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Advent-Christmas-Epiphany 2018-19 Worship Planning Series

First Sunday of Advent 2018, Year C

For the series “Prepare the Way,” we decided to use two of the lectionary texts for every week except the Sunday after Christmas. We were called to the traditional Luke texts that present Advent and the Christmas story in a familiar way. We were also called to the prophets of the Old Testament and how their words and stories connected with story of the coming of Christ. We hope that in your church, you will use both sets of texts to illuminate your Advent season.

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Prepare the Way: STAND - Silhouette of a woman with hands raised in praise against a backdrop of a starry night sky

Lighting the Advent Wreath

Written by Amy Sigmon
Advent 1: Stand
Jeremiah 33:14-16 // Luke 21:25-36
Hope 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 hope and promise, protection and strength, you made covenant with us to send your presence to earth.

Reader 2: God of hope and endurance, you foretold of the coming kingdom of God.

All: We, God’s people, affirm your covenant with us. We stand ready, hearts full of hope, for God will fulfill the promises made to God’s people. As the psalmist declares, so do we: “All the Lord’s paths are loving and faithful for those who keep his covenant and laws.”

(Psalm 25:10, NRSV)

Reader 1 and/or 2: On this first Sunday of Advent, we light this candle of hope to remind us to stand alert and seek the kingdom of God in our midst.

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

Holy God of Light and Love: Lead us through this season of journey, not only in our worship, but also in our living. Ignite not just candles, but the flames of our faith, that we might more fully trust you with all we are and all we have. As we offer our gifts to you, open our hearts to the joy of generosity, that we might give compassion recklessly, judgment sparingly, and forgiveness unconditionally. In the name of the Christ, we pray. Amen. (Jeremiah 33:14-16) (Luke 21:25-36)

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 — First Sunday of Advent

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

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

Facebook Cover Image - Stand [.jpg]

Twitter Banner - Stand [.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]