Advent, the Season of Expectancy
Worship
Lectionary Worship Workbook
Planning Ideas And Resources For The Entire Church Year
The church regulates its church year not by the civil or astronomical calendar, but by the events in the life of Jesus the Christ, the Son of Righteousness and Salvation. The church year, therefore, begins with Advent, the season of preparation for the celebration of the Incarnation of the Son of God. Since the seventh century, the Western church has begun Advent on the Sunday closest to the Feast of Saint Andrew, and has ended it on the Sunday before Christmas Day, a period of four weeks.
Purple, (though now replaced by blue) the color of penitence, is the color for Advent, symbolizing our need for heart-searching and repentance as we consider the need which brought the eternal Son to dwell among people. Purple/blue is also the color of royalty, suggesting the second aspect of Advent, the righteous rule of Christ as King of kings and Lord of lords. In the endless cycle of the year, Advent is both the beginning and the end - directing Christian meditation and worship toward the appearance of God among people in the person of Jesus of Nazareth; and following the Sundays after Pentecost, it also points persons to that future coming of Christ at the end of time when his righteous rule will encompass the world.
The custom of the Advent wreath, with its four candles, comes to us from Europe, and gains in popularity each year. It may be included in worship, the church school, the youth fellowship, or most fittingly, as a family activity around the dinner table. It is good to encourage such activity in our homes, for we are surrounded on all sides by the commercialization of the holiday season, and need positive help to regain or retain its biblical meaning.
THE SUNDAYS IN ADVENT - Cycle A
Familiarity breeds contempt. We've heard the Advent message so often, we may no longer hear it. To get worshipers to listen, hear, and respond to the Good News requires solid, innovative planning, without making innovation for innovation's sake a new god. Advent is no exception. What do peopie expect, what do people need, when they come to another Advent?
The Bulletin
Suggestion:
A. Use the bulletin, including the cover, symbols, and colors, as an educational tool. Make every aspect of it a creative adventure. Include a symbol to identify each Sunday's theme, as for example, the Sundays of Advent in Cycle A, as follows: (1) Readiness, (2) Promise, (3) Wonder, (4) Fulfillment. Use an Advent wreath to emphasize the same themes.
B. Use the bulletin to open the congregation to the world-wide Body of Christ. Many bulletins focus only on the local congregation, and have no universal outreach. Present an introductory statement which includes all the people as a world-wide community of faith, hope, and love, as for example:
The Church of Jesus Christ
Meets Occasionally at (this address)
And Scatters Usually around the County, State, Nation, World.
We Celebrate the Season of Expectancy
Even Though We Already Know the Outcome.
The Advent Wreath
Consider this:
Ask different families to light the wreath and review the theme. Do not limit yourself to biological families. Put widows with someone else's children. Put a divorcee with a family. Ask the youth fellowship as a group. Include a family of father, mother, and children.
Be sure to have them use the microphone; they will think that the congregation hears when it does not.
To prepare for, and to reinforce, what happens on Sunday, develop an Advent booklet for home use. Perhaps a group within the congregation would be willing to produce one.
Various Parts of the Order of Worship
Try this:
Vary the headings for the parts of the worship for each season of the church year. For Advent, consider these:
REMEMBERING WHO WE ARE
FACING UP TO OURSELVES
(confession forgiveness)
LOOKING OUT TO OTHERS
(prayer)
REMEMBERING WHY WE ARE HERE
(scripture sermon)
ACTING OUT OUR FAITH
(opportunities offering benediction)
1. Include a statement at the beginning and end of the order of worship which focuses on, and summarizes, the theme for the day.
2. Include the Scriptures for the following Sunday. Ask the people to read them, and to pray for the hearing and the doing of the Word.
THE SEASON OF EXPECTANCY
ADVENT 1
Liturgical Color: Purple/Blue
Gospel: Matthew 24:36-44
Theme:
Readiness - "Ready or not, here I come." (Warning we give before the game of hide-and-seek; and at the beginning of Advent.)
Suggested quotes for the beginning and end of the order of worship:
Words to Remember
Beginning: "The early Christians did not say in dismay, 'Look at what the world has come to,' but in delight, 'Look who has come to the world.' " (author unknown)
End: "It is of the essence of heaven and hell that one must abide forever with that which one has chosen." Dorothy Sayers
Hymns of Advent
Use: Hymns, not Christmas Carols, during Advent. Many Advent hymns never get used, because we begin singing Christmas carols too soon. We are called to change the culture, not reflect it.
Consider this in the use of hymns: How to introduce them? Brief history. How to present them during worship, in the bulletin, in the church newsletter? By whom?
Invitation to the Corporate Celebration
One congregation did this: Include the people immediately, using this idea:
Acknowledging our Oneness
Pastor:
We are here this Advent season.
