WELCOME and ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
We acknowledge the traditional owners of this land. The traditional owners who have celebrated hundreds of years of advent welcoming the spirit of joy and hope to this land. Loving and caring for this land so that it may be rich in resources, rich in culture and rich in spiritual storytelling and faith for future generations.
ADVENT LITURGY 4
Reader One: Mary, faced with an incomprehensible burden and gift, ran to Cousin Elizabeth’s house, looking for someone who knew a little of what she was going through, looking for a place to hide until the reality of her condition could become something real. And she received a blessing. The prophet Micah spoke of a blessing coming to an unexpected place, an unassuming town. Yet by God’s grace would become the means through which God would bless the whole world. Bethlehem, the little town of blessing. We seek a blessing.
Reader Two: We light these candles, the candle of hope, of peace, of joy and of today, love, as a sign that we know blessing and we know waiting for blessing to be felt and lived. We light these candles as a sign that we still seek a blessing. It’s time to go home. Light all four candles in the Advent wreath.
LIGHTING THE ADVENT CANDLES (Dave and Genelle)
CALL TO WORSHIP
Listen in the morning; Give ear in the evening.
Today is the day of rescue; Tonight is the night of release.
God is with us! God is present!
Let us rejoice. Let us worship! Let us sing to God!
This year I am just that bit more into the Christmas spirit, celebration and joy. I don’t mean that I’m not usually keen on Christmas, I am. This time around I am feeling it that little bit more. My Christmas tree is super crowded with decorations, tinsel and lights but somehow it seems to work without looking too trashy or gaudy.
I want to embrace the good feel that Christmas can and should bring to us, hope, joy, laughter, the sharing of gifts and resources with those who don’t have much or anything at all, enjoy the company of loved ones and of strangers. This year has been a typical year which for all of us we experience difficulties, trials and uncertainties plus we did experience a long COVID lockdown. But as life goes on I have become more grateful for what I have, where I live and knowing that I can make a difference in our community and country in a variety of ways some that I never would have thought I could or would be doing, attending a climate change vigil, knitting a climate change scarf, , raising money for Wayside Chapel, openly chatting with family and friends about why I don’t wish to purchase clothing made of viscose fabric, that unwanted textiles are clogging our world, why I wouldn’t buy a certain brand product for ethical reasons and so on and so forth. Yes I am going to fully embrace this 2021 Christmas the bright lights, the decorated Christmas tree, the cards and messages sent and received gifts all anchored in the celebration of Jesus birth the eternal message of hope and trust in where Christ will lead us all.
I would like to invite John H and then Leanne to share with us a special Christmas memory and their Christmas wish for 2022
PRAYER OF INVOCATION (Karen)
God, the dawn is coming. The new day is near.
We wait in expectation for the arrival of goodness.
We wait in hope for new life to be born in us and among us.
We wait in faith – without fear to hear the words, ‘peace on earth and good will to all.’
This is our hope. This is our prayer. Amen.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (Karen)
God of faithfulness, the Scriptures tell us of your faithfulness from generation to generation. Sometimes we find it hard to experience that faithfulness.
We often see so clearly all the pain and suffering in our world, our communities, and in our own lives but our sight and insights are too often dimmed to your faithful presence.
We live too often in anxiety and despair rather than trust and hope.
Thank you that each year as we celebrate Christmas we are reminded of faith, hope, love, peace and joy these priceless gifts given to us.
Forgive us God of love and grace when we get a bit too caught up in traditional Christmas celebrations and forget to take time out for embracing the biggest gift of all, your son.
Forgive us for our smallness of vision, our limited sight and our disbelief.
We pray for the wisdom and the clarity to take our God given Christmas gifts, tear them open and share the gifts with others,
We will aim to live as you call us to live, in abundant generosity and great hopefulness. This is our prayer of faith. Amen
Hymn
WORDS OF ASSURANCE (Karen)
Let the spirit of God within you leap for joy!
We are forgiven! We are restored! We are set free!
Let us live in the freedom and forgiveness that is from our God – what a wonderful gift.
Let us in turn share this wonderful gift. Thanks be to God!
SCRIPTURE READINGS: (Jennie and Genelle)
Micah 5:2-5a
Hebrews 10:5-10
Luke 1:26-56
PRAYER OF ADORATION AND THANKSGIVING (Karen)
God of great blessing, Elizabeth called Mary, an unmarried pregnant girl, blessed. Jesus called the poor and the hungry blessed.
Your way of understanding the worth of the world is so different from ours. What we so often overlook, you honour.
What we so often ignore, you give close attention. You treasure what we reject. For your love and care of us, in all our brokenness and unloveliness we give you great thanks.
For looking with love on all that you have created, we give you our thanks. We live in your love and welcome. Thanks be to God! Amen.
https://vimeo.com/showcase/8970133. Our Hope is in Jesus
SELECTED READING AND THEME:
Luke 1:39-45, (46-55)
Emmanuel – God is with us!
The Message: John McKinnon “Dreaming Wild Dreams”
https://youtu.be/V2JgDI8ygsY
OFFERTORY SENTENCE
God gives us the past, the present and the future. Let us give in thankfulness, trust and hope.
OFFERTORY PRAYER
God of every good gift, we bring these our gifts that were gifts to us from you
The gifts of money, the gift of food, the gift of good deeds and care for others as everything in our lives has always been.
We bring them as one way of dedicating ourselves to bless the earth with the goodness of God. In the name of Christ we pray. Amen.
PRAYER OF INTERCESSION PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE (Sue)
Hymn Tell Out My Soul Tis 161
Let us pray
Jesus, As we move rapidly towards the Christmas season, and the promise of a new year, make us aware, and awake to, the sights and sounds and smells.
My we live the fragrance and the flavour of the Creator Spirit that is present and active,In all of the ordinary and mundane moments, that we stumble into, tumble around in, and tumble our way through each and every day.
May we serve in such a way that makes room for others to experience – to taste and see, the new life, new way, new possibilities, and the new creation that has been poured out and fully found in the Spirit – who has made, and is making, all things new, right now and in what is to come…….
Amen.
(Prayer from Common Grace Advent Pastor Cory Mitchell)
COMMISSIONING AND BENEDICTION (Karen)
God made a promise to Abraham.
OUR SOULS MAGNIFY THE LORD (congregation)
God made a promise to Mary.
OUR SOULS MAGNIFY THE LORD (congregation)
God makes a promise to us.
OUR SOULS MAGNIFY THE LORD (congregation)
Let us go in peace
Amen
Benediction song May light come into your eyes
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