Worship Planning Tools-Advent 2022 by CofChrist

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27 November 2022

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4 December 2022

• 11 December 2022

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18 December 2022

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25 December 2022

Worship Resources

27 November 2022

First Sunday of Advent (Peace)

Isaiah 2:1-5

Promise of Peace

Additional Scriptures

Psalm 122, Matthew 24:36 44, Romans 13:11 14, Alma 5:44, Doctrine and Covenants 161:2

Preparation

Books for Storytime that can be purchased or checked out of a library are suggested below. Display an Advent wreath with candles.

Invite someone to be the Narrator for The Christmas Play throughout Advent and Christmas.

Prelude

“Dona Nobis Pacem” CCS 155

This can be sung by a trio or by dividing the congregation into 3 groups or sing along with the vocal recording found on Community of Christ Sings Audio Recordings.

Call to Worship I: Isaiah 2:1 3

Welcome and Sharing of Community Joys and Concerns

Call to Worship II: Isaiah 2:4 5

Gathering Hymn Choose one.

“Gonna Lay Down My Sword and Shield” CCS 321 OR “Canticle of the Turning” ” CCS 404 OR “Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus” CCS 400

Invocation

Storytime

Books are just suggestions: local libraries often have many options. Focus on “Peace” as the subject of the story you choose.

For an Advent focus, divide the storybook “The Tale of Three Trees” by Angela Elwell Hunt, into 5 parts, one for each Sunday of Advent and then Christmas Day. ISBN 0745917437. First Sunday focus: each tree’s wish for the future.

OR “The Smeds and the Smoos” by Julia Donaldson. The Smeds (who are red) never mix with the Smoos (who are blue). So, when a young Smed and Smoo fall in love, their families strongly disapprove. But peace is restored, and love conquers all in this happiest of love stories. There's even a gorgeous purple baby to celebrate.

OR “I am Peace” by Susan Verde. A child starts to get carried away with worry and rushing thoughts before taking a breath, steadying, observing thoughts, feeling kindness, feeling thankful, and experiencing the world.

OR “Grandad Mandela” by Zindzi Mandela Zazi Mandela. The great grandchildren of Nelson Mandela ask their grandmother fifteen questions about the former South African president, from his activism work, his Nobel Peace Prize, and his time in prison.

OR visit your local library.

Prayer for Peace

Light the Peace Candle.

Scripture Reading: Doctrine and Covenants 161:2

Prayer

We come in this sacred moment, our God, seeking that peace, which surpasses all understanding.

The promise of that peace comes to us through the life and love of our Lord Jesus; that we would be like him.

It is Christ’s peace, which leads us to Spirit’s presence, and there, to shalom; God’s shalom, where our lives are filled with a sense of holiness and wholeness, completeness, wellbeing, and love. As we are led, we are enabled to see the Christ who dwells in others’ lives. Those who bless us with gifts of peace and love and, united with them, our lives become complete.

As people who quest for Christ’s peaceable kingdom, knowing that through Him, we become a reflection of Christ and are blessed as we seek to bless others.

We come as disciples who seek peace in our time, and for all time, recognizing that for some, this is easier than for those whose lives are lived under suppression.

You have counselled us to become a people of the Temple. Those who witness violence but proclaim peace. In growing towards Christ and his peaceable kingdom, may we become Christ’s new creation, living the passion of Christ, through discipleship.

For this is our hope in the name of the One who gave us his all, Jesus the Christ. Amen

John F Rawson Port Macquarie, New South Wales, Australia

For additional ideas: Find this day’s Prayer for Peace service on the church’s website at www.CofChrist.org.

Spiritual Practice

“Breathe Peace” from Breathing Peace (allthingsarespiritual.org)

Let’s take three, deep, peaceful breaths together. In the quietness of your mind, think of one person you enjoy being with. It could be a friend, or a member of your family, or maybe a neighbor or teacher.

What do you like about this person?

How do you feel when you are with them?

Picture this person’s face.

Take a deep peaceful breath and as you breathe out, imagine you are gently breathing peace to them.

How do they respond? Are they happy, surprised, grateful?

Take one more peaceful breath and open your eyes.

Sharing In small groups, pairs, or large group. Who did you see? What do you like about them?

What happened when you breathed peace to them?

This week take a minute to think of friends and family and breathe peace to them. OR

Holy Movement

Gather in a circle holding hands, facing the middle. Either sing, have sung, or play a recording of “Circle Round for Freedom,” CCS 383

Circle round for freedom (four steps to the right), circle round for peace (four more steps to the right); for all of us imprisoned (still holding hands, twist body to face outside of the circle),

circle for release (come back to facing the middle). Circle for the planet (four steps to the right), circle for each soul (let go of hand and do an individual turn, end facing into the circle)

for the children (step into the middle, raising right hand palm up) of our children (step in again raising left hand palm up), keep the circle whole (step back, away from the middle of the circle twice and re-hold hands).

Use Circle Round for Freedom YouTube if needed to help understand movements to be able to direct others. Permission given to use the video.

Disciples’ Generous Response

Generosity Hymn

“Light Dawns on a Weary World” CCS 240 OR “In the Bleak Midwinter” CCS 422

Statement

We are poised to be Christ’s hands and feet, reaching out through compassionate ministries that serve the poor and hungry and stop conditions that diminish the worth of persons. Helping those who hurt, feeding the hungry, supporting compassionate ministries and responding in times of crisis is the Community of Christ mission initiative Abolish Poverty, End Suffering. However, this can’t happen without each member and friend of the church also getting on board. Sometimes this might look like a listening ear, or a hospital visit or a ride or an intentional safe space or a packed lunch or even at times, cash. There are so many ways to live this out. This is the time in our worship where we pause and think on the many different ways we, individually and collectively, can contribute to our mission to abolish poverty, end suffering. How can you work abolish poverty, end suffering today?

During this time of a Disciples’ Generous Response, we focus on aligning our heart with God’s heart. Our offerings are more than meeting budgets or funding mission. We can tangibly express our gratitude to God through our offerings, who is the giver of all.

As we share our mission tithes either by placing money in the plates or through eTithing, use this time to thank God for the many gifts received in life. Our hearts grow aligned with God’s when we gratefully receive and faithfully respond by living Christ’s mission.

Blessing and Receiving of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes

For additional ideas, see Disciples’ Generous Response Tools at CofChrist.org/spiritual practices generosity/

Message

Based on Isaiah 2:1 5

Advent Candle

“Hope is a Light” Stanza 2 only CCS 398

Light the candle of peace as the stanza is sung. Statement

Advent is a season in the Christian calendar that marks the four Sundays before Christmas. In Latin, Advent means ‘coming’ and it is a time to prepare and remember the real meaning of Christmas, the coming of Jesus into the world. Today we light the candle of peace. Peace is a prayer that starts with me. It challenges us to find new ways to live with each other, God, ourselves, and all creation. Peace calls us to beat our swords into plowshares and spears into pruning hooks. That we no longer study warfare but follow the footsteps of the one who was called the prince of peace, Jesus Christ.

Hymn of Advent Peace

“Peace Child” CCS 402 OR “Blessed Be the God of Israel” CCS 396

A Christmas Play Part 1 see script below

Sending Forth Hymn

“View the Present through the Promise” CCS 401 OR “Wait for the Lord” sing twice CCS 399 OR “No Obvious Angels” CCS 418 Sent Forth in Peace

And now, may the peace of God rest upon you, and upon your houses and lands, and upon your flocks and herds, and all that you possess, and your families, according to your faith and good works, from this time forth and forever. Amen.

Alma 5:44, adapted

Postlude

A Christmas Play Part 1 Directions

1. Assign all characters and props before the Narrator starts the script.

2. Have a manger set up upstage and a baby Jesus behind the manger, out of site.

3. The narrator needs to read all the text and ad lib, prompting the actors to copy the words or follow the directions.

4. Feel free to repeat lines for emphasis.

5. The Narrator may need to give additional directions depending on engagement of the participants. For example, if Mary doesn’t look scared, “Come on Mary, you need to look a little more scared then that.”

Characters

*Narrator recruited ahead of time to prepare; does all the reading and a lot of the stage directing

*Mary no lines; recruited on the spur of the moment

*Gabriel (angel) no lines; recruited on the spur of the moment

*Joseph no lines; recruited on the spur of the moment

Props

*Something to symbolize each character e.g., wings for an angel, head dress for Mary, cloak for Joseph

Scene 1

Narrator: Gosh, do I have a story for all of you today. It is based on a best selling book. You won’t believe how many copies were sold. It is quite a thick book, and we don’t have time to cover it all, so we will start at the beginning. That is the beginning of Jesus, not the beginning of the world. We don’t have that much time.

Let’s start with Scene 1, Mary. Do we have a Mary? Yes, Mary, we need you front and centre.

Mary enters

Narrator: A long, long, long time ago, there was a girl named Mary. This is Mary.

Point to Mary

Mary lived in a village called Nazareth. And one day, an angel of the Lord, named Gabriel, appeared to her.

Gabriel, we need you too. Up the front and over near Mary.

Gabriel enters and stands near Mary

Narrator: After clearing their throats they proclaimed “Greetings, the Lord is with you”

Mary didn’t understand who this was or why they were here, and she knew that she was scared.

Directed to Mary A little more scared than that, Mary, you are seeing an angel. Even way back then this wasn’t what we would call normal.

So, Gabriel tried again. This time they started with “Do not be afraid.” And this surprisingly worked, because we all know the most effective thing when we are feeling scared is for someone to simply tell us to stop being afraid. Either way, Mary was now prepared to listen to what the angel had to say to her.

And gosh did they have a lot to say. With lots of large and exaggerated gesticulating hand movements. They told Mary that she was going to have a baby. That this baby would be the son of God. It would be a very special Holy baby. Now Mary wasn’t so sure. You see, she wasn’t married yet, and she was so young, and this was a big responsibility.

Gabriel did some more big hand movement and, in the end, or should I say beginning, Mary agreed and that is the end of Scene 1. Mary and Gabriel, you may return to your seats, but Gabriel don’t get too comfortable, I feel there are others that will need to be divinely told of God’s plan a little later in our story.

Exit Mary and Gabriel

Narrator: Next comes Scene 2 and we meet Joseph. Do we have a Joseph? Excellent. Joseph, front and centre.

Joseph enters

Narrator: This is Joseph. Point at Joseph Joseph was troubled. He didn’t know what to do. You see, Joseph was engaged to marry Mary, but he had recently found out that she was going to have a baby and it wasn’t his. Joseph was a good man and that is why he was having so much trouble figuring out what to do. You see legally Mary being pregnant was enough of a reason for him to renege on his promise of marriage, cast her aside and find someone else with way less drama going on. But Joseph felt that this wasn’t right. That was when an angel of the Lord came to Joseph in a dream.

I told you it wouldn’t be long Gabriel. You’re needed back up the front please.

Enter Gabriel and stands near Joseph.

Narrator: They also told Joseph “Do not to be afraid.” The angel again had a lot to say. Whispers to the congregation They were a bit of a chatty angel.

But anyway, they told Joseph that he shouldn’t be afraid of taking Mary to be his wife. That it was God’s plan. They also told him she would bear a son and that they should name him Jesus. This was a bit of a shame, as Mary had always wanted to call her first born baby Sven. However, both Mary and Joseph were good at following the directions God gave them, so the baby would be called Jesus. The angel also told Joseph that this was no ordinary baby, this was going to be a very special baby. He would save all people and the people will call him Emmanuel, which means “God is with us.”

And that’s the end of Scene 2.

Exit Gabriel and Joseph.

Narrator: Now, you are going to have to stay tuned for the rest of this story. It might be a little tricky because the original is a real page turner, but I promise you it will be worth it. Ok I will give you a couple of hints, so you know what to look forward to. I am just going to say a couple of words to spike your intrigue. Long distance travel, Shepherds, assassination plots. Now I have your interest, and for any of you that might know how the story ends, well rather starts, we want no spoilers.

