Fourth Sunday In Advent
Worship
Lectionary Worship Workbook
Series IV, Cycle B
Call To Worship
The first Call To Worship this week is designed to be used on a Sunday when the children are participating in worship. Our children's Christmas pageant is traditionally held the Sunday before Christmas.
Leader:
Angels and children, the same breed;
People:
Both closer to God than we,
Leader:
Both messengers of God's beauty,
People:
And radiance,
Leader:
And glory,
People:
And love.
Leader:
So this morning, let us see the children,
People:
And hear the angelic voices,
Leader:
And rejoice, for God is near.
People:
Hallelujah!
Leader:
Amen.
(The lighting of the Prophets', the Bethlehem, the Shepherds', and the Angels' Candles)
Here is a simple Call To Worship that speaks of God's sovereignty.
Leader:
Come, let us worship the King of kings.
People:
And Lord of lords.
Leader:
Sovereign over all creation.
People:
Apart from whom nothing happens.
Leader:
Who is bringing all things under his loving rule;
People:
So that creation might be as he wills it;
Leader:
Filled with love,
People:
Joy,
Leader:
And peace.
People:
Forever.
Leader:
Amen.
A Call To Worship based on Psalm 89.
Leader:
Let us sing of the Lord's great love.
People:
We will make his faithfulness known.
Leader:
Let us declare that his love stands firm forever.
People:
His promises are always kept.
Leader:
He is our Father,
People:
Our God,
Leader:
Our Rock,
People:
Our Savior.
Leader:
No one compares to him.
People:
He alone is great.
Leader:
Righteousness and justice are the foundations of his reign.
People:
Love and faithfulness are his constant companions.
Leader:
Blessed are those who acclaim him.
People:
Glory to those who walk with him.
Leader:
Praise be to Yahweh forever!
People:
Amen and amen.
The candlelighting response below lifts up "Our Joy" on this Fourth Sunday In Advent when we light the Joy Candle.
Leader:
Joy to the world,
People:
The Lord has come.
Leader:
Joyful, joyful,
People:
We adore thee
Leader:
God of glory,
People:
Lord of love.
Leader:
Joy -- unbounded happiness;
People:
Heartfelt satisfaction;
Leader:
Adamant confidence in the future;
People:
Unparalleled contentment;
Leader:
More than a feeling;
People:
True bliss.
Leader:
It is what you know when you look into the face of a baby;
People:
The baby, the Christ.
Leader:
Let earth receive her king.
People:
Let every heart
Leader:
Prepare him room,
People:
And let heaven and nature sing,
Leader:
Yes, let heaven and nature sing.
People:
Amen.
(The lighting of all four of the Advent candles)
Our monologue this week comes from the Angel Gabriel.
Angel Gabriel
I wish you could have beheld Mary as I beheld her that day so many years ago in the way that you count time. I wish you could have seen her, for she was beautiful. She was not beautiful in the way that you count beauty. It was not a physical beauty. She had a beauty that could only be held by the spirit. She had beauty of heart and soul; beauty in the depths of her being.
This beauty was hers because she lived to please God. Mary knew what so few others knew. She knew that God's will was that she, and all other children of God, possess all the abundance of life that was present at the creation. She knew that it was only in obedience to God's design that life could be fully lived. She also knew that this obedience might not always be easy or safe.
That is what made her truly beautiful. She was a simple, fragile, vulnerable young woman who was absolutely fearless when it came to living for God. I could see it and hear it in her, when she said to me, "May it be to me as you have said."
Are those not words of great courage? She was saying to God, "Do with me what you please. I trust you and your purposes so much that I put myself completely in your hands."
Now, I am not here to scold you for being less courageous or obedient than Mary. I am simply here this morning to point out to you that Mary's life, while hard at times, while deeply painful at times, was a life of triumph. Her example is not to shame you, but to give you something to reach for.
(Gabriel may light all four of the Advent candles)
Prayer Of Confession
This first prayer is a reminder that God can always be counted on. This is in keeping with the theme of the ultimate establishment of God's kingdom.
Leader:
Lord, when we think everything depends on us,
People:
Forgive us.
Leader:
When we forget to rely on you,
People:
Forgive us.
Leader:
When we cut you out of our plans,
People:
Forgive us.
