This is part of the worship series,
"In the Beginning Was the Word”
Series Introduction
Advent 1 | Advent 2 | Advent 3 | Advent 4
THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT
The Word in the World: John 1:10–12
He was in the world,
and the world came into being though him
yet the world did not know him.
He came to what was his own,
and his own people did not accept him.
But to all who received him.
who believed in his name,
he gave power to become children of God.
Call to Worship
We come into your presence, O Lord, to worship and praise your name.
Hear us, O Shepherd of Israel.
We are a needy people, our lives are rags, and darkness surrounds us.
Hear us, O Shepherd of Israel. Awaken your mighty power.
We put our hope in you; touch us with that which is eternal.
Hear us, O Shepherd of Israel. Awaken your mighty power. Come and save us.
—Response based on Psalm 80:1–2
Call to Confession
The Lord . . . will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. (1 Corinthians 4:5, NRSVUE)
Prayer of Confession
The words of your prophet Isaiah, spoken so long ago, come back to accuse us yet today, O Lord.
Our iniquities separate us from you. Our sins have caused you to hide your face from us. Our hands are stained, our fingers covered with guilt. Our lips have spoken lies and our tongues muttered wicked things. Our thoughts are evil, our roads are crooked, and we do not walk in peace. We do not call for justice or plead for integrity.
O Lord, forgive us, do not hide your face from us any longer. Hear our pleas for mercy. Redeem us by your grace and mercy. Amen.
—Based on Isaiah 59:2-8, 20
Words of Assurance
With everlasting love I will have compassion on you,
says the Lord, your Redeemer.
I alone am the one
who blots out your transgressions for my own sake,
and I will not remember your sins.
Return to me, for I have redeemed you.
—Isaiah 54:8; 43:25; 44:22 NRSVUE
Prayer for Illumination
Lord Christ, count us not among those to whom you would come but would not receive you, those to whom you would speak but would not hear you. Come now with the power of your Holy Spirit, and call to our remembrance all that you have taught us. This we ask in your precious name. Amen.
Scripture Lessons
Old Testament: Malachi 3:13–18
Epistle: Acts 7:51–53 (New Living Translation)
Gospel: John 1:10–12
Sermon Notes:
“Did not know . . . did not accept . . .” (Jesus in the world—creation to incarnation—salvation history)
Some years ago American Express ran a series of television commercials that featured people like Bill Miller, Geraldine Farraro, and James Michener. The punch line for these commercials was, “Do you recognize me? A lot of people don’t. That’s why I carry an American Express card.” This message is about an American Express moment in human history: “Christ was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him.”
The focus of this message is God’s plan of salvation, a plan that cannot be fulfilled until the Word is known by those he came to save. And without knowledge, any proper celebration of Advent expressed in the Word’s coming or the risen Christ’s coming again is impossible.
Statement of Faith: Nicene Creed
Revised Common Lectionary
Years A, B, C: Christmas—Nativity of the Lord - Proper III
Years A, B, C: Christmas—Second Sunday after Christmas Day