Scene

Sermon Helps

Sermon Helps Year A Letters

First Sunday of Advent Isaiah 2:1-5

Exploring the Scripture

We think of 1 January as the beginning of the year. But for Christians, the year begins with the first Sunday of Advent. The Old Testament reading from Isaiah focuses our attention on the promise of God’s reign. The reading helps us prepare for Christmas and encourages us to enter the new year with hope rededicated to the peace of Christ.

Isaiah directed his poetic words to the southern kingdom of Judah when it was under the control of the powerful nation of Assyria. Full conquest had not yet occurred, but the future was uncertain. Isaiah 2:1 5 assured the people of Judah that God is still in control. A time would come when all nations would learn God’s ways on the mountain of the Lord. An age of peace would dawn. The prophetic message tells us the “mountain of the Lord’s house [meaning the Temple Mount in Jerusalem] will be established as the highest of the mountains” by whom?

Ancient Hebrew had a verb tense called the middle voice, where the subject and object combined to create the action. Possibly the prophet is telling people that their actions must unite with God’s intent to create Zion and send forth God’s word to all nations.

The nations come, expecting to learn God’s ways. God will be the teacher, not the priests or the people. God will also be the judge not the people. God’s judgment will resolve disputes and conflicts. After God has finished the work of judging and negotiating peace, the nations themselves will destroy the weapons of war and turn them into plowshares.

A plowshare is the blade that slides through dirt, turns the soil, and prepares a furrow in which to plant seeds. In ancient times, farmers did not have swords. When war threatened, the farmers had to take their plowshare blades and beat them into swords. To abandon farming and leave the fields with no plowshares and no furrows to receive seeds for the next harvest was very serious. The people did not do this lightly. There was great sadness and mourning because people would go hungry.

Isaiah’s words turn that tense, mournful image upside down. A time will come when people will reverse the process. Swords will be unnecessary, and farmers will beat them into plowshares for planting. Spears will become pruning hooks to aid in the harvest. It is an image of joy, plenty, and feasting. Unity and peace will prevail. “Neither shall they learn war any more” (v. 4).

The people of Judah are invited to take the first steps toward creating Zion and the reign of God: “Let us walk in the light of the Lord” (v. 5). God’s light is the knowledge of God’s ways and obedience to God’s will. The people of Judah are already familiar with the teachings which the people of all nations will one day learn. They must live out the beginning of God’s peace in their everyday lives. So must we. As we expectantly await Christmas and the new Christian year, we must keep alive the hope of peace to come. More importantly, we must be the bringers of peace to those around us.

Central Ideas

1. God is in control of the future. It is God who will teach, judge, and eventually bring peace, justice, and reconciliation.

2. That does not mean we should be idle. We must take the steps needed to begin trans forming this world into the future reign of God.

3. Preparing for conflicts, military engagements, and war is not consistent with God’s vision for the future. Rekindle your hope for God’s peace and justice and be part of the solution.

Questions for the Speaker

1. When have you turned harmless tools of life (money, words, beliefs, knowledge, etc.) into weapons of conflict? When have you reversed the process?

2. When have you found yourself “playing God” by judging others? What steps can you take to avoid such judgments?

3. As Christmas approaches, how can you be an ambassador for peace and justice?

4. How can you bring the vision of Zion into your preparation for and celebration of Christmas?

Sacred Space – Small Group Resources

Year A, Letters

First Sunday of Advent Isaiah 2:1-5

Welcome

Advent is a season of waiting in expectation for the coming of light into a darkened world in the form of the infant Jesus. Advent is spent anticipating and spiritually preparing for the arrival of the Christ-child. Scriptures, symbols, and hymns help make Advent a time of expectation for Christ’s birth, rather than a frenzy of holiday tasks.

The Advent season begins four Sundays before Christmas and is observed each Sunday until Christmas Day. An Advent wreath with four candles and one Christ candle in the center often is used to observe the weeks of Advent. One candle is lit each week until all are burning brightly on Christmas Day.

Prayer for Peace

Ring bell or chime three times slowly. Light Peace Candle

Keeper of the great Shalom, You carry such a broad and expansive universe on your shoulders yet make yourself known to us in this season of Advent and expectation for the coming Christ. Help us strive for peace like water rushing towards the ocean. As water brings life, allow peace to generate new life in us. As water carves new lands and patterns into being, allow peace to create new spaces in our lives and communities. As water flows on to nourish many places unseen, allow peace to flow through us to create new bonds of life again. God, allow the birth of the Christ child to nourish us anew. Help us bring peace into the world, each and every day. Amen.

Spiritual Practice- Take Five

Light the first candle of Advent

Today we light the first candle of Advent. This candle symbolizes hope in new life. May we have hope in that new life which is coming forth in us.

The liturgical year starts with the waiting for the birth of light. Advent is a time to take some timeout and reflect on what is being born within us, just as we wait for the light and son of God to be born. Take five is a spiritual practice of taking a “time out” for reflection. With the consumerism that surrounds the holidays, this practice can help us focus and connect with God, each other, and the Earth this winter season.

Today we are going to engage in five minutes of centering prayer. Centering prayer is where we choose a word or phrase and repeat it while we focus on breathing in and breathing out.

Select a word to focus on (peace, blessing, compassion, grace) and keep it in your mind as you breathe in for 8 seconds, breathe out for 8 seconds. We will repeat for 5 minutes.

Start the timer for 5 minutes. At the end of 5 minutes say Amen.

Ask if anyone would like to share the word they chose and what they experienced as they focused on the word during the centering prayer

Sharing Around the Table- Isaiah 2:1-5

In days to come the mountain of the LORD’s house shall be established as the highest of the mountains and shall be raised above the hills; all the nations shall stream to it. Many peoples shall come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob, that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.”

For out of Zion shall go forth instruction and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation; neither shall they learn war any more. O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the LORD!

Judah was under the control of the powerful nation of Assyria and the future was uncertain. Isaiah 2:1 5 assured the people of Judah that even in this dire circumstance,

God is still in control. Isaiah casts a poetic vision of a coming time when all nations would learn God’s ways and God’s Reign of peace would dawn.

The prophetic voice calls people to unite with God’s intent to create Zion. In this peaceable Reign all nations and all people learn God’s ways. God’s presence, purpose and justice will resolve disputes and conflicts. In God’s Reign, the nations themselves will destroy the weapons of war and turn them into plowshares. A plowshare is the blade that slides through dirt, turns the soil, and prepares a furrow in which to plant seeds. In ancient times, farmers did not have swords. When war threatened, the farmers had to take their plowshare blades and beat them into swords. To abandon farming and leave the fields with no plowshares and no furrows to receive seeds for the next harvest was very serious. The people did not do this lightly. There was great sadness and mourning because people would go hungry.

Isaiah’s words turn that mournful image upside down. A time will come when people will reverse the process. Swords will be unnecessary, and farmers will beat them into plowshares for planting. Spears will become pruning hooks to aid in the harvest. It is an image of joy, plenty, and feasting. Unity and peace will prevail.

The people of Judah are invited to take the first steps toward living into the reign of God As we expectantly await Christmas and the new Christian year, we to keep alive the hope of peace to come as we live into the ways of God and God’s peaceable Reign.

• When have you turned harmless tools of life (money, words, beliefs, knowledge, social media) have you turned into weapons of conflict?

• What would it look like to reverse the process?

• As This Advent season, how can you live into God’s Peaceable Reign?

Generosity Statement

” Beloved Community of Christ, do not just speak and sing of Zion. Live, love, and share as Zion: those who strive to be visibly one in Christ, among whom there are no poor or oppressed.” Doctrine and Covenants 165:6a

The offering basket is available if you would like to support ongoing small-group ministries as part of your generous response.

The offering prayer for Advent is adapted from A Disciple’s Generous Response:

God who is Faithful, be present with us as we plan our spending. May we use our resources in ways that build healthy, happy relationships with you, with others, and with the Earth. May we remember the teachings of Jesus that challenge us to make lifestyle choices that are counter to our culture of accumulation and excess. Amen.

Invitation to Next Meeting

Closing Hymn CCS 392 “All Earth is Hopeful” Closing Prayer

Prayer for Peace

Ring a bell or chime three times slowly. Light the peace candle

Keeper of the great Shalom, You carry such a broad and expansive universe on your shoulders, yet you make yourself known to us in this season of Advent and expectation for the coming Christ. Help us strive for peace, like water rushing toward the ocean. As water brings life, allow peace to generate new life in us. As water carves new lands and patterns into being, allow peace to create new spaces in our lives and communities. As water flows on to nourish many places unseen, allow peace to flow through us to create new bonds of life again. God, allow the birth of the Christ child to nourish us anew. Help us bring peace into the world each and every day. Amen.

Spiritual Practice

Take Five

Light the first candle of Advent

Today we light the first candle of Advent. This candle symbolizes hope in new life. May we have hope in that new life, which is coming forth in us.

The liturgical year starts with the waiting for the birth of light. Advent is a time to take some time and reflect on what is being born within us, just as we wait for the light and Son of God to be born. Take five is a spiritual practice of taking a “time out” for reflection. With the consumerism that surrounds the holidays, this practice can help us focus and connect with God, each other, and the Earth this winter season.

Today we are going to engage in five minutes of centering prayer. Centering prayer is where we choose a word or phrase and repeat it while we focus on breathing in and breathing out.

Select a word to focus on (e.g., peace, blessing, compassion, grace) and keep it in your mind as you breathe in for eight seconds, breathe out for eight seconds. We will repeat for five minutes.

Start the timer for five minutes. At the end of five minutes, say Amen

Ask if anyone would like to share the word they chose and what they experienced as they focused on the word during the centering prayer.

Sharing Around the Table

Romans 13:11 14 NRSV

Besides this, you know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us live honorably as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

Time. Measuring time is uniquely human. As followers of Jesus, we begin the measure of time each year on the first Sunday of Advent. Most species on Earth live by the seasonal changes they experience and the way the environment changes due to those seasons, changes brought by the length of daylight hours. Christians are like that, too.

In the northern hemisphere, where many Christian traditions were formed, Advent falls during the lead up to the darkest time of year, when a celebration of light occurs.

In his letter to the Roman saints, Paul offers encouragement and challenge, sharing with the readers that salvation is nearer now than ever. Paul does not see salvation as something that is acquired, but rather a process of movement toward a finality. The images of darkness and light, night and a dawning day create in us a sense movement of the disciple toward light.

Paul’s challenge to “lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light” is a challenge for us to continue the journey of discipleship, depending on grace but tending to our own development as followers of the Prince of Peace, the Light that has come into the world that the darkness could not overcome.

Questions

1. Paul lists some works of darkness. What might the work of light be?

2. Division from each other has been a long term problem for humanity, causing much sadness, destruction, and death. How might putting on “the armor of light” help heal divisions in families, communities, and society?

3. As the darkness of winter settles around us, how can you pursue the light?

Generosity Statement

Beloved Community of Christ, do not just speak and sing of Zion. Live, love, and share as Zion: those who strive to be visibly one in Christ, among whom there are no poor or oppressed.

Doctrine and Covenants 165:6a

The offering basket is available if you would like to support ongoing small group ministries as part of your generous response.

The offering prayer for Advent is adapted from A Disciple’s Generous Response:

God who is faithful, be present with us as we plan our spending. May we use our resources in ways that build healthy, happy relationships with you, with others, and with the Earth. May we remember the teachings of Jesus that challenge us to make lifestyle choices that are counter to our culture of accumulation and excess. Amen.

Thoughts for Children

You will need:

• Ornaments cut from cardstock in the shape of dove see template

• String

• Small hole punch

• Decorating materials or markers and crayons

Say: Today we begin the Advent season. Advent is a time of waiting, when we prepare ourselves for the coming of Jesus at Christmas. Each Sunday of Advent we will focus on a different theme. Each theme will represent something Jesus brings to the world.

