Prelude: “The Christmas Rose” by Gilbert M. Martin, based on the Christmas Chorale “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming”
Welcome and Announcements: Jeffrey Lantin
Call to Worship and Invocation
Lighting of Advent Candle One with Prarthana and Ysabella
“Light the Advent Candle One”
Light the Advent candle, one; Now the waiting has begun;
We have started on our way, Time to think of Christmas Day.
Candle, candle, burning bright, Shining in the cold winter night;
Candle, candle, burning bright, Fill our hearts with Christmas light.
Praise and Worship with Chandru Muthurajan
Hymn: “O, Come, O Come, Emmanuel”
1 O come, O come Emmanuel
And ransom captive Israel.
That mourns in lowly exile here
Until the Son of God appear.
Shall come to thee, O Israel!
2 O come, Thou Dayspring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here.
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night
And death’s dark shadows put to flight.
[Refrain]
3 O come, Thou Wisdom from on high
And order all things, far and nigh.
To us the path of knowledge show
And cause us in her ways to go.
[Refrain]
4 O come, desire of nations, bind
All peoples in one heart and mind.
Bid envy, strife and quarrels cease
Fill the whole world with heaven’s peace.
[Refrain]
Moments of Prayer
Scripture: Jeremiah 33:14-16; Luke 21:25-36
Sermon: “Anticipation” by Melinda A. Parry
Hymn: “Come, Thou Long-expected Jesus”
1 Come, Thou long expected Jesus
Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us,
Let us find our rest in Thee.
Israel’s strength and consolation,
Hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear desire of every nation,
Joy of every longing heart.
2 Born Thy people to deliver,
Born a Child and yet a King,
Born to reign in us forever,
Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.
By Thine own eternal Spirit
Rule in all our hearts alone;
By Thine all sufficient merit,
Raise us to Thy glorious throne.
Benediction
Postlude: “Let Christians All with Joyful Mirth” by James Mansfield
Let Christians all with joyful mirth,
Both young and old, both great and small
Now think upon our Savior’s birth
Organist: Ms. Marilyn Glover
We welcome our guest preacher, Melinda A. Parry. Melinda is currently the Administrative Assistant of Massachusetts Baptist Multicultural Ministries, Inc. She also is moderator and youth leader at First Baptist Church Wakefield.