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Advent ( in preparation for the service)

Advent is a season of waiting. During Advent, we are waiting for something to come into the world, something to be born for us and in us. It is an expectant waiting, and it it requires not will, but willingness -- a willingness to receive the new, the unexpected. It requires a decision to be open to the ways God will be at work in our lives. This season is an advent-ure and we have a part to play -- waiting, opening, staying watchful. Something new is coming. Consider that Christmas will be a time of giving and receiving. God has a wonderful gift for you. Prepare to receive it.

Call to Worship:

Leader: Christ, God’s gift to the world, shall come:
People: For those who feel despair will know hope.
Leader: For those who are oppressed will know freedom
People: For those who are lonely will know love.
Leader: For those who are suffering will know inner peace.
People: O Christ, Lord of the world, your time is now!
All: Fill our hearts with joy!

Call to Worship:

Lift up your heads, O gates!
   and be lifted up, O ancient doors
   that the King of Glory may come in.

 

Prayer for Holiness

   God of Grace and Mercy, as we enter the season of Advent we are reminded by the prophet Isaiah that you have promised to be the God of our future.   In these days of war and rumors of war, we exceedingly thank you for your promise to restore peace and justice in all the earth.

   God of Grace and Mercy, empower us to live a holy life before you; help us to watch and wait for you knowing that Your return could be even today. May we live as those who eagerly await your promise of redemption in all that we do.  Through Jesus our Christ and Redeemer. Amen.

 

Lighting The First Candle Of The Advent Wreath

General Introduction (repeated each week or not as desired) Our Advent Wreath reminds us of the approaching celebration of Jesus' birth
* the evergreen leaves remind us that God's love is everlasting
* the round wreath symbolizes God's eternal love
* the light of the candles stands for the light which Jesus brought into a dark world.
Each Sunday in Advent another of the candles in the circle is lit. The Christ candle is lit at midnight on Christmas Eve (or on Christmas Day if no Christmas Eve service).

Responsive Reading:

Today we enter Advent, a season of possibilities, a time of "not yet." But daily lives reflect human struggles. Sometimes we are surrounded by brokenness--in our lives, among our friends and families, in our worldwide family. Hope seems a far-off vision; yet we yearn for it to fill us. We cry together.

Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved.

When hope is lost,

Restore us, o God.

When people are hurting,

Restore us, O God.

When nations are fighting, Restore us, O God. When children are hungry,

Restore us, O God.

Restore us, God of Life. Bring us closer to hope, the hope that lights the way on the journey to Bethlehem. During this season of waiting may we be open to signs of your restoring love. As we light this first Advent Candle, let us pray for God's restoration in the midst of brokenness and despair.

Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved. Amen.