Worship Resources for
the Center for Faith and Giving
Advent II
Isaiah 11:1-10
Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19
Romans 15:4-13
Matthew 3:1-12
Call to Worship (inspired by Isaiah 11)
One: We’re waiting for One who is coming.
Many: Why wait for someone when we don’t know how long to wait?
One: We wait in anticipation, for the Coming One is filled with God’s Spirit.
Many: A spirit of wisdom and understanding in a confusing world.
One: A spirit of counsel and knowledge;
Many: we stand on tip-toe, eager to welcome the One who is coming,
ALL: for the whole earth will be brimming, knowing God as ALIVE with us.
Opening Prayer (inspired by Matthew 3)
God, your servant John the Baptist cries out to us:
“Repent; turn and be restored”.
Can we hear? Will we respond?
Holy God, open the ears of our souls
to hear your word of salvation.
Holy and Peace-Inspiring God, on this second Sunday of Advent,
Open wide our hearts and our minds
To see, feel, hear, and know the salvation of our God.
Amen.
(Adapted from Literature & Liturgy)
Moment for Stewardship
(If you have someone who can sing “Prepare the Way of the Lord” from Godspell, or from CH #121), use that as an introduction to this moment.)
Yes! Today is a day to prepare for the Coming One! Chapter 3 of Matthew’s Gospel leaps to the adult John the Baptist. When we hear this text, we may think, “What a strange duck!” (After all, he’s dressed in animal skin and forages for bugs to eat!) But John demands listeners repent (turn back!) because God’s Realm is coming near.
John clearly declares we have work to do before Jesus comes, practicing ways to bear fruit worthy of repentance.
This is one time for us to show with our actions what our hearts and minds have claimed. If we seek to be followers of Jesus, we help feed the hungry, care for the widow, visit the imprisoned…
Our offering today provides each of us with one way to let our wallets help proclaim Good News. Have you spent money this week to prepare for gift-giving for your family and friends? Can you…will you spend an equal amount to (name one or two ways your congregation responds to hunger, imprisonment, or the needs of the poor)? How does that help YOU prepare to welcome Jesus once more?
Let’s receive our morning offering.
(Reminder: The Christmas Special Day Offering is suggested to be received on Dec. 14 and 21. Prepare now if you haven’t already!)
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Holy God, we so often get sidetracked from our intention to be faith-filled followers of Jesus. This time of the year makes that even more likely to happen. Please accept the gifts we’ve offered. Help us repent from our selfish ways and turn back to you. Push us to use these funds in ways that truly honor you. AMEN
Invitation to Communion
This is the time for Decembered mercies
– a baby born (instead of the boots of the tramping warrior);
a new light of peace (when all was thought to be forsaken);
fresh furrows (for any who had quit their cultivation).
This is the season for Decembered mercies
– forgiveness for what was seen as unredeemed;
the taste of fresh bread and new wine;
a sprig of hope on a stump left for dead.
(“December Mercies,” written by Dr. Robert Lee Hill to be published in All the Time in the World, forthcoming in February 2026. Published by Caroline Street Press.)
All are welcome to share in this communion feast.
May it be for ALL of us a Decembered mercy helping us become sprigs of hope on a stump left for dead.