December 20, 2015 PREP Advent 4

Theme: Love's Promise Alive

Advent Worship Theme: Renewed, gifted and fulfilled by the full cup of God's promise in Christ.

Sound Notes:

Reference Scriptures:  Luke 1:39-45, (46-55)
1:39 In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country,

1:40 where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.

1:41 When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit

1:42 and exclaimed with a loud cry, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.

1:43 And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me?

1:44 For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy.

1:45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord."

1:46 And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord,

1:47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

1:48 for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;

1:49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name.

1:50 His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.

1:51 He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.

1:52 He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly;

1:53 he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty.

1:54 He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy,

1:55 according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever."

Call To Worship:
Leader 1: Christians, all your Lord is coming,
Leader 2: Hope for peace is now at hand.
People: Let there be no hesitation, walk in faith where life demands.

Leader 1: Bear the word that God has given,
Leader 2: Share the birth that stirs your soul.
People: Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Christ will come and make you whole!

Invocation:

Lord, gathered around your table, our hearts long for a time when every place will be filled at your feast, every hope renewed, every mind at peace and every heart filled with love. We prepare for Your advent with searching minds and contrite hearts, trusting in Your healing spirit and redemptive love, as we continue to pray, Our Father...

Hymn Suggestions:

Opening Music:

Hymn of Praise:

Prayer Hymn:

Communion Hymn:

Hymn of Invitation:

Closing Music: