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Sunday, December 23, 2012

4th Sunday in Advent

We Gather in God's Name

Opening Event

We will open by traveling to get the Holy figures and bring them to our sanctuary

[All gather outside the sanctuary doors and travel to The Holy Heretic]

[Retrieve the Holy family and return to 1PCSL]


Person passing the Holy Family (Reader A):

In the name of heaven I ask you for shelter. This family is tired and can go no farther:

Member of the community receiving the Holy Family (Reader B):

We are no inn-keepers; you cannot stay here! Scoundrels you may be, who would make a fray here!

Person passing the Holy Family (Reader A):

Can you refuse shelter to the Queen of Heaven? Have you no room, for just for one night even?

Member of the community receiving the Holy Family (Reader C):

She's a queen and yet goes forth at night all alone? Here she's not wished for, hoped for or known.

Person passing the Holy Family (Reader A):

Here's Joseph the carpenter. Don't refuse him, your brother! His wife is Mary, she is God's own mother!

Member of the community receiving the Holy Family (Reader D):

You bring Joseph and Mary there beside you? We knew you not. Enter! and may good betide you!

Person passing the Holy Family (Reader A):

 /me leads Holy Family into the sanctuary.

[All enter the sanctuary, and the exchange is made]

All : /me welcomes Mary, Joseph, and Child.

Opening Prayer

Let us pray:

Eternal God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, You are always present in our homes; unseen and often not acknowledged. May Christ and his family find rest among us tonight and may we take great joy in their presence. May we also know that He has prepared a place for us and will one day welcome us into his eternal kingdom.

Amen.

We Hear God's Word

Scripture Reflection

Luke 1:46-55

Advent Candle Lighting and Reflection

4th Advent Lighting the Advent Candle

Today we light four candles- the first Candle is called HOPE and it is a reminder that God's promises are true.

'The second Candle is called PEACE, God's gentle loving peace for our lives.

The third Candle is called JOY, because of God's absolute presence in our lives.

The fourth Candle is called LOVE, because of God's great love for us.

Come, all is ready. Let the light of this these candles, called HOPE, PEACE, JOY, and LOVE, bring brightness to your spirits.


We Respond in Prayer

Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession

Please stand when offering a prayer, so others will know you have the floor.

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.

Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil,

for thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever.

Amen.

Closing Prayer

Dear God As we celebrate the birth of your son may our eyes be opened to see the world in the light of Jesus Christ. As you chose the lowly, the outcasts, and the poor to receive the greatest news the world had ever known, so may we worship you with meekness in our hearts. May we also remember our brothers and sisters less fortunate than ourselves in this season of giving. Amen

We Go in Peace

Passing of the Peace

Fellowship & Conversation