On the first Sunday in Advent, we remember the peace Jesus brought into the world. Jesus invited others to experience his peace and be peacemakers. Today, we are going to create ornaments to hang on our trees that remind us to be peacemakers. Our ornaments will be shaped like doves because doves are symbols of peace.

Allow participants time to decorate ornaments however they’d like before tying a string to the ornaments and heading back to their seats.

Worship Resources

December 2022

Second Sunday of Advent (Hope)

Romans 15:4-13

Filled with Hope

Additional Scriptures

Isaiah 11:1 10; Psalms 72:1 7, 18 19; Matthew 3:1 12; Doctrine and Covenants 163:3a b; 165:2d e

Preparation

Books for Storytime that can be purchased or checked out of a library are suggested below. Display an Advent wreath with candles. Use the same Narrator for The Christmas Play throughout Advent and Christmas.

Prelude

Gathering Scripture: Romans 15: 7, 9b 11

Welcome and Sharing of Community Joys and Concerns

Gathering Hymn Choose one.

"God Almighty, We Are Waiting”

CCS 397

OR “Hope of the World” CCS 29 OR “Of the Father’s Love Begotten” CCS 27

Invocation

Scripture Exploration

Based on Romans 15:4 13.

Song of Hope

“Kanisa Litajengwa/Oh, Who Will Build the Church Now?” CCS 338

Ask a leader to teach the Swahili; add percussion and hand claps. OR Sing and clap along with the vocal recording found on Community of Christ Sings Audio Recordings

Prayer for Peace

Light the Peace Candle.

Scripture Reading: Doctrine and Covenants 163:3a-b

Hymn of Peace

“Comfort, Comfort Now My People”

CCS 407 Or “Lord of All Hopefulness” CCS 193

Prayer

Breathe, Breathe on us O God

Breathe your Holy Spirit on your people in all nations

Flame into us your breath of peace within our souls

Stir within us your love of compassion

Rock us with gentleness of understanding for faces known and unknown

Call us forth with renewed vigor for peace

New insights of your world where we capture your vision of peace for all nations.

Advent is here O God, We wait in Hope

We wait …

We wait to sense again the Spirit of Hope in the birth of the Christ child

The Hope that shines brightly for all people

The Hope that offers peace to restless hearts

The Hope that stills our weary minds

The Hope that comes wrapped in love

The Hope that offers joy overflowing

God, our Hope lies in you, the lover of our soul. Amen.

Helen Taylor, Taree, New South Wales, Australia

For additional ideas: Find this day’s Prayer for Peace service on the church’s website at www.CofChrist.org.

Storytime

Books are just suggestions: local libraries often have many options. Focus on “Hope” as the subject of the story you choose.

For an Advent focus, divide the storybook “The Tale of Three Trees” by Angela Elwell Hunt, into 5 parts, one for each Sunday of Advent and then Christmas Day. ISBN 0745917437. Second Sunday focus: each woodcutter choosing a tree. Summarize the first part for those not in attendance earlier before continuing with today’s part.

OR “The Tomorrow Book” by Jackie French A young prince is determined to rule over a country where the future is filled with environmental hope and practical solutions, such as common usage of solar and wind power. Lively, fun, and positive, this book serves to give young people information about their world and shows them that a lot of environmental solutions are simple and relatively easy to put in place.

OR “Windows” by Patrick Guest. Windows shows how five kids from different parts of the

world connect and draw strength from their communities from behind the safety of their own windows during the Coronavirus pandemic.

OR visit your local library.

Advent Candles

“Hope Is a Light” stanzas 2 and 1 CCS 398 Light the Advent Candles while singing stanzas 1 and 2. During the first stanza light the candle of peace (from last week), during the second stanza light the candle of hope.

Statement

Today we light the candle of hope.

Hope is a light to show the way. It challenges us to find pathways in the wilderness and light in the darkness. Hope is constantly calling us forward to create a better tomorrow. That with steadfastness and encouragement we might live in harmony with one another, so together, with one voice, we might glorify God, the father of the one who is our hope, Jesus Christ.

Hymn of Advent Hope

“All Earth is Hopeful” CCS 392/393 Encourage participants to sing in a language other than their own.

OR “like a child” CCS 403

A Christmas Play Part 2 see script below

Disciples’ Generous Response

The first Sunday of the month focuses the Disciples’ Generous Response on Abolish Poverty, End Suffering, which includes Oblation ministry.

Scripture Reading: Doctrine and Covenants 165:2d e

Statement

Share a brief example of oblation offerings blessing others.

Blessing and Receiving of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes

For additional ideas, see Disciples’ Generous Response Tools at CofChrist.org/spiritual practices generosity/.

Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper

Communion Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 11:23 26

Communion Message

Based on the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper.

Communion Hymn

“Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence” stanzas 1, 2, and 3

CCS 405 OR “In These Moments We Remember” CCS 515

Invitation to Communion

All are welcome at Christ’s table. The Lord’s Supper, or Communion, is a sacrament in which we remember the life, death, resurrection, and continuing presence of Jesus Christ. In Community of Christ, we also experience Communion as an opportunity to renew our baptismal covenant and to be formed as disciples who live Christ’s mission. Others may have different or added understandings within their faith traditions. We invite all who participate in the Lord’s Supper to do so in the love and peace of Jesus Christ.

Blessing and Serving of the Bread and Wine

For guidelines on the Lord’s Supper, including online participation, see www.OurMinistryTools.org

Sending Forth Hymn

“Once in Royal David’s City”

CCS 429 Or “When the Present Holds No Promise” CCS 430 Or “May the God of Hope” CCS 652 Encourage participants to sing in a language other than their own.

Sending Forth Scripture

Romans 15:13

Postlude

A Christmas Play Part 2

Directions

1. Assign all characters and props before the Narrator starts the script.

2. Have a manger set up upstage and a baby Jesus behind the manger, out of site.

3. The narrator needs to read all the text and ad lib, prompting the actors to copy the words or follow the directions.

4. Feel free to repeat lines for emphasis.

Characters

*Narrator recruited ahead of time to prepare; does all the reading and a lot of the stage directing

*Mary no lines; recruited on the spur of the moment

*Joseph no lines; recruited on the spur of the moment

*Homeowner/Innkeeper no lines; recruited on the spur of the moment

Props

*Something to symbolize each character e.g., head scarf for Mary, tunic for Joseph, apron for the homeowner.

*Baby Jesus

*Manger

Scene 3

Narrator: Now, where did we leave off last week?? Oh yeah, with two of the world’s favorite characters. Mary and Joseph hearing from an Angel about God’s plan for them, a baby that was to be named Jesus. I think that essentially catches us all up. Which brings us to Scene 3 with Mary and Joseph. So, we need both our Mary and Joseph please.

Mary and Joseph enter from the back.

Narrator: Scene 3 opens with Mary and Joseph having to walk a long way. They are making the long trip to Bethlehem from Nazareth. To Mary and Joseph Walk around, pretend you are on a long journey, maybe a little hot, sweaty, and tired. This trip was all because the current Emperor wanted to be able to collect more tax and to do so he needed to know exactly how many people were from the area. So, everyone needed to return to their homeland to be counted. This is why Joseph and Mary were taking such a big trip when they were expecting a child, when it would have been much easier to just stay put with a heavily pregnant person. But that was not to be the case. They had been traveling for a long time, and when they finally did get to Bethlehem there was no space left in the guest houses.

Homeowner/Innkeeper, come on down. It is your time to shine.

Enter Homeowner/Innkeeper

Narrator: The owner of our establishment was very apologetic saying, “I’m very sorry. The guest rooms are already full.” Joseph wearily explains that Mary probably couldn’t have made it up the stairs anyway. Her time for delivery was nearing. So, instead the Homeowner/Innkeeper welcomes the travelers into the downstairs section, apologizing that it might be a little too close to the animals, but at least it is clean and dry. Once you have welcomed them inside and settled them over near the manger, Homeowner/Innkeeper, you are welcome to return to your seat.

Homeowner/Innkeeper exits

When the time came for Mary to deliver her child, she gave birth to her firstborn son, wrapped him in bands of cloth and laid him in a manger.

To Mary, fake whisper There is a baby behind the manger. That’s it.

That is all there is in the bestselling book about the actual birth of Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Two sentences. In the one hundred and two verses that relate to the birth of Christ, the very reason for this whole celebration and season, there is only one verse that covers the actual birth. Two sentences. “While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her first born son and wrapped him in bands of cloth and laid him in a manger.” And even then, the second half of that sentence was more about what he was wearing than the birth. It is very much the Hollywood movie version, one minute she goes into labor, the next she is holding her beautifully wrapped, clean, smiling baby.

But that is where we leave it this week. Stay tuned for all the visitors who come to see the baby.

Sermon Helps

Sermon Helps Year A Letters Second Sunday of Advent Romans 15:4–13

Exploring the Scriptures

The Apostle Paul expresses two themes in this passage: hope and harmony, two concepts well connected with the Advent season. This passage has two parts: verses 4 6 and verses 7 13. Each part quotes from the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) and ends with a prayer statement. In verses 5 6, Paul prays for harmony through Christ in glorifying God. In verse 13, Paul prays for joy and peace through believing that leads to hope through the blessings of the Holy Spirit. For understanding, it is essential to read 15:1 3, where Paul encourages acceptance of one another. In verse 3, Paul quotes from Psalm 69:9b, which points to verse 4 in today’s passage. In verse 4, Paul talks about how the scriptures “were written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope.” Doctrine and Covenants 164:6c upholds a similar idea: “Faced with difficult questions, many properly turn to scripture to find insight and inspiration. Search the scriptures for the Living Word that brings life, healing, and hope to all. Embrace and proclaim these liberating truths.” The scriptures are a source of instruction, insight, and inspiration that encourages hopefulness as we receive and share the Good News with others.

Paul proclaims God’s love is for both the Jews and Gentiles. He encourages acceptance and hospitality between these two historically separated groups. The quotations in verses 9 12 come from each of the three sections of the Hebrew Bible: the Torah, the Prophets, and the Writings. Scholars believe Paul quoted from all three parts to stress that God’s plan from the beginning was to love all people, not just Israel, and to have harmony on the Earth.

Paul’s interpretation of the Hebrew Bible pointed to the Messiah’s message and mission to save Israel. Thus, Jews could trust God because Jesus, who was born in a manger and grew to serve as the peaceful One, fulfilled these scriptures. In turn, Jews should welcome the Gentiles into God’s love and mercy.

Today’s passage begins and ends on hope. Paul’s understanding of hope is not blind or unrealistic. Paul expresses hope grounded in understanding the scriptures, received from God, and transforming us for the future. As we witness the promises of scripture fulfilled in the world, we grow in faith and trust in God. We understand God as our source of hope because we trust in God’s vision of shalom for the world. We experience God’s vision in glimpses and expectantly hope for what is still to come.

Through the Holy Spirit, we are hopeful about what God is doing in the world and how we are invited to respond. Receiving and sharing the hope that comes from God helps us endure and persevere whatever we might experience in the world. We may hope that we avoid trials and tribulations but more importantly, we trust that God’s purposes will prevail. We live in the hope of what can be even when there are challenges at the moment.

Hope in the future leads us to work towards harmony as part of our response. When we look around and see the actions of hate, prejudice, exclusion, and other injustices, Paul’s encouragement of acceptance of and harmony with one another as God’s yearning speaks to our hearts. We are motivated to work towards unity in diversity where we uphold the worth of all people as we hope for and trust in God’s vision of shalom.

Central Ideas

1. Paul speaks about hope and harmony.

2. Hope comes from God through the Holy Spirit and is strengthened when we see the promises of scripture fulfilled.

3. One such fulfilled scripture promise is the birth of Jesus.

4. Harmony occurs through accepting others and extending God’s love and mercy to all in response to what God first gives us.

