Waiting, Remembering, Preparing and READINESS

The fourth of this year's Advent Liturgy in Dundonald Methodist.
Voice 1: This is the fourth Sunday of Advent.
Voice 2: We're glad that Christmas is almost here.
Voice 1: But the first candle reminds us to wait.
[THE FIRST CANDLE IS LIT]
Voice 2: The second candle reminds us of the promises of God.
[THE SECOND CANDLE IS LIT]
Voice 1: And the third candle encourages us to prepare ourselves.
[THE THIRD CANDLE IS LIT]
Voice 2: To prepare ourselves and others
Voice 1: To get everything ready.
Voice 2: Ready for the big day
Voice 1: for Christmas
Voice 2: For the baby
Voice 1: For the King.
Voice 2: So the fourth candle reminds us to get ready.
[THE FOURTH CANDLE IS LIT]
Voice 1: An angel of the Lord appeared to Zechariah and said:
Voice 2: "Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John.
Voice 1: He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord.
Voice 2: And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the direct those who are disobedient to the wisdom that produces righteousness—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."
Voice 1 & 2: Let us pray:
All: Faithful God, fill us with your spirit that our hearts may be open to each other and to your word that promotes right relationships with others and with you. May we be ready to receive you, and ready to serve. Amen.

Selah

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