INVITATION AND GATHERING
Prelude “Prepare The Way, O Zion” Jan Kaupp
Welcome & Greetings
Vocal Introit: “Longing for Light, We Wait in Darkness” (see Insert)
Lighting of the Advent Candle:
Response: “Christ Be Our Light” (see Insert)
Announcements
† Hymn of Praise: “Angels from the Realms of Glory” UMH #220
† Call to Worship: (responsively)
Pastor: Rejoice in the Lord, always, again I say rejoice!
People: With joy, we draw water form the well of salvation.
Pastor: Sing aloud, O daughters of the Holy One. With thanks, we return home to the living God.
People: Shout for joy, O sons of the Most High. With praise, we approach the throne of grace.
All: Rejoice in the Lord, always, again I say rejoice!
Opening Prayer: (In Unison)
Redeemer God, we come to you with laughter in our hearts and joy in our very bones,
for you save the lame and take away the shame of the outcast. When we think all hope is lost,
you gather us in and bring us home. Restore our fortunes, O God, that we may show
everyone we meet your power to transform the world. Amen.
PROCLAMATION AND RESPONSE
Affirmation of Faith: “The Apostles’ Creed– Traditional Version” UMH #881
Scripture Readings:
Old Testament Isaiah 35:1-10 Pew Bible Pg. 1111& 1112
New Testament James 5:10-20 Pew Bible Pg. 1885
Leader: This is the word of the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God!
Joys and Concerns
Pastoral Prayer– Followed by The Lord’s Prayer
Prayer Focus for this Week: Our Building
Preparatory Hymn: “O Little Town of Bethlehem” UMH #230
THANKSGIVING AND REFLECTION
Invitation to the Offering
Offertory “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” Jan Kaupp
† Doxology: UMH #95
† Prayer of Dedication
Sermon: “PEACE ON EARTH” Rev. John Bhajjan
SENDING FORTH
† Closing Hymn: “It Came upon the Midnight Clear” UMH #218
† Benediction
† Threefold Amen: UMH #898
† Postlude “We Are a People of Joy” Jan Kaupp
† indicates Worshipers are invited to stand, if able.
MUSIC used with permission (CCLI License #1619157)
HYMNAL: UMH = United Methodist Hymnal