Leader:
When we stop seeking your guidance,
People:
Forgive us.
Leader:
When we begin to think you don't care,
People:
Forgive us.
Leader:
Lord, forgive us for every act,
People:
And every thought,
Leader:
Which neglects to take you into account.
People:
We ask it the name of our Savior,
Leader:
Jesus the Christ.
People:
Amen.
One theme of the scriptures for this week is the establishment of the reign of God. Jesus coming to earth was the beginning of that establishment. This confession emphasizes that God is with us and at work in spite of appearances in our world.
Leader:
At night, lying on my bed, wide awake, I sometimes wonder, "Are you really there, Lord?"
People:
"Are you real at all?"
Leader:
I saw a little boy hit by a car today.
People:
Where are you?
Leader:
I heard that 42 million people have AIDS.
People:
Where are you?
Leader:
A man on television said he hates gays, in your name.
People:
How can you allow that?
Leader:
And yet, the stars sparkled in the night sky last evening;
People:
And the blanket of snow was beautiful;
Leader:
And some carolers serenaded my soul;
People:
And I remembered
Leader:
All the works of God,
People:
How you gave of yourself
Leader:
To suffer and die,
People:
And how you rose again,
Leader:
And I came to see that in the suffering,
People:
Against the hatred,
Leader:
Beyond death,
People:
You are with me.
Leader:
For you are Emmanuel,
People:
God with us.
Assurance Of Pardon
A simple Assurance Of Pardon that gets right to the point.
Leader:
He removes our sin as far from us as the east is far from the west. If only we ask.
People:
Praise God the forgiver.
Leader:
Amen.
We are called to take part in the establishment of the reign of God here on this earth. This Assurance emphasizes the joy of forgiveness and the responsibility of it.
Know without a doubt that you are forgiven. But also know this: that you have been forgiven for a purpose; that you might become holy and be a witness for Jesus Christ in your family, and workplace, and community, and beyond. So rejoice in your forgiveness and get about the business of becoming holy and allowing God to burst forth from you. Amen.
Prayer Of Dedication
First option.
Let us pray: God who reigns in glory, as Mary submitted her life to be used for your purposes, so enable us to submit our lives to you in the same way. Help us to surrender our time, our talents, our material blessings, our entire beings to you. And as we surrender, use what we give to spread your reign abroad in all the earth. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
This prayer uses Mary's wonderful phrase of submission, "May it be to me as you have said ..."
Lord and Master of our lives, increase our capacity for submission that we might say along with Mary, "May it be to me as you have said." And teach us that as we submit in this way, all things become possible for us in you.
Pastoral Prayer
Father, you sent him to re-establish your kingdom of love and light in the midst of a creation that had fallen into the darkness of selfishness. Help us to escape this darkness and move ever further into the light of a vital and growing relationship with your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. This, above all things, is our reason for being, and the reason for this wonderful season we call Christmas. Lessen our attention to the things of this world: the gifts, and decorations, and cards to be sent, and meals to be made. Increase our attention to the matters of true importance; love of, and time spent with, the people you have given us, work on behalf of those in need, humble service to the King of kings and Lord of lords. For these things are the essence of the season.
Benediction
Romans 16:25-27
Now to him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all nations might believe and obey him. To the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ.
If you want a briefer benediction use this paraphrase of the passage.
Now unto him who has been at work establishing his kingdom from Abraham, to David, to Peter, and to the church -- to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus the Christ. Amen.
Hymns
Arise, Sons Of The Kingdom
Fling Wide The Door
Hark! A Thrilling Voice Is Sounding
Hark, The Glad Sound!
It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
Joy To The World
Lift Up Your Heads, Rejoice
Light Of Those Whose Dreary Dwelling
Lo! How A Rose E'er Blooming
O Thou Joyful, O Thou Wonderful
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
There's A Voice In The Wilderness Crying
Winged Herald Of The Day, The
Contemporary Choruses
Lord, Reign In Me, Brenton Brown
You Are My King, Billy Foote
Other Music
Child of Love, Sara Groves
Soloist material.
Manger Throne, Third Day
Soloist material. A song of thanks to Jesus for humbly condescending to us.
Mary, Did You Know, various artists
Soloist material. This is one of the all-time classic Christmas songs. The song asks Mary if she realizes all that would happen because of her son; sorrow for her, salvation for the world.
