Worship Guide - Fourth Sunday in Advent, Year B

Worship with One Click

You can choose to watch all of this Sunday's worship service in a series of linked videos, one after the other, by clicking this link. Just press the button that says "PLAY ALL" and sit back and relax. You can also just click on the graphic to the left.​ Otherwise, proceed as normal through the sections.

---

---

My heart shall sing of the day you bring.
Let the fires of your justice burn.
Wipe away all tears, for the dawn draws near,
and the world is about to turn.
~ My Soul Cries Out with a Joyful Shout, Rory Cooney
 
A youth. A girl. Unmarried. A Jew in an occupied, repressive empire. None of this is in the favor of Mary, this “highly favored one.” But consider it this way: Hearing that the Lord has found favor with you is no small thing when you are aware this is not the case. Wipe away all tears, indeed.
 
It may be in economics that past results are no indication of future performance, but Mary’s song to Elizabeth and the child John dancing within her suggests that in God’s economy it most certainly is. 

Can we believe it too? How and where is God’s promise being born anew in our world, and what is the call to each of us?
​
In the 4th century St Gregory of Nyssa wrote, “What was achieved in the body of Mary will happen in the soul of everyone who receives the Word.” May we too become what God has called us to be.
 
Enter into worship. 

---

Connections with Andrea

If you have prayers you would like to share, please do so here. These will be shared by email to our St Andrew prayer list so that we pray for what you hold by name. This information is not shared online in a searchable form.

Prelude

---

Gathering Song

Most High God,
for you nothing is impossible.
Through a poor, marginal young woman in a small town
you gave birth to your still, small realm of endless glory.
By your Holy Spirit, fill us with new life and hope
and overshadow us with your power and grace
so that we, like Mary, might be your servants,
bearing witness to the promise of your Word;
through Jesus Christ, who is coming to reign. Amen.

Bidding Song

Confession, Reflection, Assurance

S​end a text to a couple of people. Make a call. Who comes to mind for you? Wish them well. More than that, wish them the peace that comes with justice. Then click below.

---

Anthem

---

The Word

Astonishing God,
send your Holy Spirit upon us
as we await the coming of your Son.
Fill us with good things
that we may conceive your reign on earth
and glorify you according to your Word;
through Jesus Christ our Savior.
Amen.

2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 † Luke 1:46b-55 † Romans 16:25-27 † Luke 1:26-38

Psalm Response

Meditation

A printed version of this meditation is available here.

Song of Response

---

Give Thanks

If you haven’t already, set the elements—some bread, some juice or wine—in the room or space where you worship in these days with our faith community. Set a table with things that draw out of you creativity and imagination and hope for a better world. What signifies your longing? What signs or symbols draw you from despair?

​If a joy or a concern has come to mind, please share it with the assembly here so you do not carry it alone. These will be shared by email to our St Andrew prayer list so that we pray for what you hold by name. This information is emailed to a curated group, not shared or posted online in a searchable form.

As we respond to God's grace and new life, consider those ways you can express gratitude, thanksgiving and blessing. And remember that we continue to keep our financial commitments to our mission partners and staff. Thank you for remembering to send in your financial pledges and offerings.

---

Sending Song

Charge and Blessing