The Fourth Sunday in Advent

December 23, 2007 9:00am

Thank You for sharing this time of worship with us. We're glad you're here! Please sign the Friendship Register. Do come again! If you do not have a local church home, we invite you to make your home with us. Here you will find Christian love, opportunities for spiritual growth, warm friendships, and an appreciation of being part of God’s family.

The Lord's Supper is being celebrated today. This special meal, instituted by Christ, unites us with Him and our brothers and sisters in the faith. This sacrament is intended for those who are baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; trust in Jesus Christ as the only way to heaven; and believe that the true body and blood of Jesus are present with the bread and wine of Holy Communion. Guests who share this faith are invited to speak with the pastor before joining us in this holy meal.

Please Don’t Rush Off After The Worship Service. Stick around for a time of socializing and refreshments. We hope you are able to stay! The Education Hour follows at 10:30. Welcome!

Assisting Us In Worship This Morning

Emily Meier and Sarah Schuyler, greeters

Margaret Meier, organ and keyboard

Ann Karpenko, April Pearson, & Marcia Schuyler and Dottie Wezler, special music

Joel Meier, communion assistant

We Gather To Worship The Lord

Order of Service: Service of Word and Sacrament, page 26 in the hymnal

Hymns: 5 24 23

Message: Matthew 1:18-25

“As We Prepare For Christmas: What Does God’s Word Say?”

OLD TESTAMENT READING Isaiah 7:10-14

Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, "Ask the Lord your God for a sign, whether in the deepest depths or in the highest heights."

But Ahaz said, "I will not ask; I will not put the Lord to the test."

Then Isaiah said, "Hear now, you house of David! Is it not enough to try the patience of men? Will you try the patience of my God also? Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call Him Immanuel.

EPISTLE Romans 1:1-7

Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God-- the gospel He promised beforehand through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures regarding His Son, who as to His human nature was a descendant of David, and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by His resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord.

Through Him and for His name's sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith.

And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ. To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

HOLY GOSPEL Matthew 1:18-25

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.

Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered 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 home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins."

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel"-- which means, "God with us."

When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave Him the name Jesus.

This Week At Mt. Olive

Today: 8:45am Prayer Time in the Fireside Room

9:00am Family Worship Service with Holy Communion

10:00am Refreshments and Social Time

10:30am Combined Sunday School and Adult Bible Class

Monday: 7:00pm CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICE

Tuesday: 9:00am CHRISTMAS DAY FESTIVAL WORSHIP

Wednesday - Saturday: No Activities or Classes at Church

Next Sunday: 9:00am Family Worship Service

10:00am Social Time (No Education Hour)

Students and Visitors: Please include your email address in the Friendship Register information. Thanks!

The Following have provided Poinsettias to add beauty and color to our sanctuary this Christmas season. Sincere thanks!

Harold and Jean Brown To the glory of God

Darryl and Pam Folkens To the glory of God

Jerry and Mary Holen In memory of Loved Ones

Florench Juth To the glory of God

Don Karpenko Family To the glory of God

Joel and Fran Meier In memory of Joseph Falteisek

Norb and Margaret Meier To the glory of God

John and Jane Murray To the glory of God

Mae Schmidt To the glory of God

Greg Schuyler Family To the glory of God

Hilliard Smith In memory of Hilliard H & Evelyn Smith

Marlene Struwe To the glory of God

Tom Thompson Family To the glory of God

Ed and Marcella Voss To the glory of God

Dorothy Wezler In memory of Norman & Janette Wezler