Number 99
Worship
Old Wine In New Skins
Calls To Worship And Other Worship Resources
Advent
Lighting The Third Advent Candle
Reader 1: Where do we look for leadership and the power to change the events of history?
Reader 2: In our day, it would be in the world capitals of Beijing, Moscow, or Washington, D.C.
Reader 1: And in the early days of history?
Reader 2: It would be in cities like Nineveh, Babylon, or Rome.
Reader 1: You're right; and that's the puzzling thing. Where is the logic in introducing the greatest power humanity has ever known, in a little hillside town that possesses not the least amount of prestige and political importance?
Reader 2: It was puzzling to early day leaders as well: Jerusalem maybe. But Bethlehem?
Reader 1: Hear the scripture: "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times." (Micah 5:2 NIV)
Reader 2: When God enters the world to accomplish His will, it is not according to human logic. From Bethlehem comes the Light of the World; from this small village comes the Savior of humankind.
Reader 1: Today, as we gather for worship, we light the third candle of Advent to celebrate the gift of that God whose ways are not our ways, and whose thoughts are not our thoughts, but whose redemptive love is ours in His Son, Jesus Christ, who comes to us as a Babe, and whose name shall be Immanuel, for He shall save His people.
Prayer: O God, shine in our hearts this morning with Your glory. Make known to us the gift which You have for each one of us through Your Holy Spirit during this gift-giving season; and illumine our lives with Your holy light as we open ourselves to Your loving presence. Amen.
Hymn: "Infant Holy, Infant Lowly"
Lighting The Third Advent Candle
Reader 1: Where do we look for leadership and the power to change the events of history?
Reader 2: In our day, it would be in the world capitals of Beijing, Moscow, or Washington, D.C.
Reader 1: And in the early days of history?
Reader 2: It would be in cities like Nineveh, Babylon, or Rome.
Reader 1: You're right; and that's the puzzling thing. Where is the logic in introducing the greatest power humanity has ever known, in a little hillside town that possesses not the least amount of prestige and political importance?
Reader 2: It was puzzling to early day leaders as well: Jerusalem maybe. But Bethlehem?
Reader 1: Hear the scripture: "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times." (Micah 5:2 NIV)
Reader 2: When God enters the world to accomplish His will, it is not according to human logic. From Bethlehem comes the Light of the World; from this small village comes the Savior of humankind.
Reader 1: Today, as we gather for worship, we light the third candle of Advent to celebrate the gift of that God whose ways are not our ways, and whose thoughts are not our thoughts, but whose redemptive love is ours in His Son, Jesus Christ, who comes to us as a Babe, and whose name shall be Immanuel, for He shall save His people.
Prayer: O God, shine in our hearts this morning with Your glory. Make known to us the gift which You have for each one of us through Your Holy Spirit during this gift-giving season; and illumine our lives with Your holy light as we open ourselves to Your loving presence. Amen.
Hymn: "Infant Holy, Infant Lowly"
