Welcome and Invitation to Worship
Advent Focus
Today we light the Advent candle of Joy. Joy is the sustained realization of God’s generous movement within the world. Joy refreshes, revives, and awakens life. It is the affirmation that we are loved, we have a purpose, and we are not alone. Joy bursts forth into the world like a candle lit in the dark.
Announcements
Sharing Good News
Sharing and Prayer for Those in Need
Praise Music “I've Got the Christmas Joy (Down in my Heart)”
Call to Worship
Psalm 32:11
“Be glad in the Lord and be full of joy, you who are right with God! Sing for joy all you who are pure in heart.”
*Gathering Hymn “Good Christian Friends, Rejoice!” CCS 433
*Invocation
Light the Advent Candle of Joy
Song of Joy “Feels Like Joy” Micah Tyler
Disciples’ Generous Response
“Community of Christ upholds the enduring principle of Grace and Generosity. This means God’s grace, especially as revealed in Jesus Christ, is generous and unconditional. This means having received God’s generous grace, we respond generously and graciously receive the generosity of others. This means we offer all we are and have to God’s purposes as revealed in Jesus Christ. This means we generously share our witness, resources, ministries, and sacraments according to our true capacity. In response to the grace and generosity we have found in God we get the opportunity to joyfully respond in sharing with others, the church and the earth our own outpouring of gratitude and generosity for being found and for what the Lord as done. How can you share generously and joyfully today?”
Special Music “Because of Bethlehem” Matthew West
Message of Joy
*Closing Hymn “Joy to the World!” CCS 408
*Benediction
Today we lit the Advent Candle of Joy. Now have we not reason to rejoice? Our joy is carried away for God has all power, all wisdom, and all understanding. This is our joy, and great thanksgiving. We give thanks to our God for ever. Rejoice! Alma 14: 123. 124, 128 adapted
We welcome our guests and visitors today. Please come worship with us again!