Prelude
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
Welcome and Call to Worship
We gather this day, together while apart.
Our smiles may show our joy; our eyes may speak of pain.
We come to worship, seeking signs of the living God.
We may sense something holy here; we may reach out to mystery.
Will we see God today? Will our living make God’s love visible?
Let us worship God, Ray of Hope, Prince of Peace, Beacon of Joy, Eternal Love.
*Opening Hymn No. 92
While We Are Waiting, Come
Lighting of the Third Advent Candle
Call to Confession
Advent is a season of waiting, of longing, of watching, of hoping. Yet, even as we wait, God is ready to forgive us and set us back on solid ground. Let us confess our sins to our gracious and loving God, first in silent prayer.
Prayer of Confession
Almighty and vulnerable God, always with us, always coming. We confess that we do not know how to prepare for your Advent. We have forgotten how to hope in miracles; we have ignored the promise of your kingdom; we get distracted by the busyness of this season and discouraged by the pandemic. Forgive us, God. Grant us the simple wonder of the shepherds, the intelligent courage of the Magi, and the patient faith of Mary and Joseph, that we may journey with them to Bethlehem and find the good news of a child born for us. Now, in the quiet of our hearts, we ask you to make us ready for his coming. Amen.
Assurance of Pardon
The good news of this Advent season is forgiveness of sin and new life. Let us commit our lives to Christ’s way of hope and peace. Thanks be to the Advent God who sets us free to love and serve!
Our Common Life
Scripture Reading -
Luke 1:46-55
This is the Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God!
Sermon Rev. Jeff Lehn
Responsive Hymn No. 646
Sing Out, My Soul
Invitation to the Table
Prayer of Great Thanksgiving (sung to “Good Christian Friends, Rejoice”)
Leaders: O may the good Lord be with you.
All: And may the Lord be with you too.
L: Lift your hearts to Him in praise.
A: To the Lord our hearts we raise.
L: Let us offer praises true.
A: It is fitting so to do. Gratefully we sing to the Lord our King!
Blessing of the Bread and Cup (sung to “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”) -
Holy, holy, holy Lord! God of hosts, by all adored!
Heav’n and earth cannot contain all the glory of your name.
Hail, hosanna, God most high, blest is he who now draws nigh.
In the name of God the King, hallelujahs glad we sing;
Hail, hosanna, praises due be forever, Lord, to you!
The Lord’s Prayer
Communion of the People
Prayer After Communion (sung to “God Rest, You Merry Gentlemen”)
Oh, thank the Lord and sing his praise, what he has done proclaim!
Let all who seek the Lord rejoice and proudly bear his name.
Who leads his thankful people forth, his promises to claim.
Oh, tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy;
Oh tidings of comfort and joy.
Oh, praise to God the Father, and praise to God the Son.
And praise to God the Spirit, most blessed Three in One.
As ‘twas is now and e’er shall be while endless ages run.
Oh, tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy;
Oh tidings of comfort and joy.
Call for Offering
On this day, we are invited to participate in the kingdom emerging all around us. May we offer ourselves to God this Advent with glad and generous hearts, freely giving our tithes and offerings to the ministry of our congregation. In lieu of passing the plate, we invite you to give through our church website, our smartphone app, by texting the word “Wilmette” to the number 77977, or by sending a check to the church office. As we gather our gifts together and offer them to God, may we do so in gratitude and praise.
Congregational Response - The Doxology (OLD HUNDREDTH - Hymn 606)
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise God all creatures here below;
Praise God above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Prayer of Dedication
Sending Hymn No. 134
Joy to the World
Charge and Benediction
Postlude
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing arr. Michael Burkhart
Worship Leaders
Rev. Jeff Lehn, Preaching
Laura Sherwood, Pastoral Liturgist
Jennifer Christiansen, liturgist
Chancel Choir, Doxology
Linnea Jacobs, Carol Moss, Claire DiVizio, Jordan Roulo, vocalists
Bob and Ellen Brown, Advent Candle Lighters
First Presbyterian Church of Wilmette
600 Ninth Street
Wilmette, IL 60091-2779
847-256-3010
Experience God. Grow Disciples. Transform Lives.
