second sunday of advent

Prelude
Chimes of the Hour
Welcome/Announcements
Introit
 
Call to Worship
 
Pastor: In anticipation we gather.
Congregation: With expectation we wait.
Pastor: We gather to watch for the coming of the good news into our world and into our lives.
Congregation: We wait to see the fullness of God’s salvation.
Pastor: We are filled with wonder at all that God has planned for us. Words of praise spring from our lips!
Congregation: In this time of waiting, let true worship begin in our hearts.
Pastor: Let our praises rise up to the heavens!
Congregation: Let our celebration spread new hope throughout a tired world!
Pastor: Let us gather together all that we are to worship the Lord, who is the living God! Amen.
 
Lighting of Advent Candle
 
Advent Hymn Come Thou Long Expected Jesus (v.1,2)
 
Prayer of the Day
 
Hymn
 
Call to Confession
 
In Advent we hear the prophet’s call to prepare the way of the Lord, to make his paths straight. Let us answer this call by making our confession to God in the presence of God and one another, praying together these words:  
 
Prayer of Confession (in unison)
 
Holy and loving God, we confess we have dwelt in darkness and preferred it to the light; we have been proud of our accomplishments and despaired over our shortcomings. Smooth down the mountains of our pride, and lift up the valleys of our doubts. Open a path through the wilderness of our lives that we might find our way to you again. Refine us and prepare us once again for life in your kingdom, for we have strayed far from you. Amen. 
 
Kyrie
 
Assurance of Pardon
 
Pastor: Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has looked favorably on his people and redeemed them. He has raised up a mighty savior for us in the house of his servant David, as he spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old, that we might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. Congregation: Thanks be to God!
 
Passing the Peace
 
Pastor: Christ has given us peace that surpasses all understanding. The peace of Christ be with you!
Congregation: The peace of Christ be with you also!
 
Prayer for Illumination
 
Scripture
 
Liturgist: Philippians 1:3-11
 
Liturgist: The Word of the Lord!
Congregation: Thanks be to God!
 
Pastor: Luke 3:1-6
 
Pastor: The Gospel of the Lord!
Congregation: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ!  
 
Sermon:  Liturgy of Repentance   
 
Affirmation of Faith
 
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ his only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried. He descended into hell. The third day he rose from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
 
Hymn
 
Sharing our Joys and Concerns
 
Prayers of the People
 
The Lord’s Prayer
 
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
 
Offering/Music
 
Doxology
 
Prayer of Dedication
 
Hymn
 
Benediction
 
The Threefold Amen