Liturgy for the Third Sunday in Advent, Year C (Luke)
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The third Sunday of Advent turns our attention to joy. The Lord is our salvation and therefore we shall not be afraid.
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:
Leader: As we gather on this Third Sunday of Advent, we come to rejoice in the hope that Christ brings.
People: We light the third candle, symbolizing joy in our hearts.
Leader: The prophet Zephaniah calls us to rejoice: “The Lord your God is with you, a mighty warrior who saves.”
People: We come to celebrate the joy of our salvation!
Leader: Let us worship the Lord together with grateful hearts!
Prayer of Confession:
Loving God, as we journey through Advent, we confess that we often forget the joy of your presence. We become consumed by our struggles and fail to share your light with others. Forgive us for our doubts and our reluctance to rejoice in your goodness. Help us to embrace the joy that comes from knowing you, and empower us to spread that joy to those around us as we prepare for Christ’s coming. Amen.
Assurance of Pardon (Zephaniah 3:14-20)
Beloved, as we gather in worship, let us find assurance in the words of Zephaniah 3:14-20: “Sing aloud, O daughter Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem! The Lord has taken away the judgments against you; he has cleared away your enemies. The King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst; you shall never again fear evil.” Know that through Christ, your sins are forgiven, and God is with you, bringing comfort and restoration. Embrace this truth and let your hearts be filled with joy, for the Lord delights in you and offers you His peace and renewal.
Prayer of Illumination:
Gracious God, as we turn to your Word today, we ask for your Spirit to guide us. Open our hearts and minds to receive your truth and wisdom. May your message fill us with joy and inspire us as we prepare for the coming of Christ. Amen.
Prayer of Dedication:
Loving God, we dedicate these gifts and our lives to you. May they bring joy to those in need and be a source of hope in our community. Amen.
Passages for the Third Sunday of Advent
Zephaniah 3:14-20
In this passage, Zephaniah calls the people of Zion to rejoice and celebrate because the Lord has removed their judgments and enemies. The text highlights God’s presence among His people as their King, assuring them that they will no longer fear evil. God promises restoration, gathering the outcasts and providing a future filled with joy and honor.
Isaiah 12:2-6
Isaiah expresses gratitude and praise to God for His salvation. The passage emphasizes trust in the Lord, declaring Him as strength and song. The people are called to draw water from the wells of salvation with joy, and they are encouraged to make known God’s deeds among the nations. The celebration culminates in a joyful proclamation of God’s greatness.
Philippians 4:4-7
Paul encourages the Philippians to rejoice in the Lord always and to let their gentleness be evident to all, reminding them that the Lord is near. He urges them not to be anxious but to present their requests to God through prayer and thanksgiving. In doing so, the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Luke 3:7-18
In this passage, John the Baptist addresses the crowds coming for baptism, warning them to bear fruits worthy of repentance. He emphasizes the need for genuine transformation rather than mere ancestry as a sign of righteousness. John proclaims the coming of the Messiah, who will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire, and he emphasizes the importance of sharing with those in need and living lives of integrity.
Themes for the Third Sunday of Advent
Joy and Celebration of Salvation
A prominent theme across these passages is the call to joy and celebration of God’s salvation. Zephaniah encourages the people of Zion to rejoice because the Lord has taken away their judgments and enemies, while Isaiah invites them to draw water from the wells of salvation with joy. Both passages emphasize the importance of recognizing and celebrating God’s saving acts in our lives.
Genuine Repentance and Transformation
A significant theme emerges in Luke, where John the Baptist emphasizes the need for genuine repentance and transformation. He challenges the crowds to bear fruits worthy of repentance, indicating that true faith must result in meaningful change. This theme ties back to the other passages, as genuine recognition of salvation leads to a life marked by joy, gratitude, and integrity in our actions.
Sermon Ideas for the Third Sunday of Advent
Rejoicing in God’s Salvation
The congregation gathers to embrace the powerful theme of joy and celebration found in Zephaniah 3:14-20 and Isaiah 12:2-6. The message underscores that God’s salvation is not just a personal experience but a communal celebration. Members reflect on their own stories of transformation and grace, sharing moments when God’s intervention brings them joy. This sermon sparks a genuine culture of rejoicing within the church, reminding everyone that celebrating God’s work in our lives strengthens our community and brings us closer together.
The Call to Genuine Repentance
In a gripping exploration of Luke 3:7-18, this sermon centers on the urgent call for genuine repentance delivered by John the Baptist. The message is clear: true faith demands action and transformation. Congregants are invited to examine their lives critically, identifying areas where they need to turn back to God. Practical steps for living out repentance are discussed, emphasizing that this journey is not just about personal reflection but also about embodying Christ’s love in our interactions with others. It serves as a compelling reminder that as we seek peace, as Paul promises in Philippians 4:4-7, we must also engage in the hard work of genuine change.
