*Entire service available on video HERE
Call to Worship
I will exalt you, Lord,
because you have lifted me up
and have not allowed my enemies
to triumph over me.
2 Lord my God,
I cried to you for help, and you healed me.
3 Lord, you brought me up from Sheol;
you spared me from among those
going down to the Pit.
4 Sing to the Lord, you his faithful ones,
and praise his holy name.
5 For his anger lasts only a moment,
but his favor, a lifetime.
Weeping may stay overnight,
but there is joy in the morning.
6 When I was secure, I said,
“I will never be shaken.”
7 Lord, when you showed your favor,
you made me stand like a strong mountain;
when you hid your face, I was terrified.
8 Lord, I called to you;
I sought favor from my Lord:
9 “What gain is there in my death,
if I go down to the Pit?
Will the dust praise you?
Will it proclaim your truth?
10 Lord, listen and be gracious to me;
Lord, be my helper.”
11 You turned my lament into dancing;
you removed my sackcloth
and clothed me with gladness,
12 so that I can sing to you and not be silent.
Lord my God, I will praise you forever.
-Psalm 30
Worship In Song
Joy To The World
This Is Amazing Grace
The Candle Lighting
Week 4: Joy (The Stott Family)
The Reading Of God’s Word
Isaiah 7:10-16 (Jess Stott)
10 Then the Lord spoke again to Ahaz:
11 “Ask for a sign from the Lord your God—it can be as deep as Sheol or as high as heaven.”
12 But Ahaz replied, “I will not ask. I will not test the Lord.”
13 Isaiah said, “Listen, house of David! Is it not enough for you to try the patience of men? Will you also try the patience of my God?
14 Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign: See, the virgin will conceive, have a son, and name him Immanuel.
15 By the time he learns to reject what is bad and choose what is good, he will be eating curds and honey.
16 For before the boy knows to reject what is bad and choose what is good, the land of the two kings you dread will be abandoned.
The Proclamation Of God’s Word
Romans 5:1-5: Joy (Sean Nolan)
Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. We have also obtained access through him by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also boast in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Songs Of Response
O Praise The Name (Anastasis)
O Come, O Come Emmanuel
Rejoice
Announcements
12/23 – Eve of the Eve @ 6PM
12/29 – Dinner Celebration
1/8 – Engaging With Engage
Worship Through Giving:
Those who call Engage home are encouraged to worship through giving. Those giving by cash or check are encouraged to drop in the collection box in the lobby. To read more about what we believe about giving or to submit an offering online click HERE.
(also available on Venmo: @EngageAlbany)
Benediction
Isaiah says, The root of Jesse will appear, the one who rises to rule the Gentiles; the Gentiles will hope in him. Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
-Romans 15: 12-13