A 21st Century Worship Resource for the Third Sunday of Advent, Year B

Jesus is Coming; Things Are Going to Be Different(Choral reading for seven readers from John 1:6-8; 19-28)

Reader 1: We are people of light and when we walk with the Messiah, we will know no darkness, no matter who or where we are. Our beams will banish the dark places, and all who see them will bask in their warmth and radiance. We will testify of God's goodness.

Readers 1 & 2: Jesus is coming soon; make way for the light.

Reader 2: When Jesus comes, everything will be different. Justice really will roll down like a mighty stream, and there will be freedom, and everybody will have what they need and are supposed to have.

Readers 1-3: Jesus is coming and things are going to be different.

Reader 3: All God's children will have shoes, plenty good food to eat, clean water to drink, a warm, safe place to sleep and a voice to speak for themselves. We're gonna laugh and we're gonna shout if we want to, just because we want to and nobody can give us that "hush yo' mouth" look. Yes, children of God, there'll be some changes around here.

Readers 1-4: Make straight the way 'cause things are going to be different.

Reader 4: Jesus, today we've decided that we won't wait until you get here to see the difference. Starting today, we're going to be the difference. We will see our brothers and sisters with new eyes so we won't be acting like we do now.

Reader 5: You know. Speeding up at the intersections, or turning away at the exit ramps, walking fast and clutching our purse so nobody will ask us for a dime or a dollar. Lord, we're going to see you in the hollow eyes and battered signs; and though their eyes may not change, ours sure will because we're going to see and treat them like you would.

Readers 1-6: Yes, Lord, things are going to be different when you get here.

Reader 6: We're going to stop letting babies die, having babies they don't need or want and stop letting old folks die alone, hungry and overmedicated to keep them oblivious to our neglect. We will cherish them like the treasures the wise men brought.

Reader 7: Our best and brightest will flourish and dream again because their minds and bodies are clean, clear and pure. Praise God, things are going to be different around here.

Readers 1-7: Shine the light, Lord, 'cause things are going to be different around here. Hallelujah.

Prayer of Confession

Lord, you know that the time we've spent away from you has been filled with turmoil, disappointment, frustration, heartache and despair. We have forgotten all about being blameless and turning the other cheek. We gave in to urges to be petty, spiteful and hurtful; and while "telling like it is" sure felt good at the time, we now find ourselves empty, confused and ashamed. Today, we come here for Sabbath, for rest, refreshment and renewal. Lord, we want to be sanctified and holy; we do. We want to be kind, to hold on to the good and encourage and greet each other in love, but you're going to have to help us -- a lot. Fill our mouths with praise and laughter, our hearts with joy and peace, and our souls with quiet satisfaction. This is our prayer. Amen.

Response: The grace of our Lord is all over us, no matter what comes or what goes. Whether there are floods, earthquakes, overdue bills, disease, hardheaded children, betrayal, unfaithfulness -- it won't matter because God is bigger than all the things that perplex us. Our hearts and minds will be filled with confidence and peace. Amen.

About the Author: Dr. Cynthia A. Bond Hopson is the Assistant General Secretary of the Black College Fund and Ethnic Concerns for the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry. She is also the author of Bad Hair Days, Rainy Days and Mondays.

21st Century Worship Resources: Jesus Is Coming; Things Are Going to Be Differen, Copyright © 2008, 2011Cynthia A. Bond Hopson. All Rights Reserved. Posted with permission on the Discipleship Ministries Worship website.