December 24, 2022

*Call To Worship | Isaiah 7:14 | Rev. Blake Arnoult

God invites and calls us into his presence to worship him.

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7:14 Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

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First Lesson | Isaiah 9:2, 6-7

God promises his people shrouded in darkness that a great light is coming and that light is a child.

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2 The people who walked in darkness

have seen a great light;

those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,

on them has light shone.

6 For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given;

and the government shall be upon his shoulder,

and his name shall be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

7 Of the increase of his government and of peace

there will be no end,

on the throne of David and over his kingdom,

to establish it and to uphold it

with justice and with righteousness

from this time forth and forevermore.

The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.

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*Carol | O Come, O Come Emmanuel

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O come, O come, Emmanuel

And ransom captive Israel

That mourns in lonely exile here

Until the Son of God appear

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Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel

Shall come to thee, O Israel.

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O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free

Thine own from Satan's tyranny

From depths of Hell Thy people save

And give them victory o'er the grave

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Chorus

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O come, Thou Day-Spring, come and cheer

Our spirits by Thine advent here

Disperse the gloomy clouds of night

And death's dark shadows put to flight.

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Chorus

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O come, O come, Thou Lord of might,

Who to Thy tribes, on Sinai's height,

In ancient times did'st give the Law,

In cloud, and majesty and awe.

/Chorus/

Music and Lyrics: John Mason Neale, Thomas Helmore

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Second Lesson | Luke 1:26-38

The angel of the Lord appears to the virgin Mary and announces the miraculous conception of the Christ child that she will bear.

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26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, "Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!" 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end."

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34 And Mary said to the angel, "How will this be, since I am a virgin?"

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35 And the angel answered her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy-the Son of God. 36 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God." 38 And Mary said, "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.

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*Carol | The First Noel

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The first Noel the angels did say

Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay:

In fields where they lay keeping their sheep

On a cold winter's night that was so deep.

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Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel

Born is the King of Israel

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When they looked up, they saw a star

Shining in the east beyond them far:

And to the earth it gave great light

And so it continued both day and night.

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Chorus

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This star drew nigh to the northwest,

O'er Bethlehem it took it rest,

And there it did both stop and stay

Right over the place where Jesus lay.

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Chorus

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Then let us all with one accord

Sing praises to our heavenly Lord;

That hath made heaven and earth of naught,

And with his blood mankind hath bought.

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/Chorus/

Music and Lyrics: Sir John Stainer

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Third Lesson | Matthew 1:18-25

The angel of the Lord appears to  Joseph and announces the miraculous conception of the Christ child that Mary will bear.  

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18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:

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23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,

and they shall call his name Immanuel” 

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(which means, God with us). 24 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, 25 but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.

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*Carol | Away In A Manger

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Away in a manger no crib for a bed

The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head

The stars in the sky looked down where He lay

The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay

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The cattle are lowing the Baby awakes

But little Lord Jesus no crying He makes

I love Thee Lord Jesus look down from the sky

And stay by my cradle 'til morning is nigh

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Be near me Lord Jesus I ask Thee to stay

Close by me forever and love me I pray

Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care

And fit us for heaven to live with Thee there

Music and Lyrics: James Ramsey Murray, John Thomas McFarland, Martin Luther

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Fourth Lesson | Luke 2:1-7

Mary gives birth to Jesus in a manger in the town of Bethlehem.  

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1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

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*Carol | Hark The Herald Angels Sing

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Hark the herald angels sing

"Glory to the newborn King!

Peace on earth and mercy mild

God and sinners reconciled"

Joyful, all ye nations rise

Join the triumph of the skies

With the angelic host proclaim:

"Christ is born in Bethlehem"

Hark! The herald angels sing

"Glory to the newborn King!"

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Christ by highest heav'n adored

Christ the everlasting Lord!

Late in time behold Him come

Offspring of a Virgin's womb

Veiled in flesh the Godhead see

Hail the incarnate Deity

Pleased as man with man to dwell

Jesus, our Emmanuel

Hark! The herald angels sing

"Glory to the newborn King!"

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Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace!

Hail the Son of Righteousness!

Light and life to all He brings

Ris'n with healing in His wings

Mild He lays His glory by

Born that man no more may die

Born to raise the sons of earth

Born to give them second birth

Hark! The herald angels sing

"Glory to the newborn King!"

Music and Lyrics: Charles Wesley, Felix Mendelssohn

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Fifth Lesson | Luke 2:8-20

The angel of the Lord appears to announce the birth of Jesus to shepherds tending their flocks. Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promise to Adam and Eve and Abraham and David and all God’s people. He is the Christ child, Immanuel, the King of kings.

