The first Sunday of Advent

This weekend our congregation is focusing on the first Sunday of Advent. While celebrating with many contemporary elements, we also include some traditional pieces of Advent liturgy. Order of service: three songs ("Freedom Song," "Meet with Me," "Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus") and lighting of the Advent candle; more music ("We Will Exalt You, Oh Lord," "Emmanuel," "Shine On Us") interspersed with Psalm 80; a responsive prayer (see below); reading of Mark 13:24-37; a video: "Stay Awake" (see below);  sermon; response: "Forever Faithful."

Would you like a thoughtful little worship experience? Do the following: Read the responsive prayer below, read Mark 13:24-37, then watch the video below.

Peace as you watch for Christ this Advent season.

1) Responsive Prayer

Tim: As we keep awake for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ, let us offer prayers to God who stirs up strength and comes to help us.

Christa: For the peace of the world, and for our unity in Christ.

Cong: Come, O Lord, and save us.

Tim: For our pastors, our leaders, and for all the people of this congregation, each holy in the site of God.

Cong: Come, O Lord, and save us.

Christa: For the church throughout the world and the faithful in every place.

Cong: Come, O Lord, and save us.

Tim: For the leaders of the nations and all in authority.

Cong: Come, O Lord, and save us.

Christa: For justice, peace, and freedom among peoples of the earth.

Cong: Come, O Lord, and save us.

Tim: For travelers, for the sick and the suffering, for the hungry and the oppressed, and for those in prison.

Cong: Come, O Lord, and save us.

Christa: Joining our voices with all the saints and angels of God, let us offer ourselves and one another to the living God as we await the coming of Christ.

Cong: O King of all the nations, only joy of every heart, the cornerstone and foundation on which we are one, come and save the creature you fashioned from clay, as we wait, as we look, and as we search for you this Christmas. Glory to you for ever. Amen.

Based on an Advent prayer at http://members.cox.net/oplater/IntercessionB-Advent1.pdf

2) Read Mark 13:24-37

3) Watch "Stay Awake"

 

 

Comments

[Bethany]

Hello Tim!
I am reading your blog because a mutual friend of ours, Mr. Phil Skei, read one of your blogs last year about the stimulus plan at a InterVarsity meeting. I liked what you had to say and asked Phil for a copy when he told me to go check out your blog...so I am.

I just had a question about the "stay awake" video. I've only watched it once so perhaps I need to watch it again but what do you think it's trying to convey? Just curious.

Thanks and keep up the insightful writing!

Blessings,
Bethany