Ministers: In the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Pastor:
To you all, then, who belong to Him, and to one another, grace and peace. Amen
Ministers: So be it. Amen
Follow this with a choral introit, either with the choir, or the choir and congregation. Then, continue the invitation with pastor and ministers:
Pastor:
We are here this Advent season.
Ministers: We are here because we are persons, but we deny our humanity. We seek new life in him who is the Lord of life.
Pastor:
Giver of life, heal us and free us to be persons.
Ministers: Holy Spirit, speak to us; help us to listen. Come, fill us this moment. Amen
Confession and Pardon
Consider this:
Hold up a large mirror for the people to look at themselves, to look at themselves in the presence of their fellow worshipers. Give then some time to explore and think.
Then, you may want to print this prayer after some time ofprivate introspection
Our God, we tend to minimize the importance of readiness. It makes so little difference, we seem to think, if we're ready or not. There's always tomorrow. We leave it to others in our households to do what we should be doing to keep alive and strong our faith. We alibi, we neglect, we do everything but live our faith. Through the in-dwelling presence and power of your Spirit make us aflame with faith. Make it contagious so that it will spread fron us to others until faith in the living Lord encircles the earth. And make us know, O Lord, that you call us daily, hourly, that the time is now for action. Amen
After a few moments of, again, looking in the mirror, use this:
Pastor:
The Apostle Paul said, "I am convinced that neither life nor death nor anything can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." (my translation)
Your life at this moment is sustained by the Lord. Your being is utterly significant. Your decisions are received. You are pronounced free. Receive the gift of your life, and make bold to call the one who gives it, Lord!
Ministers: Lord, cause us to believe this truth. Amen
Message with the Children of All Ages
Consider this:
Ask the children to hide in the sanctuary; then, say, "Ready or not here I come." Find a few; then say, "Alle, alle ox in free." Talk abou ways of not getting ready, as for example, when mother or father ask us to do something. Share ways that you avoid getting ready. Apply that to Jesus' invitation always to be ready for whatever happens.
Scripture Readings
Suggestion: Keep the reading alive. This means that we read it several times before we enter the pulpit. We read it in several versions rather than the same version every Sunday. We may also want the congregation to act it out, or to repeat it after us, or to stand, especially when we read the New Testament.
Proclamation of the Good News
Consider this: Continue the theme of readiness, and how we adults avoid preparing ourselves both for life and death. We use denial, procrastination, blaming others, scapegoating, pretending that nothing is wrong or important - as we live for the moment, but not for eternity.
Responding to What We Believe
One pastor does this: He focuses on the announcements as opportunities for mission and ministry, both locally and beyond the local church.
He invites all the worshipers to sign what he calls "the Ritual
of Friendship Card," as a sign of their commitment. This gives everyone an opportunity to put something in the offering plate each week. (Note: the offering is never a collection.)
He introduces the offering with a short, succinct challenge, as for example, for this Sunday, "Money is what we swap for what we think will make us happy." (author unknown)
The Scattering
Try this: Following the concluding hymn and preceding the benediction, challenge the congregation and welcome the future by summarizing the theme of worship into one brief statement, as for example, on this Sunday, use this: "The test of the genuineness of a person's belief lies in his/her readiness to act upon it." (author unknown)
Then, print a brief statement at the end of the order of worship which also summarizes the theme of the day.
You may want to use a quote from "Fiddler on the Roof:" "It's time for the Messiah to come ... It seems he isn't coming, so let's start packing," followed by Jesus' statement, "No one knows when the end comes; but only that we are always to be ready." (my translation)
Planning for Your Congregation
I. Other Scriptures Liturgist:
Psalm 122
Isaiah 2:1-5
Romans 13:11-14
II. Hymns Possibilities Assignments:
"O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" French Processional, 15th Century
"O Word Made Flesh and Come to Dwell" Jane Parker Huber, 1981 Tune: Melita: 88 88 88
(from Joy in Singing, Published by the Office of Women and the Joint Office of Worship of the
Presbyterian Church U.S.A.)
III. Other Music Possibilities Organist/Choir Director:
Music for Preparation (prelude): "Come Now, Our Savior"
Bach
Choral Introit: "Our King and Savior draws near; O come let us adore him."
(choir director puts notes to the words, and invites the congregation to learn it)
Response to the Assurance of Pardon: "You are the Lord, Giver of Mercy" (Applachian Folk Melody)
Response to the Proclamation: "Praise Ye the Lord of Hosts" Saint-Saens
Offertory "In Dulci Jubilo"
Dupré
Doxology "Praise God from whom all Blessings Flow" (Use different tunes)
Music for Dismissal
Medley of Advent hymns (occasionally, ask the people to remain throughout the postlude)
IV. Bulletin Cover and Symbols (select by Tuesday) Church Secretary:
V. Lighting of the Advent Candle Person or family:
VI.
