Advent 3.2
Theme – Joy
Gather
The nights are long…
…the darkness deep…
…but the reason for our joy draws near.
Song – We Have Waited
Prayers of the People
God who is with us, in our joy as well as our sorrow, we pray this day for those in our community who are struggling during this time. Help us serve those who bear these burdens, that we all may experience the hope You give, for this life and the one to come.
Lord, in Your mercy…
Hear our prayer.
Lighting of the Advent Candle/Song – In This Season (Week 3)
Reading – Luke 1:18-25
And Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” And the angel answered him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time.” And the people were waiting for Zechariah, and they were wondering at his delay in the temple. And when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the temple. And he kept making signs to them and remained mute. And when his time of service was ended, he went to his home.
After these days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she kept herself hidden, saying, “Thus the Lord has done for me in the days when he looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.”
Song – Wintertide
Peace/Benediction
And now may the God of our joy be at work in the impossible of our lives this day, this week and this season. Where once we have been barren, may we bear fruit for His kingdom. Go in joy to love and serve the Lord.
Next: Advent 3.3