“Songs of the Season”
December 15, 2021
Welcome and Announcements
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from our Lord Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Responsive Prayer
Our world stumbles blindly toward chaos –
Come, Wisdom of God, and lead us into wise paths.
What we imagine to be strength is really weakness –
Come, Lord of Might, and fill us with your true strength.
We long for a standard to look up to, a banner to gather your scattered people –
Come, Root of Jesse, and claim us as your own.
We languish in prisons of mind and spirit –
Come, Key of David, and set us free.
We grow weary, as the night is long, and our hearts grow cold –
Come, Morning Star, and dawn upon us.
We wander, lacking direction; we quarrel, lacking a sure leader –
Come, Prince of Peace, and reign among us.
We need to know that God is our God, and God is with us –
Come, Emmanuel, and dwell in our hearts.
People of God, wait for the Lord. Those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall soar with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not be faint.
Hymn 256 “Comfort, Comfort Now My People”
Lighting of the Advent Wreath
The Spirit and the church cry out:
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!
All those who await his appearance pray:
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!
The whole creation pleads:
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!
Let us pray.
We praise you, O God, for this victory wreath that marks our days of preparation for Christ’s advent. As we light the candles on this wreath, strengthen our hearts as we await the Lord’s coming in glory. Enlighten us with your grace, that we may serve our neighbors in need. Grant this through Christ our Lord, whose coming is certain and whose day draws near. Amen.
Hymn 257 “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” (stanzas 5 and 6)
Readings
Revelation 7: 9—10 Romans 10: 12—15 Luke 2: 8—20
Sermon Pastor Paul Miller
Prayers
Holy and loving God, we pray for your church. Where is it corrupt, purify it; where it is in error, direct it; where in anything it is amiss, reform it; where it is right strengthen it; where it is in need, provide for it; where it is divided, reunite it.
Hear us, O God.
Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work or watch or weep. Tend the sick, give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, and comfort the afflicted. Awaken us to the needs around us, that we may learn to keep watch.
Hear us, O God.
Many are crying out, “Lord Jesus, come!” Christians enduring persecution; refu-gees who find no welcome and no room in the inn; children who lack food or medicine or loving nurture; victims of violence and war. Sustain their hopes. We wait with those who wait for you.
Hear us, O God.
The whole creation groans under the weight of human sin and waits for your salvation to be revealed. Set this world free from its bondage to decay. By your Spirit, make us the helpers and liberators you created us to be.
Hear us, O God.
By Christ’s coming, make your people one, as you are one. End the divisiveness and quarrelling in our homes, churches, and communities, that our common life may reflect your mercy and give witness to your grace. Gather the gifts you have given us for the building up of the Body of Christ. Turn our hearts from seeking our own way toward the world Christ was born to save.
Hear us, O God.
Lord, remember us in your kingdom and teach us to pray:
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen.
Blessing
The God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus.
Amen.
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.
The God of all grace bless you now and forever.
Amen.
Hymn 284 “’Twas in the Moon of Wintertime”