December 10, 2023
Prelude: Passacaglia
Biery
Welcome
Advent Candle Lighting
[Isaiah 2:4, 11:6]
Manito Deacons
We light these candles for peace and hope, as a sign of the coming light of Christ.
Advent means coming. We are preparing ourselves for the days
when nations shall beat their swords into plowshares,
and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up sword
against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.
The wolf shall live with the lamb,
the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion
and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them.
Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus (Hymn 2)
Wesley/Prichard
Come, thou long-expected Jesus, born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us; let us find our rest in Thee.
Israel’s strength and consolation, hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart.
Born Thy people to deliver, born a child and yet a king,
Born to reign in us forever, now Thy gracious kingdom bring.
By Thine own eternal Spirit, rule in all our hearts alone;
By Thine all-sufficient merit raise us to thy glorious throne.
Confession
God of fierce compassion, you call us to prepare the way for your reign of justice and peace. However, it is easier to look forward to a world at peace than to work for peace from where we are now. We confess our discouragement and skepticism in the face of today’s abundant and complex problems. Forgive us when our religious practice becomes a form of escapism rather than an engagement with the world and with you. Forgive us when we let go of the work of repentance and restoration. Teach us to live lives of steadfast love and faithfulness, and send us out as your heralds of good tidings. Amen.
Silence
In the Bleak Midwinter (Hymn 36)
Holst/Rossetti
What can I give Him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;
If I were a wise man, I would do my part;
Yet what I can give Him: give my heart.
Forgiveness in Jesus Christ
Peace
The peace of Christ be with you.
And also with you.
Gloria Patri (Hymn 579)
Greatorex
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be,
Word without end. Amen, Amen.
Children’s Message
Prepare the Way (Hymn 13)
Franzen/Then Swenska Psalmboken
Prepare the way, O Zion, Your Christ is drawing near!
Let every hill and valley a level way appear.
Greet One who comes in glory, foretold in sacred story.
O blest is Christ that came in God’s most holy name.
Christ brings God’s rule, O Zion; he comes from heaven above.
His rule is peace and freedom, and justice, truth, and love.
Lift high your praise resounding, for grace and joy abounding.
O blest is Christ that came in God’s most holy name.
Fling wide your gates, O Zion; your Savior’s rule embrace.
And tidings of salvation proclaim in every place.
All lands will bow rejoicing, their adoration voicing.
O blest is Christ that came in God’s most holy name.
Prayer for Illumination
Scripture Readings
Steve Blewett
Old Testament: Isaiah 40:1-11
New Testament: Mark 1:1-8
Sermon: Preparing Christmas Hearts
Focus: Christmas is not something “magical” to divert us from dreary lives, but the joyous consummation of God’s complex relational work with all peoples.
Response: Light of the World
Phos hilaron, 3rd cent./Bourgeois
Lisa Phillips
Light of the world, in grace and beauty,
Mirror of God’s eternal face,
Transparent flame of love’s free duty,
You bring salvation to our race.
Now, as we see the lights of evening,
We raise our voice in hymns of praise;
Worthy are you of endless blessing,
Sun of our night, lamp of our days.
Pastoral Prayer & The Lord's Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
Call to Stewardship
…to guide our feet into the way of peace. -Luke 1:79b
Offering: Once He Came in Blessing
Pepping
Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God above, ye heavenly host
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Charge & Benediction
Postlude: And the Glory of the Lord
Handel/Smith
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CCLI# 283345
