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Second Sunday of Advent

Worship
Isaiah 40:1-11
2 Peter 3:8-15a
Mark 1:1-8
Second Sunday of Advent - B
James R. Wilson
Lectionary Worship Aids
Cycle B, Series IV
First Lesson: Isaiah 40:1-11
Theme: The Word of the Lord stands forever.

Call To Worship
Leader: Praise be to the Lord our God, Creator of Heaven and Earth!
People: The Lord our God is victorious, for no power can stand against God.
Leader: God speaks and the Universe trembles, for the Word of God stands forever.
People: Blessed are God's people, called to serve through the risen Christ.
Leader: Christ, who offers eternal life that all might dwell with God forever.
All: Blessed be the name of the Lord!

Collect

Almighty and everlasting God, we are so frail in time and space, yet You love us and desire to give us eternity. Only You, Lord, created the universe, and only You, Lord, are worthy of praise. In Christ we pray. Amen.

Prayer Of Confession

O God, so often we have allowed the teachings and philosophies of the world to convince us eternity is impossible and life must be lived only for the pleasure we can receive in the moment. Forgive us, Lord, for we have failed to hear the Scriptures as they tell us of Your greatness and boldly proclaim through all time how Your Word shall stand forever. In Christ we pray. Amen.

Hymns

"Rejoice, The Lord Is King"
"Sing Praise To God Who Reigns Above"
"Jesus Shall Reign"

* * * * * * *

Second Lesson: 2 Peter 3:8-15a
Theme: The patience of the Lord is for salvation.

Call To Worship
Leader: Let all who have known the mercy of the Lord come today for worship.
People: We were each lost and the Lord sought us and redeemed us.
Leader: For the Lord is patient and does not turn away when we are lost.
People: Yet we have often been slow to hear the call of Christ in our lives.
Leader: Praise be to God, whose patience and love has led to our salvation.
All: Blessed be the name of the Lord!

Collect

God, in Your wonderful and loving way You have chosen to be the Good Shepherd, never giving up on finding us, Your lost sheep. You alone are worthy of our praise and our love, dear Lord. In Christ we pray. Amen.

Prayer Of Confession

O God, too often we have mistaken Your patience in seeking us out for Your acceptance of our sinful ways. Too often we have pushed the limits in life for our own desires and wandered further and further from the blessings You would work through our lives. Forgive us, Lord, and again lead us to become faithful servants in Your kingdom. In Christ we pray. Amen.

Isaiah 40:1-11

"Come, Sinners, To The Gospel Feast"
"God Of Grace And God Of Glory"
"Love Divine, All Loves Excelling"

* * * * * * *

Gospel: Mark 1:1-8
Theme: Christ, our Savior, is coming.

Call To Worship
Leader: Rejoice! The Lord has heard our cries. One is coming who will save us all.
People: Praise be to God! Will this one lead us as a mighty warrior?
Leader: The One to come will redeem us through love and the Holy Spirit.
People: But will this New Kingdom be strong and respected and admired by all?
Leader: The One to come will reign over the hearts of all throughout eternity!
All: Blessed be the name of the Lord!

Collect

Almighty God, whose mercy surpasses the bounds the human mind can comprehend, You sent the Christ to call us into Your family even when our vision was too small. We praise You, Lord! In Christ we pray. Amen.

Prayer Of Confession

Lord, so often we have tried to tell You what is best for us and our world instead of seeking Your eternal wisdom and guidance in prayer. Too often we have sought greatness and power by worldly standards and failed to hear Your call to serve even the poor and wounded around us. Forgive us, Lord, and give us the strength and courage to become Your servants anew. In Christ we pray. Amen.

Hymns

"Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus"
"Savior Of The Nations Come"
"How Great Thou Art"

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