Here is the worship guide for Sunday, December 10, 2023.
PDF version of the worship guide to download or print.
The livestream will begin at 10:30 a.m. on our Facebook page or YouTube page.
Welcome and Announcements
Opening Prayer
Song: “Ancient of Days”
Music and words: Jesse Reeves, Jonny Robinson, Michael Farren,
and Rich Thompson.
Though the nations rage, kingdoms rise and fall,
There is will one King reigning over all.
So, I will not fear for this truth remains:
That my God is the Ancient of Days.
None above Him, none before Him, all of time in His hands.
For His throne, it shall remain and ever stand.
All the power, all the glory, I will trust in His name.
For my God is the Ancient of Days.
Though the dread of night overwhelms my soul,
He is here with me. I am not alone.
Oh, His love is sure, and He knows my name.
For my God is the Ancient of Days.
None above Him, none before Him, all of time in His hands.
For His throne, it shall remain and ever stand.
All the power, all the glory, I will trust in His name.
For my God is the Ancient of Days.
Though I may not see what the future brings,
I will watch and wait for the Savior King.
Then, my joy complete, standing face to face
In the presence of the Ancient of Days.
None above Him, none before Him, all of time in His hands.
For His throne, it shall remain and ever stand.
All the power, all the glory, I will trust in His name.
For my God is the Ancient of Days, for my God is the Ancient of Days.
Advent Reading and Candle Lighting
Isaiah 9:6–7 (ESV)
6 For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of his government and of peace
there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
Hymn: “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”
Words: Latin Hymn, trans. J. M. Neale, H. S. Coffin.
Additional words by S. Cook, B. Kauflin.
Music: Plainsong (“Veni Emmanuel”)
O Come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel
that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear.
O Come, Thou, Dayspring from on high and cause Thy light on us to rise;
disperse the gloomy clouds of night and death’s dark shadow put to flight.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
O Come, O come, true prophet of the Lord,
and turn the key to heaven’s door;
be Thou our comforter and guide and lead us to the Father’s side.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall by His word our darkness dispel.
O come, our great High Priest, and intercede; Thy sacrifice, our only plea; the judgment we no longer fear; Thy precious blood has brought us near.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel has banished every fear of hell.
O come, Thou King of nations bring an end to all our suffering;
bid every pain and sorrow cease; and reign now as our Prince of Peace.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel, Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel,
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come again with us to dwell.
Hymn: “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus”
Words by Charles Wesley. Music by Rowland Prichard.
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.
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.
Sermon: “Be Content”
Philippians 4:10–23 (ESV)
10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. 15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. 16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. 18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. 22 All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.
23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
Hymn: “My Shepherd, You Supply My Need”
Words: Isaac Watts. Music: North American Traditional.
My Shepherd, you supply my need, most holy is Your name.
In pastures fresh You make me feed, beside the living stream.
You bring my wand’ring spirit back when I forsake Your ways,
and lead me, for Your mercy’s sake, in paths of truth and grace.
When I walk through the shades of death, Your presence is my stay;
one word of Your supporting breath drives all my fears away.
Your hand, in sight of all my foes, does still my table spread;
my cup with blessings overflows, Your oil anoints my head.
The sure provisions of my God attend me all my days;
oh, may Your house be my abode, and all my work be praise.
Here would I find a settled rest, while others go and come;
no more a stranger, or a guest, but like a child at home.
Benediction
Philippians 4:23 (ESV)
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.