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

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Advent-Christmas-Epiphany 2018-19 Worship Planning Series

Fourth Sunday of Advent 2018, Year C

The Gospel of Luke emphasizes “God’s concern for the lowly, the hungry, and the disadvantaged, and God’s judgment upon the self-indulgent.” A part of our Wesleyan DNA is ministry for and with the poor. Just as Advent leads us toward encountering the infant Christ in a stable and with the announcement of the Good News being first shared with lowly shepherds, so we are invited to become more mindful and aware of ministries with and for the excluded.

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Prepare the Way: WELCOME worship series text over silhouetted image of a couple holding hands in front of a starry night background

Lighting the Advent Wreath

Written by Amy Sigmon
Advent 4: Welcome
Peace Candle
Micah 5:2-5a // Luke 1:39-55

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 our shepherd, you chose a humble woman to bring your Messiah into the world, one who will bring us security, joy, and peace.

Reader 2: God, even children in the wombs of their mothers recognize you and delight in your presence.

All: We, God’s people, sing with Mary, “the mighty one has done great things for me. Holy is his name. He shows mercy to everyone, from one generation to the next, who honors him as God.” (Luke 1:49-50, CEB)

Reader 1 and/or 2: On this fourth Sunday of Advent, we light this peace candle in joyful anticipation of welcoming Christ’s coming.

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 all good things: This morning, as we draw closer to the blessed birth, we remember Mary and how your blessings come to the world in the most unexpected ways and often through the most unprepared people. Give us eyes this day to see the wealth of ways you have blessed us and the opportunities you have placed before us to be an unexpected blessing to others. Use the gifts we bring to you this morning to bless those who need the good news the most. We pray this in the name of Jesus, who gave in love all there was to give for us. Amen. (Micah 5:2-5a) (Luke 1:39-55)

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 — Fourth Sunday of Advent

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

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

Facebook Cover Image - Welcome [.jpg]

Twitter Banner - Welcome [.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]