Worship Notes for Sunday, December 18, 2011
As Zachariah speaks blessing and prophecy over the infant John, he tells of the coming Messiah as one who will give knowledge of salvation to His people in the forgiveness of their sins, to bring light, and to guide “our feet into the way of peace.” From the opening of the service with Good Christian Men, Rejoice, we sing of “peace!” for “Christ was born to save.” The Call to Worship from Psalm 106 speaks of God’s favor and a call for His saving help. We continue by singing On Christmas Night—a song filled with the joy of Christ’s coming as the Redeemer who has set us free, caused sin to depart, and brings us into the light. The next hymn, From Heaven Came the Angels Bright, sings of the incarnation of Christ to save us all from sin and care.The Old Testament Reading from Isaiah 42, tells of the coming Christ as the servant of the Lord in whom God delights. He will bring justice, establish the covenant, and be a light to the nations. Using Romans 3 & I Peter 3, we confess that we do not seek peace or pursue it, but rather seek after our own ways without fearing God. But God hears our prayers and sustains and forgives us (I Peter 3 & II Chronicles 6). Our next hymn, Thou Who Wast Rich, reminds us of the exchange that Christ made in giving up the glorious splendor of heaven for the purpose of becoming man to bring reconciliation and peace between God and His people.
Our final hymn, Hark the Herald, sings of the “Prince of Peace” who brings light, life and healing. With the Benediction we echo the refrain of praise for the freedom and peace that is restored in the Advent of the eternal Son.
