Third Sunday of Advent

Lindsey Baynham

Watch for the Light

A Call to Worship based on John 1:6-8, 19-28

One voice: Unclog your ears; listen for the voice breaking through the winds of the wilderness [crying out], “Make straight the way of the Lord!”
Many voices: Watch for the light!

One voice: Adjust your eyes; the true light is coming to illumine us too.
Many voices: Witness to the light!

One voice: When the world questions, neglects, and denies this light, unlock your mouths!
Many voices: Speak the truth of this light!

One voice: Look alive, take notice: One who is greater is coming.
All voices: We celebrate and bear witness to the gift of the true light. Amen.

To the One with the Best, Hot-Off-the-Press News

An Opening prayer based on Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11

To the one with the best, hot-off-the-press, news: we worship you. For when the world publishes a message that destroys, tearing down cities, dividing the peoples, and keeping the oppressed down, down, down, in their place—we trust that you are a lover of justice. Mourners and despairers will delight in the goodness found in you. God, remind us that as your beloved, we reap from the righteousness and justice that springs forth in the light of your promise. Amen.

Housekeeping

A Sending based on 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

Now, for some housekeeping and community news:
Don’t stop praising,
Pray until your breath runs out,
Thank God in all things.
Don’t strangle the Spirit.
Hold on to good while letting go of evil.
Leave this place in sound body so that those who pass you by are witnesses to the work of Christ.
And friends, the one who has called you faithful, despite everything in your lives, will complete these things in you. Go to witness; go to serve.