9:30am Welcome - Rev. David Bonnema Opening Song - “Here I Am to Worship” - Christina & Daniel Eagle Advent Candlelighting- Ann Lampron Song - “Waymaker” - Christina & Daniel Eagle Time of Greeting - Introduction of New Members Children’s Message Sermon - “In the Silence” Today you will be introduced to Zechariah. What was his profession? When Zechariah sees the angel within the holy of holies, he feels a strong emotion: “When Zechariah saw him, he was ; and fear overwhelmed him.” —Luke 1:12 Do you know the literal meaning of the word angel in Greek? ἄγγελος = The angel declares Zechariah will have a son who will prepare the world for the coming Messiah. Zechariah responds with doubt: “Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an and my wife is well along in years.” —Luke 1:18 Zechariah is unable to speak for nine months. After John is born, Zechariah can speak again. Here are his words about the coming of Jesus: “And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of through the forgiveness of their sins because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to on those living in darkness and in the shadow of dea Song - “Noel” Offering - Rick Ayers Prayer of Thanksgiving Closing Song - “Come Let us Adore Him” Benediction 11:00am Prelude - “Gigue on Good Christian Friends Rejoice” - arr. Jeff Perks Welcome - Rev. David Bonnema Lighting the Advent Candle - Ann Lampron as Elizabeth Call to Worship - Rick Ayers Leader: Listen–all creation rejoices with singing! People: Let our ears be opened to the marvels that this day brings. Leader: Rejoice– there is joy in the hearts of those who praise God. People: Let us receive the joy that is ours in Christ Jesus. Leader: See – there are wonders and miracles happening all around us. People: Let us experience the magic and excitement of the season as we worship today. Hymn - “Joy to the World” - #40 Prayer of Confession: Joyful God, we come to you today asking for our hearts to be stirred. We spend so much time planning, worrying, hoping, praying, and wishing that we forget to take time to just be happy. So help us today to be filled with the joy that comes with Christmas, to enjoy time together with our family and friends, and to revel in the beauty and warmth of this Christmas Season, where we celebrate the entry of joy into our world in Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray, Amen. Declaration of Forgiveness Passing of the Peace Children’s Message Anthem - “Morning Star” by Larson/Boersma - Unity Choir Sermon - “In the Silence” - Rev. David Bonnema Today you will be introduced to Zechariah. What was his profession? When Zechariah sees the angel within the holy of holies, he feels a strong emotion: “When Zechariah saw him, he was ; and fear overwhelmed him.” —Luke 1:12 Do you know the literal meaning of the word angel in Greek? ἄγγελος = The angel declares Zechariah will have a son who will prepare the world for the coming Messiah. Zechariah responds with doubt: “Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an and my wife is well along in years.” —Luke 1:18 Zechariah is unable to speak for nine months. After John is born, Zechariah can speak again. Here are his words about the coming of Jesus: “And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of through the forgiveness of their sins because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.” —John 1:76-79 Anthem - “My Lord, He is a-Comin’ Soon” arr. Drennan Offering and Prayer of Thanksgiving Doxology (Gloria in excelsis Deo) Affirmation of Faith by Rev. Stephen M. Fearing: We believe that God has come to us as a little child, making our weakness his strength, securing our salvation by becoming one of us, blessing us with unending love, filling our hearts with joy to be shared with one another. We believe that God has birthed righteousness into the world, giving us a law that will be written upon our hearts, making the cause of the oppressed the highest priority, declaring an everlasting reign of peace, defeating the power of pain and suffering. We believe that God calls us to participate in this reality of love, inviting us to proclaim Christ’s resurrection to others, transforming us as disciples to go out into the world, sending us forth to announce his kingdom of peace and comfort, challenging us to see everyone as nothing less than beloved children. This we believe. Closing Hymn - “Angels We Have Heard on High” - #23 Introduction of New Members Benediction Postlude