Sunday Worship at 8:00am & 10:30am, Spiritual Growth Hour at 9:15am

 January 1, 2017                                                            Christmas 1

Welcome to all worshipers of Jesus! Today we celebrate the grace of God that comes in the Child of Bethlehem. This grace is mighty and accomplishes the will of God as he wills and when he wills, despite the opposition of the wicked men or human barriers.

Order of Service

The Common Service, page 15 in the front part of the hymnal

Opening Hymn

Now Sing We, Now Rejoice, #34

Prayer of the Day

Almighty God, in mercy you sent your one and only Son to take upon himself our human nature. By his gracious coming deliver us from the corruption of our sin and transform us into the likeness of his glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.. Amen (sung)

First Lesson

Isaiah 63:7-9

Isaiah praises the kindness of God toward his people. In kindness “he became their Savior” who redeems and carries them in his grace.

Psalm of the Day

Psalm 2, Page 65 in the front part of the hymnal

Second Lesson

Galatians 4:4-7

God's grace is not random or chance. Christ came at precisely the right time, deliberately, purposefully, to extend the grace of God over Jew and Gentile alike that all who believe might receive adoption into the family of God as his children.

Gospel Lesson

Matthew 2:13-15,19-23

“The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.” (John 1:5). Thus Herod seeks to take the life of the infant King. But God's grace will not be thwarted by the “kings of the earth.” Jesus is taken to safety in Egypt, and from there to Nazareth in fulfillment of the word of the prophets.

Hymn of the Day

Let All Together Praise Our God, #41

Sermon

Galatians 4:4-7—Immanuel Wants More

Hymn

Take and Eat, #741

Closing Hymn

Where Shepherds Lately Knelt, #54