The first Call To Worship this week is designed to be used on a Sunday when the children are participating in worship. Our children's Christmas pageant is traditionally held the Sunday before Christmas.
Leader:
Angels and children, the same breed;
People:
Both closer to God than we,
Leader:
Both messengers of God's beauty,
People:
And radiance,
Leader:
And glory,
People:
And love.
Leader:
So this morning, let us see the children,
People:
And hear the angelic voices,
Leader:
And rejoice, for God is near.
People:
Hallelujah!
Leader:
Amen.
(The lighting of the Prophets', the Bethlehem, the Shepherds', and the Angels' Candles)
Here is a simple Call To Worship that speaks of God's sovereignty.
Leader:
Come, let us worship the King of kings.
People:
And Lord of lords.
Leader:
Sovereign over all creation.
People:
Apart from whom nothing happens.
Leader:
Who is bringing all things under his loving rule;
People:
So that creation might be as he wills it;
Leader:
Filled with love,
People:
Joy,
Leader:
And peace.
People:
Forever.
Leader:
Amen.
A Call To Worship based on Psalm 89.
Leader:
Let us sing of the Lord's great love.
People:
We will make his faithfulness known.
Leader:
Let us declare that his love stands firm forever.
People:
His promises are always kept.
Leader:
He is our Father,
People:
Our God,
Leader:
Our Rock,
People:
Our Savior.
Leader:
No one compares to him.
People:
He alone is great.
Leader:
Righteousness and justice are the foundations of his reign.
People:
Love and faithfulness are his constant companions.
Leader:
Blessed are those who acclaim him.
People:
Glory to those who walk with him.
Leader:
Praise be to Yahweh forever!
People:
Amen and amen.
The candlelighting response below lifts up "Our Joy" on this Fourth Sunday In Advent when we light the Joy Candle.
Leader:
Joy to the world,
People:
The Lord has come.
Leader:
Joyful, joyful,
People:
We adore thee
Leader:
God of glory,
People:
Lord of love.
Leader:
Joy -- unbounded happiness;
People:
Heartfelt satisfaction;
Leader:
Adamant confidence in the future;
People:
Unparalleled contentment;
Leader:
More than a feeling;
People:
True bliss.
Leader:
It is what you know when you look into the face of a baby;
People:
The baby, the Christ.
Leader:
Let earth receive her king.
People:
Let every heart
Leader:
Prepare him room,
People:
And let heaven and nature sing,
Leader:
Yes, let heaven and nature sing.
People:
Amen.
(The lighting of all four of the Advent candles)
Our monologue this week comes from the Angel Gabriel.
Angel Gabriel
I wish you could have beheld Mary as I beheld her that day so many years ago in the way that you count time. I wish you could have seen her, for she was beautiful. She was not beautiful in the way that you count beauty. It was not a physical beauty. She had a beauty that could only be held by the spirit. She had beauty of heart and soul; beauty in the depths of her being.
This beauty was hers because she lived to please God. Mary knew what so few others knew. She knew that God's will was that she, and all other children of God, possess all the abundance of life that was present at the creation. She knew that it was only in obedience to God's design that life could be fully lived. She also knew that this obedience might not always be easy or safe.
That is what made her truly beautiful. She was a simple, fragile, vulnerable young woman who was absolutely fearless when it came to living for God. I could see it and hear it in her, when she said to me, "May it be to me as you have said."
Are those not words of great courage? She was saying to God, "Do with me what you please. I trust you and your purposes so much that I put myself completely in your hands."
Now, I am not here to scold you for being less courageous or obedient than Mary. I am simply here this morning to point out to you that Mary's life, while hard at times, while deeply painful at times, was a life of triumph. Her example is not to shame you, but to give you something to reach for.
(Gabriel may light all four of the Advent candles)
Prayer Of Confession
This first prayer is a reminder that God can always be counted on. This is in keeping with the theme of the ultimate establishment of God's kingdom.
Leader:
Lord, when we think everything depends on us,
People:
Forgive us.
Leader:
When we forget to rely on you,
People:
Forgive us.
Leader:
When we cut you out of our plans,
People:
Forgive us.
Leader:
When we stop seeking your guidance,
People:
Forgive us.
