Liturgy for the Fourth Sunday of Advent, Year C (Luke)
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Exploring the Themes of Advent Liturgies
The four Advent liturgies for each Sunday share common themes of preparation, hope, peace, joy, and love. These elements help us focus on the coming of Christ. Each liturgy invites us to prepare our hearts for his arrival, creating an atmosphere of expectation.
Scripture passages in the prayers and assurances ground our worship in biblical truth. This connection allows us to reflect on the meanings of hope, peace, joy, and love. Congregational responses help foster a sense of community, engaging everyone in the worship experience.
The liturgies are designed to build on each other, following the traditional Advent calendar. This progression deepens our understanding as we move through the season. Ultimately, these liturgies encourage us to reflect on our need for God’s grace and renew our spirits.
As we journey through Advent, may we embrace these themes and draw closer to God’s heart.
The fourth Sunday of Advent focuses our attention on love. Mary responds to the good news with her Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55) and Elizabeth recognizes Mary’s blessedness. John (the inside infant) leaps for joy and we should too!
Call to Worship:
One: On this Fourth Sunday of Advent, we gather in anticipation of Christ’s birth.
All: We light the fourth candle, symbolizing love that has come into the world.
One: The angel Gabriel proclaimed to Mary, “Do not be afraid; you have found favor with God.”
All: We come to rejoice in the love that casts out fear. We are people who God has graced and we respond with heartfelt joy, love, and gratitude!
One: Let us worship the Lord together, embracing the love of Christ!
Prayer of Confession:
All: Gracious God, as we prepare for the celebration of Christ’s birth, we confess that we sometimes allow fear and doubt to overshadow your love. We forget to reflect your love in our words and actions. Forgive us for the times we have turned inward and failed to share your love with others. Help us to open our hearts to your presence, so that we may embody your love and grace in our lives as we await the coming of our Savior.
One: Lord may your name be glorified in us and through us. We ask this through Christ Jesus, your only begotten son. It is he who is our Lord and our Savior, our brother and our friend.
All: Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Amen.
Assurance of Pardon:
Leader: Hear the promise of the Lord from Romans: “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).
Friends, this is the good news!
All: Thanks be to God!
Prayer of Illumination:
Holy God, as we prepare to hear your Word, we ask for your Spirit to guide us. Illuminate our hearts and minds so that we may understand your message of love. May your truth inspire us and fill us with hope as we await the coming of Christ. Amen.
Prayer of Dedication:
Loving God, we dedicate these gifts and our lives to you. May they be a reflection of your love in the world and bring comfort and hope to those in need. Amen.
Passages for the Fourth Sunday of Advent
Micah 5:2-5a
Micah prophesies the birth of a ruler from Bethlehem, emphasizing that this seemingly insignificant town will be the birthplace of a leader who will bring peace. Despite being small and overlooked, Bethlehem is chosen by God for a significant purpose. The passage assures the people that this ruler will stand firm and shepherd them, providing hope and strength in times of distress.
Luke 1:46b-55
In this passage, Mary offers a powerful song of praise known as the Magnificat. She rejoices in God for his favor and mercy, proclaiming the greatness of the Lord. Mary reflects on how God has lifted the humble and filled the hungry while scattering the proud. This song celebrates God’s faithfulness and justice, underscoring the transformative nature of his grace in her life and the world.
Hebrews 10:5-10
The author of Hebrews emphasizes the inadequacy of animal sacrifices and the fulfillment of God’s will through the coming of Christ. Quoting from the Psalms, the passage illustrates that God desires obedience and a prepared body rather than sacrifices. It highlights Jesus’ incarnation as the ultimate offering for sin, demonstrating God’s profound commitment to humanity’s redemption through his Son.
Luke 1:39-45 (46-55)
This passage recounts Mary’s visit to Elizabeth, where the two women celebrate their miraculous pregnancies. Upon hearing Mary’s greeting, Elizabeth’s baby leaps in her womb, and she is filled with the Holy Spirit. Elizabeth recognizes Mary’s blessedness, affirming the significance of her child. Their meeting exemplifies joy and confirmation of God’s promises, culminating in Mary’s song of praise.
Themes for the Fourth Sunday of Advent
Joy and Transformation
The theme of joy and transformation also permeates these passages. Mary’s Magnificat is a celebration of God’s transformative work in her life and in the world, signifying how the coming Savior will change lives. This theme is echoed in Micah, where the promise of peace and a righteous ruler inspires hope and joy. Together, they call us to rejoice in the transformative power of God’s love and the new life that Christ brings.
God’s Faithfulness and Mercy
A central theme across these passages is the unwavering faithfulness and mercy of God. In Micah 5:2-5a, God chooses Bethlehem, a humble town, as the birthplace of a ruler who will bring peace and strength. This illustrates God’s commitment to his people and his plan for redemption. In Luke 1:46b-55, Mary exclaims the greatness of the Lord, highlighting his mercy toward the humble and his fulfillment of promises. These passages remind us that God’s faithfulness extends through generations, offering hope and reassurance.
