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Greeting and Welcome
Prelude - Blessed Be The Name Of The Lord
Centering Words
Advent is a time for preparing a way for the Lord! A time to make a level highway in the wilderness so all the people will have access to our God. Today we listen to the voice calling us to make his path straight so all humanity will see him and be blessed by his love.
Call to Worship
We lift up our voices!
We are the messengers of hope.
We go up to the mountain!
We proclaim the promise of our Lord.
We clear a way; we level the fields!
So that all people will see the coming of the Lord!
We listen as he calls us to serve.
We prepare a way for the Lord in our hearts and in the world!
Opening Prayer
God, we are confident that you are coming, bringing your kingdom where all will be right. Calm our anxiety and strengthen our patience. Keep our hope alive as we work for your kingdom and we proclaim your new day. Amen.
Hymn
Come Thou Long Expected Jesus UMH 196
Lighting of Advent Wreath
READER: We light the candles of peace and of hope to give us strength for the journey. Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, that God may teach us the ways of peace and hope.
Congregation: Gracious God, we seek you everywhere with expectant eyes that invite us to see peace in the world today. Amen.
Joys and Concerns
Lord’s Prayer
Scripture reading
Isaiah 40:3-5 CEB
Hymn
Emmanuel, Emmanuel UMH 204
Prayer of Confession
Sometimes, we are not ready for things to be made new. Help us, God, to imagine the new earth that you envision for the world. Help us see ourselves in it. Give us wisdom and courage to hasten the coming of your new day. Amen.
Words of Assurance
God speaks peace! All will be made well!
In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!
Thanks be to God!
Text
Mark 1:1-8 CEB
Sermon
“Preparing the way!” Rev. Ileana Rosario
Hymn
Blessed Be the God of Israel UMH 209
Benediction
We commit to patiently wait for the glorious kingdom of God.
We promise to proclaim the coming of the Lord.
We will work on new paths for all the people to see the Lord.
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