FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
ORDER OF WORSHIP
FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
December 21, 2025
PRELUDE O Come, O Come, Emmanuel - arr. Burton Bumgarner
WELCOME
ANNOUNCEMENTS
-TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP at 9:30ish AM at First Lutheran Mission Coffee House.
-THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY will meet again after the holidays on Thursday, January 8, 2026
-CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICE will be held Wednesday, December 24 at 5:30 PM.
-PC(USA) CHRISTMAS JOY SPECIAL OFFERING ‘Prepare the Way’ donations will be accepted Nov. 30-Dec. 21, 2025. This is the last Sunday for donations. Envelopes will be by the offering plates. Thank you for your generosity!
-CHURCH OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED December 24-26 for Christmas.
CALL TO WORSHIP
Come, all who seek God’s presence.
We come, bringing our hearts, our hopes, our lives.
Come, and let us worship the One who comes to us, offering mercy and grace
We come to make space for God’s love to dwell among us.
Come, let us worship the Lord together!
*OPENING HYMN #13 (blue) “Prepare the Way”
Prepare the way, O Zion, Your Christ is drawing near!
Let every hill and valley A level way appear.
Greet One who comes in glory, Foretold in sacred story.
O blest is Christ that came In God’s most holy name.
Christ brings God’s rule, O Zion; He comes from heaven above.
His rule is peace and freedom, And justice, truth, and love.
Life high your praise resounding, For grace and joy abounding.
O blest is Christ that came In God’s most holy name.
Fling wide your gates, O Zion; Your Savior’s rule embrace.
And tidings of salvation Proclaim in every place.
All lands will bow rejoicing, Their adoration voicing.
O blest is Christ that came In God’s most holy name.
*CALL TO CONFESSION
*PRAYER OF CONFESSION
God of grace, we long to make room for you, yet our hearts are often crowded with worry, doubt, and distraction. We can see when we say or do what we shouldn’t, but it is harder to notice when we fail to say or do what we should. Forgive us, and guide us. This Advent, open our hearts that we might welcome you—and all whom you send—with love, with openness, and with generous hands. Amen.
*ASSURANCE OF PARDON
RESPONSE (v. 3 “Lift up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates”)
Redeemer, come! I open wide
my heart to thee; here, Lord, abide.
let me thy inner presence feel;
thy grace and love in me reveal.
CHILDREN’S TIME FOR MUSIC “O Come, Little Children”, “Mary and Joseph”, and “A Spanish Carol” Nora Bouyoutal, violin and Nancy Ohnstad, piano
LIGHTING THE ADVENT CANDLE AND REPONSE Week 4 - “LOVE”
Scripture: Luke 1:78–79
“By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us…”
Reading:
Today we light the fourth candle, the candle of Love.
In Mary’s song and Mary’s Child, we see the depth of God’s compassion—a love so great it enters our world in the most vulnerable way. Like a sunrise breaking through the longest night, Christ’s love guides our steps and warms our hearts. These four candles glow as a witness that God’s love is not distant, but present, near, and shining.
This candle proclaims: “Christ has come—our guiding light.”
Congregation sings:
Four bright candles blaze with love, shining like the star above.
All our hearts are warmed and bright, Christ has come, our guiding light.
Light the candle, shine the light, Christ is coming, holy, bright.
Hope and peace and joy and love, come to us from heav’n above
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION AND SCRIPTURE READING
Isaiah 7:10-14
10Again the LORD spoke to Ahaz, saying,
11Ask a sign of the LORD your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven. 12But Ahaz said, I will not ask, and I will not put the LORD to the test. 13Then Isaiah said: “Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary mortals, that you weary my God also? 14Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel.
Matthew 1:18-25
18Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. 20But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet:
23 “Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall name him Emmanuel,”
which means, “God is with us.” 24When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, 25but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.
