For an explanation of the details of this liturgy, see “A Brief Walk-Through Our Liturgy.” This is based on John Calvin’s liturgy in the church in Strassbourg published in 1545. For a paper on the pattern of Biblical worship from “the Garden of Eden to the New Jerusalem,” see “The Heavenly Pattern of Worship” by Peter J. Wallace.
Entering into God’s Presence
(* All those who are able, please stand.)
* Call to Worship  Psalm 95:1-2, 6-7, Revelation 5:12
* Invocation  Psalm 124:8
* God’s GreetingÂ
* Opening Prayer
* Psalm of Praise  O Come, All You Faithful #341:1-3
Confession of Sin
Reading of the Law  Ephesians 4:25-32
Confession of Sin
The psalmist testifies: Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what he has done for me. If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. In the strength of this assurance, let us confess our sins to God. (Psa 66:16-18):
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions.
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me.
Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment.
Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. (Psalm 51:1, 2, 4, 9, 10, 12)
Assurance of Pardon  Isaiah 9:2, 6-7
Response of Gratitude
Minister: O Lord, open my lips.
People: And my mouth will declare your praise.—Psalm 51:15
Minister: Praise the Lord.
People: The Lord’s name be praised.—Psalm 135:1
The Creed  Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 35 and 36
OfferingsÂ
Congregational Prayer
Service of the Word
Scripture Lessons  Micah 5:2; Isaiah 9:6-7; Luke 2:8-20
Gloria Patri
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.
* Song of Preparation  O Give the Lord Wholehearted Praise (Psa 111)  #222:1-3, 5
Sermon: The Announcement of the Fulfillment
1. The Angel’s Announcement
2. The Shepherds Announcing …
3. The Perfect Work of Christ for Us
Leaving to Serve
* Song of Consecration  Angels, from the Realms of Glory #340:1,2,4
* Doxology  Angels, from the Realms of Glory #340:5
* Benediction  2 Corinthians 13:14
* Amen! Â Three-Fold Amen