CALL TO WORSHIP
You know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. Come, let us worship God.
—based on Romans 13:11-12—
CONFESSION OF SIN
Prepare the way of the Lord! Let us make our confession to God.
Arise, shine: for your light has come.
O God, we live as if the light had never defeated the darkness in the world or in us.
And the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
We confess that we ignore the Christ you sent to be among us, to be in us.
For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples;
but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you.
We’ve kept the birth of your Son confined to the Christmas season
and do not yearn for his birth each moment in our waiting hearts.
And nations shall come to your light,
and kings to the brightness of your rising.
Lord, you came to us in the fullness of time. Forgive us for not opening our eyes to your coming.
It’s time that we prepare for your coming. Let the earth ring with song. Let the light break forth.
Let us all rejoice in the miracle of love. Let Christ come into the fullness of our time. Amen.
—based on Isaiah 60:1-3—
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Sing aloud, O daughter Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem! The LORD has taken away the judgments against you, he has turned away your enemies. The king of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst; you shall fear disaster no more. On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem: Do not fear, O Zion; do not let your hands grow weak.The LORD, your God, is in your midst, a warrior who gives victory; he will rejoice over you with gladness, he will renew you in his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.
—Zephaniah 3:14-18, NRSV—
SONGS
O Come O Come Emmanuel
All Hail The Power of Jesus’ Name
Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence
Lord I Need You
I Stand Amazed