CEDAR SPRINGS MORNING WORSHIP December 20, 2020 - 8:15 & 11:00 a.m. Fourth Sunday of Advent Gathering God’s People Word of Welcome

Prelude “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” arr. Duncan God rest you merry, gentlemen, let nothing you dismay, remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas day, to save us all from Satan’s power when we were gone astray. Chorus: O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy, O tidings of comfort and joy. From God our heav’nly Father, a blessed came; and unto certain shepherds brought tidings of the same: how that in Bethlehem was born the Son of God by name. “Fear not, then,” said the angel, “let nothing you affright; this day is born a Savior of a pure virgin bright, to free all those who trust in him from Satan’s pow’r and might.” The shepherds at those tidings rejoiced much in mind, and left their flocks afeeding, in tempest, storm, and wind: and went to Bethlehem straightway, the Son of God to find. Worshiping God in Spirit and Truth

Call to Worship

Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs “What Child Is This” No. 213 What child is this, who, laid to rest, on Mary’s lap is sleeping? Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, while shepherds watch are keeping? This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing: haste, haste to bring him laud, the babe, the son of Mary. Why lies he in such mean estate, where ox and ass are feeding? Good Christian, fear, for sinners here the silent Word is pleading. Nails, spear, shall pierce him through; the cross be borne for me, for you: hail, hail the Word made flesh, the babe, the son of Mary. So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh; come, peasant, king, to own him; the King of kings salvation brings, let loving hearts enthrone him. Raise, raise the song on high, the virgin sings her : joy, joy for Christ is born, the babe, the son of Mary.

“Away In A Manger (Forever Amen)” Murray/Smith/Wickham Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, the little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head; the stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay, the little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay. The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes, the dawn of salvation beginning to break. I love thee, Lord Jesus, oh, gift from above: the King of the heavens forever with us. I worship you, Jesus, for all of my days. The highest of praises be unto your name. My God and my Savior, my King and my Friend; Yours is the glory forever, amen. Yours is the glory forever, amen. Yours is the glory forever, amen. © 2019 Phil Wickham Music, Sing My Songs, Simply Global Songs, Not Just Another Song Publishing, So Essential Tunes, CCLI# 74901

“O Holy Night” arr. Duncan/Paul O holy night! The stars are brightly shining; It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth. Long lay the world in sin and error pining, till he appeared and the soul felt its worth. A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices, For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn. Fall on your knees! O hear the angel voices! O night divine, O night when Christ was born. O night divine, O night, O night divine! Humble he lay, Creator come as creature, born on the floor of a hay-scattered stall. True Son of God, yet bearing human feature, he entered earth to reverse Adam’s fall. In towering grace, he laid aside his glory, and in our place was sacrificed for sin. Fall on your knees! O hear the gospel story! O night divine, O night when Christ was born. O night divine, O night, O night divine! Truly he taught us to love one another; His law is love and his gospel is peace. Chains shall he break, for the slave is our brother, and in his name all oppression shall cease. Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we; Let all within us praise his holy name. Christ is the Lord! O praise his name forever! His pow’r and glory evermore proclaim! His pow’r and glory evermore proclaim! © 2014 Sovereign Grace Music, this arrangement © 2018 Andrew Duncan and Landon Paul

Peace & Greetings

Announcements

Pastoral Prayer of Intercession Hearing God’s Word

Scripture Lessons (After each reading the people respond, “Thanks be to God.”) Old Testament Reading Psalm 23 New Testament Reading John 10:11-18 Sermon Text Hebrews 13:20-21 Sermon “Jesus Is Better: Better Life” Tasting God’s Grace Confession of Sin & Assurance of Pardon

Words of Institution & Communion

Prayer Sending God’s People Into the World

Response Song “All I Have Is Christ” Kauflin I once was lost in darkest night, yet thought I knew the way. The sin that promised joy and life has led me to the grave. I had no hope that you would own a rebel to your will. And if you had not loved me first I would refuse you still. But as I ran my hellbound race, indifferent to the cost, you looked upon my helpless state and led me to the cross. And I beheld God’s love displayed. You suffered in my place. You bore the wrath reserved for me. Now all I know is grace. Chorus: Hallelujah! All I have is Christ. Hallelujah! Jesus is my life. Now, Lord, I would be yours alone, and live so all might see. The strength to follow your commands could never come from me. O Father, use my ransomed life in any way you choose. And let my song forever be my only boast is you. © 2008 Sovereign Grace Praise, CCLI# 74901

Benediction

Response Song