Oh, Zion! We sing of Zion!  A 21st Century Africana Liturgy Resource for Advent 3, Year A

Litany
Suggestion: Have a youth or young adult and an elder lead this litany.

Leader 1: There is a street, the Sacred Way, where the road is safe and spotless.
All: When we're marching to Zion, beautiful Zion

Leader 2: There are no pickpockets. There is no vandalism.
Oh, Zion! We sing of Zion!

Leader 1: You hear no obscenities. There is no harm, no rebellion.
When we're marching to Zion, beautiful Zion

Leader 2: There is no need to hold your purse, to hold your loved one's hand, or to hold your breath because of fear.
Oh, Zion! We sing of Zion!

Leader 1: There are no illegal goods sold on the corner.
When we're marching to Zion, beautiful Zion

Leader 2: There are no tragic accidents, no death at all.
Oh, Zion! We sing of Zion!

Leader 1: There are no people stopping to ask for directions; even the most foolish know their way.
When we're marching to Zion, beautiful Zion

Leader 2: No, it is a road for the redeemed! And we will walk this road with Christ, the King!
Amen! Amen!

Choral Reading
This reading can be divided into single voices or groups representing each number. 1

: Oh, Isaiah, don't we know? Haven't we heard how you waited for the Son of God who would bring peace forever? You waited for the desert lands to become springs of life. You waited, waited.

1 & 2: Waited, waited.

All: So steady, so strong.

2: Oh, Jeremiah, don't we know you, too? How you waited for Jesus, our saving grace, to come and reign as king and build a new promise between God and God's people? Persecuted, you waited, waited.

2 & 3: Waited, waited.

All: So steady, so strong.

3: Oh yes, John, we know you. How you waited for the true light to come into the world. You prepared the way for the King. You waited, waited.

3 & 1: Waited, waited.

All: So steady, so strong.

1: Yes, Mary, don't we know you? You, with the unimagined pregnancy, faced stares and embarrassment as you waited to birth the glory of God, our Savior. For nine months, you waited, waited.

1 & 2: Waited, waited.

All: So steady, so strong.

3: We are weary, Lord.

2: Desperate for peace.

1: Longing for eternal joy. And we believe God's promise that

All: Jesus will come again.

1: So we wait

1 &2 : Wait!

All: Wait!

3: So steady,

All: So strong.

Hymn Suggestions
"Marching to Zion" (733)
"Toda la Tierra" (All Earth is Waiting) (210)
"Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming" (216)
"Siyahamba" (2235, TFWS)

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About the Author: Ciona D. Rouse is a freelance writer in Nashville, TN.