1 Peter 1:8–9
[8] Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, [9] obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. (ESV)
Scripture Reading
One of our Advent traditions is having families read the sermon text both in English and in a different language. We do this because the Gospel is Good News for ALL PEOPLE! This week we had a special treat as children from Coram Deo Academy read 1 Peter 1:8-9 in both English and Latin. The students have been learning Latin in school and were eager to share with us! The Goodnough family read at the 8 AM service, the Butler family read at the 9:30 AM service, and the Petrick family read at the 11:10 AM service.
Call to Worship
Psalm 139:7–12
[7] Where shall I go from your Spirit?
Or where shall I flee from your presence?
[8] If I ascend to heaven, you are there!
If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!
[9] If I take the wings of the morning
and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
[10] even there your hand shall lead me,
and your right hand shall hold me.
[11] If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me,
and the light about me be night,”
[12] even the darkness is not dark to you;
the night is bright as the day,
for darkness is as light with you.
Prayer of Repentance
Gracious Lord, our iniquities have gone over our heads; like a heavy burden, they are too heavy for us; but weary and heavy laden under this burden, we come to Christ, who has promised that in him we shall find rest for our souls. Rescue us from every evil deed and bring us safely into your heavenly kingdom; being kept from stumbling, may we be presented blameless at the coming of your glory with great joy. Amen.
Benediction
Heavenly Father, May the inexpressible joy of knowing Christ fill your hearts, overflow into your lives, and may His light shine through you as a beacon of love and grace.
Though you have not seen Him, you love Him. Though you do not now see Him, you believe and rejoice with a joy that is radiant with glory. May the Good News of Christ's birth transform your sorrows into rejoicing, your fears into hope, and your weariness into worship. May His peace dwell richly in you and His hope guide you, living as bearers of His light and joy to a weary world. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Weekly Discipleship Resources
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Weekly Discipleship Resources are tools for families to use to help connect Sunday’s sermon to the rest of your week, fostering conversations and habits of worship.