Questions for the Speaker

1. How have you experienced hope as a gift of the Holy Spirit?

2. How does hope in God’s vision of shalom provide strength and perseverance when we experience difficult times individually or collectively?

3. How might the concepts of hope and harmony be connected to the Advent season?

4. How does hope motivate people to work individually and collectively towards greater harmony in their congregation and community?

5. What tangible actions can individuals and congregations take to strengthen hope and pursue greater harmony in the congregation and community?

Sacred Space – Small Group Resources

Year A, Letters

Second Sunday of Advent

Romans 15:4–13 NRSV

Facilitator: This resource includes an additional spiritual practice in the section “Sharing Around the Table.” You can use it as a second Spiritual formation experience for this Advent lesson or encourage participants to engage in this practice during the week.

Gathering Welcome

Advent is a season of waiting in expectation for the coming of light into a darkened world in the form of the infant Jesus. Advent is spent anticipating and spiritually preparing for the arrival of the Christ child. Scriptures, symbols, and hymns help make Advent a time of expectation for Christ’s birth, rather than a frenzy of holiday tasks.

Prayer for Peace

Ring a bell or chime three times slowly.

Light the peace candle

Sower of seeds, You promise to feed your flock like a shepherd, to gather your lambs, to gently lead. In this time of Advent darkness, we sit in hope for the things to come. We gather in community to hear of your promises of peace and redemption. We hope that in the grand design of this time of rest for the Earth that you will bring us to peace. God, open our eyes to the hope you give for the world to be at peace. Help us gather those who feel no hope that they may find new life in you. Bring

us all to a place of hope again. From that new sense of hope, allow us to go and proclaim peace, to be peace in our neighborhoods, to act for peace in the world at large. God, we hope for a time of peace again, we hope for the promises of your peace made real through Jesus again, we hope for a deeper connection with you again. Grant us the peace to hope again. Amen.

Spiritual Practice

Take Five

The Christmas Season that mirrors the Advent season can be full of rushing and lists of things to do. This is true in our spiritual lives, too. We hope that all our spiritual “to do lists” will bring us comfort, spiritual guidance, and answers. Advent is a time of waiting and anticipating, but the light isn’t birthed right away. All the “to do” lists can’t bring the birth of the Son of God sooner. We learn to settle into the waiting time. To “take five” at this time of year reminds us to go inward and be patient with waiting on God. Today we are going to engage in five minutes of centering prayer. Centering prayer involves choosing a word or phrase and repeating it while focusing on breathing in and breathing out.

Select a word to focus on (e.g., peace, blessing, compassion, grace) and keep it in your mind as you breathe in for eight seconds, breathe out for eight seconds. We will repeat for five minutes.

Start the timer for five minutes. At the end of five minutes say Amen.

Ask if participants would like to share the word they chose and what they experienced as they focused on the word during the centering prayer.

Sharing Around the Table

Romans 15:4 13 NRSV

For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of the truth of God in order that he might confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written,

“Therefore I will confess you among the Gentiles, and sing praises to your name”; and again he says,

“Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people”;

and again,

“Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples praise him”; and again Isaiah says,

“The root of Jesse shall come, the one who rises to rule the Gentiles; in him the Gentiles shall hope.”

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Our journey into darkness with the promise of light continues this second week of Advent. We have a text that highlights the human condition: separation. The first stories of the Hebrew scripture show us that humanity is prone to separation from each other, from the planet, and from God. Paul suggests that God’s desire is for humanity to be in unity with all things.

The division that Paul lifts up as an example is the one between Gentile and Jew. He explains that those division are contrary to the life and meaning of Jesus and that our willingness to overcome the division is the glory of God, who is the pure meaning of unity.

Paul further explains that it is the pursuit of this fealty toward each other that is the evidence of hope and the gateway to joy, which brings with it peace. This is not theory for Paul, who once had been the epitome of a separatist. His experience with the Living Christ has him saying with the confidence that these divisions can be overcome through the love of God expressed in Christ Jesus, who became a servant of all to the glory of God.

Questions

1. With whom are you struggling to be united with?

2. How do the divisions of politics, religion and race impact your life?

3. How can you welcome another into relationship despite your differences?

Spiritual Practice to Engage in This Week

Bringing into the Light

As we consider the theme of hope, let us again set our light before us. In a darkened room, place a lighted candle on the floor and sit comfortably before it. As you see the circle of light cast on the floor, remember those whom you “brought into the light” last week and have been holding in thought and prayer.

burst into the light, is there a physical reaction to the brightness, the warmth? Will your hope be rewarded with joy? Who will travel with you on the journey toward the light? Who will stand back away from the light in the dimness? Do you think certain issues will melt away by being exposed to the light?

As you finish your practice, pray for those people and issues in your life that would benefit being led in the light. If you are doing this practice as part of a family or group activity, share with each other your experience.

Sending Generosity Statement

Beloved Community of Christ, do not just speak and sing of Zion. Live, love, and share as Zion: those who strive to be visibly one in Christ, among whom there are no poor or oppressed.

Doctrine and Covenants 165:6a

The offering basket is available if you would like to support ongoing small group ministries as part of your generous response. The offering prayer for Advent is adapted from A Disciple’s Generous Response:

God who is faithful, be present with us as we plan our spending. May we use our resources in ways that build healthy, happy relationships with you, others, and Earth. May we remember the teachings of Jesus that challenge us to make lifestyle choices that are counter to our culture of accumulation and excess. Amen.

Invitation to Next Meeting

Closing Hymn

Community of Christ Sings 395 “People, Look East”

Closing Prayer

Optional Additions Depending on Group

• Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper

• Thoughts for Children

Prayer for Peace

Ring a bell or chime three times slowly.

Light the peace candle

Help us gather those who feel no hope that they may find new life in you. Bring us all to a place of hope again. From that new sense of hope, allow us to go and proclaim peace, to be peace in our neighborhoods, to act for peace in the world at large. God, we hope for a time of peace again, we hope for the promises of your peace made real through Jesus again, we hope for a deeper connection with you again. Grant us the peace to hope again. Amen.

Spiritual Practice

Take Five

Today we are going to engage in five minutes of centering prayer. Centering prayer involves choosing a word or phrase and repeating it while focusing on breathing in and breathing out.

Select a word to focus on (e.g., peace, blessing, compassion, grace) and keep it in your mind as you breathe in for eight seconds, breathe out for eight seconds. We will repeat for five minutes.

Start the timer for five minutes. At the end of five minutes say Amen.

Ask if participants would like to share the word they chose and what they experienced as they focused on the word during the centering prayer.

Sharing Around the Table

Romans 15:4 13 NRSV

“Therefore I will confess you among the Gentiles, and sing praises to your name”; and again he says, “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people”; and again,

“Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples praise him”; and again Isaiah says,

“The root of Jesse shall come, the one who rises to rule the Gentiles; in him the Gentiles shall hope.”

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

that these divisions can be overcome through the love of God expressed in Christ Jesus, who became a servant of all to the glory of God.

Questions

1. With whom are you struggling to be united with?

2. How do the divisions of politics, religion and race impact your life?

3. How can you welcome another into relationship despite your differences?

Spiritual Practice to Engage in This Week

Bringing into the Light

Now imagine, as you gaze at the lighted candle, that it is a point of light you are traveling toward out of the darkness. Think about the feelings you might have when you arrive fully in the light. As you burst into the light, is there a physical reaction to the brightness, the warmth? Will your hope be rewarded with joy? Who will travel with you on the journey toward the light? Who will stand back away from the light in the dimness? Do you think certain issues will melt away by being exposed to the light?

Generosity Statement

Beloved Community of Christ, do not just speak and sing of Zion. Live, love, and share as Zion: those who strive to be visibly one in Christ, among whom there are no poor or oppressed.

Doctrine and Covenants 165:6a

Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper

Communion Statement

For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

1 Corinthians 11:23 26 NRSV

Invitation to Communion

Others may have different or added understandings within their faith traditions. We invite all who participate in the Lord’s Supper to do so in the love and peace of Jesus Christ.

This Advent season, our experience of being together as we share in Communion is an expression of blessing, healing, peace, and community. In preparation let’s sing from Community of Christ Sings 519 “In the Singing”

Thoughts for Children

You will need:

• Ornaments cut from cardstock in the shape of a star; see template

• String

• Small hole punch

• Decorating materials or markers and crayons

On this second Sunday in Advent, we remember the hope Jesus brought into the world. Like a light in the darkness, the birth of Jesus brought hope into a weary world. Today, we are going to create ornaments to hang on our trees that remind us to have hope. Our ornaments will be shaped like stars because hope shines bright in the darkness like stars.

Allow participants time to decorate their ornaments however they’d like before tying a string to them and heading back to their seats.

Worship Resources

11 December 2022

Third Sunday of Advent (Joy) Isaiah 35:1-10

Rejoice!

Additional Scriptures

Psalm 146:5 10; Matthew 11:2 11; James 5:7 10; Alma 14:123 124, 128; Doctrine and Covenants 161:1b

Preparation

Prelude

Call to Worship

Psalm 146:5 10

Project or print the scripture verses and ask for volunteers to stand and read loudly and joyfully a verse from their location. To conclude, ask the whole congregation to stand as they are able and read the five verses out loud, together. Remain standing for the next hymn.

Welcome and Sharing of Community Joys and Concerns

Hymns of Praise Choose two

“O Come, O Come, Emmanuel“ CCS 394

“Star-Child” CCS 420

“Louez le Seigneur!” CCS 106

Encourage participants to sing in languages other than their own.

“Lovely Child, Holy Child” CCS 428

“Good Christian Friends, Rejoice” CCS 433

Invocation

Storytime

Books are just suggestions: local libraries often have many options. Focus on “Joy” as the subject of the story you choose.

For an Advent focus, divide the storybook “The Tale of Three Trees” by Angela Elwell Hunt, into 5 parts, one for each Sunday of Advent and then Christmas Day. ISBN 0745917437. Third Sunday focus: what each woodcutter shaped from their tree. Summarize the first parts for those not in attendance earlier before continuing with today’s part.

OR “Luna Loves Dance” by Joseph Coelho. When Luna dances, she feels like the world's volume turns up, like all colors brighten, like sunlight sparkles behind every cloud. But when she takes her dance exam she ducks, dives, spins and... falls. Luna thinks she can't be a real dancer now. Can Luna's family convince her otherwise?

OR “The First Christmas” Illustrated by Jess Rachlyeft. The First Christmas captures the wonder of the nativity and celebrates the Christmas spirit of giving and togetherness. Full of hope for the future and the joy of family.

OR visit your local library.

Advent Candles

“Hope is a Light” stanzas 2, 1, and 3 CCS 398

Light the candle of peace during the first verse, during the second verse light the candle of hope, and during the third verse, light the candle of joy.

Statement

Today we light the candle of Joy.

Joy is a song for all to sing. It challenges us to share with others the joy we have found in and with God. A God that strengthens the weak hands and knocking kneed, who steadies the faithful heart that all might sing for joy at what God has done and shared with all, through Jesus Christ.

Hymn of Advent Joy

“Hark the Herald Angels Sing” CCS 423 OR “Angels We Have Heard on High” CCS 427

A Christmas Play Part 3 see script below

Prayer for Peace

Light the Peace Candle.

Scripture Reading: Doctrine and Covenants 161:1b

Hymn of Peace

“Peace among Earth’s Peoples” CCS 448

OR “Come, Join in Mary’s Prophet Song”

CCS 308 Prayer Loving God,

As we contemplate the real meaning of Christmas

And the beautiful gift that you gave us, your son Jesus

Let us meditate on the blessedness of that gift to our world and to our hearts, all those years ago.

