WE’RE GLAD YOU’VE JOINED US TODAY.

WHO WE ARE.

• We are a community of city-centred, gospel-focused people striving to serve and renew Toronto through the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

WHO WE WELCOME.

• We welcome people of all races, ethnicities, socio-economic backgrounds and faiths – both religious and irreligious.

WHO WE BELIEVE IN.

• We believe Christ is relevant to every person in every situation, and we want to help you discover him.

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GOD CALLS

CALL TO WORSHIP

—based on Luke 1:46-50

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LEADER:

Our souls magnify the Lord!

ALL:

Our spirits rejoice in God our saviour!

LEADER:

The mighty One has done great things for us!

ALL:

Holy is God’s name!

LEADER:

Let us worship God.

ALL:

For God is our Maker and our Redeemer;

from generation to generation God gives mercy.

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SONG - GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN

(© Anthems of Hope; Be Essential Songs; Cashagamble Jet Music. CCLI Song # 7165586)

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While shepherds kept their watching

Over silent flocks by night

Behold throughout the heavens

There shone a holy light

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(Oh) (So) I say go tell it on the mountain

Over the hills and everywhere

Go tell it on the mountain

That Jesus Christ is born

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The shepherds feared and trembled

When lo above the Earth

Rang out the angel chorus

That hailed our Savior's birth

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Down in a lowly manger

Our humble Christ was born

And God sent us salvation

On that blessed Christmas morn

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I was a lonely seeker

I sought both night and day

I asked the Lord to help me

And he showed me the way

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He made me a watchman

Upon a city wall

And if I am a Christian

I am the least of all

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Go tell it

Go tell it

Go tell it

Go on and tell it

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SONG - HARK THE HERALD ANGELS SING / KING OF HEAVEN

(© 2015 Spirit Nashville Three; So Essential Tunes; Spirit Nashville Three; Integrity Worship Music; Leadworship Songs. CCLI Song # 7019799)

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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 angelic hosts proclaim

Christ is born in Bethlehem

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

Risen 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

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King of Heaven come down

King of Heaven come now

Let Your glory reign shining like the day

King of Heaven come

King of Heaven rise up

Who can stand against us

You are strong to save

In Your mighty name King of Heaven come

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Christ by highest heaven adored

Christ the everlasting Lord

Late in time behold Him come

Offspring of a virgin's womb

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 the newborn King

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King of Heaven come King of Heaven come

King of Heaven come King of Heaven come

King of Heaven come down

King of Heaven come now

Let Your glory reign shining like the day

King of Heaven come

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SONG - HOLY FOREVER (CHRISTMAS)

(© 2024 Brian and Jenn Publishing; Capitol CMG Paragon; CDavs Music; S. D. G. Publishing; Songs For TIM; Be Essential Songs; My Magnolia Music; Phil Wickham Music; Simply Global Songs; Bethel Music Publishing; Remaining portion is unaffiliated. CCLI Song # 7249209)

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Held within a manger

The Son of God arrived

The one who would be called Emmanuel

The promise was delivered

Unto a virgin bride

The one who would be called Emmanuel

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(Jesus) Your name is the highest

Your name is the greatest

Your name stands above them all

All thrones and dominions

All powers and positions

Your name stands above them all

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And the angels cry holy

All creation cries holy

You are lifted high holy

Holy forever

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In the humble town of David

A Savior born today

The one who would be called Emmanuel

Behold the host of heaven

With holy roar proclaim

The one who would be called Emmanuel

The Messiah our God is with us now

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Hear Your people sing holy

To the King of kings holy

You will always be holy

Holy forever

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You will always be holy

Holy forever and ever

You will always be holy

You will always be holy holy holy

You will always be

Holy forever

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GOD CLEANSES

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PRAYER OF CONFESSION

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LEADER:

God of grace,

you have given us Jesus,

the light of the world,

but we choose darkness

and cling to things that hide the brightness of your love.

Immersed in ourselves, we have not risen to new life.

Baptize us with your Spirit,

that, forgiven and renewed,

we may preach your Word to the nations

and tell of your glory shining in the face of Jesus Christ,

our Lord and our light forever.

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ALL:

Amen.

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SILENT CONFESSION

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WORDS OF ASSURANCE

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—Titus 3:4-7, NRSV

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When the goodness and loving kindness

of God our saviour appeared,

he saved us, not because of any works of righteousness

that we had done, but according to his mercy,

through the water of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.

This Spirit he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our saviour,

so that, having been justified by his grace,

we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

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SONG OF ASSURANCE - GOODNESS OF GOD

(© 2018 Bethel Music Publishing / Fellow Ships Music / So Essential Tunes / SHOUT! Music Publishing / Alletrop Music. CCLI# 7117726.)

