Advent Communion Service
December 1, 2024
Prelude: “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus”, Welsh hymn tune (Hyfrydol), Arranged by K.L. Phillips – Paul Dab, pianist
Greetings
Announcements
Hymn: “O come, O come, Emmanuel” – Vs. 1, 3 & 4
Opening of the Word
Responsive Invocation: from Psalm 122
I was glad when they said to me,
“Let us go to the house of the Lord!”
Invitation to Prayer:
O come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our maker.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from your presence,and take not your holy spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation,and uphold me with a willing spirit. Amen.
O Lord, our heavenly Creator, whose great love holds a forgiveness for all who desire and seek it: we thank thee for thy gracious assurance that thou art always near and ready to forgive. Pardon and deliver us from all our sins; confirm and strengthen us in all goodness and truth, and bring us into everlasting life; for thy mercy’s sake. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
O Lord, open thou our lips:
And our mouths shall show forth thy praise.
Praise ye the Lord!
The Lord’s name be praised!
The Sanctus
God of All, Your Name is Holy
Earth and Heaven are full of Your Glory
Alleluia, Amen.
Lighting of the First Advent Candle – “The Candle of Hope”
Leader: We light this candle as a sign of the coming light of Christ.
People: Advent means coming. We are preparing ourselves for the days
Leader: when the nations shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks;
People: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.
Leader: Today we light the first candle – the candle of hope.
(The Candle of Hope is Lit)
Leader: Let us pray.
Unison Prayer:
Eternal God, you taught us that the night is far spent and the day is at hand. Keep us awake and alert, watching for your kingdom. Make us strong in faith, so that we may see the Lord close at hand, and hear him speak, and serve him, as we see and hear and serve our neighbor. Give us joy in this season of hope. Amen.
Congregation Carol: “One Candle is Lit” – Vs. 1
Scripture Readings: Matthew 1:1-17; Isaiah 42: 1-9; True Christianity #84 (Swedenborg)
Children’s Message
Choral Anthem: “Let There Be Peace on Earth”, Words and Music by Sy Miller and Jill Jackson; Arranged by Jay Althouse
Spiritual Message: The Genealogy of Jesus – Rev. Junchol Lee
Sacrament of Communion
Concluding Communion Prayer
O Lord Jesus Christ, by whose mercy we have been fed with heavenly gifts: Abide with us, O Lord, and fill us with your peace. Direct us in our way; uphold our going in our paths. Give us grace so to keep your commandments henceforth, that we may abide in your love forever. Amen.
Our help is in the name of the Lord:
Who hath made haven and earth.
Silent Meditation
Prayer of the People/Pastoral Prayer
Invitation to the Offering
Offertory: “Lo, He Comes with Clouds Descending” by Thomas Keesecker
Doxology
Praise God the Source of life and birth
Praise God the Word who came to earth
Praise God the Spirit, holy flame
All glory, honor to God’s name. Amen.
*Prayer of Dedication
*Hymn: insert – Pg. 5
“Hope of the World”
Benediction
Closing of the Word
Sung Response: Advent Benediction
May the Lord God Almighty bless and keep you, we pray. May God’s face shine upon you, and grace hallow your way with hope and peace and joy; Love, God’s own incarnation, be born in you today. Amen.
Postlude: “Morning Star, Our Hope, Our Help” , Composed by Ruth Elaine Schram, quoting: Tune: Wie Schön Leuchtet der Morgenstern by Philipp Nicolai; Tune: St. Anne by W. Croft