Today, we celebrate the fourth Sunday of Advent and the coming of our Lord. As we light the fourth candle today, we are apart from one another, but we remember that we are at home with the Lord wherever we are because he created a home with us when His Son was born and the Word was made flesh.
December 20th, 2020
Fourth Sunday in Advent
Prelude:
Announcements:
Greetings of Grace and Peace:
Call to Worship:
Now is the time of watching and waiting.
The time of pregnant expectation of new life.
Now is the season of hope unfolding.
The dark winter season when hope is waiting to be born.
Let us come before God with receptive and willing spirits.
May our souls magnify God’s name and may our spirits rejoice in God our Savior! Rejoice! God comes to bring the birthday of life and hope. Amen.
Opening Prayer:
O come to us, abide with us, our Lord, Emmanuel! God with us, You came to us long ago as a helpless babe, as one in need of human love and care. You taught us how to love and care for one another. Help us to hold on to childlike wonder, amazement, and love, and help us to love one another all year long. Guide our feet into the way of peace, as only the Prince of Peace can lead us, by laying down our lives for one another and serving one another. In the name of Christ, Emmanuel, God with Us, we pray. Amen.
Songs of Praise:
Prayer of Confession:
Lord, you know that the time we’ve spent away from you has been filled with turmoil, disappointment, frustration, heartache, and despair. We have forgotten all about being blameless and turning the other cheek. We gave in to urges to be petty, spiteful, and hurtful. And as we come before you,, we now find ourselves empty, confused, and ashamed. Today, we come here for Sabbath, for rest, refreshment, and renewal. Lord, we want to be sanctified and holy; we do. We want to be kind, to hold on to the good and encourage and greet each other in love, but you’re going to have to help us – a lot. Fill our mouths with praise and laughter, our hearts with joy and peace and our souls with quiet satisfaction. This is our prayer. Amen.
Old Testament Lesson: II Samuel 7: 1 – 11, 16
Gospel Reading: Gospel Lesson: Luke 1:26-38
Call to Offering:
Message: Let it Be with Me
Another Take on Today’s Gospel Lesson:
Pastoral Prayer:
Lighting of the Advent Candle:
Closing Song:
Dismissal with Blessing:
*Congregation is Invited to Stand If Able.
