Sunday,  December 15, 2024
Third Sunday of Advent
Philippians 4:4-7 | "Again…Rejoice"

Call to Worship
One: Rejoice, my friends, rejoice!
Many: We seek time to embrace the joy.
One: Rejoice, my friends, rejoice!
Many: We Create opportunities to embody joy.
One: Rejoice, my friends, rejoice!
Many: Singing songs that announce joy.

Invocation
Holy Convenor of the Ages,
As the memories of happiness sweep back into our minds, we delight in the Advent blessing of joy.  Such blissfulness turns our spirits from the lengthened nights to God’s Divine Light which will be arriving soon.  Like the saints of yesteryear, we celebrate together, rejoicing in the season, and knowing the best is yet to come.  Amen.

Prayer for Transformation and New Life
Loving God, Creator of Wonder and Delight,
We have fallen into the crevices of worry.  We have allowed the preoccupation of what was said in the past and will happen in the future to distract us from embodying joy in the present.  Clear a pathway to our souls so that we can find levity and delight again.  May we find ways from the chasms of concern to the daylight of hopefulness.  Amen.

Words of Grace
The blessedness of God’s grace will fill our hearts with a peace-filled joy as we move about this season and follow the light ahead. 

Invitation to Generosity
Embracing radical joy transforms our spirits, creating a gentle energy within us.  We are renewed, and we sense God’s call more clearly.  In seeking God’s message, we know how to joyfully share our talents, treasures, and time, bringing more peace and comfort into our world.

Prayer of Thanksgiving and Dedication
God of Holy Darkness and Returning Light,
We give of our full hearts, knowing that you will bless this world with love.  We give of our full minds, knowing that you will bless this world with peace.  We give of our full souls, knowing that you will bless this world with hope.  May the joy of your gifts encourage us to share the best we have, creating your Realm here on earth.  Amen.

Benediction
Bless our dusty roads renewed by hope.
Bless our opening hearts renewed by peace.
Bless our sunny skies renewed by joy.
God’s love enriches us as we continue on this season’s journey.

Again…Rejoice: Service Prayers for the Third Sunday of Advent Year C was written by the Rev. Michelle L. Torigian, senior pastor of St. Paul United Church of Christ, Belleville, Illinois.