Stettler United Church
Advent IV: Love
December 23, 2018
Welcome, Gathering and Announcements
(Portions of the service printed in bold are spoken by the whole congregation. The asterisk (*) indicates congregation stands, but please feel free to sit at any time. Children are always welcome at our services. Books/toys are available at the front and back of the sanctuary.)
Lighting the Christ Candle & Centring:
“How can this be?” Mary whispered.” How can this be?”
And later she was able to say: “Let it be, as you said to me, let it be, for God is with me.”
*Call to Worship: [incorporating #366 VU, “like a child”]
Who will come to save us? Who will God send to heal our wounds?
Will God send the mighty angelic host? Will God send a great warrior?
verse 1 of “ like a child”
But a child has no voice, no power, no influence. Why would God send a child?
A child cannot change the world. Why would God send a child?
sing verse 2 of “like a child”
A child needs to be loved and cared for. We need to pay attention to a child.
So much of our energy will be consumed in caring for the child.
We need to reach out in love--after all, aren’t we God’s beloved ones?
The child is the blessed gift that God sends, teaching us again about loving and caring.
sing verse 3 of “like a child”
Reprinted from: http://www.worshipconnection.cokesbury.com/content.aspx?dyn=1422
Advent Candle Lighting: (________)
Reader 1: This morning we stand at the threshold of Christmas. The lighting of a candle on each Sunday of Advent has helped to heighten our sense of expectancy as Christmas approaches.
Reader 2: In the circle of God’s light, all things are possible. This fills us with hope.
(Light one blue candle.)
Reader 1: In the circle of God’s light, we dare to risk, for the sake of Peace.
(Light a second blue candle.)
Reader 2: In the circle of God’s light, we live with Joy.
(Light the pink candle.)
Reader 1: In the circle of God’s light, we live with courage, as we are held in Love.
(Light the remaining blue candle.)
Unison Prayer:
Loving God, as these candles are lit, light our lives with your imagination. Show us the creative power of hope. Teach us the peace that comes from justice. Fill us with the kind of joy that cannot be contained; that must be shared. Magnify your love within us. Prepare our hearts to be transformed by you, that we may walk in the light of Christ forevermore. Amen.
Author - Jeanyne Slettom http://processandfaith.org/resources/liturgy/advent-candle-liturgy
*Hymn: People, Look East #9 VU (verses 1, 3 & 5)
Special Music
A Reading from Micah 5:2-5a ~ Out of Bethlehem will come a leader
A Reading from Luke 1: 39-45 ~ Mary visits Elizabeth
*Sung Scripture: My Soul Cries Out (Luke 1:46-55)#120 MV
Message/Reflection
*Hymn: What Child Is This #74 VU
A Prayer for Our Mission & Ministry:
I have tasted the fruit of the earth, O God.
I have seen autumn trees hang heavily with heaven’s gifts. I have known people pregnant with your spirit of generosity.
Let these be guides to me this day.
And may Mary who knew her womb filled with your goodness teach me the wisdom that is born amidst pain.
May I know that deeper than any fallowness in me
is the seed planted in the womb of my soul.
May I know that greater than any barrenness in the world is the harvest to be justly shared.
By J. Philip Newell, from Celtic Benediction. http://pwrdf.org/2014/christmas-reflection-and-prayer/
Prayers of the Gathered Community, with chorus sung from O Come, O Come, Emmanuel #1 VU
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel …
The Prayer Jesus Taught…
*Blessing/Sending Forth:
We go now into the world,
Knowing God has placed within us, Life.
It is a reason for hope:
God’s promise is alive in us.
God’s love is breathing in us
And the world is changing with each breath we take.
Go, and birth Jesus in our world,
That all may be turned upside down – and right-side up.
Reprinted from page 64 of Seasons of the Spirit Congregational Life A/C/E, 2006
*Recessional: “Emmanuel, Emmanuel”,
words & Music: Bob McGee. Copyright (c) 1976 C.A. Music (div. of C. A. Records, Inc.)
Emmanuel, Emmanuel, his name is called Emmanuel.