“On the Road” Advent 4
This year’s Advent theme, “On the Road . . . ,” conveys a sense of movement, of traveling from one point to another. In the story of the magi from the East, they literally took to the road and drew closer to Jesus with each passing step. This rich imagery sets the tone for the Advent season as we seek to move our congregations closer to Jesus, wherever we might find ourselves along the road of faith.
Prayer for Peace & Lighting of Peace Candle
This morning you are invited to think of a place, person, or situation that is in need of peace and hold that in silence before God’s healing love.
Call to worship Adapted from Psalm 89:1-2, 26
Leader: We will sing of your steadfast love, O Lord, forever;
People: we will proclaim your faithfulness to all generations.
Leader: We declare that your steadfast love is established forever;
People: your faithfulness is as firm as the heavens.
All: You are our God, and the Rock of our salvation!
Opening Hymn O come, all ye faithful HWB 212
Scripture Luke 1:26-38
26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, 27 to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” 29 But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. 30 The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. 33 He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 34 Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. 36 And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.
Hymn O little town of Bethlehem HWB 191
Sharing and Prayer (see attached email)
Offering Prayer HWB 388
Grant us, Lord, the grace of giving with a spirit large and free,
that ourselves and all our living we may offer unto thee.
Christmas Story “An Orange for Frankie” by Patricia Polacco
Hymn of Response Carol of the Bells
Benediction
People of God, people on the road: as you go forth, find rest and security in the knowledge that the God you serve is faithful, a God whose promises will be fulfilled.