Note: Pg #s refer to BAS
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good tidings to the afflicted. -Isaiah 61.1
Processional Hymn: #102 Prepare the Way, O Zion
Prepare the way, O Zion,
your Christ is drawing near!
Let every hill and valley
a level way appear.
Greet One who comes in glory,
foretold in sacred story.
Refrain:
Oh blest is Christ that came
in God's most holy name.
He brings God's rule, O Zion;
he comes from heaven above.
His rule is peace and freedom,
and justice, truth, and love.
Lift high your praise resounding,
for grace and joy abounding.
R
Fling wide your gates, O Zion;
your Savior's rule embrace.
His tidings of salvation
proclaim in every place.
All lands will bow before him,
their voices will adore him.
R
Welcome & Acknowledgment of Land
Advent Candle Lighting (Joy)
1. Joy is a song that welcomes the dawn, telling the world that the Saviour is born.
Refrain: When God is a child there's joy in our song. The last shall be first and the weak shall be strong, and none shall be afraid.
2. Peace is a ribbon that circles the earth, giving a promise of safety and worth. Refrain
3. Hope is a star that shines in the night, leading us on till the morning is bright. Refrain
The Gathering of the Community p. 185
Glory to God p.186
Kyrie Eleison p.186
Collect: God of power and mercy, you call us once again to celebrate the coming of your Son. Remove those things which hinder love of you, that when he comes, he may find us waiting in awe and wonder for him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen
The Proclamation of the Word (Led by Dr. Joyce Bainbridge)
First Reading: ZEPHANIAH 3:14-20
CANTICLE 3 (ISAIAH 12:2-6)
Refrain: Ring out your joy, for the Holy One of Israel is in your midst.
Second Reading: PHILIPPIANS 4:4-7
Gradual Hymn: #103 On Jordan’s Bank the Baptists Cry (vs. 1-3)
On Jordan's bank the Baptist's cry
announces that the Lord is nigh.
Awake and harken, for he brings
glad tidings of the King of kings!
Then cleansed be every beast from sin:
make straight the way for God within,
prepare we in our hearts a home
where such a mighty guest may come.
For thou art our salvation, Lord,
our refuge and our great reward.
Without thy grace we waste away
like flowers that wither and decay.
The Gospel: LUKE 3:7-18
Gradual Hymn: #103 On Jordan’s Bank the Baptists Cry (vs 4&5)
To heal the sick stretch out thine hand,
and bid the fallen sinner stand;.
shine forth, and let thy light restore
earth’s own true loveliness once more.
All praise to you, eternal Son, to thee
whose advent doth thy people free,
whom with the Father we adore,
and Holy Ghost for evermore.
Homily:
Affirmation of Faith: The Apostle’s Creed p.189 (please stand as able)
Prayers of the People (Led by Dr. Doug Shantz)
Confession and Absolution p.191
The Peace p. 192
Offertory Hymn: #435 Take My Life and Let it be
Take my life and let it be
consecrated, Lord, to Thee
Take my moments and my days,
let them flow in ceaseless praise
Take my hands and let them move
at the impulse of Thy love
Take my feet and let them be
swift and purposeful for Thee
Take my lips and let them be
filled with messages from Thee
Take my intellect and use
every power as thou shalt choose
Take my will and make it Thine,
it shall be no longer mine
Take my heart, it is Thine own,
it shall be Thy royal throne
Take my love, my Lord I pour
at Your feet, it's treasure store
Take myself and I will be
ever, only, all for Thee
Prayer over the Gifts: God of hope, renew in us the joy of your salvation and make us a living sacrifice to you, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
The Celebration of the Eucharist (Eucharistic Prayer #2, p. 196)
The Lord’s Prayer (sung) p. 211
The Breaking of the Bread (prayer # 5) p. 212
Agnes Dei (sung) O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us… Grant us Thy peace.
¬The Communion (all are welcome to receive communion, or to come up to the altar for a blessing)
Communion Hymn: #572 Let there be Light
Let there be light,
let there be understanding,
let all the nations gather,
let them be face to face.
Open our lips,
open our minds to ponder,
open the door of concord
opening into grace.
Perish the sword,
perish the angry judgment,
perish the bombs and hunger,
perish the fight for gain.
Hallow our love,
hallow the deaths of martyrs,
hallow their holy freedom,
hallowed be your name.
Thy kingdom come,
thy Spirit turn to language,
thy people speak together,
thy Spirit never fade.
Let there be light,
open our hearts to wonder,
perish the way of terror,
hallow the world God made.
Prayer after Communion: Merciful God, may this eucharist free us from our sins, fill us with unending joy, and prepare us for the birthday of our Saviour. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, who is Lord now and for ever. Amen
Doxology (Old 100th): Praise God from whom all blessings flow! Praise him all creatures here below! Praise him above ye heavenly hosts! Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost! Amen
Poem:
The Blessing
Closing Hymn: #95 O Come Divine Messiah
O come, divine Messiah;
the world in silence waits the day
when hope shall sing its triumph
and sadness flee away.
Refrain:
Dear Savior, haste! Come, come to earth.
Dispel the night and show your face,
and bid us hail the dawn of grace.
O come, Divine Messiah;
the world in silence waits the day
when hope shall sing its triumph
and sadness flee away.
O Christ, whom nations sigh for,
whom priest and prophet long foretold,
come, break the captive's fetters,
redeem the long-lost fold. [Refrain]
You come in peace and meekness
and lowly will your cradle be;
all clothed in human weakness
shall we your Godhead see. [Refrain]
The Dismissal p. 215
