GATHERING TO PRAISE GOD Sunday, December 11, 2022
Third Sunday of Advent
Prelude
Choral Introit
Praise Song
Welcome
The People Gather
L: Today there is good news for us to behold!
P: Those who feared that they were worth little to God have found blessing in God’s sight.
L: For in the mercy and love of God, the blind shall see, the lame shall walk without pain, those who could not hear shall be blessed with hearing, and there shall be peace.
P: God’s mercy and love is poured out for our parched souls.
L: Behold! The Lord’s compassion is with God’s people.
P: Believe in the power of God in all things. AMEN.
Hymn It Came Upon a Midnight Clear UMH v: 1,2,4
The People Pray
Lord of delight and surprises, you come to us each day with opportunity, love, support. You pour your blessings on us, reminding us of your compassionate presence with us. Help us to be people of loving service. Help us to see the ways in which you enter our lives and enable us to serve you by serving your people.
Lighting the Advent Candles Steve and Lorie Shull
Reader: We hear it said that “Christmas is for children”, but I say to you that Christmas is for everyone, for those who have lived through many Christmases; for those whose hearts rejoice or weep at the thoughts of Christmas past. Today we celebrate these beloved people, all God’s beloved ones. “This year, this year, let the day arrive, when Christmas comes for everyone, everyone alive!” AMEN
Sing verse 3 of “Star-Child” FWS 2095
Special Music O Come All Ye Faithful
Children’s Moment
Unison Reading UMH 199
The Word of God for the People of God
Scripture Luke 1:39-45
In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, 40 where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leapt in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit 42 and exclaimed with a loud cry, ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. 43 And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? 44 For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leapt for joy. 45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be[a] a fulfilment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.’
Message Learning Joy
Pastoral Prayer
The People Bring Their Gifts
There are baskets in the back or use your online app
The People Go into The World
Praise Song
Gaelic Benediction
*Benediction *
Postlude
Sermon Notes
- Joy is found in having an Elizabeth in your life and being an Elizabeth to someone.
- Joy is found in recognizing Jesus is Lord and you are not.
- Joy is found in singing songs of praise to God out loud. [Whether you can carry a tune or not.]
- Joy is found in giving yourself to help those who are in need.
How can you, like Elizabeth, uplift and bless others?
When you face a God-given task that seems impossible, overwhelming or frightening, how can you recall and apply Elizabeth’s words?
Does your giving reflect your gratitude?
In what ways (not just financial) are you “rich”? Are you willing to use your God-given gifts to lift the burdens of those who are lowly in parts of life where you are strong?