Third Sunday of Advent: Sunday, December 12, 2021

CALL TO WORSHIP
Psalm 89

MUSIC
Curated by Clint Siebert
Bethel Music - I Believe
Hillsong Worship - O Come All Ye Faithful
David Crowder - The First Noel
All Sons & Daughters - God With Us

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT: JOY
Advent Candle Liturgy written by Bobbi Salkeld

Today marks the third week in the season Advent. This is a season focused on preparation.  

The word “advent” means “coming.” This is the season where we prepare with expectant joy to encounter God’s coming to the world. This is where we centre on simple contentment. 

In Advent, we find joy in giving, in human solidarity, and in the light that dawns in dark places. This season is pregnant with joy just below the surface. Together we trust in the anticipation of God’s quiet arrival.  

No matter where you are, joy is on the horizon, the day of God’s coming is near.  

Today we light the third candle of Advent: the candle of joy.  

Light the “joy” candle 

Let us pray. 

Advent God, this is a season where we are assured that to wait as Mary waited is to welcome a gift of great joy. 

Mary moved forward in her story even with great threat ahead. God, may her story be our story too: strengthen us to sing songs of your joyful coming, even when the future is unclear.   

Joy scatters the proud and exalts the lowly. O God, your joy satisfies the hungry and does not forget those in need.  

In a divided and needy world, we ask for you to show us lasting joy and to remind us how generosity makes the world more whole. AMEN.