Third Sunday of Advent

      


Joshua 23:1-16
Psalm 81:(1) 2-9 (10-16) (OR Psalm 95)
Luke 3:23-38
Hebrews 4:1-11 (12-16)

CALL TO WORSHIP                                   

The LORD has spoken and said:

Let there be no strange god among you!

            But who has listened to the voice of the LORD?

            Are there any who have not bowed down to foreign gods?

Yet, the LORD has promised to provide for you, saying:

Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it!

            Our God is the LORD, who relieves us of our burdens,

            who has brought us up from the land of Egypt.

Listen to the LORD! For his Sabbath rest still remains open

to those who believe the promises of God.

            Let us be united by faith as those who listen

            to the voice of the LORD, and walk in the light of his Word.

                                   

OPENING PRAYER

O God, our strength, the God of Jacob, receive our songs and shouts of joy! Not for us, but for your name’s sake, may our worship give you glory. Help us, we pray, that we might not to fail to enter your rest, for we are weary of following our own ways and getting nowhere. Therefore, we seek you, knowing your reputation as our faithful provider, knowing your generosity and grace, that we might ask your blessings upon our land, our families, our children, and your church, that every onlooker might see and know that it is good to be near you and to trust in you as our God.   

CALL TO CONFESSION 

No creature is hidden from God, but all are naked and laid bare to the eyes of the one to whom we must render an account. Yet, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, the high priest who is able to sympathize with our weaknesses. For he has been tested in every respect just as we are, yet he is without sin. Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Holy God, you are the Father of all the faithful, the Father of our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. We confess, however, that we are weak and stubborn and slow of heart to believe. Yet you, O God, offer us your strength! Give us the grace to be as humble as children, and courage to see ourselves in the light of your perfect goodness. In your mercy, forgive us and make us to be whom you want us to be, your Sabbath people, your family of faith, bound together by the love of your Son, the Lord of the Sabbath, in whose name we pray.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

It is the Lord your God who has fought on your behalf, keeping your foes and enemies at bay. It is Christ Jesus himself, the Son of God, who has done all things well, and fulfilled God’s promise of a Savior. Therefore, hold fast to the Lord your God, and be very steadfast to observe and do all that he has commanded you, for by the grace of Jesus Christ we are forgiven and saved.