Miscellaneous Details (Assignments):
Ushers
Banners
Posters
Candlelighters
Flowers
Greeters
Hosts/Hostesses
Name-tags
Purple, (though now replaced by blue) the color of penitence, is the color for Advent, symbolizing our need for heart-searching and repentance as we consider the need which brought the eternal Son to dwell among people. Purple/blue is also the color of royalty, suggesting the second aspect of Advent, the righteous rule of Christ as King of kings and Lord of lords. In the endless cycle of the year, Advent is both the beginning and the end - directing Christian meditation and worship toward the appearance of God among people in the person of Jesus of Nazareth; and following the Sundays after Pentecost, it also points persons to that future coming of Christ at the end of time when his righteous rule will encompass the world.
The custom of the Advent wreath, with its four candles, comes to us from Europe, and gains in popularity each year. It may be included in worship, the church school, the youth fellowship, or most fittingly, as a family activity around the dinner table. It is good to encourage such activity in our homes, for we are surrounded on all sides by the commercialization of the holiday season, and need positive help to regain or retain its biblical meaning.
THE SUNDAYS IN ADVENT - Cycle A
Familiarity breeds contempt. We've heard the Advent message so often, we may no longer hear it. To get worshipers to listen, hear, and respond to the Good News requires solid, innovative planning, without making innovation for innovation's sake a new god. Advent is no exception. What do peopie expect, what do people need, when they come to another Advent?
The Bulletin
Suggestion:
A. Use the bulletin, including the cover, symbols, and colors, as an educational tool. Make every aspect of it a creative adventure. Include a symbol to identify each Sunday's theme, as for example, the Sundays of Advent in Cycle A, as follows: (1) Readiness, (2) Promise, (3) Wonder, (4) Fulfillment. Use an Advent wreath to emphasize the same themes.
B. Use the bulletin to open the congregation to the world-wide Body of Christ. Many bulletins focus only on the local congregation, and have no universal outreach. Present an introductory statement which includes all the people as a world-wide community of faith, hope, and love, as for example:
The Church of Jesus Christ
Meets Occasionally at (this address)
And Scatters Usually around the County, State, Nation, World.
We Celebrate the Season of Expectancy
Even Though We Already Know the Outcome.
The Advent Wreath
Consider this:
Ask different families to light the wreath and review the theme. Do not limit yourself to biological families. Put widows with someone else's children. Put a divorcee with a family. Ask the youth fellowship as a group. Include a family of father, mother, and children.
Be sure to have them use the microphone; they will think that the congregation hears when it does not.
To prepare for, and to reinforce, what happens on Sunday, develop an Advent booklet for home use. Perhaps a group within the congregation would be willing to produce one.
Various Parts of the Order of Worship
Try this:
Vary the headings for the parts of the worship for each season of the church year. For Advent, consider these:
REMEMBERING WHO WE ARE
FACING UP TO OURSELVES
(confession forgiveness)
LOOKING OUT TO OTHERS
(prayer)
REMEMBERING WHY WE ARE HERE
(scripture sermon)
ACTING OUT OUR FAITH
(opportunities offering benediction)
1. Include a statement at the beginning and end of the order of worship which focuses on, and summarizes, the theme for the day.
2. Include the Scriptures for the following Sunday. Ask the people to read them, and to pray for the hearing and the doing of the Word.
THE SEASON OF EXPECTANCY
ADVENT 1
Liturgical Color: Purple/Blue
Gospel: Matthew 24:36-44
Theme:
Readiness - "Ready or not, here I come." (Warning we give before the game of hide-and-seek; and at the beginning of Advent.)
Suggested quotes for the beginning and end of the order of worship:
Words to Remember
Beginning: "The early Christians did not say in dismay, 'Look at what the world has come to,' but in delight, 'Look who has come to the world.' " (author unknown)
End: "It is of the essence of heaven and hell that one must abide forever with that which one has chosen." Dorothy Sayers
Hymns of Advent
Use: Hymns, not Christmas Carols, during Advent. Many Advent hymns never get used, because we begin singing Christmas carols too soon. We are called to change the culture, not reflect it.
Consider this in the use of hymns: How to introduce them? Brief history. How to present them during worship, in the bulletin, in the church newsletter? By whom?
Invitation to the Corporate Celebration
One congregation did this: Include the people immediately, using this idea:
Acknowledging our Oneness
Pastor:
We are here this Advent season.
Ministers: In the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Pastor:
To you all, then, who belong to Him, and to one another, grace and peace. Amen
Ministers: So be it. Amen
Follow this with a choral introit, either with the choir, or the choir and congregation. Then, continue the invitation with pastor and ministers:
Pastor:
We are here this Advent season.
