Opening Scripture and Prayer

Jesus Shall Reign

Jesus shall reign where'er the sun
Does its successive journeys run;
His kingdom spread from shore to shore,
Till moons shall wax and wane no more.

He shall reign in glory, crowned with grace and might
Bless his name and praise our sovereign King.
He shall reign forever with his chosen Bride,
And all the earth shall sing that Jesus is the King.

People and realms of every tongue
Dwell on his love with sweetest song;
And infant voices shall proclaim
Their early blessings on his Name. (refrain)

Let every creature rise and bring
His grateful honors to our King;
Angels descend with songs again,
And earth repeat the loud amen! (refrain)

Prayer of Confession

Our Father, we praise you for the perfect righteousness of Christ, the only hope for sinners like us. Forgive us for not wanting to be more like him, for being content to remain as we are. Save us from being lukewarm or indifferent to your will. Take away our complacency and fill us with the fruit of your Holy Spirit. Keep us from judgmental attitudes and grant that we would be lovers of mercy, kindness, goodness, and truth, we pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Assurance of Pardon: Romans 8:33–34

Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.

He Will Hold Me Fast

When I fear my faith will fail, Christ will hold me fast;
When the tempter would prevail, he will hold me fast.
I could never keep my hold through life's fearful path;
For my love is often cold; he must hold me fast.

He will hold me fast, he will hold me fast;
For my Savior loves me so, he will hold me fast.

Those he saves are his delight, Christ will hold me fast;
Precious in his holy sight, he will hold me fast.
He'll not let my soul be lost; his promises shall last;
Bought by him at such a cost, he will hold me fast. (refrain)

For my life he bled and died, Christ will hold me fast;
Justice has been satisfied; he will hold me fast.
Raised with him to endless life, he will hold me fast
'Till our faith is turned to sight, when he comes at last! (refrain)

Prayer

Scripture Reading: Luke 2:41-52

41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. 42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom. 43 And when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, 44 but supposing him to be in the group they went a day's journey, but then they began to search for him among their relatives and acquaintances, 45 and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 And when his parents saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.” 49 And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?” 50 And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them. 51 And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.

Sermon: The Lost Boy Dr. Liam Goligher

Only a Holy God

Who else commands all the hosts of heaven
Who else could make every king bow down
Who else can whisper and darkness trembles
Only a holy God (continued)

What other beauty demands such praises
What other splendor outshines the sun
What other majesty rules with justice
Only a holy God

Come and behold him, the one and the only
Cry out, sing holy, forever a holy God
Come and worship the holy God

What other glory consumes like fire
What other power can raise the dead
What other name remains undefeated
Only a holy God (refrain)

Who else could rescue me from my failing
Who else would offer his only Son
Who else invites me to call him Father
Only a holy God
Only my holy God! (refrain)

Benediction

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