Let that LOVE and JOY infiltrate our beings

To bring us HOPE…. Hope for a brighter tomorrow and to bring us PEACE PEACE for our world, our countries, our communities PEACE for our congregations, far and wide PEACE for our families, our friends

PEACE for the poor, the refugee, the homeless, the persecuted PEACE for ourselves…. Let PEACE begin with me…. as the words of the hymn go

We rejoice with you as we build Community, Communities of JOY, HOPE, LOVE and PEACE, in prayer, music, scripture and our daily actions

Bring us even closer to your divine presence, enabling us to become inspired and creative in our endeavor to serve you with JOY.

In the name of the Prince of PEACE we pray Amen.

Robyn Rankin, Wingham New South Wales, Australia

For additional ideas: Find this day’s Prayer for Peace service on the church’s website at www.CofChrist.org

Scripture Reading

Isaiah 35:1 10

Ministry of Music or Congregational Hymn

“God, Renew Us by Your Spirit”

CCS 237 OR “Each Breath Is Borrowed Air” CCS 144

Message

Based on Isaiah 35:1 10

Disciples’ Generous Response

Hymn of Gratitude

“Star Child”

CCS 420 OR “In the Bleak Midwinter” CCS 422

Statement

Community of Christ upholds the enduring principle of Grace and Generosity. This means God’s grace, especially as revealed in Jesus Christ, is generous and unconditional. This means having received God’s generous grace, we respond generously and graciously receive the generosity of others. This means we offer

all we are and have to God’s purposes as revealed in Jesus Christ. This means we generously share our witness, resources, ministries, and sacraments according to our true capacity.

In response to the grace and generosity we have found in God we get the opportunity to joyfully respond in sharing with others, the church and the earth our own outpouring of gratitude and generosity for being found and for what the Lord has done. How can you share generously today?

Blessing and Receiving of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes

For additional ideas, see Disciples’ Generous Response Tools at CofChrist.org/spiritual practices generosity/

Hymn of Sending Forth Choose one

“Joy to the World” CCS 408 OR “Go, Tell It on the Mountain” CCS 409 OR “On Jordan’s Banks the Baptist’s Cry” CCS 391

Sending Forth

Now have we not reason to rejoice? …our joy is carried away for God has all power, all wisdom, and all understanding. This is our joy, and great thanksgiving. We give thanks to our God for ever. Rejoice! Alma 14:123, 124, 128, adapted

Postlude

A Christmas Play Part 3

Directions

1. Assign all characters and props before the Narrator starts the script.

2. Have a manger set up upstage and a baby Jesus behind the manger, out of site.

3. The narrator needs to read all the text and ad lib, prompting the actors to copy the words or follow the directions.

4. Feel free to repeat lines for emphasis.

Characters

*Narrator recruited ahead of time to prepare; does all the reading and a lot of the stage directing

*Mary no lines; recruited on the spur of the moment

*Gabriel (angel) no lines; recruited on the spur of the moment

*Angels no lines; recruited on the spur of the moment

*Joseph no lines; recruited on the spur of the moment

*Baby Jesus figure or doll in the manger

*Shepherds no lines; recruited on the spur of the moment

*Sheep no lines; these could be people recruited on the spur of the moment or stuffed toys

Props:

*Something to symbolise each character e.g., wings for an angel, staff for a shepherd

*Manger with baby Jesus

Scene 4

Narrator: Can anyone remember where we are up to in our story? If someone wants to provide an update let them Excellent to hear you have been paying attention.

If not So Mary and Joseph had both heard from the angel Gabriel informing them of God’s plan for Mary to carry a baby, who would be God amongst us. They went on a long journey to Bethlehem, where the baby, which they named Jesus, was a heathy 7 pounds 4 ounces. That last part I may have made up as there is no actual record.

Now as we continue with Scene 4, our focus isn’t really on our main characters story however we do still need them as ultimately, they are the focus of our whole story. So, we will need those playing our Mary and Joseph and baby Jesus. You can take a seat and get comfy upstage there with the baby Jesus because we will be calling on you again soon.

I think we are ready to start today. Are you ready?

Narrator: Scene 4 features some sleepy shepherds and a lot of sheep. We might need to imagine all the sheep; we have supplied a couple to help your imagination but there would have been a whole flock. Shepherds and sheep take your position right in the middle please.

Enter shepherds and sheep

Narrator: You see, there were shepherds looking after their sheep not too far from where Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus were. They were just doing their shepherd thing, laying around, chatting, napping, making sure no wolves were sneaking in to steal a lamb or

two when suddenly and angel of the lord stood before them. Gabriel, we need you again.

Enter Gabriel

Narrator: There was a bright heavenly light. The shepherds were terrified. But the angel said… point to audience and motion for them to fill in the answer “Do not be afraid.” Coax the angel to say “Do not be afraid” after everyone.

And, by golly, it worked again. The shepherds were no longer afraid. The angel continued, “I am bringing you great news” “for a baby is born.” The angel then continued to share exactly how great this was and that this special baby was the Messiah. They then gave very specific directions on how the shepherds could find the baby. But they weren’t quite ready to leave. We need any of our extra angels up the front.

Enter other angels

Because suddenly the heavens were filled with a host of angels, again you might need to use a little of your imagination here too, to multiply the angels into a great chorus. There were so many of them. They were all dancing and singing praising God. The sang or shouted “Halleluiah.” And then the angels left. Thank you, Angels you can go.

Exit angels

Narrator: The shepherds said to each other “We must go see this special baby.” So, they got up and with haste followed all the directions given by the angel and found Mary and Joseph and the baby in the manger The shepherds were so excited to see what they had heard about, and they shared with Mary and Joseph, with lots of excited hand movements. They shared everything that the angels had said to them and what they had experienced.

Mary treasured these words. Once they were done visiting, the shepherds returned to their fields dancing and praising God for all they had heard and seen. Thank you shepherds we are finished with you too for now.

Exit shepherds

Narrator: You might think this is the end of our story, but I still have a couple more characters I want you to meet. Although we are going to need to wait till next week.

Sermon Helps

Sermon Helps Year A Letters Third Sunday of Advent

Isaiah 35:1-10

Exploring the Scripture

The language and content in the book of Isaiah change with the beginning of chapter 40. Many Bible scholars believe our present book of Isaiah is a combination of several ancient writings by different prophets. The original prophet Isaiah lived and prophesied during the Assyrian conquest of Judah and Israel. Many scholars identify a “Second Isaiah” (Deutero Isaiah), who prophesied during the end of the Babylonian exile, around 539 BCE, long after the original prophet died. Chapters 34 and 35 declare hope and restoration in the face of oppression and conquest.

In God’s time, all creation will blossom like a luxuriant garden, as testimony to the majesty and power of God. The transformation extends to all who are weak, oppressed, and fearful. God will be with them in power, to save and comfort them. God will heal people who are blind, sick, lame, deaf, and speechless. Strength and confidence will return.

During this time of healing and wholeness, a clear and inviting road will point the way back home for all the exiles. The highway will be safe, holy, and easy to travel. Those who walk the Holy Way will sing with joy and will forget all sorrow in the worship of God. The exiles who longed to return to their land found this image memorable and comforting. They rejoiced to think they soon would be released from captivity to begin the journey home. They believed that once they returned home, Jerusalem would rise again, the garden would blossom, and the nation would be great.

Five hundred years later, the Gospel writers found in this passage a testimony of God’s concern and saving grace during times of oppression. During the Roman conquest, the people of Israel felt exiled within their land and waited for the promised Messiah. From antiquity, Isaiah spoke to them. All the Gospel writers pointed to John the Baptist as the one “crying in the wilderness,” who would prepare the “way of the Lord” for the coming Messiah. They used the familiar passages in Isaiah 35:1 10 and 40:3 5 to describe the Holy Way and the hope of the Messiah.

The joyous expectation of the coming Messiah shines through the weeks of Advent. Today, we look toward our celebration of the birth of Jesus. We prepare the wilderness around us to receive him. We hope for the day of healing and renewal, promised so long ago in the time of the Assyrians and Babylonians.

The time of moral and spiritual renewal is still the foundation of God’s vision for all creation. Despite conquest, oppression, injustice, sickness, and death, the people of God live with the knowledge that God cares for them. God is present with them Emmanuel, God with us. There is a clear and inviting way for all those who are lost or exiled. Jesus said, “I am the way…” (John 14:6) and we are the followers of the way.

Central Ideas

1. God’s coming reign will be a time of renewal and blossoming for all creation.

2. All those who are grieving, ill, oppressed, or troubled can find comfort and peace in Christ.

3. This scripture passage promises that both humankind and nature will one day be restored to beauty and wholeness.

4. We are followers of the way, the clear and inviting path that leads toward the worship of God, joy and gladness, and healing of the spirit.

Questions for the Speaker

1. When have you experienced a “blossoming time” or a renewal? What was it like? How did you respond?

2. Where do you see God’s transformation and healing power in the injustices and oppression of the world?

3. How does following Jesus lead to transformation, healing, and new life for you and others?

4. How are you preparing spiritually for the Advent of Jesus at Christmas?

Sacred Space: Small Group Resources

Year A, Letters Third Week of Advent

Isaiah 35: 1-10

For the Advent season it is traditional to have Advent candles (four white candles, one for each week of Advent) or an Advent wreath (an evergreen ring, with four candles and one white candle in the center). One candle is lit each week with the center candle lit on Christmas Day. The lighting of the Advent candle takes place at the beginning of the spiritual practice.

Welcome

Advent is a season of waiting in expectation for the coming of light into a darkened world in the form of the infant Jesus. Advent is spent anticipating and spiritually preparing for the arrival of the Christ child. Scriptures, symbols, and hymns help make Advent a time of expectation for Christ’s birth, rather than a frenzy of holiday tasks.

Prayer for Peace Ring bell or chime three times slowly. Light Peace Candle

Jenn Killpack

Gracious and loving God,

We are a unique collection of your beloved children.

We come from different backgrounds, with amazing skills and individual perspectives. But we are more than that.

Around this room and in places around the world, we are your dedicated servants, united in our desire to make your vision of peace real.

On our best days, we breathe deeply of your Spirit and are knocked to our knees by the unfathomable love that pours from a lowly manger. Other days we are so full of ourselves we can’t squeeze our giant heads though the stable doors.

Thank you for this overwhelming love so freely given and forgive us for the days when we are not at our best.

As we continue traveling through this Advent season and beyond, we trust your Spirit goes before us and travels with us, lighting the way.

Let us be illuminated by your light from the inside out, sharing joy, hope, love and peace with all those we meet.

In the name of the One who’s birth we celebrate this season. Amen.

Spiritual Practice: Take Five

Materials: Paper and Pens or Pencils

Light the third candle of Advent and say the following:

Today we light the third candle of Advent. This candle symbolizes joy. May we draw closer to joy in our lives.

Take Five

Read the following to the group:

Joy is cultivated from within each of us as is our pain. Joy can come from journeying with God to heal out pain and finding a love and acceptance that has always been within us. The Christ child represents joy. Christ teaches us that we are all children of God, and that all are loved.

“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” Luke 2:10 When we “take five” this season to express our gratitude it brings us joy in our hearts.

Pass out papers and pens to the group and say the following:

Scientific Studies have proven gratitude journaling can be a huge part of our journey to happiness and joy. Today we are going to “take five” this season by taking five minutes to write down things we are grateful for in our lives. When I start the timer you may write down things you are grateful for on the papers I passed out. At the end, if you feel like sharing you are welcome to.

Start the timer for 5 minutes. At the end ask the group to share anything they would like to about this exercise and how it made them feel.

Sharing Around the Table: Isaiah 35: 1-10

The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing.

The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the LORD, the majesty of our God.

Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who are of a fearful heart,

“Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God. He will come with vengeance, with terrible recompense. He will come and save you.”

Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy. For waters shall break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; the burning sand shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water; the haunt of jackals shall become a swamp,[a] the grass shall become reeds and rushes.

A highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Holy Way; the unclean shall not travel on it,[b] but it shall be for God’s people;[c] no traveler, not even fools, shall go astray. No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it; they shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there. And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

The person who has never hoped for something that seemed impossible has never really hoped. If things were too easy or too obvious, there would be no need for hope in the first place. Especially during Advent, we wait in hopefulness for the birth of Jesus and the coming of the reign of God.

Scholars suggest this passage seems to be aligned with the section of Isaiah which speaks a word of hope to the Babylonian exiles. …a people who were “prisoners” of war who were beaten, maimed, and sometimes even blinded… a people devoid of hope. Those to whom Isaiah spoke would have been more that desperate. They had been abandoned…or so they thought.

Today’s text is a promise to them and a reminder to us that the coming of God’s Kingdom is accompanied by unimaginable reversals. The priorities of the world are turned on their heads. The weak find strength, and the strong become feeble. Those who are fearful find courage. The blind see, the deaf hear, and the lame “leap like a deer.” And if that’s not enough, waters “break forth in the wilderness…the burning sand [becomes] a pool…the haunt of jackals (literally the desert) [becomes] a swamp.” Nothing in all of creation is exempt from God’s new age.

Just like the Babylonian exiles, we sometimes find ourselves longing for a safe way out of our own “wilderness.” During Advent, as we await the coming of the Lord, we have reason to hope that in times

when all seems lost, God offers a transformed way through the wilderness where “no traveler, not even fools, shall go astray.”

Questions

• When have you experienced a wilderness in your life?

• How might the season of Advent be a time for you to rekindle hope in a new, life giving way?

Generosity Statement

“Faithful disciples respond to an increasing awareness of the abundant generosity of God by sharing according to the desires of their hearts; not by commandment or constraint.”

(Doctrine and Covenants 163:9) The offering basket is available if you would like to support ongoing small group ministries as part of your generous response.

The offering prayer for Advent is adapted from A Disciple’s Generous Response:

God who is Faithful, Be present with us as we plan our spending. May we use our resources in ways that build healthy, happy relationships with you, with others, and with the Earth. May we remember the teachings of Jesus that challenge us to make lifestyle choices that are counter to our culture of accumulation and excess. Amen.

Invitation to Next Meeting

Closing Hymn CCS 400 “Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus”

Prayer

Closing

Thoughts for Children- Wait in Joy Materials

• Small objects from nature (flower, twig, leaf, dandelion) OR a few flowers purchased from a local market

• Fruit, cut into bite sized pieces

Have the children take a walk outside in nature and ask them to find an object that brings joy. It could be a flower, autumn leaf, dandelion, twig, etc. If a walk is not possible, bring with you a few flowers from your garden or purchased from a supermarket.

Have the children sit and hold the flower or object as you ask them these questions:

• Where did this object come from?

• How was this object made?

• Who made this object?

• How does this object make you feel?

Explain that God made so many wonderful things for us to enjoy. We can have joy by noticing and appreciating the simplicity and beauty of what has been made for us.

Lead the children through a mindfulness exercise.

Say: Sit comfortably, close your eyes, and focus on the sound of your breath. Take a deep breath and let it out slowly

Feel the air going in and out of your mouth. Feel your chest expanding and contracting.

Explain: God created our bodies, and made us so that we can have joy.

Ask the children: What other amazing things can your body do?

Examples: run, jump, hug, sleep, eat, say comforting words, etc.

Explain: God gave our bodies many amazing abilities. We can experience joy and bring others joy with smiles, hugs, and kind words.

Serve some fruit to the children as an example of something God made for us to enjoy.

Worship Resources

18 December 2022

Fourth Sunday of Advent (Love)

Matthew 1:18-25/2:1-8 IV

God is with Us

Additional Scriptures

Isaiah 7:10 16; Psalm 80:1 7, 17 19; Romans 1:1 7; Doctrine and Covenants 165:2a b

Preparation

Prelude Gathering Hymn

“Jesus, Our Brother, Kind and Good“ CCS 412 This song can be sung with a guitar. Using stuffed animals, figurines, or felt figures to illustrate the animals speaking in each stanza can be a fun activity.

OR “Away in a Manger” CCS 425/426 OR “How Far Is It to Bethlehem?” CCS 417

Welcome and Sharing of Community Joys and Concerns

Pastoral Prayer

Call to Worship

Matthew 1:18 25

Storytime

Books are just suggestions: local libraries often have many options. Focus on “Love” as the subject of the story you choose.

For an Advent focus, divide the storybook “The Tale of Three Trees” by Angela Elwell Hunt, into 5 parts, one for each Sunday of Advent and then Christmas Day. ISBN 0745917437.

Fourth Sunday focus: the first tree’s holy purpose. Summarize the first parts for those not in attendance earlier before continuing with today’s part.

OR “Be Kind” by Pat Zietlow Miller. When Tanisha spills grape juice all over her new dress, her classmate contemplates how to make her feel better and what it means to be kind. From asking the new girl to play to standing up for someone being bullied, this moving and thoughtful story explores what a child can do to be kind, and how each act, big or small, can make a difference or at least help a friend.

OR “I am Love” by Susan Verde. Explores many aspects of love that can help one weather any storm, including that love is comfort, effort, connection, and taking care of oneself.

OR “Guess How Much I Love You?” by Sam McBratney. The story of Little and Big Nutbrown Hares' efforts to express their love for each other.

OR visit your local library.

Disciples’ Generous Response

Scripture Reading: Doctrine and Covenants 165:2a b

Spiritual Practice: Gratefulness see website Gratefulness (allthingsarespiritual.org)

Today our practice helps us think about being grateful.

Let’s take three, deep, peaceful breaths together.

Now let’s close our eyes and think of something or someone for whom we are very, very grateful.

Maybe a family member, a distant relative, a pet, a meal, an activity, or something you treasure.

Place your hands together like a cup or bowl and hold them in front of you.

Imagine you are holding the thing for which you are grateful in your hands.

Now say with me, “I am grateful.” We will say it three times slowly.

I am grateful

Now let’s take one more deep, peaceful breath and let that feeling of gratefulness fill us up from our toes to the top of our head. Let's open our eyes.

Sharing in small groups, pairs, or in the large group

What or who did you hold in your hands?

Why did you choose this person, or belonging, or pet?

How can being grateful, help us experience peace?

This week

Teach someone what you learned today.

Share with them how to experience peace by being grateful for the people, places, and things in their lives.

Statement

Blessing and Receiving of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes

For additional ideas, see Disciples’ Generous Response Tools at CofChrist.org/spiritual practices generosity/.

Advent Candles

“Hope is a Light” stanzas 2, 1, 3, and 4 CCS 398

During the first stanza light the candle of peace, during the second stanza light the candle of hope, during the third stanza, light the candle of joy, during the fourth stanza light the candle of love.

Statement

Today we light the candle of love.

Love is a gift our hearts can give. It challenges us to see the worth of all people in the eyes of God. To love others the way God first loved us, unconditionally and unceasingly. Accepting all and following the example shown to us by God’s beloved, Jesus Christ.

Hymn of Advent Love

“Go, Tell it on the Mountain CCS 409 OR “Wonder of Wonders” CCS 491

A Christmas Play Part 4 see script below

Ministry of Music or Congregational Hymn

“God’s Love Made Visible!” CCS 411 OR “People, Look East” CCS 395

Message

Based on Matthew 1:18 25

Sending Forth Hymn

“What Child Is This”

OR “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”

CCS 432

CCS 423

OR “Silvery Star, Precious Star” CCS 419

Prayer for PeaceLight the Peace Candle.

Prayer

God of love and peace,

Truly this is a time of watching and waiting, full of promise and hope for the future.

So long ago you spoke through the Christ child, the promised Messiah. In Him we see your heart and mind revealed in love and sacrificial service. In the witness of Christ, you reveal what your kingdom looks like. You show us the Way the world is saved through acts of love, compassion and justice.

Our world and the communities where we live continue to struggle with inequity, poverty, war making and selfish pursuits that seek to deny the light you offer to all humankind. In the mist of these destructive forces this Christmas season reminds us again of your generosity and love.

The Christ child is your gift of love to all. Christ is our Advent hope, your promise to be with us and amongst us; your covenant to build your kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.

At this sacred time of year, remind us to prepare for your coming and to be ready for the good news you bring into the world and our lives. Remind us to reflect the light of your love and compassion, to share our witness so that others can begin to see hope shining through the darkness that surrounds them.

Help us prepare the way, to clear our minds and hearts and be ready to meet you in our lives; to see you through the love of parents, family, friends and neighbors, and acts of compassion and love.

May we celebrate again your coming to us in the birth of a child in a manger who heralded a new way, a new beginning, a new kingdom. Help us to reflect the love of Christ and follow Him, the Prince of Peace, reflecting His light to all.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Peter Lonsdale, Perth Western Australia, Australia

For additional ideas: Find this day’s Prayer for Peace service on the church’s website at www.CofChrist.org.

Postlude

A Christmas Play Part 4

Directions

1. Assign all characters and props before the Narrator starts the script.

2. Have a manger set up upstage and a baby Jesus behind the manger, out of site.

3. The narrator needs to read all the text and ad lib, prompting the actors to copy the words or follow the directions.

4. Feel free to repeat lines for emphasis.

Characters

*Narrator recruited ahead of time to prepare; does all the reading and a lot of the stage directing

*Mary no lines; recruited on the spur of the moment

*Joseph no lines; recruited on the spur of the moment

* 3 Magi(Wisemen or Wisewomen) no lines; recruited on the spur of the moment

*Star (person holding star on a stick)

Props

*Something to symbolize each character e.g., crowns or extreme head ware for the magi

*Manger with baby Jesus

Scene 4

Narrator: Now we left last week just after the shepherds had come to visit Mary, Joseph, and Jesus. They had been directed by some angels while they were out in the field looking after their sheep. Oh, and for anyone who missed the first couple of weeks, Jesus was the Son of God, or the incarnation of God on Earth, depending on your Christology, which Mary and Joseph had been charged with protecting and bringing into the world. The story of these characters has been our main focus and we need these actors every week. Even if they mostly sit and wait for visitors. So, Mary and Joseph if you can take your positions back up near our manger for our last instalment of this Christmas story.

Mary and Joseph enter

Narrator: Today we will also be using our Wisemen or Wisewomen. Maybe this is something like Ghostbusters, Elementary, Doctor Who and Ocean’s eight. Enter wisemen/women

Narrator: These are our wise people, or shall we call them magi? They are astronomers who study the stars and they had noticed a new star in the heavens and set out on a journey to find where it led. They travelled very, very long distances, which might be represented now by slowly wandering around our space, in search of the King, they believed the star was representing. At one point they went and saw King Herod, thinking that maybe the King they were looking for was connected to him somehow, which would make sense. Only to have a super awkward encounter when they discovered the King represented in the heavens had nothing to do with the reigning

existing King Herod. They sparked Herod’s interest, and jealousy over who this new King might be. But the Magi didn’t let this slow them down too much; they just knew they needed to return home a different way to stay away from King Herod. So, they are on this journey guided by that star. Oh, we need our star, to go settle over the manger scene.

Enter Star and stands near the manger scene.

Narrator: The Magi followed the star until it stopped over this very special spot and on Entering, they found Mary and Joseph and Jesus. Seeing Jesus with his mother, they knelt to pay him homage and presented him with gifts worthy of a king gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Narrator: This is where our story ends. This story and these people went on to change the world as they knew it, and as we know it. That is why each year, at this time we remember the story and celebrate the birth of Christ.

Exit all actors.

Sermon Helps

Sermon Helps Year A Letters Fourth Sunday of Advent

Matthew 1:18-25

Exploring the Scripture

Rather than recounting the birth of Jesus, today’s passage provides important background. It tells that Mary is engaged to Joseph but that she is pregnant by the Holy Spirit before living with Joseph. Then, engagement was considered binding, so Mary being pregnant was what today would be considered as a violation of the marital agreement. Joseph would have had every right to make a public spectacle of her and reject her as his engaged. But we are told he is “a righteous man” and he decides to “dismiss her quietly.” Already, the text introduces a different notion of righteousness than simple obedience to the law. He decides to respond to Mary out of compassion.

