Sundays at All Hallows (Sunday, December 8, 2024)

Welcome to Sundays at All Hallows.

We are apt to let Christmas overshadow Advent. What may be described as the hustle and bustle of the secular Christmas season, which begins on the day after Thanksgiving Day and in some retail stores before then, has come to influence the life of the Church and our lives too. In this Sunday’s message we explore how we might make our yearly observance of Advent more spiritually meaningful.

THE GATHERING OF GOD’S PEOPLE

The Lord be with you
and also with you.

The glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together. Isaiah 40:5

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves,
and the truth is not in us.
But if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just,
and will forgive our sins
and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:8-9

Let us confess our sins to God our Father

Silence

Heavenly Father,
we have sinned against you and against our neighbour
in thought and word and deed,
through negligence, through weakness,
through our own deliberate fault;
by what we have done
and by what we have failed to do.
We are truly sorry and repent of all our sins.
For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ who died for us,
forgive us all that is past;
and grant that we may serve you in newness of life
to the glory of your name. Amen.

Merciful Lord,
grant to your faithful people pardon and peace,
that we may be cleansed from all our sins,
and serve you with a quiet mind;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

PROCLAIMING AND RECEIVING THE WORD

O Lord, open our lips
and our mouth will proclaim your praise.

O God, make speed to save us.
O Lord, make haste to help us.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning, is now, and shall be for ever. Amen.

Praise the Lord.
The Lord’s name be praised.

Open this link in a new tab to hear Michael Joncas’ metrical setting of the Invitatory Psalm: Psalm 95.

1 O come and sing to God, the Lord,
To him our voices raise;
Let us in our most joyful songs,
The Lord, our Savior praise.

2 Before his presence let us come
With praise and thankful voice;
Let us sing psalms to him with joy,
With grateful hearts rejoice.

3 He is a great and mighty king,
Above all gods his throne;
The depths of earth are in his hand,
The mountains are his own.

4 To him the spacious sea belongs,
He made its waves and tides;
And by his hand the rising land
Was formed and still abides.

5 O come, and bowing down to him
Our worship let us bring;
Yes, let us kneel before the Lord,
Our Maker and our King.

Open this link in a new tab to hear Jeff Cothran and Laura Winnen’s “My Lord, He Is a Comin' Soon.”

My Lord, He is a comin’ soon
Prepare ye the way of the Lord
Get everything ready for that day
Prepare ye the way of the Lord

1 If you're asleep, it's time to wake up
Awake O' sleeper arise
If you're in the darkness, it's time to be lit.
Awake O' sleeper arise

My Lord, He is a comin’ soon
Prepare ye the way of the Lord
Get everything ready for that day
Prepare ye the way of the Lord

2 Come Lord Jesus, come into my heart
Prepare ye the way of the King
He is coming, He’s coming soon
Prepare ye the way of the King

My Lord, He is comin’ soon
Prepare ye the way of the Lord
Get everything ready for that day
Prepare ye the way of the Lord

3 John the Baptist now calls to us
Repent and change your ways
The true Messiah is coming soon
He is the hope of the world

My Lord, He is comin’ soon
Prepare ye the way of the Lord
Get everything ready for that day
Prepare ye the way of the Lord

Prepare ye the way of the Lord
Prepare ye the way of the Lord

Open this link in a new tab to hear Marty Haugen’s “Psalm 85: Lord, Let Us Hear Your Kindness.”

Intro
Lord, let us see your kindness.
Lord, let us see your kindness.

Refrain
Lord, let us see your kindness.
Lord, let us see your kindness.

Verse 1
Let us hear what our God proclaims:
Peace to the people of God,
salvation is near to the ones who fear God.

Refrain
Lord, let us see your kindness.
Lord, let us see your kindness.

Verse 2
Kindness and truth, justice and peace:
truth shall spring up as the water from the earth,
justice shall rain from the heavens.

Refrain
Lord, let us see your kindness.
Lord, let us see your kindness.

Verse 3
The Lord will come and you shall know his love,
justice shall walk in his pathways,
salvation the gift that he brings.

Refrain
Lord, let us see your kindness.
Lord, let us see your kindness.

Open this link in a new tab to hear Jimmy Owen' FAIRFIELD setting of Thomas Ken's "The Doxology (Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow)."

Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
Praise Him, all creatures here below,
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
Praise Him, all creatures here below,
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
Praise Him, all creatures here below,
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

A reading from the Book of Malachi, chapter 3, beginning at verse 1.
Malachi 3: 1-4

“Look! I am sending my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. Then the Lord you are seeking will suddenly come to his Temple. The messenger of the covenant, whom you look for so eagerly, is surely coming,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.