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I love You Lord

Oh Your mercy never fails me

All my days

I’ve been held in Your hands

From the moment that I wake up

Until I lay my head

I will sing of the goodness of God

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All my life You have been faithful

All my life You have been so, so good

With every breath that I am able

I will sing of the goodness of God

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I love Your voice

You have led me through the fire

In darkest nights

You are close like no other

I’ve known You as a father

I’ve known You as a friend

I have lived in the goodness of God

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Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me

Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me

With my life laid down, I’m surrendered now, I give You everything

Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me

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PRAYER FOR THE CHURCH AND THE CITY

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COMMUNITY LIFE ANNOUNCEMENTS

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COMMUNION VOLUNTEERS

• We are seeking 25 volunteers to help prepare Communion elements for the 11:15 AM service, beginning in Janurary. If you are interested in serving, please email communion@gracetoronto.ca for more information.

SLEEPING BAG DRIVE

• Jericho Road Ministry is still collecting NEW winter sleeping bags (-10c or lower) for our homeless neighbours in need. Help us double our goal from 50 to 100! Please drop them off by the entrance to the sanctuary.

YEAR END GIVING

• Donations must be received and deposited in the bank by DECEMBER 31 for your 2025 tax receipt. Receipts will be sent out on FEBRUARY 2026. The CRA requires your mailing address.  Please log in to your Planning Center account to update your mailing address for  tax receipts.

‍PRAYER FOR THE WEEK

• WORSHIP (Matthew 2:10-11) The Magi rejoiced exceedingly and worshiped the Christ child. Reflect on how you can offer your worship to Jesus as a response to His grace. Pray for a heart that treasures Him above all else.

SUPPORT

• If you are in any form of need or if you are able to help others, please visit http://www.gracetoronto.ca/help  or visit http://www.gracetoronto.ca/prayer  to submit your prayers.

DIACONATE

• The Diaconate exists to contribute to the flourishing of gospel-centered community by meeting the practical needs of our church community, and extending help and compassion to those experiencing hardship or difficult circumstances.
• Click here for more information.

OFFERING

• To set up your online giving or to learn more about giving options, visitgracetoronto.ca/give.

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GOD COMMUNES

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SCRIPTURE READING

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Psalm 46

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For the director of music. Of the Sons of Korah. According to alamoth. A song.

1 God is our refuge and strength,

an ever-present help in trouble.

2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way

and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,

3 though its waters roar and foam

and the mountains quake with their surging.

4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,

the holy place where the Most High dwells.

5 God is within her, she will not fall;

God will help her at break of day.

6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;

he lifts his voice, the earth melts.

7 The Lord Almighty is with us;

the God of Jacob is our fortress.

8 Come and see what the Lord has done,

the desolations he has brought on the earth.

9 He makes wars cease

to the ends of the earth.

He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;

he burns the shields with fire.

10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;

I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth.”

11 The Lord Almighty is with us;

the God of Jacob is our fortress.

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SERMON

Rex Law

Q&A

Text your questions to 416-830-0335

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SONG OF RESPONSE - BATTLE BELONGS

(© Phil Wickham Music; Simply Global Songs; Bethel Music Publishing. CCLI Song # 7148126)

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When all I see is the battle

You see my victory

When all I see is a mountain

You see a mountain moved

And as I walk through the shadow

Your love surrounds me

There's nothing to fear now

For I am safe with You

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So when I fight I'll fight on my knees

With my hands lifted high

O God the battle belongs to You

And every fear I lay at Your feet

I'll sing through the night

O God the battle belongs to You

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And if You are for me

Who can be against me

For Jesus there's nothing

Impossible for You

When all I see are the ashes

You see the beauty

When all I see is a cross

God You see the empty tomb

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(An) Almighty Fortress You go before us

Nothing can stand against

The power of our God

You shine in the shadows

You win every battle

Nothing can stand against

The power of our God

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O God the battle belongs to You

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COMMUNION
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PRAYER FOR THOSE SEARCHING FOR TRUTH

Lord Jesus, you claim to be the way, the truth, and the life.  Grant that I might be undaunted by the cost of following you as I consider the reasons for doing so. If what you claim is true, please guide me, teach me, and open me to the reality of who you are.  Give me an understanding of you that is coherent, convincing and that leads to the life you promise.  Amen.

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PRAYER OF BELIEF

Lord Jesus Christ, I admit that I am weaker and more sinful than I ever dared admit, but through you I am more loved and accepted than I ever dared hope.  I thank you for paying my debt on the cross, taking what I deserved in order to offer me complete forgiveness. Knowing that you have been raised from the dead, I turn from my sins and receive you as my Saviour and Lord.  Amen.

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GOD COMMISSIONS

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BENEDICTION

—Numbers 6:24-26

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

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PRAYER

Would you like prayer?  Send us an email at prayer@gracetoronto.ca.  We would love to intercede for you!

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