Third Sunday of Advent
December 15, 2024
Dedication of Poinsettias
Christmas Carol Hymnsing
SILENT MEDITATION: “The good news of great joy changed the course of every silent night to come.” – Alicia Bruxvoort
The musical prelude invites us to become
quiet and reverent in God’s house.
PRELUDE
ANNOUNCEMENTS
ADVENT CANDLE LIGHTING
RESPONSIVE LITANY
Pastor: Advent is marked by a spirit of joy and celebration.
People: With joyful hearts, we celebrate the coming King.
Pastor: Advent is a time to open our eyes to our many blessings.
People: With joyful hearts, we celebrate the coming King.
Pastor: Advent is a time to appreciate the bonds of human love.
People: With joyful hearts, we celebrate the coming King.
Pastor: Advent is a time to remember the promises of God.
People: With joyful hearts, we celebrate the coming King.
CANDLE LIGHTING
CONGREGATIONAL SUNG RESPONSE
Kindle the flame of joy. May it burn bright and true.
Lighting the way that is of God, the journey we pursue.
God’s realm is our desire, where peace and justice reign.
Heaven and earth combined as one, when Christ shall come again.
PRAYER OF INVOCATION
*HYMN OF PRAISE:
Joy to the World
PROFESSION OF FAITH
It may seem naive, in a world of grief, to choose to live in joy;
It may seem foolish, in a world where seriousness is power, to sing and dance to a different tune;
It may seem crazy, in a world of suffering and injustice, to speak of light and celebration;
But you have come, Jesus, to bring joy into our grief, light into our darkness, singing into our mourning; and it is an act of healing and proclamation to believe and embrace the joy you offer.
And so we believe, and so we proclaim:
Joy to the world!
The Lord is come!
Hallelujah!
CALL TO CONFESSION
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Refining God, it is not easy for us to admit we are not a blameless people. We trust the promises of leaders, but have trouble believing the ones you have made. We find ourselves captive to our emotions and desires, but doubt you can save us. We prefer the shadowy streets of the world, rather than walking in your Light.
Forgive us, Faithful One. May the Light of Christ show us your way; may the Joy of Christ overflow from our lives to others; may the Life of Christ be our model as we seek to be your people.
SILENCE FOR REFLECTION AND CONFESSION
ASSURANCE OF GOD’S GRACE
CHILDREN’S TIME
CHRISTMAS CAROL HYMNSING
*PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
*OUR LORD’S PRAYER (debts)
DEDICATION OF POINSETTIAS
PRAYER
READING OF THE SCRIPTURES
Philippians 4:4-7
Luke 1:56-66
Luke 1:67-80
MESSAGE: Rejoice – “always”???
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
OFFERTORY RESPONSE (sung)
What Can I Give Him? (insert)
What can I give him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;
If I were a wise man, I would do my part;
Yet what I can I give him: give my heart.
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
*HYMN OF DEDICATION:
Good Christian Men, Rejoice
THE COMMISSION
THE BENEDICTION
CLOSING RESPONSE
O Come, All Ye Faithful #188, refrain only
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
Christ, the Lord.
POSTLUDE
Thoughts for Reflection:
1. How would you describe the difference between happiness and joy?
2. Which of the two would you rather have?
3. Which of the two would you prefer to wish for someone else?