Ministers: We are here because we are persons, but we deny our humanity. We seek new life in him who is the Lord of life.
Pastor:
Giver of life, heal us and free us to be persons.
Ministers: Holy Spirit, speak to us; help us to listen. Come, fill us this moment. Amen
Confession and Pardon
Consider this:
Hold up a large mirror for the people to look at themselves, to look at themselves in the presence of their fellow worshipers. Give then some time to explore and think.
Then, you may want to print this prayer after some time ofprivate introspection
Our God, we tend to minimize the importance of readiness. It makes so little difference, we seem to think, if we're ready or not. There's always tomorrow. We leave it to others in our households to do what we should be doing to keep alive and strong our faith. We alibi, we neglect, we do everything but live our faith. Through the in-dwelling presence and power of your Spirit make us aflame with faith. Make it contagious so that it will spread fron us to others until faith in the living Lord encircles the earth. And make us know, O Lord, that you call us daily, hourly, that the time is now for action. Amen
After a few moments of, again, looking in the mirror, use this:
Pastor:
The Apostle Paul said, "I am convinced that neither life nor death nor anything can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." (my translation)
Your life at this moment is sustained by the Lord. Your being is utterly significant. Your decisions are received. You are pronounced free. Receive the gift of your life, and make bold to call the one who gives it, Lord!
Ministers: Lord, cause us to believe this truth. Amen
Message with the Children of All Ages
Consider this:
Ask the children to hide in the sanctuary; then, say, "Ready or not here I come." Find a few; then say, "Alle, alle ox in free." Talk abou ways of not getting ready, as for example, when mother or father ask us to do something. Share ways that you avoid getting ready. Apply that to Jesus' invitation always to be ready for whatever happens.
Scripture Readings
Suggestion: Keep the reading alive. This means that we read it several times before we enter the pulpit. We read it in several versions rather than the same version every Sunday. We may also want the congregation to act it out, or to repeat it after us, or to stand, especially when we read the New Testament.
Proclamation of the Good News
Consider this: Continue the theme of readiness, and how we adults avoid preparing ourselves both for life and death. We use denial, procrastination, blaming others, scapegoating, pretending that nothing is wrong or important - as we live for the moment, but not for eternity.
Responding to What We Believe
One pastor does this: He focuses on the announcements as opportunities for mission and ministry, both locally and beyond the local church.
He invites all the worshipers to sign what he calls "the Ritual
of Friendship Card," as a sign of their commitment. This gives everyone an opportunity to put something in the offering plate each week. (Note: the offering is never a collection.)
He introduces the offering with a short, succinct challenge, as for example, for this Sunday, "Money is what we swap for what we think will make us happy." (author unknown)
The Scattering
Try this: Following the concluding hymn and preceding the benediction, challenge the congregation and welcome the future by summarizing the theme of worship into one brief statement, as for example, on this Sunday, use this: "The test of the genuineness of a person's belief lies in his/her readiness to act upon it." (author unknown)
Then, print a brief statement at the end of the order of worship which also summarizes the theme of the day.
You may want to use a quote from "Fiddler on the Roof:" "It's time for the Messiah to come ... It seems he isn't coming, so let's start packing," followed by Jesus' statement, "No one knows when the end comes; but only that we are always to be ready." (my translation)
Planning for Your Congregation
I. Other Scriptures Liturgist:
Psalm 122
Isaiah 2:1-5
Romans 13:11-14
II. Hymns Possibilities Assignments:
"O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" French Processional, 15th Century
"O Word Made Flesh and Come to Dwell" Jane Parker Huber, 1981 Tune: Melita: 88 88 88
(from Joy in Singing, Published by the Office of Women and the Joint Office of Worship of the
Presbyterian Church U.S.A.)
III. Other Music Possibilities Organist/Choir Director:
Music for Preparation (prelude): "Come Now, Our Savior"
Bach
Choral Introit: "Our King and Savior draws near; O come let us adore him."
(choir director puts notes to the words, and invites the congregation to learn it)
Response to the Assurance of Pardon: "You are the Lord, Giver of Mercy" (Applachian Folk Melody)
Response to the Proclamation: "Praise Ye the Lord of Hosts" Saint-Saens
Offertory "In Dulci Jubilo"
Dupré
Doxology "Praise God from whom all Blessings Flow" (Use different tunes)
Music for Dismissal
Medley of Advent hymns (occasionally, ask the people to remain throughout the postlude)
IV. Bulletin Cover and Symbols (select by Tuesday) Church Secretary:
V. Lighting of the Advent Candle Person or family:
VI.
Miscellaneous Details (Assignments):
Ushers
Banners
Posters
Candlelighters
Flowers
Greeters
Hosts/Hostesses
Name-tags
