Home Worship Advent-Christmas-Epiphany 2018-19 Worship Planning Series Second Sunday of Advent 2018, Year C — Graphics & Resources

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Advent-Christmas-Epiphany 2018-19 Worship Planning Series

Second Sunday of Advent 2018, Year C

The word “refine” is the primary focus this week. It stems from the effects of the coming messenger’s work. It is a call to renewal on the part of God’s people. It is not so much the idea of punishment as it is the idea of being convicted in light of the Great Day of the Lord and a time of a new beginning. The prophet concludes with a promise of hope, “...I will not come and strike the land with a curse” (Malachi 4:5).

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Mystery: REFINE worship series text over silhouette of a man at a telescope in front of a starry night background

Lighting the Advent Wreath

Written by Amy Sigmon
Advent 2: Refine
Malachi 3:1-4 // Luke 3:1-6
Love Candle

Hymn: “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus,” stanza 1, The United Methodist Hymnal, 196

All [sung]: “Come, thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free;

From our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in thee.

Israel’s strength and consolation, hope of all the earth thou art;

Dear desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart.”

Reader 1: God of mercy and power, we seek to see the messenger that you are sending.

Reader 2: Refining God, purify us so that we may prepare the way of the Lord.

All: We, God’s people, sing with Zechariah. With your compassion, Lord, make the dawn from heaven break upon us. Give light to those who are sitting in darkness and in the shadow of death. Guide us on the path of peace. (Luke 1:78-79, CEB)

Reader 1 and/or 2: On this second Sunday of Advent, we light this candle of love to remind us that we are being refined by your love that we would love others as you have loved us.

Light a candle.

All [sung]: “Come, thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free;

From our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in thee.

Israel’s strength and consolation, hope of all the earth thou art;

Dear desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart.”

Articles and Resources

Seasonal/Secular

Offertory Prayer

God of Wisdom and Grace: For weeks now we’ve been bombarded with messages telling us what gift to buy to make our Christmas perfect. Yet you, Lord of Love, have given that gift already, against which no other gift can compare – a Savior, a Messiah, Jesus born in Bethlehem. We, ourselves, have been purchased, and so all that’s left is for us to give out of gratitude for that one, unmatchable gift. We bring our tithes and offerings to you for the building of your kingdom here on earth, that your children might always find room—room in our hearts and in our homes. In the Savior’s name, we pray. Amen. (Malachi 3:1-4) (Luke 3:1-6)

View all Prepare the Way offertory prayers

Youth

This following study guide has been prepared for use with youth and young people by Young People's Ministries. View Study Guide.

​Graphics Downloads — Second Sunday of Advent

8.5 x 11 Bulletin Cover (.jpg) — [Color] [Black & White]

11x17 Bulletin Cover (.jpg) — [Color] [Black & White]

Facebook Cover Image - Refine [.jpg]

Twitter Banner - Refine [.jpg]

16:9 PowerPoint/Projection Images (.jpg) — [Background]

4:3 PowerPoint/Projection Images (.jpg) — [Background]

Graphics Downloads — Prepare The Way Series

8.5 x 11 Bulletin Cover (.jpg) — [Color] [Black & White]

11x17 Bulletin Cover (.jpg) — [Color] [Black & White]

Facebook Cover Image — Prepare the Way Series [.jpg]

Twitter Banner - Prepare the Way Series [.jpg]

16:9 PowerPoint/Projection Images (.jpg) — [Background] [Title]

4:3 PowerPoint/Projection Images (.jpg) — [Background] [Title]