Worship - December 10, 2006

Ponder these words of scripture as the organ leads us into worship. According to the story we have received in Luke�s gospel, a voice that was silent for nine months could be quiet no longer and erupted into song. Imagine Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist. His tongue was stilled by the Lord for the duration of his elderly, and thus far childless, wife�s pregnancy. When the day of dedicating and naming his newborn son came, these were the very first words he spoke - a blessing, a doxology, a prophecy. Listen and turn toward the One of whom they speak.

A Reader from the back of the sanctuary: Luke 1:68-79

Lighting the Second Advent Candle

Ever get up in the morning early, go out, and watch the sunrise? A native of New Mexico recalled such experiences in her childhood. She and her brothers and sisters were awakened by their mother before dawn each day, and they would sit on the steps of their house facing east. As the sun appeared, they were told to welcome it each day to the world. As it rose, they were instructed to tell it to drop its blessings on all people. These early memories helped shape her rich, Christian prayer life.

Zechariah, at the dedication of his infant son, John, sang about God�s redemptive work in sending the Messiah. He too must have gotten up early in the morning. For his lilting words spoke of Christ as a "rising sun from heaven who will visit us." This sun will give light to our dark world, to all who sit in the shadow of death. Such light will then guide our feet on the path toward peace.

As the two Advent candles are lit, let us welcome Christ, the Rising Sun, and seek his blessings for holiness, righteousness, and peace for the whole world.

(light the first and second advent candles)

Ed Poling, pastor and spiritual director
Hagerstown, MD Church of the Brethren
Church of the Brethren Living Word Bulletin
Anchor/Wallace, Sleepy Eye MN 56085, "The Living Word Series"

Unison Prayer

Lord, on this second Sunday of Advent, help us to remember your salvation in Jesus Christ. May each day be a reminder that he brings light into our dark world. And may his light guide us on the path of peace. Amen.

Ed Poling, pastor and spiritual director
Hagerstown, MD Church of the Brethren
Church of the Brethren Living Word Bulletin
Anchor/Wallace, Sleepy Eye MN 56085, "The Living Word Series"

Litany of Confession

Leader:   O Prince of peace,
               from peace that is no peace,
               from the grip of all that is evil,
               from a violent righteousness�
People:   deliver us.
Leader:   from paralysis of will,
               from lies and misnaming,
               from terror of truth�
People:   deliver us.
Leader:   From hardness of heart,
               from trading in slaughter,
               from the worship of death�
People:   deliver us.
Leader:   By the folly of your gospel,
               by your choosing our flesh,
               by your nakedness and pain�
People:   heal us.
Leader:   By your weeping over the city,
               by your refusal of the sword,
               by your facing of horror�
People:   heal us.
Leader:   By your bursting from the tomb,
               by your coming in judgment,
               by your longing for peace �
People:   heal us.
       All:   Grant us peace. AMEN

Hymnal #697 - Peace litany, 20th c., source unknown

Pastoral Prayer

written closer to the time (if not at the moment)

Responding with our Tithes and Offerings

"Love never ends. But as for prophecies, they will come to an end; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will come to end. For we know only in part and we prophesy only in part, but when the complete comes, the partial will come to an end. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became an adult, I put an end to childish ways. Now we see in a mirror dimly; then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known. And now faith, hope and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love." (1 Corinthians 13:8-13)

Please pray with me:

O God, who began this good work, we trust that you will bring it to completion. Make use of us in the process - heart, soul, and mind. In Jesus. Amen.

Ushers?

Benediction