December 3, 2023
Prelude: Comfort, Comfort Now My People
Genevan 1551/Ferguson
Jill Cathey, oboe
Introit: Comfort, Comfort O My People
Mann
Lisa Phillips
Welcome
Advent Candle Lighting
[Isaiah 2:4]
Samantha Buyer & Sean Lowney
We light this candle in 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.
Comfort, Comfort (Hymn 3)
Olearius/Genevan Psalter
Comfort, comfort you my people, tell of peace, thus says our God;
Comfort those who sit in darkness bowed beneath oppression’s load.
Speak you to Jerusalem of the peace that waits for them;
Tell them that their sins I cover, and their warfare now is over.
For the herald’s voice is calling in the desert far and near,
Bidding us to make repentance since the kingdom now is here.
O that warning cry obey! Now prepare for God a way;
Let the valleys rise in meeting and the hills bow down in greeting.
Make you straight what long was crooked, make the rougher places plain;
Let your hearts be true and humble, as befits God’s holy reign.
For the glory of the Lord now o’er earth is shed abroad;
And all flesh shall see the token that God’s word is never broken.
Confession
Merciful Father, we come to the season of Advent with the brokenness of the world in our eyes, the cries of our fellow humans in our ears and our own sinfulness in our hearts. We come to you with our uncertainty, our frustrations, our fears, our grief, and our failings. We come to the light because the darkness has almost overwhelmed us, but the darkness can never overcome You. We enter into Advent hungry for a true story of hope. In your mercy, forgive us and strengthen us. Help us stay awake to your Word and take heart as we look forward to the fulfillment of your plans for us and for the world. 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
Open My Eyes (Hymn 324)
Scott
Open my eyes, that I may see
Glimpses of truth Thou hast for me;
Place in my hands the wonderful key
That shall unclasp and set me free.
Refrain:
Silently now I wait for Thee,
Ready, my God, Thy will to see;
Open my eyes, illumine me, Spirit divine!
Open my ears, that I may hear
Voices of truth Thou sendest clear;
And while the wave notes fall on my ear,
Everything false will disappear.
(refrain)
Open my mouth, and let me bear
Gladly the warm truth everywhere;
Open my heart, and let me prepare
Love with Thy children thus to share.
(refrain)
Prayer for Illumination
Scripture Readings
Kelly Grieves
Old Testament: Isaiah 64:1-9
New Testament: Mark 13:24-37
Homily: Setting Christmas Sights
Focus: Each Present Christmas Presents the Future Christmas and Culmination in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper
Communion Music: Who Is He in Yonder Stall
Hanby
Communion Prayer
Call to Stewardship
Betsy Hammond
…to guide our feet into the way of peace. -Luke 1:79b
Offering: Comfort, Comfort These My People
Genevan 1551/Callahan
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: Hark, the Glad Sound
Haweis/Manz
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