A Service for the Lord’s Day
December 6, 2020
Second Sunday of Advent
Lighting of the Advent Wreath
We light these candles as a sign of the coming light of Christ.
[Light previous week’s candle]
The second Advent candle represents PEACE, the peace that only Christ can bring. As Isaiah prophesied: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulders. And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” As the angels sang to the shepherds: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” And Jesus himself said: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give unto you. Not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
[Light 2nd tall purple candle.]
As followers of Jesus, we await his return with peace. Prepare the way of the Lord!
Prayer of Confession
Lord God, our lives are filled with sin. We forget our neighbor’s needs and do not love you above all else. We need a Savior. Help us to be ready for Jesus in our own hearts. O come, O come, Savior of the world. Amen.
Assurance of Pardon
Hear the good news: Our Savior has come! While we were sinners, Christ was born. Christ died. Christ rose in victory. And in him we are forgiven. Thanks be to God! Amen.
Scripture Reading
Sermon – Ready with Peace – Rev. Blake Daniel
For those who prefer to worship from home this Sunday, we will be live-streaming the service. Simply visit our YouTube page at 11:00am to tune in. The service will also be saved as a video for you to view later if you wish. We thank you for your continued grace and patience as we try this new endeavor.
Affirmation of Faith – The Apostles' Creed
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.
Prayers of the People
Lord Jesus, you tell us: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. Not as the world gives do I give to you.” We thank you today that you are our peace. You came to set things right and to usher in a new season of shalom for all creation. While we do not experience this yet in full, we claim it as a promise and commit ourselves to living it out by the power of your Holy Spirit and to the glory of your Heavenly Father. As we move through this Advent season, please hear our joys and our concerns as we lift them up to you. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.
We pray for…
The nations of the world… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.
Those in authority… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.
The needs of the community… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.
The church universal, its mission, and those who minister… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.
The local congregation and its ministry, especially… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.
Those with particular needs… Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.
We offer these prayers in your name — Jesus, Emmanuel, our long-awaited Messiah. And we pray now as you taught us, saying:
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
Tithes and Offerings
With gratitude for the gospel, we share our time, talents, and resources with the Lord. (You may give financially by visiting www.sylvapres.org/giving, or by dropping a check off at the church or sending one to FPC at P.O. Box 2152, Sylva, NC 28779. Thank you!)
Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Praise Him all creatures here below!
Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts!
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen.
Benediction
May the peace of the risen Lord Christ go with you, wherever he may send you.
May he guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm.
May he bring you home rejoicing at the wonders he has shown you.
May he bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.