Fourth Sunday of Advent

Alexis Carter and Lindsey Baynham

Come, God, In the Flesh

An Advent Call to Worship Inspired by the Magnificat
Lindsey Baynham

One voice: The womb of a young virgin leaps for joy, and the ultimate gift prepares to come into the world as a babe.

All voices: Come God, in the flesh, to your church.

One voice: God, you have done great things, and they continue. You have flipped the script for the sake of connecting with a people, a young couple, and us.

All voices: Come God, in the flesh, to your church.

Our Souls Come Magnifying the Lord

A Litany for the Fourth Sunday of Advent
(Alexis Carter)

Leader: O come and magnify the Lord.

People: Our souls come magnifying the Lord.

Leader: Whether you come to worship, blissful, belligerent, bashful, or abashed—

People: We will not be afraid because we have found favor with God.

Leader: Bring your bodies and brains that bear the burdens of birthing and brokenness.

People: God has done great things for us, and we long for the continued fulfillment of God’s promises.

Prayer of Intercession or Confession

(Alexis Carter)

Gracious God,
Home to the homeless,
Shelter in times of storms,
Builder of a city where all are invited to live regardless of socioeconomic status.

We call to mind those who have no homes.
Our world is busy building more churches,
Shopping centers, and businesses
While some of your people are still dwelling in proverbial booths.

We have built more prisons when you said to set captives free.
While some children are building tree houses,
The homes other children know exist only in their dreams.
We confess that we have focused on building social programs to fix our faults and remedy those areas where we have been remiss.
You, God, are the Director of Housing of Urban Development.
Give us the tools to build infrastructures and institutions that you will inhabit.
Give us the tools to build strong imaginations.
Provide the resources to build homes, schools, communities, and futures in which your people can flourish.
In the name of the Carpenter who makes possible the building of greater possibilities. Amen.

Expect the Impossible

A Response to Luke 1:26-38
(Alexis Carter)

We are worshipers who expect the impossible.
We will conceive possibilities that have yet to be manifest.
We can’t deny that our lives bear brokenness and beauty.
We can’t be silent about the Mighty One who has done great things for us.
We can’t sing the melody of the status quo when God has given us a new song.
We will believe that nothing shall be impossible with God.

God Chose to Do the Impossible

A Sending
(Alexis Carter)

God chose to do the impossible—to become flesh so that you might find life in the flesh possible. May the very ways you live in the world reflect that God is still dethroning might and filling the hungry. Live the song and sing the promises of God’s goodness, Christ’s coming, and the Spirit’s overshadowing.