SERMON- Come, Making Room
SPECIAL MUSIC “Will You Come” (Sally Deford) Donna Flint
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
We believe in a God who loves the world so much that He sent His Son to the world. This same God calls us to make room, to open our hearts, and to prepare the way. We trust that Christ comes to dwell among us, and we commit to make space in our hearts, our homes, and our lives. Amen.
HYMN #11 (blue) “O Lord How Shall I Meet You?”
O Lord, how shall I meet You, how welcome You aright?
Your people long to greet You, my hope, my heart’s delight!
O, kindle, Lord most holy, a lamp within my breast,
To do in spirit lowly all that may please You best.
Love caused Your incarnation; love brought You down to me;
Your thirst for my salvation procured my liberty.
O, love beyond all telling, that led You to embrace
in love, all loves excelling, our lost and fallen race.
A glorious crown You give me, a treasure safe on high,
That will not fail nor leave me as earthly riches fly.
My heart shall bloom forever for You with praises new,
And from Your name shall never withhold the honor due.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER
Those Who Mourn: prayers for the families and friends of Robert (Bob) Fishback who passed away December 7, Michael (Mike) McCann who passed away December 9, and Marlys Moore who passed away December 17.
Concerns: Don B, Duane & Kris, Bob O
Our homebound or in care members: Richard & Dolores C, JoAnn G, Jan J, Darwin L (Jeanne caregiver), Bob O (Nancy caregiver), Rose P, Joyce R, Steve VB, Dee W (Please reach out)
This Week’s Prayer Families: Richard & Dolores C, Ginny C, Maxine D
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day, our daily bread, and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever, Amen.
OFFERING OF OURSELVES AND OUR RESOURCES
*DOXOLOGY
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
*CLOSING HYMN #40 (blue) “Joy to the World”
Joy to the world; the Lord is come;
Let Earth receive her King;
Let ev'ry heart prepare Him room,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven, and heaven and nature sing.
Joy to the world, the Savior reigns:
Let us our songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.
No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as the curse is found.
He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders of His love.
CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE Joy to the World, arr. Ruth Elaine Schram
ORDER OF WORSHIP
FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
December 21, 2025
PRELUDE O Come, O Come, Emmanuel - arr. Burton Bumgarner
WELCOME
ANNOUNCEMENTS
-TUESDAY MORNING COFFEE GROUP at 9:30ish AM at First Lutheran Mission Coffee House.
-THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY will meet again after the holidays on Thursday, January 8, 2026
-CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICE will be held Wednesday, December 24 at 5:30 PM.
-PC(USA) CHRISTMAS JOY SPECIAL OFFERING ‘Prepare the Way’ donations will be accepted Nov. 30-Dec. 21, 2025. This is the last Sunday for donations. Envelopes will be by the offering plates. Thank you for your generosity!
-CHURCH OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED December 24-26 for Christmas.
CALL TO WORSHIP
Come, all who seek God’s presence.
We come, bringing our hearts, our hopes, our lives.
Come, and let us worship the One who comes to us, offering mercy and grace
We come to make space for God’s love to dwell among us.
Come, let us worship the Lord together!
*OPENING HYMN #13 (blue) “Prepare the Way”
Prepare the way, O Zion, Your Christ is drawing near!
Let every hill and valley A level way appear.
Greet One who comes in glory, Foretold in sacred story.
O blest is Christ that came In God’s most holy name.
Christ brings God’s rule, O Zion; He comes from heaven above.
His rule is peace and freedom, And justice, truth, and love.
Life high your praise resounding, For grace and joy abounding.
O blest is Christ that came In God’s most holy name.
Fling wide your gates, O Zion; Your Savior’s rule embrace.
And tidings of salvation Proclaim in every place.
All lands will bow rejoicing, Their adoration voicing.
O blest is Christ that came In God’s most holy name.
*CALL TO CONFESSION
*PRAYER OF CONFESSION
God of grace, we long to make room for you, yet our hearts are often crowded with worry, doubt, and distraction. We can see when we say or do what we shouldn’t, but it is harder to notice when we fail to say or do what we should. Forgive us, and guide us. This Advent, open our hearts that we might welcome you—and all whom you send—with love, with openness, and with generous hands. Amen.