“But who will be able to endure it when he comes? Who will be able to stand and face him when he appears? For he will be like a blazing fire that refines metal, or like a strong soap that bleaches clothes. He will sit like a refiner of silver, burning away the dross. He will purify the Levites, refining them like gold and silver, so that they may once again offer acceptable sacrifices to the Lord. Then once more the Lord will accept the offerings brought to him by the people of Judah and Jerusalem, as he did in the past.

Silence

Open this link in a new tab to hear Carl P. Daw, Jr.’s “Let All Creation Bless the Lord (A Song of Creation).”

1 Let all creation bless the Lord,
till heav'n with praise is ringing.
Sun, moon, and stars, peal out a chord,
stir up the angels' singing.
Sing, wind and rain! Sing, snow and sleet!
Make music, day, night, cold and heat:
exalt the God who made you.

2 All living things upon the earth,
green fertile hills and mountains,
sing to the God who gave you birth;
be joyful, springs and fountains.
Lithe waterlife, bright airborne birds,
wild roving beasts, tame flocks and herds:
exalt the God who made you.

3 O men and women everywhere,
lift up a hymn of glory;
let all who know God's steadfast care
tell out salvation's story.
No tongue be silent; sing your part,
you humble souls and meek of heart:
exalt the God who made you.

A reading from Paul’s Letter to the Philippians, chapter 1, beginning at verse 3.
Philippians 1: 3-11

Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

So it is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a special place in my heart. You share with me the special favor of God, both in my imprisonment and in defending and confirming the truth of the Good News. God knows how much I love you and long for you with the tender compassion of Christ Jesus.

I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God.

Silence

Open this link in a new tab to hear Carl P. Daw, Jr.’s “Blessed Be te God of Israel (Benedictus Dominus Deus).”

1 Blessed be the God of Israel
who comes to set us free
and raises up new hope for us:
a Branch from David's tree.
So have the prophets long declared
that with a mighty arm
God would turn back our enemies
and all who wish us harm.

2 With promised mercy will God still
the covenant recall,
the oath once sworn to Abraham,
from foes to save us all;
that we might worship without fear
and offer lives of praise,
in holiness and righteousness
to serve God all our days.

3 My child, as prophet of the Lord,
you will prepare the way,
to tell God's people they are saved
from sin's eternal sway.
Then shall God's mercy from on high
shine forth and never cease
to drive away the gloom of death
and lead us into peace.

A reading from the Gospel according to Luke, chapter 3, beginning at verse 1.
Luke 3: 1-6

It was now the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius, the Roman emperor. Pontius Pilate was governor over Judea; Herod Antipas was ruler over Galilee; his brother Philip was ruler over Iturea and Traconitis; Lysanias was ruler over Abilene. Annas and Caiaphas were the high priests. At this time a message from God came to John son of Zechariah, who was living in the wilderness. Then John went from place to place on both sides of the Jordan River, preaching that people should be baptized to show that they had repented of their sins and turned to God to be forgiven. Isaiah had spoken of John when he said,

“He is a voice shouting in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming!
Clear the road for him!
The valleys will be filled,
and the mountains and hills made level.
The curves will be straightened,
and the rough places made smooth.
And then all people will see
the salvation sent from God.’”

Silence

How to Keep a Holy Advent

While we now tend to think of Advent as the time to prepare for Christmas, earlier generations of Christians saw Advent as the beginning of the Christian year. To the more devout, Advent was a time to rededicate the year to the Lord and to make a firm commitment to growing in holiness and righteousness in the approaching year. They were mindful of what Jesus had said about how faithful servants always should be ready for their master’s return even though they do not know when that will be. They took to heart what Jesus had warned the apostles about his second coming. It would be sudden and unexpected like a thief breaking into a house late at night. As a consequence, they saw Advent as a time for self-examination, for repentance, for prayer, for fasting and abstinence, for giving alms to the poor and the needy, for other acts of mercy, and for reconciliation. It was not a time for self-indulgence, for carousing, or for extravagance.

Recovering this way of keeping a holy Advent would have many spiritual benefits for Christians in the twenty-first century. It would provide us with an opportunity to develop lifelong habits that will not only contribute to our own spiritual growth but also make a difference in the lives of others. It would help us stay focused upon Jesus, not just as our Savior but as our Lord. The Jesus who was born in mean surroundings, who suffered an died for us on the cross, became human to teach us how to live a life pleasing to God as well as to deliver us from sin and death. We trust in him not only to save us but also to show us the right way to live.

How then might we keep a holy Advent?

Take time to examine how you are living your life. What things have come between you and God? What can you do about it? Confess to God where you have gone wrong and ask God’s forgiveness. Ask God for help in making the changes you need to make in your life. This is something that you will want to do throughout Advent and the year.