After having decided, an angel visits Joseph and tells him not to be afraid to take Mary as his wife. The angel tells him the child Mary is expecting has been conceived by the Holy Spirit. Further he is told to name the baby “Jesus.” This is important, as the earlier verses of this chapter have shown Joseph as a descendant of David. By naming the baby, Joseph claims Jesus as his own and as a descendant of David. This allows the author to proclaim this child as “Emmanuel,” in fulfillment of Hebrew prophecy, a connection especially important throughout Matthew’s Gospel.

The name Jesus meant “Yahweh helps” or “Yahweh saves.” Even with such a intense meaning, the name Jesus was common then. It serves as a bridge between the holiness of God and the commonness of humanity. Jesus was known in tradition to be the successor of Moses and this theme continues throughout Matthew’s Gospel.

Today is the last Sunday of Advent, the Sunday just before celebrating Jesus’ birth on Christmas Day. The church’s declaration, after the expectation of Advent, is that Jesus is born! Not only do we remember an event that occurred 2,000 years ago, we affirm that Jesus is born anew. Jesus’ birth is not just a onetime event. He is born again each time we remember and relive his life and ministry. Whenever his disciples reach out in love, compassion, and care toward others in need, Jesus is present. He lives today just as much as he did after his birth in Bethlehem, his upbringing in Nazareth, and his life in Palestine. With joy, on this day, we shout “Jesus is born!”

Central Ideas

1. Jesus’ birth occurred under unusual circumstances.

2. Jesus’ birth fulfilled Hebrew prophecy.

3. Jesus was God’s gift to humanity to bring about salvation.

4. Jesus is reborn in each act of genuine Christian discipleship.

Questions for the Speaker

1. What do you find most unusual about Jesus’ birth?

2. How have you experienced God’s love so far this Advent season?

3. How does Jesus’s birth fulfill your greatest longings?

4. How have you experienced Jesus’ birth anew as you share with other Christian disciples, both in giving and receiving acts of love?

Sacred Space: Small Group Resource

Year A, Letters

Fourth Week of Advent

Matthew 1:18-25

Welcome

Prayer for Peace

Ring bell or chime three times slowly. Light Peace Candle

Great Shepherd, You faithfully lead and guide us each day, yet we still feel like voices crying out in the wilderness. You have blessed us with an abundance of love, yet we struggle to feel that abundance. God, as we look about the world today, we recognize that there are many who do not feel your love. Who do not feel the love of their friends and families who may be around to support them. Who struggle with loss and division and join our voices calling out for a sign of your love. God, grant us peace. Grant us peace that settles our weary hearts so that we can love again. Grant us peace that allows us to love unconditionally, so that others may recognize your light in our lives. By sharing the light of your love in our lives we believe that we can become peacemakers for those around us. Bless us with your love during this season of Advent. Amen.

Spiritual Practice- Take Five Read the following to the group:

Throughout this Advent season we have been contemplating how “taking five” helps us slow down and connect with the divine. To have hope, peace, and joy in the new light being birthed this season. Jesus taught us to not settle for a love that’s safe and bordered. Jesus taught us

through his actions to not only love those who look or act or think like us but to open our arms wide to all. Jesus models a love that is unrestricted, unbounded, and unrelenting. This is the hope of Advent. The hope of new birth, the hope of God’s mercy and love. Today we are going to engage in five minutes of centering prayer. Centering prayer is where we choose a word or phrase and repeat it while we focus on breathing in and breathing out.

Select a word to focus on (peace, blessing, compassion, grace) and keep it in your mind as you breathe in for 8 seconds, breathe out for 8 seconds. We will repeat for 5 minutes.

Start the timer for 5 minutes. At the end of 5 minutes say Amen.

Ask if anyone would like to share the word they chose and what they experienced as they focused on the word during the centering prayer

Sharing Around the Table- Matthew 1:18-25

Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah[a] took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be pregnant from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to divorce her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet:

“Look, the virgin shall become pregnant and give birth to a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.” When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wifebut had no marital relations with her until she had given birth to a son, and he named him Jesus.

This passage details the unremarkable birth of yet another child into poverty, in an overcrowded village. The parents to be are directed by Roman decree to leave their hometown of Nazareth and travel to Bethlehem, the ancestral home of the father, to be officially counted and registered. We assume it was a difficult journey for Mary and Joseph, considering Mary’s pregnancy. But as oppressed people, there was little choice; they were required to comply with the decree. At a deeper level, one objective of this text is for the readers to make the connection between

Joseph’s ancestry in the house and lineage of David (centered in Bethlehem) and the prophesied coming of a Messiah (Micah 5:2). Another objective of the beginning of the story is to help us imagine and understand the unjust political environment in which Mary and Joseph are living. The humble setting of this story continues as shepherds in their fields are overwhelmed by the angel message. Shepherding was considered the lowliest of professions a curious choice for those who are to witness the newborn Messiah.

Here it is the shepherds who witness the heavenly event and testify of the importance of what has happened. As witnesses go, shepherds would not have been at the top of the list of those who have credibility or importance.

God breaks in on the usual and expected with an incarnational message delivered by socially unacceptable participants.

Christ came into the world as Savior for everyone, yet God chose to be present among the humble, ostracized, and poor of that time and place. Through his life and ministry, Jesus continued to walk with the poor, marginalized, and outcast. In the person of Jesus, God graces the world with a message of hope and favor not tied to birthrights, education, or worldly success.

• What elements of this story are most meaningful to you?

•

On this Christmas Day, what message can you share with those who are struggling, mourning, and despondent? What is the good news of Emmanuel, God with us?

Generosity Statement

”Beloved Community of Christ, do not just speak and sing of Zion. Live, love, and share as Zion: those who strive to be visibly one in Christ, among whom there are no poor or oppressed.” Doctrine and Covenants 165:6a

Optional Additions Depending on Group

Invitation to Next Meeting Closing Hymn CCS 401 “View the Present through the Promise” Closing Prayer

• Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper • Thoughts for Children

Thoughts for Children

You will need:

• Ornaments cut out of cardstock in the shape of a heart see template

• String

• Small hole punch

• Decorating Materials or crayons and markers

Say: Today is the fourth Sunday in Advent. Advent is a time of waiting, when we prepare ourselves for the coming of Jesus at Christmastime. Each Sunday of Advent we will focus on a different theme. Each theme represents something Jesus brings to the world.

On this fourth Sunday in Advent, we remember the Love Jesus brought into the world. Jesus was born with the intention to share love in the world and make it a better place for everyone. Today, we are going to create ornaments to hang on our trees that remind us to share love. Our ornaments will be shaped like hearts because hearts are a symbol of love.

Allow participants time to decorate their ornaments however they’d like before tying a string to it and heading back to their seats.

Template

Worship Resources

December 2022

Christmas Day Isaiah 9:2-7

Unto Us a Child is Born

Additional Scriptures

Psalm 96, Luke 2:1 20, Titus 2:11 14, Doctrine and Covenants 163:2a

Prelude

Welcome and Sharing Community Joys and Concerns

Call to Worship for 4 readers This reading will be used again during the Prayer for Peace.

Reader 1: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.

Reader 2: Those who lived in a land of deep darkness, on them light has shined.

Reader 3: For a child has been born for us,

Reader 4: A son given to us.

Reader 3: Authority rests upon his shoulders.

Reader 2: And he is named

ALL 4: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God Everlasting Father Prince of Peace.

Reader 1: His authority shall grow continually,

Reader 2: and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom.

Reader 3: He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore.

Reader 4: The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

Reader 3: For a child has been born for us,

Reader 2: A son given to us.

Reader 1: Authority rests upon his shoulders.

Reader 2: And he is named

ALL 4: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father Prince of Peace.

Hymn of Gathering

Isaiah 9:2 7, adapted

“Angels, from the Realms of Glory” CCS 436 OR “Joy to the World” CCS 408 OR “O Come, All Ye Faithful” CCS 431

Invocation

Advent Candles

“Hope is a Light” CCS 398

During the first stanza light the candle of hope, during the second stanza light the candle of peace, during the third stanza, light the candle of Joy, fourth stanza light the candle of love. During the fifth stanza, light the Christ Candle.

Statement

We have been marking the season of advent, as we anticipate and prepare for the coming Christ, with our candles of joy, hope, love, and peace.

Today we light the candle of Christ.

Jesus is born in us today. We pause in this season, especially today, amongst its busyness of presents, meal preparations, time with family and loved ones to really remember Christ. God made flesh, to show us the way to God. To live out the kingdom of God. To challenge systems of oppression and injustice.

To show us a way to joy, hope, love, and peace. Joy for the oppressed and enslaved. Hope for the lost and the broken. Love for the marginalized and unlovable. Peace for a world in need of compassion and healing. Light in us this same flame that challenges the worlds we live in to bring about joy, hope, love, and peace for all people.

Storytime

Books are just suggestions: local libraries often have many options. Focus on the Christmas story as the subject of the story you choose.

For an Advent focus, divide the storybook “The Tale of Three Trees” by Angela Elwell Hunt, into 5 parts, one for each Sunday of Advent and then Christmas Day. ISBN 0745917437. Christmas Sunday focus: the second and third trees’ holy purpose (to the end). Summarize the first parts for those not in attendance earlier before continuing with today’s part.

OR “Bethlehem Town” by Andrew McDonough. 'Bless my socks! Dance and sing! This little bub is God's high king!' Join Brown Cow, the shepherds, and the wonderful, welcoming people of Bethlehem town in this Christmas celebration. This Story is based on: Luke 2:1 20.

OR visit your local library.

Activity

This can either be done in small groups or as a large group focusing on the children first for answers.

Supplies for Small Groups: large piece of paper for each group, markers

Supplies for Large Groups: large paper mounted where the whole group can see it; markers

Small group instruction: You are going to have 5 minutes to write down everything you know, or you think you know, about the Christmas story. Put in as many details as you

can think of. Dot points are fine, and it doesn’t need to be in order. For example, a baby was born.

OR Large group instruction: We are going to have 5 minutes to write down everything we know, or think we know, about the Christmas story. Put in as many details as you can think of. Dot points are fine, and it doesn’t need to be in order. For example, a baby was born.

If using small groups, have each group share what they have written with the large group.

Process together, What do we really know? The Christmas story is an interesting one. So much of what we ‘know,’ or the created image in our heads, about the story has been generated out of popular culture, songs, Christmas cards, or adaption into our own time and culture.

There might be many things on your lists that aren’t based in the story told by scripture. Did Jesus cry that first night? Are the wisemen visiting a brand new baby, looking clean and smelling daisy fresh after their months on camels tracking a star? Did Mary need to find emergency accommodation on the road as the baby was coming? Are Mary and Joseph in a barn around the back, surrounded by all straw and all manner of farm animals and shepherds?

Truthfully, it doesn’t really matter if there were donkeys, or chickens, or a room filled with straw or not. It doesn’t matter if there were crowns on the heads of the wise men, or if they smelt like camels. It doesn’t matter if they visited with a squishy newborn or a wriggly toddler.

What matters and what we celebrate at this time is that a baby was born who grew into a man; who refused to stand silent to oppression and injustice; who taught those around him a new way to love; who continued to teach this way to love even when his own life was threatened; who loved as God loves indiscriminately, whole heartedly, and unselfishly.

Invite people, where possible, to move around the room offering each other Christmas blessings. Be sure everyone is included.

Our prayer on this Christmas Day is that we might be full of Christmas love loving as Jesus taught. And that it might continue all year round. Amen.

Christmas Hymn

“O Little Town of Bethlehem” CCS 434

OR “The First Noël” CCS 424

Prayer for Peace

Light the Candle of Peace.

Scripture Reading: Repeat the Call to Worship reading based on Isaiah 9:2 7.

