Worship Programs

Theme:

"Hope of Earth! Joy of Heaven!"

First Sunday in Advent -

Advent Reading

                        Heaven on Earth!

HOPE CAME DOWN AT CHRISTMAS!

First reader:  Today we mark the first Sunday in Advent.  We celebrate the four  Sundays which lead up to Christmas by lighting candles on an Advent  wreath.  The wreath itself is symbolic because its circular shape represents God’s never-ending love.  We begin by lighting the large white candle in the center of the wreath which is known as the “Christ candle.”  It is encircled by three purple candles and one that is rose in color. 

Second reader:  On the first Sunday in Advent we light a purple candle which stands for hope.  The prophets of the Old Testament called the people to repent and return to God.  But they also foretold the coming of the Redeemer.  Isaiah is quoted in Matthew’s Gospel, “The mere sound of His name will signal hope” (The Message).

Third reader:  When the angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds on the plains of Bethlehem, “. . . they were terrified.  But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid.  I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.’”

First reader:  The appearance of the messenger frightened the shepherds.  But the glad Gospel of Christmas dispelled their fear and filled them with assurance and hope.

Second reader:  We have a great sense of hope because we know that a Savior has been born, and we can come with boldness to the throne of grace and obtain mercy and help in time of need.  In a world which so often seems to be hopeless, we are grateful for the blessing of hope

Third reader:  Hope came down at Christmas!

Prayer:

Blessed Lord,

We thank You for coming to earth to open for us a new way of living. And we thank You for releasing us from fear and uncertainty and for enriching our lives with assurance and hope.  Amen