Liturgy

Today is the second Sunday of Advent, and
we light the second candle of Advent for peace.

God, in this advent season suspended
between hope and fulfillment,

Holy God, we long for your peace,
and trust in your promise; we hear
your call to turn toward you, to
change our lives and welcome you in.

Meet us here and fill our minds with
your wisdom and our hearts with your
peace, so that our worship together
may open us to the challenge of
your dream of wholeness for all.

We pray in the name
of the Father,
of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit,
Amen.

Scripture Reading

We invite you to hear from the reading of Matthew 3: 13-17.

13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan,
to be baptized by him. 14 John would have prevented him,
saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”

15 But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now; for it is proper
for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented.

16 And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came
up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened
to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a
dove and alighting on him.

17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son,
the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God!
The Good News of Christ. Praise be to you, O Christ!

The grass withers and the flower fades,
but the Word of the Lord endures forever. Amen.

Sermon and Reflection

Sermon Podcast 12.08.19 – Advent: Preparing the Way for Peace

What in your life needs to die?

What are you trying to cultivate in your life this season?

Benediction

As we go into our season of Advent,
carry with you the invitation
to be welcomed, welcoming.
May the rain that falls on you be your baptism.
May the salt of your tears be your strength.

May you welcome your joys and struggles
as you walk your holy and sacred path
in the Light of Love.

May you find presence and stillness
and the rest to simply be.

May you recognize the image you reflect,
and trust in its beauty and goodness to show
beauty and goodness to your community.

May you bask and breathe in the goodness of God,
the kindness of Jesus,
and the wisdom of the Holy Spirit,
Amen.

(Sarah Berson)

Go in peace and live the church.
See you throughout the week.

[Photo by Missy Prince @ Flickr]