A Service for the Lord’s Day
December 13, 2020
Third 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 2 candles]
The third Advent candle represents joy, the peace that only Christ can bring. As Isaiah prophesied, “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.” And as Jesus himself said, “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”
[Light 3rd candle – the pink one, if possible.]
As followers of Jesus, we await his return with joy. 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 with joy 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 Joy – 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 Nicene Creed
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father; through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became truly human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
Prayers of the People
Heavenly Father, you sent your Son, Jesus, to seek and save the world. In this Advent season, we rejoice in his coming and we long for his return. Help us to believe the promise of Psalm 126, which says that “those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.” Help us to live as oaks of righteousness, sparking so jubilee in others – and so bearing witness to you. 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.