Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus
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.
(Words: Charles Wesley, Music: Rowland Hugh Pritchard, Harmony: Ralph Vaughn Williams. Words: Public Domain; Music: Harmony © Oxford University Press from The English Hymnal, as printed in the Presbyterian Church in Canada Hymn Book © 1996. Church CCLI # 2458953)
ADVENT WREATH – Candle of Hope
Leader: The season of Advent begins, and we celebrate the hope
we find in the good news of the Gospel.
Congregation: Through the birth
of a tiny and helpless child,
God comes to save the world.
Leader: While we watch and wait for Jesus,
we join God’s mission by bringing grace and mercy
to those who need it most.
Congregation: We engage the poor and the poor in spirit,
letting Christ’s light shine through us.
Leader: We speak words of comfort and love
to a world in need of hope and healing
as we share our stories of God’s transforming Spirit.
Congregation: Together, we are a sign of God’s hope for the world.
(The candle is lit)
Leader: Let us pray:
Congregation: God of surprising grace,
when we least expect it
You bring fresh new life;
and where we feel that all is lost,
You bring redemption.
Give us courage as we share
all You have done,
all You are doing,
and all You will accomplish
through Jesus Christ. Amen.
Sung Response: Hope is a Star
Hope is a star that shines in the night,
leading us on till the morning is bright.
When God is a child
there’s joy in our song.
The last shall be first
and the weak shall be strong,
and none shall be afraid.
(Words: Brian Wren, Music: Joan Collier Fogg
Words & Music: © 1989 by Hope Publishing Co. Church CCLI # 2458953)
Angels from the Realms of Glory
Angels from the realms of glory,
wing your flight o’er all the earth;
ye who sang creation’s story,
now proclaim Messiah’s birth.
Come and worship, come and worship,
worship Christ, the newborn King.
Shepherds in your field abiding,
watching o’er your flocks by night,
God with us is now residing;
yonder shines the infant Light.
Come and worship, come and worship,
worship Christ, the newborn King.
Though an infant now we view Him,
He shall fill His Father’s throne,
gather all the nations to Him;
every knee shall then bow down.
Come and worship, come and worship,
worship Christ, the newborn King.
(Words: James Montgomery, Music: Henry T. Stewart,
Words & Music: Public Domain. Church CCLI#2458953)