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Greeting and Welcome
Prelude Benjamin
Centering Words
Advent is a time to celebrate the coming of the Lord! The Anointed One comes from heaven to bring God’s reign of justice and peace for all.
Call to Worship
Rejoice in our God.
Our future is in his loving hands.
Rejoice in the Anointed One.
The one who loves justice and mercy.
Rejoice in the Prince of Peace.
For he is coming to bring good news and comfort.
Rejoice in the coming of our Lord.
Let us prepare for the birth of love!
Opening Prayer
Lord, we give you thanks for preparing our hearts for the justice and peace you bring. Guide our preparations for Christmas, as we share the good news and offer our friendship to others. Come, Holy Spirit, help us share your mercy and grace with the world. Amen.
Hymns
O Come, All Ye Faithful UMH 234
Lightning of Advent Wreath
READER: We light the candles of peace and hope and joy to light our way as we journey. Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, that God may teach us the ways of peace and hope and joy.
Congregation: Gracious God, we seek you everywhere with expectant eyes that invite us to see joy in the world today. Amen.
Joys and Concerns
Lord’s Prayer
Scripture reading
John 1:6-8, 24-27 CEB
Hymn
Hail to the Lord’s Anointed UMH 203
Prayer of Confession
Lord, forgive us when we ignore your call to put our trust and hope in you. Heal our weakness, forgive our mistakes, help us not to give up on ourselves or on you. Free us from hopeless living. May your love renew us and restore our strength. Amen.
Words of Assurance
God’s love lives in us and through us!
In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven!
Thanks be to God!
Text
Isaiah 61:1-3 CEB
Sermon
“The Lord’s Anointed!” Rev. Ileana Rosario
Hymn
Hark! The Herald Angels sing UMH 240
Benediction
May God’s love renew us and restore our strength.
May God’s peace sustain us and bless us.
May God’s presence guide us and use us to bless the world.
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