LIGHTING ALTAR CANDLES (congregation) “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”CALL TO WORSHIP:Leader: From the flurry of holiday busyness, People: We come longing for peace,Leader: Yearning for lasting joy, People: Hoping to find our rest in God.Leader: From full calendars and hectic schedules,People: We come to taste the Bread of Life,Leader: Drink the cup of blessing, People: Sing the songs of Advent hope.Leader: From the worry of our days, People: We come to be set free,Leader: Be made new,People: Follow the Prince of Peace, the joy of every longing heart.SPECIAL MUSIC: Angela MartinFIRST SCRIPTURE READING Isaiah 40:1-11LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLELeader: O God, we light the second candle of Advent. The Candle of Peace.People: We seek your comfort. Both mighty and compassionate, you come. Prepare our hearts to be transformed by you.Leader: Isaiah first spoke these words to people who were tired, hurting, and far from home. Their world felt like a dry, cracked wilderness. Into that place, Isaiah said that God was coming—making a straight road through the desert, smoothing out the rough ground, clearing a way where there seemed to be none. He said God would come like a gentle shepherd, feeding the flock, leading them step by step, and holding the weakest close to his heart. This Advent, that is the God we are looking for and longing to meet.People: Saving God, look upon your world and heal your land and your people. Prepare us to be changed. This Advent, teach us to be compassionate and just, as you are. Amen.HYMN: “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus” (vs. 1 only) #196OUR TIME OF PRAYER (During our time of prayer, the altar rail is open for all who wish to come forward.)HYMN “Sanctuary”PASTORAL PRAYERTHE LORD’S PRAYEROUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS: Chancel Choir - “This Child”DOXOLOGYPRAYER OF DEDICATIONSECOND SCRIPTURE READING Luke 1:46-55SERMON “Mary’s Song: When the World Turns Upside Down”HOLY COMMUNIONCLOSING HYMN: (sung during Communion) “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear” - #218BENEDICTION*SENDING FORTH: “As We Go”POSTLUDE “O Little Town of Bethlehem”