Prayer for Peace

God of Grace and Wonder,

This day we celebrate the birth of your Son. The day he came and walked and taught amongst humanity and changed the world as we know it.

We celebrate the lessons he taught on how to care for our neighbor, even when that neighbor is someone who we should despise. He taught us to welcome and love all people, even when they are outcasts, and sinners, and society says we should turn our backs on them. He taught us to stand up for what is right and just even when it means confronting systems of abuse and oppression. Even when doing so can challenge our own safety and status in society.

Jesus declared he was here to proclaim good news to the poor. He was sent to bring freedom to those help captive. To return sight to the blind. To release the oppressed and proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.

Help us, O Lord, to seek ways as Christ did. To transform the world we live in by challenging systems of oppression and injustice. To love and welcome all people. To care for our neighbor.

This is our prayer, this Christmas day, in the name of the Prince of Peace. Amen. Kassandra Unger, Sydney New South Wales, Australia Hymn of Peace

“I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” CCS 415 OR “Silent Night! Holy Night!/Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht!” CCS 421 Encourage participants to sing in a language other than their own.

For additional ideas: Find this day’s Prayer for Peace service on the church’s website at www.CofChrist.org.

Message

Relate Isaiah 9:2 7 with the Christmas Story, Luke 2:1 20

Ministry of Music or Congregational Hymn

“Star Child” CCS 420 OR “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming” CCS 437

Disciples’ Generous Response

Reading: “In the Bleak Midwinter” stanza 4 read by a child

Statement

Christ’s birth brought light into the world. Not just through the new star in the sky that the magi followed but in the form of hope to a people feeling lost and oppressed. Christ still brings that light, but challenges each of us to also bring and carry that hope.

While this time of receiving the offering focuses on giving to the ministries and needs of the church a disciples generous response stretches far beyond this place. That we might truly open our eyes and see those hurting and in need and be moved to respond with

compassion and love. As you give today may you also find ways to share Christ’s joy, hope, love and peace with others.

Blessing and Receiving of Local and Worldwide Mission Tithes

For additional ideas, see Disciples’ Generous Response Tools at CofChrist.org/spiritual practices

generosity/

Sending Forth Hymn

“Joseph, Kind Joseph” CCS 414 OR “No Obvious Angels” CCS 418 OR “Angels We Have Heard on High” CCS 427

Benediction Postlude

Sermon Helps

Sermon Helps Years A,B,C Letters Christmas Day

Isaiah 9:2-7

Exploring the Scripture

Biblical texts do not stand alone. They build on one another. Here is an example: In 2 Samuel 7:1 17, God promises to bless King David’s offspring and establish the kingdom of David forever. All previous covenants depended on obedience to God. But here, God promises to love the people even if they are disobedient. It is a new unconditional promise. Isaiah reminded the people of that promise in today’s scripture passage.

In 734 BCE, God’s people were suffering the anguish of conquest by the Assyrians. In the first 39 chapters of Isaiah, the prophet tells the people the horrors of war and oppression are a result of their sins. But after describing God’s judgment, the prophet reminds them several times of Samuel’s promise to David. Isaiah 9:2 7 is one of those reminders. The people may feel despair and pain, but God has not abandoned them. God’s everlasting covenant is to love them and to establish the throne of David for all time. This covenant is the Messianic hope and signals the growth of a theology of grace.

In ancient times, the people used the term Messiah for all the anointed kings of Israel and Judah. It means “anointed one.” Although Isaiah 9:2 7 is a proclamation of a future messiah, it is unclear whether Isaiah meant a new royal prince or a future vision of the ideal Davidic king. This passage begins with the darkness of war and destruction. Then comes a vision of light and life. A time will come when the people celebrate, for three reasons: (1) oppression has ended, (2) the garments of war have been destroyed, and (3) a new royal child has been born. Isaiah describes the new king with ambitious, ideal titles. The new king will provide wisdom to his subjects. He will enjoy the strength that only God can give. The king will love his people like a father. He will bring peace and prosperity to the nation. They are lofty titles, but not meant to be supernatural terms. Isaiah affirms the king will establish justice and righteousness because he is faithful to God. The passage points toward the future with a reminder the promise stands forever

It isn’t surprising that Christians applied this scripture to the newborn Messiah. The opening verse focuses attention on Galilee, the homeland of Jesus of Nazareth. Matthew 4:15 16 quotes Isaiah 9:1 2, inferring that the oppression under Assyrian rule was similar to suffering under Roman rule. Here is one more layer of meaning added to the scripture passage. The characteristics of the new royal child take on divine proportions. In Isaiah 9:6, the wise counselor becomes the Wonderful Counselor to all peoples. The one with divinely given might becomes Mighty God. The king who cares for his people like a father is now seen as God the Everlasting Father. The prince who brings peace to his nation becomes the Prince of Peace who ushers in the end of war for all time and invites all people into God’s reign of peace, righteousness, and justice.

For Christians throughout the ages, the poetic words of Isaiah fit the advent, life, and mission of Jesus of Nazareth. Each Christmas we celebrate the coming of light into our darkness, and the advent of the Christ child as our beloved Savior and Prince of Peace.

Central Ideas

1. God’s promise of a messiah was unconditional founded on love, grace, and forgiveness.

2. By faith, we proclaim Jesus of Nazareth as fulfilling this unconditional promise.

3. What might have begun as a poem of praise for a newborn prince of ancient times, has become a hymn of praise for Jesus Christ, the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, and Prince of Peace (and justice).

Questions for the Speaker

1. How do you sometimes put conditions on God’s love and God’s promise to be with us and bless us?

2. What is your testimony of Jesus as the Messiah, the Anointed One, the Prince of Peace?

3. If you were to write a poem of praise that would express your hope for God’s kingdom and fulfilling God’s covenant with you, what would you say?

4. Where do you see God’s Spirit at work in the world to bring about peace and justice this Christmas?

Sacred Space: Small Group Resource

Year A, Old Testament Christmas Day

Isaiah 9:2-7 Welcome

On Christmas Day we light all four Advent candles and then light the Christ candle in the center of the Advent Wreath. The candles symbolize the hope, joy, love, and peace of Christ. The Christmas season last 12 days, from Christmas Day to Epiphany on January 6.

Prayer for Peace

Ring bell or chime three times slowly. Light Peace Candle

Mother of Peace,

We rejoice on this Christmas day, for Mary has brought new life, new hope, new joy, and new love into a lamenting world in the form of your son, Jesus!

Jesus: a baby in need of nurture, holding, cradling, swaddling.

Jesus: a baby so tiny and soft yet bursting with possibility and strength!

Jesus: the hope of the world!

May the seemingly impossible and yet absolutely ordinary creation of a new baby inspire us to strive for peace in our towns and stables.

Peace: a seedling in need of nurture.

Peace: a seedling so tiny yet bursting with possibility!

Peace: the hope of the world!

May we lean on you the way a mother leans on a midwife. May we guide peace into being the way a midwife guides a mother. And may we rejoice in peace the way we rejoice in the birth of your son Jesus, the Prince of Peace! Amen.

Spiritual Practice- Praying the Psalms

Light all the advent candles and the Christ candle in the center of the wreath.

I will read Psalm 100: 1 4 adapted, pausing after each verse. When I pause we will say aloud together: The Lord is good, God’s love endures forever.

Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come into God’s presence with singing.

All: The Lord is good, God’s love endures forever.

Know that the LORD is God. It is God that made us, and we are his; we are God’s people, and the sheep of God’s pasture.

All: The Lord is good, God’s love endures forever.

Enter God’s gates with thanksgiving, and God’s courts with praise. Give thanks to God, bless God’s name.

All: The Lord is good, God’s love endures forever.

Amen.

Sharing Around the Table: Isaiah 9:2-7

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness on them light has shined.

You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder.

For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian.

For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire.

For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace

for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.

“For unto us a child is born.” Of all verses associated with Christmas, perhaps this invokes the tenderest feelings. But, through the exhaustion of Christmas shopping, decorating, cooking, baking, caroling, gatherings with friends and family of being awakened far too early by children eager for their gifts, it is easy to lose sight. Then, amid torn wrapping paper strewn on the floor, the magic of the season begins as spirited young actors donning bathrobes and construction paper beards assemble to offer a passionate rendition of the nativity story underneath a cardboard cutout Star of David that is, until the family dog, unwillingly dressed as a sheep, knocks the blanket and chair manger down and the scene becomes chaos. Hope, love, joy, and peace amid the chaos of life is the Christmas message. Through all the commotion (and joy), it’s easy to lose sight of what the nativity meant to those who had nothing those living under oppressive occupation, awaiting the advent of an anointed king from the House of David who would reclaim the throne of Jerusalem and set everything right.

The coronation ritual in Isaiah 9:2 7 fits perfectly with the circumstances of the nativity centuries later. It is little wonder early Christians applied Isaiah’s announcement of royal birth to the newborn Messiah. The passage references a dark time for Israel and Judah. Assyria had begun systematically taking over the region. Within a few years, Judah would become a resident captive and Israel would be no more. In Isaiah’s time and in the time of the birth of Jesus, people longed for freedom from oppression. They looked for a king, or Messiah, to rise and restore Israel to political autonomy.

At the time of Jesus’ birth, Judah was resident captive to Rome, and Herod, who was not in the line of David, sat on Jerusalem’s throne. Marginalized people, like the shepherds in Luke, yearn for the kind of liberation celebrated in this Isaiah passage. How fitting that we celebrate this story of new light after having passed through the darkest day of winter. Light is slowly beginning to triumph over our darkest days.

The “great light” represents the presence of God and the approach of hope, love, joy, and peace amid chaos. But the “great light” does not vanquish the darkness from the world. Jesus did not fulfill expectations that he would come to fix everything. Christ’s birth did not free us from the responsibility of doing the hard work of peacemaking and establishing justice. Instead, Jesus revealed the way of God that would do more than restore the throne of Israel he revealed the way to heal our broken world. The incarnation is the mystery of God in a real, human child, birthed into the real world with all its agonies, challenges, and joys. As we look upon the nativity, let us rest our gaze on the shepherds who made their way through the darkness towards the great light, towards the Hope of the world the Blessed Redeemer, Jesus Christ the Peaceful One.

1. When have you wanted God to simply “fix things?” In what unexpected ways did you discover God present with you?

2. We still live in a time of darkness. War, oppression, injustice, poverty, disease surrounds us. In what ways do you see the “great light (God’s presence) in the world?

3. In what ways have you found walking towards the “great light” to be transformative in your life?

Generosity Statement

”Beloved Community of Christ, do not just speak and sing of Zion. Live, love, and share as Zion: those who strive to be visibly one in Christ, among whom there are no poor or oppressed.” Doctrine and Covenants 165:6a

he offering basket is available if you would like to support ongoing small group ministries as part of your generous response.

God of Love and Light, In this season of hope, love, and joy, may the peace of your son Jesus be made real in the world. May our hearts, minds, hands, and resources be useful in the cause of bringing your light where there is darkness and your love where there is despair, anger, fear, and suffering. May our offerings be used toward your purposes we pray. Amen.

Invitation to Next Meeting

Closing Hymn CCS 423 “Hark the Herald Angels Sing”

Closing Prayer

Thoughts for Children

You will need:

• Christmas treat (candy, cookies, etc. be cautious of potential allergies

Today we celebrate Christmas! All during Advent, we waited and prepared for this day. On Christmas, we remember the joy, hope, love, and peace Jesus brings to the world and we consider the ways we are called to share joy, hope, love, and peace in the world.

I brought something else I’d like to share with you today (show the treat you brought). Before I give each of you one of these treats, I want you to tell me how you plan to share joy, hope, love, or peace in the world. If you are having trouble thinking of something, let me know and I’ll help you.

Allow participants time to think and share, make sure everyone gets a chance to share and make sure to celebrate each participant’s plan before giving everyone a treat.