Order of Worship

Preparation for Worship

Prelude and Silent Prayer
Introit ~ Choir
**Hymn "The First Noel"

(please stand)

Welcome and Announcements

Adoration of God

Call to Worship: Matthew 2:9-12
**Hymn #147 "O Come, All Ye Faithful"

(please stand)

**Hymn # "How Great Our Joy"

Confession of Sin

**Reading of the Law: 2 Peter 1:3-11

(remain standing)

General Confession and Assurance of Pardon
Affirmation of Faith: The Westminster Shorter Catechism, Q/A's 84-85
**Hymn # "A Communion Hymn for Christmas"

"A Christmas Song" Nathan Gorham

Means of Grace

Pastoral & Lord's Prayer
Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 1:1-9
New Testament Reading: Revelation 21:1-5
Sermon: Groaning for the Future from Romans 8:18-27

I. Introduction
II. Future Glory

A. What is meant by "glory"?
B. Present suffering vs. future glory
C. Three groans

i. Creation
ii. Us (the believer)
iii. Holy Spirit

III. Conclusion and Application

A. What does the Holy Spirit pray (groan) for?
B. Do you "groan" for eternity?
C. There is someone else praying for us, too!

Hymn #135 "Go, Tell It on the Mountain"

(remain seated)

Communion

Response and Blessing

**Doxology #631 to the tune of: "For all the Saints"

(please stand)

Praise ye the Lord, His mighty works acclaim:
His years are endless, yet is He the same
O sing His praise, give glory to His holy name:
Alleluia, alleluia. Amen

**Blessing/Benediction