Leader:
When we begin to think you don't care,
People:
Forgive us.
Leader:
Lord, forgive us for every act,
People:
And every thought,
Leader:
Which neglects to take you into account.
People:
We ask it the name of our Savior,
Leader:
Jesus the Christ.
People:
Amen.
One theme of the scriptures for this week is the establishment of the reign of God. Jesus coming to earth was the beginning of that establishment. This confession emphasizes that God is with us and at work in spite of appearances in our world.
Leader:
At night, lying on my bed, wide awake, I sometimes wonder, "Are you really there, Lord?"
People:
"Are you real at all?"
Leader:
I saw a little boy hit by a car today.
People:
Where are you?
Leader:
I heard that 42 million people have AIDS.
People:
Where are you?
Leader:
A man on television said he hates gays, in your name.
People:
How can you allow that?
Leader:
And yet, the stars sparkled in the night sky last evening;
People:
And the blanket of snow was beautiful;
Leader:
And some carolers serenaded my soul;
People:
And I remembered
Leader:
All the works of God,
People:
How you gave of yourself
Leader:
To suffer and die,
People:
And how you rose again,
Leader:
And I came to see that in the suffering,
People:
Against the hatred,
Leader:
Beyond death,
People:
You are with me.
Leader:
For you are Emmanuel,
People:
God with us.
Assurance Of Pardon
A simple Assurance Of Pardon that gets right to the point.
Leader:
He removes our sin as far from us as the east is far from the west. If only we ask.
People:
Praise God the forgiver.
Leader:
Amen.
We are called to take part in the establishment of the reign of God here on this earth. This Assurance emphasizes the joy of forgiveness and the responsibility of it.
Know without a doubt that you are forgiven. But also know this: that you have been forgiven for a purpose; that you might become holy and be a witness for Jesus Christ in your family, and workplace, and community, and beyond. So rejoice in your forgiveness and get about the business of becoming holy and allowing God to burst forth from you. Amen.
Prayer Of Dedication
First option.
Let us pray: God who reigns in glory, as Mary submitted her life to be used for your purposes, so enable us to submit our lives to you in the same way. Help us to surrender our time, our talents, our material blessings, our entire beings to you. And as we surrender, use what we give to spread your reign abroad in all the earth. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
This prayer uses Mary's wonderful phrase of submission, "May it be to me as you have said ..."
Lord and Master of our lives, increase our capacity for submission that we might say along with Mary, "May it be to me as you have said." And teach us that as we submit in this way, all things become possible for us in you.
Pastoral Prayer
Father, you sent him to re-establish your kingdom of love and light in the midst of a creation that had fallen into the darkness of selfishness. Help us to escape this darkness and move ever further into the light of a vital and growing relationship with your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. This, above all things, is our reason for being, and the reason for this wonderful season we call Christmas. Lessen our attention to the things of this world: the gifts, and decorations, and cards to be sent, and meals to be made. Increase our attention to the matters of true importance; love of, and time spent with, the people you have given us, work on behalf of those in need, humble service to the King of kings and Lord of lords. For these things are the essence of the season.
Benediction
Romans 16:25-27
Now to him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all nations might believe and obey him. To the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ.
If you want a briefer benediction use this paraphrase of the passage.
Now unto him who has been at work establishing his kingdom from Abraham, to David, to Peter, and to the church -- to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus the Christ. Amen.
Hymns
Arise, Sons Of The Kingdom
Fling Wide The Door
Hark! A Thrilling Voice Is Sounding
Hark, The Glad Sound!
It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
Joy To The World
Lift Up Your Heads, Rejoice
Light Of Those Whose Dreary Dwelling
Lo! How A Rose E'er Blooming
O Thou Joyful, O Thou Wonderful
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
There's A Voice In The Wilderness Crying
Winged Herald Of The Day, The
Contemporary Choruses
Lord, Reign In Me, Brenton Brown
You Are My King, Billy Foote
Other Music
Child of Love, Sara Groves
Soloist material.
Manger Throne, Third Day
Soloist material. A song of thanks to Jesus for humbly condescending to us.
Mary, Did You Know, various artists
Soloist material. This is one of the all-time classic Christmas songs. The song asks Mary if she realizes all that would happen because of her son; sorrow for her, salvation for the world.
