A Medieval Advent Procession
Prelude
Welcome
Introit|
Comfort, comfort my people, Rs. Pour down, O heavens, from above, |
| Processional | "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" | NO. 34 |
Salutation
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.
And also with you.
| Bidding Prayer | from The Promise of His Glory | #27, p. 345 |
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Almighty God,
Give us grace to cast away the works of darkness and put on the armour of light now in the time of this mortal life, in which your Son Jesus Christ came to us in great humility: so that, on the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; Through him who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy spirit, One God, world without end. Amen. |
I. The Altar
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O come, thou wisdom from on high Who madest all in earth and sky, Calling forth from dust and clay: Reveal to us salvation's way. |
| First Reading | Isaiah 61:1-11 |
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O Spirit of the Living God, fill us with your presence. Bind up the brokenhearted, free those who are captive, unbind the prisoner, and proclaim among us the good news of your salvation. Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. |
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Carol |
"Comfort, Comfort" | No. 29 |
II. Advent Wreath
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O come, thou never ending life Who breaks the sword and healeth strife Prepare our hearts to meet thee here Dispel the darkness of our fears. |
| Second Reading | Isaiah 40:1-8 |
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O Lord of lords, and King of kings, prepare in our hearts a straight path; grant your people pardon and peace, and reveal your glory in your people. Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. |
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Carol |
"Savior of the Nations" | No. 42 (1-3) |
III. Pulpit
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O come, O come thou gentle Reed With righteousness thy people feed; Bring forth thy judgement unto truth, 'till it be set throughout the earth. |
| Third Reading | Isaiah 42:1-4 |
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O gentle Servant of the Most High, come plant your Word deep within our hearts. Kindle its holy flame within us, that your kingdom of righteousness may find a home among us. Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. |
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Carol |
"Of the Father's Love Begotten" | No. 42 (1,4) |
IV. Choir
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O come, O come, though dayspring bright! |
| Fourth Reading | Isaiah 35:1-6 |
O morning star, splendour of the light eternal and bright sun of righteousness: come reveal your glory to your people. Confirm us in faith, and fill us with the joy of your coming kingdom.
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
| Carol | "Come Thou Long Expected Jesus" | #30 |
tune: Hyfrydol
V. Sanctuary
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O come, eternal God of might! In human flesh press on the fight 'gainst sin and death; now, here, be born, That thy great mercy may be shown. |
Fifth Lesson
Luke 1:26-33, 39O promise of God, born of a virgin, plant the seed of your presence within us, that we may also be handmaidens of your promise. Come and take on our human flesh, that your glory may be revealed in us.
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
| Carol | "The Holly and the Ivy" |
VI. Christmas Tree
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O come, O come thou heavenly guest, And make thy Christmas in our breast! Thou who once laid in manger stall, Now be enthroned as Lord of all! |
Sixth Lesson
St. Luke 2:1-7O Lord Jesus Christ, at your birth you were laid among the lowliest of your creatures, unwelcomed by the world. Help us to make room for you now; as you once ruled creation from a lowly cattle stall, now rule it from our humble hearts.
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
| Carol | "On This Day" |
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On this day, earth shall ring With the song children sing To the Lord, Christ our King, Born on earth to save us, Him the Father gave us! |
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~ refrain ~ |
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Ideo - o - o, ideo - o - o, Ideo gloria in excelsis Deo!
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His the doom, ours the mirth; When He came down to earth, Bethlehem saw His birth; Ox and ass beside Him, From the cold would hide Him. God's bright star, o'er His head, Wise men three to Him led. Kneel they low by His bed, Lay their gifts before Him, Praise Him and adore Him. On this day angels sing; With their song earth shall ring, Praising Christ, Heaven's King, Born on earth to save us: Peace and love He gave us! Gloria in excelsis! |
VI. Doors
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O come, thou hope of nations, come And bring us to our heavenly home Proclaim thy name through all the earth, Until thy kingdom come to birth! |
Seventh Lesson Mark 1:1-15
O splendor of God's glory! Firstborn of all creation: you made that light which scatters all darkness. Come let the light of lights, hidden from all eternity, shine at last on your people. Free us from the darkness of sin and death. Fill our lives with joy as we go out to welcome your son at his coming.
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
| Carol | "All Praise to You, Eternal Lord" | #48 |
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Passing of the Peace
The peace of the Lord be with you always.
And also with you.
~ passing of the peace will follow ~
Offertory/Offertory Prayer
Father, we thank you for all you have given us - signs of your gracious love. We especially thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. May he be reborn in our hearts this holiday season. Help us to fill our lives with his love and grace, and so become bearers of the Eternal Word. Amen
Benediction
Now may the Living God, the Eternal Word, bless you and live in you. May his peace, the peace of the Christ Child, be yours this holiday season and throughout the year. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, protect and keep you.
Amen.
| Carol | "Good Christian Men, Rejoice" | #55 |
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Thanks be to God. |
Postlude
All hymns, unless otherwise noted, are from the Lutheran Book of Worship. Portions of the service are based on "The Great 'O's: A Service of Hope and Expectation," found in The Promise of His Glory, The Liturgical Press, Collegeville, Minnesota, (1991) pp. 112-116. "On This Day," taken from The United Methodist Hymnal, The United Methodist Publishing House, Nashville, Tennessee (1989), #248.