Psalms, Hymns & Spiritual Songs: 09.11.30 (Advent 1)

The season of Advent is now upon us. Bruce Benedict writes that Advent (which means “coming” or “arrival”) is a time that "focuses our attention of Jesus Christ’s birth and ministry as well as his Second Coming. Since we can’t anticipate the day or hour of Christ’s return, we are filled with both a sense of Joyful expectation and humble reverence, with our spiritual focus being on lives of prayer and preparation."

Advent is one of my favorite times in the church calendar for the eason that it asks that we slow down and examine the story of Jesus Christ more closely. In the details of his arrival and birth we remember how God fulfilled his ancient promises to Israel. We then find encouragement has we hold fast to His promise that Christ will one day come again and restore this broken world.

The Crossing's services on 30 November ushered us into the season of Advent with songs scripture readings and silent prayer that helped us to be still, wait, understand our need and thus, go deeper in our longing for Christ, our Emmanuel (which means, "God with us").

Call to Worship

Joyous Light
Words by unknown author, late 3rd -early century 4th century;
Translated by John Keble, 1834,
Alt. arrangement and additional chorus by Chris Tomlin,
David Crowder and Louie Giglio.
Recording by Chris Tomlin

Coming Glory: Candle Lighting
Isaiah 9:2

Prepare a Place
By Michael W. Smith and Christine Dente
Recording by Michael W. Smith and Christine Dente
From the album “Gloria”

Coming Glory: Prayer Litany
Psalm 24:9-10, John 1:14, 2 Corinthians 3:9b,
Isaiah 40:3-5, Matthew 25:31-32a

O Come, O Come Emmanuel
LM 88 88 (Veni Emmanuel), Words: Latin, 12th Cent; tr. composite
Tune: "Processionale:, 15th cent. ; adpt. Thomas Helmore, 1854
Recording by Red Mountain Church
From the album “Silent Night”

Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus
Words: Charles Wesley
Hymns for the Nativity of Our Lord
(London: William Strahan, 1745), number 10.
Music: Hyfrydol, Rowland H. Prichard (1830)
Alternate tune: Traditional Welsh Melody
Recording by Red Mountain Church
From the album “Silent Night”

Coming Glory: The Advent of Jesus Christ, Part 1
Luke 1:1-25

Come, Lord Jesus (An Advent Song)
By Diane Thiel
Recording by Diane Thiel (Vineyard Music)
From the album “Is God Listening?” 

Message:
Finding Hope in the Ultimate Dysfunctional Family
Keith Simon | Matthew 1:1-17

The Gospel Song
Words by Drew Jones, Music by Bob Kauflin
Recording by Sovereign Grace
From the album “Songs for The Cross Centered Life”

Musicians for 30 November 2009:
Vocals: Mark Collum
Bass: Nick Havens
Acoustic Guitar and Vocals: Scott Johnson
Vocals: Megan McDonnell
Reader: Claire Novak 
Cello: Josie Patton 
Percussion: Stephen Varner
Piano: Ethan Vizitei
Organ: Cortney Wright