child is This” So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh, come peasant, king to own him; The King of kings salvation brings, let loving hearts enthrone Him. Raise, raise the song on high, the virgin sings her lullaby. Joy, joy for Christ is born, the Babe, the Son of Mary. +A Time of Greeting
Jason Edwards
+Congregational Blessing
Jason Edwards
GREENSLEEVES
+The Sending Forth 317 “Songs of Praise the Angels Sang” Saints below, with heart and voice, still in songs of praise rejoice, Learning here, by faith and love, songs of praise to sing above. Postlude
“Cold December Flies Away”
MONKLAND
Charles Callahan
All Songs UBP CCLI #1091036 Organ: Ann Posey
All Video UBP CCVI #502497070 Piano: Debbie Lassiter
Sanctuary Sound: Dave Heston
Audio: John Hilton Video: Ben Lassiter
FLOWERS IN WORSHIP Today’s Advent flowers are given to the Glory of God and: In Memory Of Kay Dolton by The Dolton Family Our beloved nephew/cousin, Drew McCullough, with love by the Trischler Family Raymond Neth by Norman and Marianne Neth In Honor Of Our 2BC Family, for all your love & support by Bryan and Sabra Boyd The amazing 2BC staff by Bryan and Sabra Boyd YEAR END GIVING INFORMATION We are so grateful for your generosity, which makes possible all that we do for Christ and others in Liberty and around our world. Any donation you want to be included on your 2017 contribution statement must be postmarked and dated or in the church’s possession, on or before December 31, 2017. Checks dated in 2018 but received in 2017, must be included in your 2018 contributions. Electronic contributions must be made on or before December 31, 2017, to be included in your 2017 contributions. All ACH donations are deductible at the time payment is withdrawn from your bank. Please contact Connie if you need help with transactions or need more information. Thank you for your generous support. MEN’S BREAKFAST Saturday January 6, 2018 | 8:30 a.m. | Social Room THANK YOU RECEPTION FOR DON BROWN, DAVID FULK, AND ANN POSEY Sunday, January 7 | 9:15 - 10:45 | Social Room Please write a note of appreciation — note cards available in the Welcome Center WIZE GUYS AND STARRY SKIES Sunday, January 7 | 11:00 Worship Service Combined Children and Student Choirs Epiphany Musical