Christian Liturgy 101: First Sunday Of Advent 2021

by Bobby Gilles

in Liturgy & Sermons

Welcome to Sojourn’s weekly worship music set list review & service recap. You’ll not only read a list of the songs we led, but also the readings and prayers from our liturgy. You can also watch the video stream of the whole service from our Facebook page or here below (you can also see a video of our sermon alone, from Vimeo).

Our liturgy is directed by Worship Director Justin Shaffer, in collaboration with our Creative Staff at Sojourn Church New Albany, and our Liturgy writing team (Rebekah Carroll, Ryan Marsh, and Lindsey Blair).

This Sunday Pastor Lachlan Coffey preached from Revelation 12 in our series Rumors Of Messiah.

—Prelude: “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus” Key, Leader

CALL TO WORSHIP:   Liturgist

Good morning! Welcome to Advent at Sojourn!  

Each week, we’ll hear God’s word, sing, and preach the coming of Christ,

the hope that breaks apart the darkness and rescues the world!

We’ll light a candle on this wreath – just a humble flicker echoing the brilliant light of Christ. Today, we begin Advent with the lighting of the HOPE candle. God gave us hope, sending Christ himself into our darkness. Isaiah, the prophet of Israel, foretold of Jesus’ light shining into the world. Hear the word of the Lord:

That time of darkness and despair will not go on forever.

2 The people who walk in darkness

will see a great light.

For those who live in a land of deep darkness,

a light will shine.

3 You will enlarge the nation of Israel,

and its people will rejoice.

4 For you will break the yoke of their slavery

and lift the heavy burden from their shoulders.

5 The boots of the warrior

and the uniforms bloodstained by war

will all be burned.

They will be fuel for the fire.

6 For a child is born to us,

    a son is given to us.

The government will rest on his shoulders.

    And he will be called:

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

7 His government and its peace

    will never end.

He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David

    for all eternity.

—Isaiah 9:1a, 2-3a, 4a NLT

—Song 2: “God is With Us” Key, Leader

CONFESSION/LAMENT:  Band Member

O Lord, I give my life to you.

I trust in you, my God!

Do not let me be disgraced,

or let my enemies rejoice in my defeat.

No one who trusts in you will ever be disgraced,

but disgrace comes to those who try to deceive others.

 

Show me the right path, O Lord;

point out the road for me to follow.

Lead me by your truth and teach me,

    for you are the God who saves me.

    All day long I put my hope in you.

Remember, O Lord, your compassion and unfailing love,

which you have shown from long ages past.

Do not remember the rebellious sins of my youth.

Remember me in the light of your unfailing love,

    for you are merciful, O Lord.

-Psalm 25:1-7 NLT

 

—Song 3: “Your Presence is Heaven to Me” Key, Leader

ASSURANCE & GIVING: Liturgist

Let’s hear what God promised His people through his prophet Jeremiah:

The day will come, says the Lord, when I will do for Israel and Judah all the good things I have promised them.

In those days and at that time

I will raise up a righteous descendant from King David’s line.

He will do what is just and right throughout the land.

In that day Judah will be saved,

and Jerusalem will live in safety.

And this will be its name:

‘The Lord Is Our Righteousness.’

-Jeremiah 33: 14-16 NLT

God is true to His word, and He has given us salvation through Jesus – this righteous descendant from King David’s line. Let’s sing!

—Song 4: “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” Key, Leader

PASSING OF THE PEACE: Band Member

As we read earlier, Jesus is the Prince of Peace. He has brought us peace with God and with each other, a peace we could never create on our own. Take a minute to say hello as we share in that peace together!

——————————————   [SERMON & COMMUNION]   ——————————————-

—Song 5: “All Glory Be to Christ” Key, Leader

ANNOUNCEMENTS (BAPTISMS AT 11AM SERVICE ONLY)

—Song 6: “Is He Worthy” Key, Leader

BENEDICTION: Liturgist

May God our Father himself and our Master Jesus clear the road to you! And may the Master pour on the love so it fills your lives and splashes over on everyone around you, just as it does from us to you. May you be infused with strength and purity, filled with confidence in the presence of God our Father when our Master Jesus arrives with all his followers.    Peace be with you!

 

                                                                                                            -1 Thessalonians 3:11-13

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