WORSHIP ORDER

December 14, 2025

3rd Sunday of Advent

WELCOME, GREETING, & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Scott Sears & Schauna Chambers

CHORAL PRELUDE

Ding Dong Merrily on High

Acolyte: Beloved Child of God

Cross Bearer: Beloved Child of God

As the Light of Christ passes you, stand as you are able and then be seated when the Acolyte returns to the back of the sanctuary.

LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH

Gathering and Opening Words

(The service begins with the first two purple candles (Hope and Peace) already lit.)

Leader 1: We have reached the midpoint of Advent. Last week, we lit the candles of Hope and Peace, reminding us of God’s faithfulness and our calling to live in harmony. Today, we pause to acknowledge the nearing fulfillment of our waiting. This third Sunday is traditionally called Gaudete—Rejoice!

Leader 2: Our theme is Joy. The coming of the Lord is near, and we are called to patience and rejoicing even while we wait. The prophet Zephaniah tells us, “The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty savior… he will exult over you with loud singing.” We light this candle today in joyful anticipation.

 The Reading of Scripture

Leader 1: Let us listen to the counsel given to us in the Epistle of James, chapter 5, verses 7 through 10:

“Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You also must be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. Beloved, do not grumble against one another, so that you may not be judged. See, the Judge is standing at the doors! As an example of suffering and patience, beloved, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.”

This is the word of God for the people of God.

Congregation: Thanks be to God.

Lighting the Candle of Joy

(Leader 2 approaches the Advent Wreath and lights the Rose candle. This is the third candle, traditionally lighter in color to signify the halfway point and the theme of rejoicing.)

Leader 2: James calls us to patience because the coming of the Lord is near. The season of waiting is almost done. Even in hardship, the knowledge that God is faithful and salvation is at hand gives us an unshakeable Joy.

Leader 1: We light this Rose candle of Joy to remember the sheer delight God has in us, and the great rejoicing that heralds the birth of our Savior. Let us strengthen our hearts and be patient, for our Judge is standing at the doors—and He is coming as our Redeemer.

Leader 2: We rejoice because the Lord is near.

Congregation: Our hearts are strengthened with joy and patience!

Leader 1: We remember the patience of the prophets and the certainty of God’s promise.

Congregation: Our hearts are strengthened with joy and patience!

Leader 2: We seek the spirit of joy to lift our voices in praise.

Congregation: Our hearts are strengthened with joy and patience! 

Hymn and Closing Prayer

Leader 1: Let us now sing the sixth verse of “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”.

O come, Thou Dayspring, come and cheer our spirits by thy justice here; disperse the gloomy clouds of night and death’s dark shadows put to flight.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.

Leader 2 (Prayer): God of Hope, Peace, and Joy, we thank you that your love for us is a source of continuous rejoicing. Give us the patience to wait well and the spiritual strength to endure without grumbling. As we look to the coming of your Son, let the light of this third candle fill our entire being with Christ’s abiding joy. Keep us watchful, ready to receive the good news. Amen.

Congregation: Amen.

CONGREGATIONAL SONG

#246  Joy to the World (v. 2, 3, 4)

CHOIR ANTHEM

What Child is This

Cindy Legg, flute

CHILDREN’S MOMENTS

Katrina Lee

PASTORAL PRAYER

Scott Sears

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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever.
Amen.

SCRIPTURE READING

Isaiah 35:1-10

CONGREGATIONAL MEDLEY

#238  Angels We Have Heard on High (v. 1)   

#245   The First Noel (v. 1)   

#234   O Come All Ye Faithful (v. 1 & 6)

SCRIPTURE READING

Luke 1:47-55

SERMON

Joy

Scott Sears

OFFERING AND PASSING THE PEACE

DOXOLOGY

UMH #94

CONGREGATIONAL SONG

#89  Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee

POSTLUDE 

Jay Brooks, organ

BENEDICTION AND BLESSING

Scott Sears