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8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger." 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

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14 "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!" 

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15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us." 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

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*Carol | O Come All Ye Faithful

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O Come All Ye Faithful

Joyful and triumphant,

O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem.

Come and behold Him,

Born the King of Angels;

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O come, let us adore Him,

O come, let us adore Him,

O come, let us adore Him,

Christ the Lord.

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Sing, choirs of angels,

Sing in exultation,

Sing all ye citizens of Heaven above

Glory to God, glory in the highest;

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Chorus

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Yea, Lord, we greet Thee,

Born this happy morning,

Jesus, to Thee be all glory given.

Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing;

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Chorus

Music and Lyrics: John Francis Wade

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Sixth Lesson | Matthew 2:1-12

Wise men come from Babylon, a faithful remnant of the Jews who had been taken away  in captivity for 70 years, to worship the newborn King.

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1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:

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6 “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,

are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;

for from you shall come a ruler

who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

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7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” 9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

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Preaching of the Word | Rev. Blake Arnoult

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“The Star of Light”

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Pastoral Prayer

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*Carol | O Holy Night

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O holy night the stars are brightly shining

It is the night of our dear Saviour’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

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Fall on your knees

O hear the angel voices

O night divine

O night when Christ was born

Oh night divine, oh night, oh night divine

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Truly He taught us to love one another

His law is love and His gospel is peace

Chains He shall 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

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Christ is the Lord! 

Oh, praise His Name forever

His power and glory evermore proclaim

Oh night divine, oh night, oh night divine

Music and Lyrics: Placide Cappeau, John S. Dwight

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*Carol | Silent Night

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Silent night holy night

All is calm all is bright

Round yon virgin mother and Child

Holy Infant so tender and mild

Sleep in heavenly peace

Sleep in heavenly peace

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Silent night holy night

Shepherds quake at the sight

Glories stream from heaven afar

Heav'nly hosts sing alleluia

Christ the Savior is born

Christ the Savior is born

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Silent night holy night

Son of God love's pure light

Radiant beams from Thy holy face

With the dawn of redeeming grace

Jesus Lord at Thy birth

Jesus Lord at Thy birth

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Silent night holy night

Wondrous star lend thy light

With the angels let us sing

Alleluia to our King

Christ the Savior is born

Christ the Savior is born

Music and Lyrics: Franz Xaver Gruber, John Freeman Young, Joseph Mohr

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Seventh Lesson | Revelation 22:13, 16-17, 20-21

Scripture ends looking forward to the second advent of Jesus Christ, the morning star.

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13 “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”

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16 “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.”

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17 The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.

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20 He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!

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21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.

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*Carol | Joy To The World

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Joy to the world, the Lord is come

Let earth receive her King

Let every heart prepare Him room

And Heaven and nature sing

And Heaven and nature sing

And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing

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Joy to the World, the Savior reigns!

Let all their songs employ

While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains

Repeat the sounding joy

Repeat the sounding joy

Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy

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He rules the world with truth and grace

And makes the nations prove

The glories of His righteousness

And wonders of His love

And wonders of His love

And wonders, wonders, of His love

Music and Lyrics: Isaac Watts, Chris Tomlin, Ed Cash, Matt Gilder

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*Benediction | Luke 2:14 | Blake Arnoult

God sends us out with his blessing. A benediction is not a prayer. We don’t bow our heads. We lift them up and even lift up our hands to receive his blessing as we are sent out as participants in his mission to the city of man.

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14 "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!"

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

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Nursery Unavailable

December 25 and January 1

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2022 Giving Update

Visit our website to give online or scan the code below!

2022 Giving Target: $705,000

Giving Received as of 12/20/22: $586,153

Difference as of 12/20/22: $(118,847)

Please prayerfully consider giving to Cornerstone by December 31st to help us reach our 2022 giving target! All gifts must be dated and sent by 12/31/22 to count towards our 2022 giving target.

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Christmas Day Service

December 25, 10am

This year, Christmas is on a Sunday… and we have the awesome opportunity to worship Jesus with our church family on Christmas day!! What could be better?? Bring your friends and family and join us on Sunday, December 25 as we celebrate the birth of our savior! 

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New Year’s Day Service

January 1, 10am

Kick off the new year and gather with us for Cornerstone’s first worship service of 2023! Yes, we are gathering on New Year’s Day at 10am!  Don’t worry, we’ll have coffee!

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Spring Calendar is Up!

Check out our spring calendar at cornerstonehouston.com!

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