Liturgy for the Second Sunday of Advent (Year C, Luke)
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The second Sunday of Advent has us thinking about hope, especially in light of Paul’s letter to the Philippians (Philippians 1:3-11), Zechariah’s song of praise (Luke 1:68-79), and Malachi’s prophecy that God will send a messenger before the Messiah, who is John (Luke 3:1-6).
Advent Liturgy Themes
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.
Call to Worship:
One: As we gather on this second Sunday of Advent, we come in anticipation of Christ’s coming.
All: We light the second candle, symbolizing peace in our hearts.
One: The prophet Isaiah said, “A voice cries out in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way of the Lord.’”
All: We come to prepare our hearts for the One who brings hope and peace.
One: Let us worship the Lord together!
Prayer of Confession
All: Gracious God, we confess that we often seek our own paths instead of following your way. As we wait in hope, we admit our impatience and lack of faith. Forgive us for not preparing our hearts to receive your peace. Help us to listen for your voice calling us to repentance and to walk in the light of your truth. May our hearts be transformed as we await the coming of our Savior. Amen.
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.
Assurance of Pardon (Luke 1:68-79)
Leader: Beloved, we gather today in the assurance of God’s grace and mercy, as expressed in the song of Zechariah. He proclaimed, “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people.”
Leader: Friends, this is the good news!
All: Thanks be to God!
Prayer of Illumination:
Gracious God, as we turn to your Word, we ask for your Spirit to guide us. Open our hearts and minds to receive your truth. May your message inspire us and prepare us for the coming of Christ. Amen.
Prayer of Dedication:
Loving God, we dedicate these gifts and our lives to you. May they be used for your glory and to bring peace to our world. Amen.
Passages for the Second Sunday of Advent
Malachi 3:1-4
Malachi prophesies that God will send a messenger to prepare the way before Him. The Lord will suddenly come to His temple, and this day will be one of refining and purification. Like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap, God will purify the priests and people, ensuring that their offerings are righteous and pleasing to Him.
Luke 1:68-79
This passage is Zechariah’s song of praise, known as the Benedictus. After the birth of John the Baptist, Zechariah praises God for His faithfulness, declaring that He has raised up a mighty Savior for His people, fulfilling the promises made to their ancestors. John will be the prophet who prepares the way for the Lord, giving people knowledge of salvation and forgiveness, and guiding them into peace
Philippians 1:3-11
Paul expresses gratitude and joy for the Philippians, praising God for their partnership in the gospel. He prays that their love will continue to grow in knowledge and discernment, so they may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ. Paul expresses confidence that God, who began a good work in them, will bring it to completion.
Luke 3:1-6
Luke introduces the ministry of John the Baptist, who begins preaching in the wilderness, calling people to repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Quoting Isaiah, the passage describes John as the voice crying out in the desert to prepare the way for the Lord. John’s mission is to make the path straight, leveling the obstacles, so that all people will see God’s salvation.
Themes for the Second Sunday of Advent
God’s Faithfulness and Redemption
God’s unwavering faithfulness in bringing redemption shines through in Zechariah’s proclamation in Luke 1:68-79. Here, God raises up a mighty Savior, fulfilling the promises made to His people. Meanwhile, Malachi 3:1-4 underscores His commitment to purifying and restoring them, affirming that His promises are not idle. This theme serves as a powerful reminder that God’s redemptive work is always unfolding, even when we can’t see it.
Preparation and Repentance
In Luke 3:1-6, the urgent call of John the Baptist resonates, compelling us to embrace repentance and prepare for the coming Lord. This message parallels Paul’s words in Philippians 1:3-11, where he encourages the Philippians to deepen their love and discernment as they await Christ’s return. Together, these passages challenge us to be spiritually ready, inviting us to open our hearts to the transformative work God is eager to accomplish in us.
The Role of Faithful Witnesses
The critical role of faithful witnesses in God’s redemptive plan emerges clearly in these texts. In Luke 1:68-79, John the Baptist takes center stage as a prophetic voice, tasked with preparing the way for the Lord, underscoring the necessity of sharing God’s message. This theme is echoed in Philippians 1:3-11, where Paul celebrates the partnership of the Philippians in spreading the gospel. Both passages remind us that we are not mere spectators; each of us plays a vital part in proclaiming God’s love and grace as we engage in His mission.
Preaching Ideas for the Second Sunday of Advent
Proclaim the Promise of Redemption
Proclaim the unwavering promise of redemption found in Luke 1:68-79 and Malachi 3:1-4. Make it clear that God’s faithfulness isn’t just an abstract concept—it’s a living reality that offers hope in our everyday struggles. Draw connections between this promise and the challenges facing the congregation, reminding them that God is actively refining and restoring lives, even in the most difficult of circumstances. This is a moment to inspire hope and ignite a passion for God’s transformative work in their lives.
Call for Spiritual Readiness
Issue a bold call for spiritual readiness, grounded in the urgent message of Luke 3:1-6 and the encouragement found in Philippians 1:3-11. Challenge the congregation to examine their own hearts and prepare for the coming of the Lord through genuine repentance and active faith. Highlight the necessity of living lives that reflect God’s love and grace, emphasizing that each person has a vital role to play in His mission. This is not just about waiting; it’s about engaging actively with the transformative work God is doing in the world.