*ASSURANCE OF PARDON
RESPONSE (v. 3 “Lift up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates”)
Redeemer, come! I open wide
my heart to thee; here, Lord, abide.
let me thy inner presence feel;
thy grace and love in me reveal.
CHILDREN’S TIME FOR MUSIC “O Come, Little Children”, “Mary and Joseph”, and “A Spanish Carol” Nora Bouyoutal, violin and Nancy Ohnstad, piano
LIGHTING THE ADVENT CANDLE AND REPONSE Week 4 - “LOVE”
Scripture: Luke 1:78–79
“By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us…”
Reading:
Today we light the fourth candle, the candle of Love.
In Mary’s song and Mary’s Child, we see the depth of God’s compassion—a love so great it enters our world in the most vulnerable way. Like a sunrise breaking through the longest night, Christ’s love guides our steps and warms our hearts. These four candles glow as a witness that God’s love is not distant, but present, near, and shining.
This candle proclaims: “Christ has come—our guiding light.”
Congregation sings:
Four bright candles blaze with love, shining like the star above.
All our hearts are warmed and bright, Christ has come, our guiding light.
Light the candle, shine the light, Christ is coming, holy, bright.
Hope and peace and joy and love, come to us from heav’n above
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION AND SCRIPTURE READING
Isaiah 7:10-14
10Again the LORD spoke to Ahaz, saying,
11Ask a sign of the LORD your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven. 12But Ahaz said, I will not ask, and I will not put the LORD to the test. 13Then Isaiah said: “Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary mortals, that you weary my God also? 14Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel.
Matthew 1:18-25
18Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. 20But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet:
23 “Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall name him Emmanuel,”
which means, “God is with us.” 24When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, 25but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.
SERMON- Come, Making Room
SPECIAL MUSIC “Will You Come” (Sally Deford) Donna Flint
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
We believe in a God who loves the world so much that He sent His Son to the world. This same God calls us to make room, to open our hearts, and to prepare the way. We trust that Christ comes to dwell among us, and we commit to make space in our hearts, our homes, and our lives. Amen.
HYMN #11 (blue) “O Lord How Shall I Meet You?”
O Lord, how shall I meet You, how welcome You aright?
Your people long to greet You, my hope, my heart’s delight!
O, kindle, Lord most holy, a lamp within my breast,
To do in spirit lowly all that may please You best.
Love caused Your incarnation; love brought You down to me;
Your thirst for my salvation procured my liberty.
O, love beyond all telling, that led You to embrace
in love, all loves excelling, our lost and fallen race.
A glorious crown You give me, a treasure safe on high,
That will not fail nor leave me as earthly riches fly.
My heart shall bloom forever for You with praises new,
And from Your name shall never withhold the honor due.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER
Those Who Mourn: prayers for the families and friends of Robert (Bob) Fishback who passed away December 7, Michael (Mike) McCann who passed away December 9, and Marlys Moore who passed away December 17.
Concerns: Don B, Duane & Kris, Bob O
Our homebound or in care members: Richard & Dolores C, JoAnn G, Jan J, Darwin L (Jeanne caregiver), Bob O (Nancy caregiver), Rose P, Joyce R, Steve VB, Dee W (Please reach out)
This Week’s Prayer Families: Richard & Dolores C, Ginny C, Maxine D
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day, our daily bread, and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever, Amen.
OFFERING OF OURSELVES AND OUR RESOURCES
*DOXOLOGY
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
*CLOSING HYMN #40 (blue) “Joy to the World”
Joy to the world; the Lord is come;
Let Earth receive her King;
Let ev'ry heart prepare Him room,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven, and heaven and nature sing.
Joy to the world, the Savior reigns:
Let us our songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.
No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as the curse is found.
He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders of His love.
CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE Joy to the World, arr. Ruth Elaine Schram
