December 15, 2024

Third Sunday of Advent

Link to YouTube worship https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eft4pGzJVog&t=2s

Celebrating the Wonders of the Spiritual Life

*Hymn...“Toda la Tierra” (All Earth is Waiting)” (UMH #210)

Acknowledgments

We greet each other in Christ’s name as we enter into worship together. In consideration of others, please silence your cell phones.
The prelude calls us to worship; let us listen quietly in reflection and prayer. *Indicates please stand if you are able

Today’s Meditation Verse

“Be glad in the Lord always! Again, I say be glad!” —Philippians 4:4 (CEB)

Welcome...Bob Muckle
Prelude...Jubilate Ringers / “Ukrainian Bell Carol,”

arranged by Dan R. Edwards

Lighting the Advent Candle...Bishop family First Reader: An innkeeper’s hospitality issue... Light two candles on the Advent wreath.

The Christmas season is filled with activities—shopping, partying—added to our normal flow of things. How can we find time to entertain the Christ child? So often we go with what clamors the loudest, and we miss the gentle “tap, tap”at the door.

Second Reader: Weary travelers choke the inn, demanding their lodging, food, entertainment. And here stand a pair of poor ragged souls asking you to do even more. How can one be hospitable in such a time to such as these?

First Reader: “I’m sorry, but I am full. But I see you too have a need. Perhaps we can work something out. There is a stable out back....” And another candle joins those flickering two.

Light the third candle on the Advent wreath.

Prayer: O holy child of Bethlehem, we open our hearts to You. And we seek to offer Your hospitality to others in need in this holy season. Amen.
—Before the Amen, Maren Tirabassi & Maria Tirabassi, 2007

Canticle of Zechariah (UMH #208)...Bob Muckle

First Lesson: Zephaniah 3:13-20...Bob Muckle

Bell Anthem...“Come Thou Long Expected Jesus,” arranged by Cathy Moklebust

Community prayer concerns and celebrations...Bob Muckle Please wait for the usher to bring you a microphone so that all in the congregation will be able to hear your prayer clearly.

Pastoral Prayer / The Lord’s Prayer...Rev. Jessica Rooks

Second Lesson: Isaiah 12:2-6...Bob Muckle
Leader: This is the Word of God for the people of God. People: Thanks be to God.

Sermon...Rev. Jessica Rooks / “Preparing for the Messiah” *Hymn...“Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus” (UMH #196)

*Words for the Journey...Rev. Jessica Rooks Postlude...Kyle Dacon