GATHERING
ANNOUNCEMENTS/GREETING
PRELUDE “He is Born” Haven UMC Choir-Accompanied by Kathy Nash
LIGHTING THE ADVENT CANDLES
The Ribelin family will Light the fourth candle, LOVE.
CALL TO WORSHIP
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.
* HYMN “O Come, All Ye Faithful” UMH 234
CALL TO CONFESSION
UNISON PRAYER OF CONFESSION-Unison
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.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
TIME WITH YOUTH Janet Keffer
*HYMN “It Came Upon A Midnight Clear” UMH 218
LITANY for ADVENT
Leader: 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.
Leader: 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.
Leader: 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.
Leader: 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.
*ANTHEM “Sweet Little Jesus Boy” Sally Reese
PRAYERS AND OFFERINGS
OFFERTORY 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.
RECEIVING OUR OFFERING
*PRESENTATION OF OUR OFFERING
*DOXOLOGY UMH #95
JOYS AND CONCERNS-PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Janet Keffer THE LORD’S PRAYER
PROCLAIMING GOD’S WORD
PRAYER OF ILLUMINATION
NEW TESTAMENT LESSON Luke 1:46-55 & 68-79
THE MESSAGE Michael Keffer
*HYMN “Angels We Have Heard on High” UMH 238
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 (May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.)
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*Stand as you are able. The quiet room is available in the back of the sanctuary if needed.