Description
Luke 21:25-36
Each Advent we gather around the wreath and remember that Jesus came to us first as a child. This first week we light the candle of Hope as we reflect on Christ as the only hope for our world. Jesus warns his followers that the world will fail them, that trouble is coming. It is only in him that we can place our hope. We can be distracted by everyday life and forget that this is not our home. In our distraction we can loos hope that God is up to something even in the darkest times of our life. Just as one small candle begins our journey of Advent, a small flicker of hope can change the world around us. Jesus is our hope and we are his candles in this world.
We Lift Our Hearts in Worship
[Preservice options include videos (countdowns, worship music, welcomes), worship music CD, or live music by worship band.]
Call to Worship: Psalm 25:1-10 (read responsively)
1 In you, Lord my God, I put my trust.
2 I trust in you; do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me.
3 No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame, but shame will come on those who are treacherous without cause.
4 Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths.
5 Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.
6 Remember, Lord, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old.
7 Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you, Lord, are good.
8 Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in his ways.
9 He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.
10 All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful toward those who keep the demands of his covenant.
Invocation and Introduction of Today’s Theme
Pastor In the name of God our Father, who is ever faithful to His good promises
ALL In the name of God the Son, who is our Righteous Savior
Pastor In the name of God the Holy Spirit, who is guide and renews our hope
ALL We place our hope in you alone
Opening Prayer
Pastor Faithful God, you always keep your promises and you said that You would never leave us or forsake us. As we enter this Advent journey prepare our hearts to be carriers of Your hope. We have gathered here as Your Church to worship You and hear from Your Word. We place our hopes in You and joyfully give you praise. In Jesus’ Name
ALL Amen!
Time of Praise and Worship
Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus
Charles Wesley, John Wasson, & Rowland Hugh Prichard, ©2005 praisecharts.com
Available on www.PraiseCharts.com, www.LifewayWorship.com, www.MusicNotes.com
Hosanna (Praise Is Rising)
Paul Baloche & Brenton Brown, ©2005 Integrity’s Hosanna! Music
God of This City
Aaron Boyd, Andrew McCann, Ian Jordan, Peter Comfort, Peter Kernaghan, Richard Bleakley, ©2006 worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) sixsteps Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
[Traditional Options]
Lo, He Comes with Clouds Descending
BH 91 199; CH 754; EH 57; ELW 435; HS98 802; HWC 241; HFG 306; HLC 185; HGP 146; LBW 27; LSB 336; LW 15; PH 6; RH 659; STTL 278; UMH 718; WAR 318; WHM 278; WIS 192
Come Thou Long Expected Jesus
BH 75 79; BH 91 77; CH 244; CHH 125; EH 66; ELW 254; HWC 124; HFG 168; HLC 102; LBW 30; LSB 338; LW 22; NCH 122; PH 1,2; RH 115; RS 496; STTL 157; WC 135; UMH 196; WAR 153; WHM 121; WIS 181
Time of Greeting
Lighting of the Advent Candle
[Optional: Children’s Message and/or Dismissal to Children’s Church]
We Hear God’s Word
[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]
First Reading Jeremiah 33:14-16
The Prophet Jeremiah predicts the coming and rule of the Messiah.
14 ’The days are coming,’ declares the Lord, ‘when I will fulfill the good promise I made to the people of Israel and Judah. 15 “‘In those days and at that time I will make a righteous Branch sprout from David’s line; he will do what is just and right in the land. 16 In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. This is the name by which it will be called: The Lord Our Righteous Savior.’
