Liturgy

We gather together on the second
Sunday of Advent, and we light
the candle of peace.

We each bring a wound, a weight,
or a worry into this Advent season.
What might yours be?

May we have the audacity and courage
to name to God and those we trust
whatever within is longing for
acknowledgment and comfort.

God, we realize that often the most
painful part of our deeply held pain is
in the effort we make to hide our pain.

May we acknowledge both
our trepidation and our hope.
May we dare to trust that comfort
and peace is promised to us in God.

We pray in the name
of God, our comforting mother,
of Christ, our comforting sibling,
and the Holy Spirit, our comforting breath of life.
Amen.
(Lauryn Williams)

Scripture Reading

We invite you to hear from the Gospel of Matthew 3: 1-6.

“In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness
of Judea, proclaiming, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven
has come near.” This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah
spoke when he said,

“The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the
way of the Lord, make his paths straight.'” Now John wore
clothing of camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist,
and his food was locusts and wild honey.

Then the people of Jerusalem and all Judea were going out
to him, and all the region along the Jordan, and they were
baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.”

The Good News 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 Repent? 12.04.2022

Who has embodied God’s love for you?

How has your perception of love changed after being with them?

What misperceptions about God, love, or ourselves need confessing?

Benediction

Let us close with a benediction.

One day the wilderness will blossom
with flowers; the desert wasteland will
come alive with new growth and God’s
glory and splendor will be on full display.

With this news, strengthen
those who have tired hands,
and encourage those
who have weak knees.

Say to those with fearful hearts,
“Be strong, and do not fear,
for your God is coming to save you.”

So go with confidence into the days ahead.
May the love of God,
the grace of Jesus Christ,
and the presence of the Holy Spirit,
be among you and within you.
Amen.

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

[ Photo by Kai Brune ]