December 21, 2025
Fourth Sunday of Advent
Welcome to Christ The King ChurchTo new and old friends visiting CTK, we are filled with joy that you are with us. The mission of our church is to make, train, and send disciples to engage our neighbors and nations with the gospel of Jesus. As a local body of believers in the resurrected Jesus, we value gospel centrality, simplicity, diversity, and gospel engagement. If you would like a bit more information on our church connect with one of our volunteers, connect with me, or explore the ‘about’ portion of our website accessible above.
Again, we’re thankful you’re here with us today! Please make yourself at home.
Love, Kirk Richeson: Lead Pastor
Call to Worship
Isaiah 7:10-16
10 Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz: 11 “Ask a sign of the Lord your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven.” 12 But Ahaz said, “I will not ask, and I will not put the Lord to the test.” 13 And he said, “Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary men, that you weary my God also?14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. 15 He shall eat curds and honey when he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good. 16 For before the boy knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land whose two kings you dread will be deserted.
Collect: Almighty Father, who has given your only Son to die for our sins, and to rise again for our justification: Grant to us to put away the leaven of malice and wickedness, that we may always serve you in pureness of living and truth, through the merits of the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Song: What Child Is ThisApostles CreedSong: Jesus!Confession of Sin & Gospel ReadingMatthew 1:18-25
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:
23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall call his name Immanuel”
(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.
Song: O Holy NightKid's Dismissal & Epistle ReadingRomans 1:1-7
1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, 2 which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, 3 concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh 4 and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, 5 through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, 6 including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ,
7 To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Sermon - Kirk Richeson
Ezra
Notes
Lord’s SupperResponseAs we respond to God’s word we want to invite believers in Jesus to join us in taking the Lord’s Supper in obedience to his instruction laid out by Paul in 1 Corinthians 11:23-26. This is also a time of giving for those who came prepared for that. You can give financial gifts through the giving tab above to your right or in the giving box located by the door as you exit. Thank you for your generosity in supporting gospel ministry through CTK and Bible Translation.
Song: O Come All Ye FaithfulDoxologyPraise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise Him all creatures here below
Praise Him above Ye heavenly host
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost
Amen.
DismissalJesus is the Word made flesh in our midst.
May his incarnation fill your hearts with joy and peace.
Jesus is the promised Savior, born of Mary.
May his birth among us renew your hope.
Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords.
May gifts of his presence bring forth rejoicing.
Almighty God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
Bless you now and forever.
Amen.