November 30, 2025
Prelude
John Bodinger
Welcome
Lighting the Advent Candles
Alan, Julia, and Adelynn Champagne
We light this candle as a sign of the coming light of Christ. Advent means coming.
We are preparing ourselves for the days when nations shall beat their swords into plowshares,
and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.
[Isaiah 2:4]
Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates (Hymn 8)
Weissel/Williams
Lift up your heads, ye mighty gates, behold, the King of glory waits;
The King of kings is drawing near; the Savior of the world is here!
Fling wide the portals of your heart; make it a temple, set apart
From earthly use for heaven’s employ, adorned with prayer, and love, and joy.
Redeemer, come! I open wide my heart to Thee; here, Lord, abide.
Let me Thy inner presence feel; Thy grace and love in me reveal.
Confession
Holy God, Advent reminds us to look forward to a time when the humble will be raised up, people will stream to your house, and nations will unlearn war. With our country on a path of increasing disparity between rich and poor, this can seem like a distant hope. Forgive us when we fail to watch for your kingdom. Forgive us when we are distracted and overlook the ways you are with us now. Help us cultivate joyful reversals and trust your work to continue to fulfillment. Amen.
Silence
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (Hymn 9)
Latin, 12th century/adapt. Helmore
O come, Desire of nations, bind all peoples in one heart and mind;
Bid envy, strife, and discord cease; fill the whole world with heaven’s peace.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel!
Forgiveness in Jesus Christ
Peace
The peace of Christ be with you.
And also with you.
Doxology (Hymn 592)
Ken/Genevan Psalter
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God above, ye heavenly host
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Prayer for Illumination
Scripture Readings
Steve Blewett
Old Testament: Isaiah 2:1-5
New Testament: Romans 13:11–14
I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light
Thomerson
I want to walk as a child of the light. I want to follow Jesus.
God set the stars to give light to the world. The star of my life is Jesus.
Refrain:
In him there is no darkness at all. The night and the day are both alike.
The Lamb is the light of the city of God. Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus.
I want to see the brightness of God. I want to look at Jesus.
Clear Sun of righteousness, shine on my path, and show me the way to the Father. (Refrain)
I’m looking for the coming of Christ. I want to be with Jesus.
When we have run with patience the race, we shall know the joy of Jesus. (Refrain)
Sermon: Already, but Not Yet
Scott Starbuck
Focus: The Gospel reveals that life is always a mixed bag, but a good mixed bag. The kingdom “does not admit of [full] observation” here. Only in eternity are all shadows resolved. Here we live in faith and trust in the in-between. –Richard Rohr
Response: Watchman, Tell Us of the Night (Hymn 20)
Bowring/Parry
Watchman, tell us of the night, what its signs of promise are.
Traveler, o’er yon mountain’s height, see that glory beaming star.
Watchman, does its beauteous ray aught of joy or hope foretell?
Traveler, yes; it brings the day, promised day of Israel.
Watchman, tell us of the night, higher yet that star ascends.
Traveler, blessedness and light, peace and truth its course portends.
Watchman, will its beams alone gild the spot that gave them birth?
Traveler, ages are its own; see it bursts o’er all the earth.
Watchman, tell us of the night, for the morning seems to dawn.
Traveler, darkness takes its flight, doubt and terror are withdrawn.
Watchman, let your wanderings cease; hasten to your quiet home.
Traveler, lo, the Prince of Peace, Lo, the Son of God is come!
Pastoral Prayer & The Lord's Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, and deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
Call to Stewardship
Mila Russell
“Is anything too wonderful for the Lord? At the set time I will return to you, in due season, and Sarah shall have a son.” -Genesis 18:14
Sending: O Day of Peace That Dimly Shines (Hymn 450)
Daw/Parry
O day of peace that dimly shines through all our hopes and prayers and dreams,
Guide us to justice, truth, and love, delivered from our selfish schemes.
May swords of hate fall from our hands, our hearts from envy find release,
Till by God’s grace our warring world shall see Christ’s promised reign of peace.
Then shall the wolf dwell with the lamb, nor shall the fierce devour the small;
As beasts and cattle calmly graze, a little child shall lead them all.
Then enemies shall learn to love, all creatures find their true accord;
The hope of peace shall be fulfilled, for all the earth shall know the Lord.
Charge & Benediction
Postlude
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