Liturgy
Beloved church family,
let this morning be a time of slowing.
Let us find a moment to pause and rest,
to practice patience and experience peace.
May our liturgy today be a healing balm
for the busyness of this season.
Advent is a time of waiting and anticipation.
We see the darkness and feel the cold,
but also, we have the light and warmth to come.
And behold what awaits us!
God is here, God is present,
God came to earth to be among us,
to bring about his vision of
peace and restoration.
Let us treasure this time together.
On this final Sunday of Advent,
we light the fourth candle for love.
In the name of God, the Creator,
of Christ, the Risen One,
and of the Holy Spirit, the Breath of Life.
Amen.
(Gina Bastone-Trevino)
Congregational Response
It is so easy this time of year
to just go through the motions.
We let the season of Advent become
all about obligation and consumption.
Show us a different way to
celebrate, rooted in your
vision of restoration, provision,
and healing justice.
Some of us struggle this time of year.
Expectations weigh heavy,
old wounds might open, and
grief can be overwhelming.
Comfort those of us who are hurting
this season. Teach how to make
space for suffering alongside our joy.
Give us a holiday season filled with community
and love, so that we can support one another,
wherever we are at and however we may feel.
In the name of
God, the Creator,
Christ, the Risen One,
and the Holy Spirit, the Breath of Life.
Amen.
(Gina Bastone-Trevino)
Sermon and Reflection
Sermon Podcast 12.22.19 – Advent: Uncomfortable Love
How am I being made vulnerable by the emergence of new life?
Where do I sense the presence and absence of grace over this past year?
Benediction
Vox family, as you leave today,
may you be surrounded by love –
Love that gives you strength to face
deep divisions and disagreements.
Love that shows you kindness when
you admit that you’re wrong.
Love that covers over your judgement
so that you are free to pass this love to your
neighbors, families, coworkers, and friends.
May this love empower you to forgive –
not just those who have wronged you,
but also yourselves, for as much as we
can love, we have been shown a love
that is a thousand times greater.
So go now in the name
of God, the Creator,
of Christ, the Risen One,
and of the Holy Spirit, the Breath of Life.
Amen.
(Gina Bastone-Trevino)
Go in peace and live the church.
See you throughout the week.
[Photo by Sayaka M @ Flickr]