December 4, 2022 - Second Sunday of Advent
Introit: Chanson (from Suite Antique)
Rutter
Colleen McElroy, flute; YunJoung Park, piano
While We Are Waiting, Come
Cloninger/Cason
While we are waiting, come; while we are waiting, come.
Jesus, our Lord, Emmanuel, while we are waiting, come.
Advent Candle Lighting
[Isaiah 2:4, 11:6]
Cannard Family
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.
(repeat While We Are Waiting, Come)
Call to Worship
[Matthew 3:2, 3; Isaiah 11:10]
Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.
Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
The root of Jesse shall stand as a signal to the peoples;
The nations shall inquire of him, and his dwelling shall be glorious.
Let us worship the LORD!
Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus (Hymn 2)
Prichard/Wesley
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
Jesus, Messiah and human child, forgive us when we are afraid to welcome all of who you are. Forgive us when our repentance is a kind of evasion rather than a reckoning with the reality of our mistakes and a commitment to change. Help us make space for a world where the vulnerable are welcome and protected, and former enemies live with justice and peace. Amen.
Silence
Come Now, O Prince of Peace
Geonyong Lee
Come now, O Prince of peace, make us one body.
Come, O Lord Jesus; reconcile all people.
Come now, O God of love; make us one body.
Come, O Lord Jesus; reconcile all people.
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, O Zion (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
Ann Hall
Old Testament: Isaiah 11:1-10
New Testament: Matthew 3:1-12
Homily: Preparing for Company
Focus: Our Christmas preparations should make room for Jesus the Messiah; both the vulnerability of the baby Christ as well as the missional passion of the grown Jesus.
Communion
Communion Music: Morceaux de Concours
Faure
Communion Prayer
Call to Stewardship
Shelly Owen
…to guide our feet into the way of peace. -Luke 1:79b
Offering Our Gifts: Silent Night
Gruber
Bonnie Lee, Colleen McElroy
Doxology
Smart/Salisbury Hymn Book
All creation, join in praising God the Father, Spirit, Son,
Evermore your voices raising to the eternal Three in One:
One in might and One in glory while unending ages run.
Charge & Benediction
Postlude: Lo, How a Rose
Brahms
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