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Advent-Christmas-Epiphany 2018-19 Worship Planning Series

Third Sunday of Advent 2018, Year C

This week in the Advent season is known as Guadete Sunday, or the Sunday of joy.  It is represented by a pink candle on the traditional Advent wreath. The liturgical space should support the preacher’s message. There is a strong reason for joy. Both texts make references to a happening from God...

Prepare the Way: DO worship series text of two people in silhouette standing and pointing up at the starry night sky.

Lighting the Advent Wreath

Written by Amy Sigmon
Advent 3: Do
Joy Candle
Zephaniah 3:14-20 // Luke 3:7-18

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, you have change judgement to hope, destruction to restoration, oppression to liberation and dread to praise.

Reader 2: God, you send before us prophets bringing the joyful news of the coming of the Messiah.

All: We, God’s people, proclaim with Isaiah, “God is indeed my salvation; I will trust and won’t be afraid. The Lord is my strength and my shield; he has become my salvation.” (Isaiah 12:2, CEB)

Reader 1 and/or 2: On this third Sunday of Advent, we light this candle of joy in recognition of all God’s mighty acts, from the beginning to the end of time.

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 Might and Mercy: Our days and nights are filled with jolly songs, festive parties, and extravagant gifts, beautifully wrapped. We confess we just don’t want to hear a call to repentance in the midst of our revelry. Yet you remind us that without hearing a call to repent, we risk missing the whole point of Christ’s coming. We bring our gifts this morning to your altar, knowing they are not what they ought to be, and we are not who we hoped to be. And in this acknowledgement we become ready to hear the call of repentance and more ready to welcome a Savior. This we pray in that holy name above all others, Jesus the Christ. Amen. (Zephaniah 3:14-20) (Luke 3:7-18)

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 — Third Sunday of Advent

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

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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]