This is part of the worship series,
"Be Not Afraid”
Series Introduction and Prelude
Advent 1 | Advent 2 | Advent 3 | Advent 4 |
Longest Night | Christmas Eve | Epiphany 1 | Epiphany 2
Advent 2
Fear of Disappointment
Praise Be to the Lord, the God of Israel, Because God Has Come to His People and Redeemed Them
Advent Candle Lighting: Love
Last Sunday we lit the candle of hope and were reminded to put our hope in God’s promises of a peaceful kingdom. [Light first candle.] On this second Sunday of Advent, we light the candle of love. Our God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). We light this candle to remember God’s love, which brings joy to the world and peace on earth. [Light second candle.]
Choral Anthem
“Joy to the World” arr. Proulx
Responsive Reading
Rejoice in the Lord always.
I will say it again: Rejoice!
Let your gentleness be evident to all.
The Lord is near.
We rejoice in the hope of Christ’s coming.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
—adapted from Philippians 4:4–5
Songs
“O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” (st. 1–2, 7) Traditional
“Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus” (st. 1–3, 4) Wesley
God Shows Mercy to Our Ancestors and Helps Us Remember God’s Holy Covenant
Song
“My Soul in Stillness Waits” Haugen
Prayer of Confession
Emmanuel, God with us, we confess how hard it is for us to wait. Like Zechariah, we have a hard time waiting on you, and we lose hope so quickly when it seems as though you aren’t answering our prayers in the ways we hope. Sometimes your timing is mysterious. Sometimes you answer our longings and our prayers in ways we have a hard time comprehending. Take away all the barriers in our lives that keep us from being able to hear you, to know you, and to love you with all our hearts. And give us ears to hear your gentle voice saying, “Be not afraid.” Amen.
God Gives God’s People the Knowledge of Salvation through the Forgiveness of Their Sins
Scripture Reading
Luke 1:5–25
Message
“The Fear of Disappointment”
Responsive Music
“I Shall Not Want” Assad
God Shines on Those Living in Darkness to Guide Our Feet into the Path of Peace
Sending Litany
In this Advent season of waiting on the Lord,
We trust in the Lord’s goodness.
We rely on his mercy.
We find shelter in his steadfast love.
In this Advent season of waiting,
Lord, we await your salvation.
We await your leading,
We await your coming.
In this Advent season of waiting on the Lord,
We walk in the Lord’s way.
We keep our covenant promises.
We follow his example of love.
—Adapted from Harry Boonstra, Reformed Worship 9, © 1988 Worship Ministries of the Christian Reformed Church. Used by permission.
God’s Blessing
The same voice that speaks over the waters and calls us to follow and obey,
the same voice that promises “I am your God, you are my people,”
the same voice that spoke “This is my beloved Son,’
now blesses the people with peace:
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand”
The blessing of Almighty God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—is with you now and forevermore. Amen.
—Based on Psalm 29:2, 9; Exodus 20:18; Matthew 3:17; Isaiah 41:10
Song
“How Firm a Foundation” (st. 1–3, 5)18th century
