Order of Service / Advent 2 / December 7, 2025

 *Gathering Hymn O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (#1 VU | vs. 1,4,5)

Welcome & Land Acknowledgement

Advent Candle-Lighting

One: Today we light the second candle, the candle of Peace. In a world of noise, division, and hurried hearts, this flame invites us to breathe, to soften, to listen. Christ’s peace is not the absence of struggle but the presence of God in every struggle. May this light guide our steps toward reconciliation, gentleness, and the mending of all things.

All Sing - Then Let Us Sing #55 “We light this candle”

We light this candle for peace. Await the new life within. May our hearts now live each day, so peace can find a way, so peace can find a way.

Call to Worship

One: We worship this Advent.

All: We mark the time leading to Christmas with light.

One: We honour Christ’s light during this time of long nights.

  All: Where the world groans in chaos, in longing, in uncertainty, in sin, our God responds with peace.

One: We worship in peace, seeking to be people of peace.

All: Christ be our light, our peace always.

*Elaine Bidgood Sveet. Gathering ACE 2025-2026. Page 27.

Opening Prayer

*Opening Hymn All Earth is Waiting (#5 VU)

Prayer of Confessional and Renewal (Unison)

Holy One, in the journey of life, you are with us. Today we seek a special reminder of your presence. Today we look for ways to assist and serve others. May those we meet feel that the light of God surrounds them, and may the light of God inspire all that we do each new day. Hear us, God, as we offer our personal prayers to you in the silence of this moment… (a time of silent confession) Amen.

Words of Assurance

One: Even within the deepening shadows of this season, the light of God abounds. God hears us. God hears as we share our dreams, our hopes, and our needs. God discerns our thoughts from afar, and we are thankful.

All: Let us not be discouraged. Let us embrace courage and strength for the journey. Let us give thanks to God, now and always. Amen.

*Bill Steadman. Gathering ACE 2016-2017. Page 30.

Announcements and Minute for Mission

Time for God’s Children

- Body Prayer: Peace

(Holy One, may your peace surround me. May your peace work through me. May your peace extend to the world. Amen)

- A Message from the Moderator: The Complicated Joy of Advent

Prayer for Illumination

Proclaiming the Scriptures

Isaiah 11:1-10 The peaceable reign of God.

Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 (VU p. 790 | P. 1&3) A just ruler.

Romans 15:4-13 The root of Jesse and hope of Gentiles.

This is the Good News from the Bible.

  Thanks be to God.

Anthem

Sermon

*Hymn On Jordan's Bank (#20 VU| vs. 1,3,4)

*Offering

*Offertory Hymn (#55 VU | v. 4, In the Bleak Midwinter)

What can I give him, poor as I am?

If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;

if I were a wise man, I would do my part;

yet what I can I give him -- give my heart.

 

*Offertory Prayer (Unison)
Truly in your abundant mercy there is enough for all, if we learn to share it. In the giving and receiving of our offering may we practice the gift of sharing. In the hopes that one day all will choose to share what blessings they have for the good of all. In the hopes that we will all continue to grow in your love. Bless these gifts, bless the giver, and bless the receivers. Amen

*The United Church of Canada. Advent Unwrapped 2025 – Weekly Advent Services.

Prayers of the People and Lord’s Prayer

*Closing Hymn Make Me a Channel of Your Peace (#684 VU)

*Commissioning

One: We go now into the world as people of peace.

All: We will try to bring calm where there is anger, kindness where there is hurt, and hope where there is fear.

One: Christ, the Prince of Peace, goes with us.

  All: We go in peace, to share peace. Amen.

*Commissioning Song Prepare the Way of the Lord (#10 VU)

Prepare the way of the Lord! Prepare the way of the Lord! Make a straight path for him, make a straight path, prepare the way of the Lord! (x2)

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