Welcome
Thank you for joining us in gathered worship today!
At Covenant, we are a church that is bound to God and to each other by grace, growing and serving together in love, and living and sharing the hope that we have in Jesus.
We hope that you will be moved towards greater love for Jesus and one another as we pause to praise, pray, and ponder under God’s Word.
The emphasis throughout our Sunday service is that worship is all about God. In our service, we will: worship our Heavenly Father for his miraculous deeds, bear witness to Jesus Christ the Son and the hope he brings through his death and resurrection, be moved to engage with the mission of God through the power of the Holy Spirit as we wait for the return of Christ.
Our service is shaped by the Bible—God’s Word to us. Because of that, our worship follows a shared pattern each week. Christians sometimes call this pattern a “liturgy.”
“Liturgy” simply means “the work of the people.” It reminds us that worship isn’t a performance or a product—it’s something we participate in together. Throughout the service, you’ll have chances to join in with prayers and spoken responses, and you’re warmly invited to take part.
We hope your time with us serves to encourage and fill you with hope and joy.
Call to Worship
Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel among you.
Isaiah 12:6
Songs of Invitation
Confession of Sin
Almighty God,
unto whom all hearts are open,
all desires known,
and from whom no secrets are hidden –
cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit,
so that we may perfectly love you,
and worthily magnify your holy name;
through Christ our Lord.
All: Amen!
Word of Assurance
To the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.
Ephesians 1:6-7
Congregational Prayer
Offering
Regular giving to support our ministry as a gospel partner can be made by direct deposit into our account.
Account Name: Covenant Presbyterian Church
BSB: 032 060
Account: 663 486
Weekly Catechism
New City Catechism for Kids – Question 24
Q: Why was it necessary for Christ, the Redeemer, to die?
A: Christ died willingly in our place to deliver us from the power and penalty of sin and bring us back to God.
Community News
Game time after service
Will Tam will be hosting a mafia-like game after service at 1.30pm today. Please contact Will or Steph for further information if you would like to join in the fun.
Combined Christmas service
This year’s Christmas service will be a combined service with Burwood Presbyterian Church, 46-48 Belmore St, Burwood. We look forward to seeing our regulars and newcomers coming together to hear the good news this Christmas.
Christmas lunch @ Chu’s
Dan and Cass are kindly opening up their home for lunch after the Christmas Day service. If you don’t have any plans and would like to fellowship over lunch, you are very welcome to join. Please let one of the elders know, for catering purposes.
Important Dates
| December 25 | Combined Christmas service 9.30am @ Burwood Presbyterian Church |
| December 25 | Christmas lunch After Christmas Day service @ Chu’s |
| January 4 | First Covenant service of 2026 10am @ Christ College |
Bible Reading
All: Thanks be to God.
Sermon Outline
A New and Glorious Morn
Gen 3:14-19, Luke 2:1-21
Dan Shih
Under siege
The ancient battle
A thrill of hope
Double waiting
Songs in Response
Lord’s Prayer
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours
now and for ever.
Amen.
Benediction
And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.
Revelation 1:5-6