ADVENT - 2010

Hanging of the Greens (decorating the Church)

Greenery is placed in each of the windows of the sanctuary the first Sunday of Advent.

The window greenery holds a candle

A Christmas tree is set up in the Sanctuary and in the Fellowship Hall.

Lighting the First Advent Candle We light this candle because we refuse to let go of Isaiah’s hope

Let us pray that waiting for Christmas may show us that swords can be beaten into plowshares, and spears into pruning hooks,

how to be patient when things take time, and that nation shall not lift up sword against nation,

how to live for Christ day by day, neither shall they learn war any more. (Isa. 2:4)

In Isaiah, chapter 2, the prophet declares that in days to come Risen Christ, Light of the world,

God will judge between the nations, shine in our lives and shine among us now.

and arbitrate for many peoples.

Lighting the Second Advent Candle

In Isaiah 11:9, the prophet declares, that truth will prevail, and justice be done, for all people.

They will not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain; As we pray and work for truth, compassion, and justice, near and far—

for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of God, Risen Christ, Light of the world,

as the waters cover the sea. shine in our lives and shine among us now.

We light this candle as a sign of hope

Lighting the Third Advent Candle

In Isaiah 35:5–6, the prophet declares that when God comes As we witness to the power of healing love,

among us, the deaf shall hear, the blind shall see, in ourselves and in others—

and the tongue of the speechless shall sing for joy. Risen Christ, Light of the world,

We light this candle as a sign of our hope shine in our lives and shine among us now.

that God’s love in Christ brings healing to us,

and to the whole world.

On most Sundays Pastor Mike Lamm calls the children up front to tell them a story related to that days sermon and have a moment of prayer with them.

'Run, Ye Shepherds, to the Light' with soloist was Miss Sarah Jones preforming 'While Shepherds Watched' and 'Recitative'

Pastor Mike Lamm congragulated Miss Jones on her excellence performance.

Lighting the Fourth Advent Candle

The prophet Isaiah declares, Let us pray that we may trust that God is with us

“A young woman is with child, and live in the light of Christ’s coming—

and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel Risen Christ, Light of the world,

[which means: God-With-Us.].” shine in our lives and shine among us now.

The risen Christ declares,

“I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

We light this candle as a sign of God’s presence in Christ,

now and always.

Each week during Advent one banner is added to the wall in the sanctuary until all four are on display.