Number 97
Worship
Old Wine In New Skins
Calls To Worship And Other Worship Resources
Advent
Lighting The First Advent Candle
Reader 1: When Jesus died on the cross at noon, the whole land turned dark for three hours. The world without Christ is a dark place.
Reader 2: In the same way, a great spiritual darkness fell upon the people who sinned and turned away from God.
Reader 1: Isaiah talked about the people of Israel, who had turned from their God, being "thrust into thick darkness" and being overcome by the "gloom of anguish."
Reader 2: It would be terrible to live forever in a land where there is no light and no hope of seeing the wondrous things of God.
Reader 1: Because God loves us so much, He will not leave us in such a destitute place of spiritual gloom. Hear the promise of God: "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined. Thou has multiplied the nation, thou hast increased its joy...." (Isaiah 9:2ff RSV)
Reader 2: On the first Sunday of Advent, we light the first candle which brings us the promise that God shall grant to a world, darkened by sin, the Light of Life, through the birth of His Son Jesus Christ, whom we claim as our Savior.
Prayer: O God, as we come to worship this morning, set before us the Light of the World, who was born in the darkness in Bethlehem, but who makes even the earthly darkness bright as day by His holy presence. Make us receptive to the gifts of life which He offers us, and the blessings which await all who will call upon His name. Amen.
Advent Hymn: "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence"
Lighting The First Advent Candle
Reader 1: When Jesus died on the cross at noon, the whole land turned dark for three hours. The world without Christ is a dark place.
Reader 2: In the same way, a great spiritual darkness fell upon the people who sinned and turned away from God.
Reader 1: Isaiah talked about the people of Israel, who had turned from their God, being "thrust into thick darkness" and being overcome by the "gloom of anguish."
Reader 2: It would be terrible to live forever in a land where there is no light and no hope of seeing the wondrous things of God.
Reader 1: Because God loves us so much, He will not leave us in such a destitute place of spiritual gloom. Hear the promise of God: "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined. Thou has multiplied the nation, thou hast increased its joy...." (Isaiah 9:2ff RSV)
Reader 2: On the first Sunday of Advent, we light the first candle which brings us the promise that God shall grant to a world, darkened by sin, the Light of Life, through the birth of His Son Jesus Christ, whom we claim as our Savior.
Prayer: O God, as we come to worship this morning, set before us the Light of the World, who was born in the darkness in Bethlehem, but who makes even the earthly darkness bright as day by His holy presence. Make us receptive to the gifts of life which He offers us, and the blessings which await all who will call upon His name. Amen.
Advent Hymn: "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence"
