Liturgy

There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars.
We have walked and lived in darkness, but we
have seen a great light…

For a child has been born for us, a son given
to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and
he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

The Wise Men and shepherds saw signs
that foretold Jesus’ coming 2000 years ago.
Today we don’t look for a single brilliant star
to follow or for angels singing in the heavens.

We look for other signs that
Jesus is with us, signs that:
…we are feeding the hungry,
…healing the sick, clothing the naked,
…caring for the poor, working for justice
and righteousness at home and in our city.

And so we watch and wait, staying alert and waiting
again for the coming of Jesus as we light a candle
in preparation for that glorious day.

We pray in the name
of God, our eternal Creator,
of Christ, our Immanuel,
and of the Holy Spirit, our Breath of life.
Amen.

Scripture Reading

We invite you to hear from the Gospel of Luke 21: 25-28.

There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars,
and on the earth distress among nations confused
by the roaring of the sea and the waves.

People will faint from fear and foreboding
of what is coming upon the world, for the
powers of the heavens will be shaken.

Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in a cloud’
with power and great glory. Now when these things
begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads,
because your redemption is drawing near.

The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God!

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

Homily and Reflection

Homily Podcast – What Does it Mean to Be Shaken? 11.28.2021

What is being shaken loose inside you this advent season?

How are you experiencing Christ in the presence of loved ones?

After the shaking process, what are you hoping will remain?

Benediction

Go now, as the Spirit of God has called you:
to be a waiting people of grace,
to be a waiting people of truth,

to be a waiting people who pursue peace,
to be a people who forgive
and to be a waiting people who love.

May we enter this week to
love as you have loved us,

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

Go in peace, and live the church.
May you find belonging and community this week.

[Photo by Mona Eendra]