Sunday, December 10th, 2000 - Advent 2 – Sunday School Program
There are only 14 shopping days left. Malls are crowded with people searching for the perfect gift, the right dress to wear, a unique addition to the Christmas meal. The flurry of holiday preparations is well underway. That may make it harder to hear the call in the this week’s readings – a call to a deeper preparation for the holy days that can lead us into the way of peace.
If you would like to stay seated for any or all of the “standing” parts of the service, please feel free to do so.
Prelude
Sharing Announcements
A Time of Greeting
A time of silent preparation—Lighting the Christ Candle
Call to Worship (Responsive)
One: The dawn will break upon us and give us light.
All: Get ready!
One: Day will dawn. The light will guide our feet into the way of peace.
All: Get ready!
One: We are ready! Let the dawn shine upon us as we worship God.
All: Get ready!
One: Let us continue to pray
All: God of power, you send messengers to help us prepare for Jesus’ coming. Make us ready to hear your good news today. Come into our presence with your gentleness and strength. By the power of your Spirit, touch us so that we may touch others with your love. Amen.
Hymn #43 “Go, Tell It on the Mountain”
Advent 2 “The Candle of Peace”
One: Long ago, God spoke to the people of Israel through the prophet Malachi. Malachi told them to prepare for God to come and transform everything.
Two: God also sent John the Baptiser, to prepare the way.
One: We too long for peace.
Two: We too wait for God’s transformation.
One: We light this candle of peace waiting for the Prince of Peace to be born among us. (Light the candle)
All: God of peace teach us your way of shalom, so that wars will cease, arguments end, and hatred and fear give way to compassion and hope. Help us to prepare the way, as we wait for the coming of the Prince of Peace.
Time with the Young & the young at heart
We Remain in God’s Presence Through Confession
God of light, Advent is an exciting time. We hear of your hopes for the world, we hear of Jesus’ coming, we hear your promised way of peace. Yet, our world beckons us in different ways, and we get caught in the mixed messages. Too busy to worship, too busy to take time to meditate, too busy to think about others, it’s easy to be wrapped up in just getting through the day. When we forget you, God, remind us again of what is important. Remind us again of the good news of your love…(Silent Confession)
Assurance of Pardon (One)
Through the prophets, through John the Baptist, and through Christ himself, God calls us to repent, turn our lives around, accept God’s infinite love, grace, and mercy, and know God’s forgiveness. We are a forgiven people! Thanks be to God!
Biblical Notes
The Day of Judgement is Near
Luke 1:68-79 From the Christian Scriptures Pg. 75
Zechariah’s Prophecy
The Preaching of John the Baptist (Read from the New Revised Standard Version)
One: This is the Good News of Jesus Christ
“Away In A Manger”
“O Little Town of Bethlehem”
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Jr. Choir & Sunday School “Stay Awake” by Christopher Walker
Hymn #75 “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks”
Our Church Tithes and Offerings
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.
God of Advent Peace, you point us to paths of faithfulness. Guide our steps that we might walk with the lonely. Nudge us to travel with the forgotten, and give us courage to proclaim your love in action as well as words. We offer these gifts so that the Good News might be known. In the name of the Child of Bethlehem, we pray. Amen.
Hymn #59 “Joy To The World”
Commissioning (One)
Go from here as those who have heard the Baptist; search for simplicity, be ready to repent, prepare to receive God’s Promised One, know the joy of encountering Jesus Christ.
Choral Amen
#298 “When You Walk From Here”
When you walk from here, when you walk from here. Walk with justice, walk with mercy, and with God’s humble care.
Postlude
Thought For Today
“No eyes that have seen beauty ever lose their sight.”
by Jean Toomer
The ABC's of Christmas
