Prepare the Way Worship Series: WELCOME
Fourth Sunday of Advent — December 23, 2018

Planning for this Series

This is the fourth and final Sunday of Advent. Taylor Burton-Edwards says,

The fullest expression of Advent for this day is found in Mary’s Song. Consider focusing worship and preaching around what the world looks like through the lens of her pregnancy with Jesus. Consider, too, using the Mary Song in a variety of ways and settings throughout worship—as a song of praise (opening worship) to a song of examination (preceding a confession of faith or the sermon) to a Confession of Faith (following the sermon), and possibly even as the concluding hymn of sending. But do sing it!

This week’s theme word is Welcome. This is a natural word for the week, as we look forward to welcoming the Christ child.

Tomorrow, on the 24th, Christmas season will begin. We will have Christmas Eve and the first Sunday after Christmas, and close our season with Epiphany of the Lord on January 6. But for Advent 4, keep the mood expectant on the coming of Christ child.