First Sunday of Advent: Sunday, December 2, 2018

CALL TO WORSHIP
Psalm 130

MUSIC: INGLEWOOD PARISH
Curated by Justina Gendy
Hillsong Worship - Joy To The World
All Sons & Daughters - You Will Remain
Phil Wickham - O Come All Ye Faithful
All Sons & Daughters - God With Us

MUSIC: KENSINGTON PARISH
Curated by Clint Siebert
Hillsong Worship - Joy To The World
Phil Wickham - O Come All Ye Faithful
Bethel Music - The Goodness of God
All Sons & Daughters - God With Us

COMMONS WORSHIP MUSIC PLAYLISTS
Spotify
Google Play Music
YouTube

ADVENT: CANDLE OF HOPE
Written by Bobbi Salkeld
Today marks the first Sunday in the season of Advent; a new beginning in the church year.

The word “advent” means “arrival.”

This is the season where we wait in hope for the arrival of Jesus; during Advent, we focus on the moment when God came near in human form.

In this season of inward preparation, we anticipate with hope all of the ways God still comes near.

There is no limit to God’s drawing close -
God will approach you in the calm or the storm,
the quiet moment or the chaotic terror,
the grasping for more or the settling down.

Today we light the first candle of Advent: the candle of hope.

Let us pray:
Advent God, this is a season where we are invited to let ourselves be found by you.

As you approached Mary, a woman who would become a refugee,
mother in a blended family,
and holder of the life of the world –
God, you approach us, offering us your life.
In our suffering and in the suffering of the world, will you come to us with hope.
May our hearts be humble and ready to welcome your arrival this Advent season.
AMEN.