First Sunday in Advent 2021

Let ev’ry creature rise and bring

the highest honors to our King

angels descend with songs again,

and earth repeat the loud amen.

JESUS SHALL REIGN # 404 MBW

Gracious Lord Jesus, you come to us with the good news of salvation, but too often we fail to notice. You come to us day by day, yet we close the doors of our hearts when it seems convenient to do things our own way.We ignore your presence and your leadership. We have failed to act justly, to love mercy,and to walk humbly with our God. Forgive us, merciful Lord. We will shout hallelujah so that the world will know that you have come. Amen.

Lift up your heads, you mighty gates;

behold the King of glory waits;

the King of kings is drawing near;

the Savior of the world is here.

Eternal God, Ruler of all ages, graciously you come to us in order that we might come to you, through the merit of Jesus Christ, strengthened by the Holy Spirit.

Help us and all your children to respond to the call of your gospel with faith, love, and hope.

God of faith, you created humanity to serve and praise you; and even when we rebelled against you, you promised to send a Savior to redeem us from our sins:

Strengthen our faith in your saving work through Christ. As you chose the people of Israel to hear the promise of redemption through the prophets, may people today believe in your good will for all that you have made.

God of love, you fulfilled your promise of a redeemer in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ:

Grant us the gifts of the Holy Spirit that we may share your love with the sick and the afflicted, with the poor and the homeless, with the victims of injustice and discrimination, and with all who are experiencing times of trouble.

God of hope, you comfort us through our Savior’s promise to return in glory at the end of time:

As we await the coming of the Prince of Peace, let us not despair. We long for you to inspire all the nations and peoples of the world to turn to cooperation and nurture, rather than to hatred and destruction.

God of faith, love, and hope, to you and to you alone we pray:

For you are our God, the only God, forever and ever. Amen.

The prophet Isaiah foretells the coming of God’s chosen one. Believing him, we hope and we wait. He also called God’s people to do right, to be refashioned like clay by God, the Potter.
Mighty God, Creator of the world, break through all that keeps us from you. We ask for your mercy to reform us in your image.

Heavenly Father, take all fear and darkness from our hearts, by the light of
your Son Jesus Christ. Enable us to be witnesses to the hope of your kingdom. In this season of Advent, visit us with your justice, love, and peace.
Amen.

Watchword for the Week

Jesus said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”
Luke 21:33

Watchword for Today:

May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant.
Psalm119:76

Doctrinal Text:

There was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. ,br>Luke 2:25

Prayer for Today

Abiding Lord, your love is a gift made complete in the act of loving one another. We invite your Spirit to fall afresh on us, so we will be equipped and worthy to profess you in faithful action and humble service.
AMEN

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Statement of Purpose

By the grace of God to make disciples of all people, both local and global. To enhance the deeper experiences with our Lord Jesus Christ through prayer, Bible Study, witnessing and the worship hour.