Advent 1B
We welcome in a spirit of silence as
the prelude begins our service.
OUR
APPROACH TO GOD
Prelude
Introit
Welcome
The Blessing of the Advent Wreath
Bless this wreath, O God, whose lighting marks the days to
your arrival; whose fire lights for us the way. Grant to us who wait,
watch and hope for your coming, the gift of Your presence here among
us. Grant that our waiting be active, our yearning for you passionate,
and the power of light and warmth be the sign that you are here, even
as we wait for you to come. Amen.
Text by Charles Borromeo, 16th century
Beloved, now is the acceptable time spoken of by
the Spirit:
THE DAY OF SALVATION, PEACE AND RECONCILIATION: THE GREAT
SEASON OF ADVENT!
This is the time eagerly awaited by the patriarchs and prophets, the
time that holy Simeon rejoiced to see.
WE OBSERVE IT WITH FAITH AND LOVE, OFFERING PRAISE AND
THANKSGIVING TO THE FATHER FOR THE MERCY AND LOVE GOD HAS SHOWN US IN
THIS MYSTERY.
The Lighting of
the First Advent Candle
Light the first candle.
*Opening Hymn
Let us be before our God in silence.
Close your eyes and you will see clearly.
Cease to listen and you will hear the truth.
--a Taoist poem
Unison Prayer: Psalm 63:2-7
O GOD, YOU ARE MY GOD, FOR YOU I LONG: FOR YOU MY SOUL IS
THIRSTING. MY BODY PINES FOR YOU LIKE A DRY, WEARY LAND WITHOUT
WATER...FOR YOUR LOVE IS BETTER THAN LIFE, MY LIPS WILL SPEAK YOUR
PRAISE. SO I WILL BLESS YOU ALL MY LIFE, IN YOUR NAME I WILL LIFT UP MY
HANDS. MY SOUL SHALL BE FILLED AS WITH A BANQUET, MY MOUTH SHALL PRAISE
YOU WITH JOY!
*Gloria
Patri (Hymn No. 623)
GLORY BE
TO THE FATHER
AND TO THE SON
AND TO THE HOLY GHOST.
AS IT WAS IN THE BEGINNING,
IS NOW AND EVER SHALL BE,
WORLD WITHOUT END,
AMEN, AMEN!
The Greeting of Peace
Announcements
*Hymn
Scripture Lessons:
Jewish Scriptures:
Isaiah 64:1-9
Epistle:
1 Corinthians 1:3-9
The Celtic Allelulia!
Gospel:
Mark 13:24-37
Sermon
OUR
RESPONSE TO GOD
*
