Advent:  Sunday Two

Choral Introit

Litany

Reader A:  Please turn to the Advent litany in your bulletins:
(Pause until the congregation is ready)
Praise be to God!
Who has come and brought redemption.
As prophesied long ago,
God's salvation will strengthen us and show us the way to peace.
 

Scripture:

Reader B.  Our scripture for this Second Sunday of Advent is taken from the book of Malachi, the third chapter, verses one through four.  (Malachi 3:1-4)

Lighting of the first and second Advent Candles

Another Second Sunday ceremony

Luke 3:1-6

Then as the candles are lit:

We light again the candle of Expectation.  Now as a symbol of Proclamation we light the second candle.  May the Word sent from God through the prophets lead us to the way of salvation.

Congregation sings:  Verses 1 & 2  "O come, O come, Emmanuel!"

Reader A:  After lighting the first candle of hope, we light the second candle of peace, reminding us that God will refine and purify us for the Kingdom to come that we may prove acceptable. 

Prayer

Reader B:  Let us pray:   O God, as the one who has prepared the way to your coming,  help us to prepare for your Kingdom so that we may realize a peace we've never known before.  Amen.*

*Services for The Advent Wreath:  Robert Jarboe;   CSS publishing Company, Inc.