PSPC Worship Service

God of grace and God of glory, we stand in the stillness of expectation for what is to come. We stand as children, waiting for the longed-for gift that is our hope and trust. Our hearts are thankful hearts for a gift beyond measure and joyful beyond our understanding. The vastness of the heavens seem poised for a change that will touch every heart and every life. We wait, O God, we wait, and we hope. Help this time to be one of renewal and remembrance of what can be. Tear away the shadows that keep us from fulfilling our own call to love and protect. Destroy our fear of the stranger and turn our violence into love, your Love. Forgive us our weakness and self concern. Place in our hands the torch that will light our way to the manger and lead us forward with hearts transformed. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Who is in a position to condemn? Only Christ, and Christ died for us, was risen for us, and reigns in power over us. Sisters and brothers hear this good news. Through Christ we are forgiven and reconciled with the Creator of all.

Our Father who art in Heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Lord, open our hearts and minds by the power of your Holy Spirit, that as the Scriptures are read and your Word is proclaimed, we may hear with joy what you say to us today. Amen

Lighting of the Advent Candle:

Leader: We light this candle to remind us to be alert and to watch for his return.
People: Today is the first Sunday of Advent, the Sunday in which we recall the hope we have in Christ.
Leader: The prophets of Israel all spoke of the coming of Christ, of how a savior would be born, a king in the line of David. They spoke of how he would rule the world wisely and bless all nations.
People: On Christmas day the Christ of our hope was born. On Good Friday the Christ of our hope died. He then ascended into heaven. On the last day, the Christ of our hope will come again to establish his kingdom over all the things on earth.
Leader: As the follower of Christ, we await his return. We light this candle to remember that as he came to us as humbly in the manger at Bethlehem and gave light to the world, so he is coming again in power to deliver his people.
People: Jesus said, “ I am the light of the world - whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the Light of Life.