GATHERING
GREETING AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and Lord Jesus Christ.
God is faithful; by him we were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. –based on 1Corinthians 1:3, 9
PRELUDE Patty Bell
LITANY for ADVENT
Call: God of life, in love, you created the world out of nothing– Providing us with everything we need– Most important, a relationship with you our Creator. And yet, we have not always honored that relationship, sometimes turning away from that love. But your love remains steadfast.
Response: Restore us, O God.
Call: God of mercy, you heard the cries of your people, and in the act of love and grace, freed them from the bondage of slavery under pharaoh. And yet, your people complained about what they did have, failing to rejoice in you and the gift of freedom. But your love remained steadfast.
Response: Restore us, O God.
Call: God of compassion, you sent prophets to remind your people of your love for them beseeching them to return to you. We yearn for the time when your word is inscribed on our hearts. And yet, we continue to turn away from you.We are grateful you still remind us that you are our God, and we your people. Your love remains steadfast.
Response: Restore us, O God.
Call: God of grace, in your greatest act of love, you came to Earth in the form of a baby to be with us. Awaken our souls to your presence. Fill our hearts with the desire to turn our hearts to you. Inspire us to share the good news that your love remains, and is always steadfast.
Response: Restore us, O God.
All: Amen and Amen.
*OPENING HYMN: “O Come, All Ye Faithful” UMH 234
TIME WITH THE YOUTH: LIGHTING THE ADVENT CANDLES
Reader 1: Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God;
Reader 2: everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.
Reader 3: God’s love was revealed among us in this way:
Reader 4:God sent his Son into the world so that we might live through him.
All: Thanks be to God!
Christ came down that we might have love…hope…peace…joy!
Light the fourth candle LOVE
PROCLAMING GOD’S WORD
LESSON
PSALM 89:1-4, 19-26 PB, pg. 524
MESSAGE Pastor Vicki Lerdahl
HYMN: “It Came Upon A Midnight Clear” UMH 218
PRAYERS AND OFFERING
OFFERING PRAYER
We approach the manger with hope that love may be born anew in our hearts. Like the wise men of old, we give our gifts with hearts overflowing with gratitude for a love that knows no bounds. For all that we have been given especially the gift of Jesus the Christ we say thanks be to God. Amen.
*PRESENTATION OF OUR OFFERING: UMH 219 refrain
This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing; haste, haste to bring Him Laud, the babe, the son of Mary.
CONFESSION
We are mindful of the ways we walk in darkness, avoiding the light, Light of the World. We choose to live with harmful habits rather than count on you to bring us to health. We choose to stay the same rather than accept the new life to which you draw us. Forgive us for our unwillingness to change. Create in us a desire for the adventure of life lived in the light. Amen.
WORDS OF ASSURANCE: Thanks be to God, we are a forgiven people. May this gracious gift of being in right relationship with God draw us closer to the path God would have us walk.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
PASTORAL PRAYER
THE LORD’S PRAYER
COMMUNION
PRAYER FOR THE BREAD AND CUP Pastor Vicki
Come, All are welcome at the Lord’s Table!
SENDING FORTH
*CIRCLE SONG: “We Three Kings” refrain only
Oh, star of wonder, star of light, star with royal beauty bright, westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect light.”
*BLESSING