Set aside time each day to pray. Choose a time when you are not busy or tired. Consider this time your daily appointment with God. Prayer is basically a conversation with God. You share with God what is on your heart and mind—your joys, your sorrows, your hopes, your fears.. Also listen for God to respond. God does speak to us. God may speak to us directly. He may speak to us through a passage of Scripture or through the words of a family member, a friend, or even a stranger. It is good practice to check what you hear directly or from a person against what Scripture says. God is not going to contradict what he has already said nor is God going to urge you to harm someone in learning otherwise do something that is wrong. In some instances, it is wise to consult a trustworthy, spiritually mature fellow Christian.

Make a habit of practicing the presence of God, “putting into practice, whenever possible, a conscious thankful awareness of God’s presence,” and pray to God whenever you can. What I have personally found helpful in learning how to practice God’s presence is to see myself as a child and God as a loving parent who cares deeply about me and with whom I enjoy an intimate, close relationship, someone who knows everything about me, someone who knows my true self.

If you are in a public space, take a moment to pray for those around you.

Before you go to sleep at night, entrust those for whom you pray and yourself to God’s safekeeping. When you awake from sleep in the morning, dedicate the new day and yourself to God’s service. Pray that everything that you say and do that day will bring honor and glory to God.

Read a passage from the Gospels every day. Read it aloud so you will hear it as well as read it. Read it again. Meditate on what you have read and then pray about it.

Look for ways that you can give and serve. Be intentional. Think about how you can meet the needs of your neighbors, how you can share the love of Jesus with those around you. Consider doing an act of volunteering that you have never done before, doing something to help others, particularly those in need, giving money to a worthwhile cause, donating food to a food bank or food pantry. Even if you are homebound, there are still many ways to give and to serve.

These are just a few of the ways to keep a holy Advent. What other ways can you think of?

Silence

Open this link in a new tab to hear Carl P. Daw, Jr.’s “Wild and Lone the Prophet’s Voice.”

1 Wild and lone the prophet's voice
echoes through the desert still,
calling us to make a choice,
bidding us to do God's will:
"Turn from sin and be baptized;
cleanse your heart and mind and soul.
Quitting all the sins you prized,
yield your life to God's control."

2 "Bear the fruit repentance sows:
lives of justice, truth, and love.
Trust no other claim than those;
set your heart on things above.
Soon the Lord will come in power,
burning clean the threshing floor:
then will flames the chaff devour;
wheat alone shall fill God's store."

3 With such preaching stark and bold
John proclaimed salvation near,
and his timeless warnings hold
words of hope to all who hear.
So we dare to journey on,
led by faith through ways untrod,
till we come at last like John
to behold the Lamb of God.

I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

The Lord be with you
and also with you.

Let us pray.

Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy

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 trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.

Show us your mercy, O Lord,
and grant us your salvation.
Keep our nation under your care,
and guide us in justice and truth.
Let your ministers be clothed with righteousness
and let your servants shout for joy.
O Lord, save your people
and bless those whom you have chosen.
Give peace in our time, O Lord,
and let your glory be over all the earth.
O God, make clean our hearts within us
and renew us by your Holy Spirit.

Father in heaven,
who sent your Son to redeem the world
and will send him again to be our judge:
Give us grace so to imitate him
in the humility and purity of his first coming
that when he comes again,
we may be ready to greet him with joyful love and firm faith;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Heavenly Father,
in whom we live and move and have our being:
We humbly pray that your Holy Spirit may so guide and govern us
that in all the cares and occupations of our daily life,
we may never forget your presence
but may remember that we are always walking in your sight,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Open this like in a new tab to hear Steven C. Warner and Karen Schneider Kirner’s choral arrangement of George Herbert’s “Come, My Way, My Truth, My Life.”

1 Come, my way, my truth, my life:
such a way as gives us breath;
such a truth as ends all strife;

such a life as killeth death,
such a life as killeth death.

2 Come, my light, my feast, my strength:
such a light as shows a feast;
such a feast as mends in length;

such a strength as makes his guest,
such a strength as makes his guest.

3 Come, my joy, my love, my heart:
such a joy as none can move;
such a love as none can part;

such a heart as joys in love,
such a heart as joys in love.

[Let us pray for all people according to their needs.]

O God, the creator and preserver of all humankind, we pray for people of every race, and in every kind of need: make your ways known on earth, your saving power among all nations.

[Especially we pray for…]

Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer.

We pray for your Church throughout the world: guide and
govern by your Holy Spirit, that all who profess and call
themselves Christians may be led into the way of truth, and
hold the faith in unity of spirit, in the bond of peace, and in
righteousness of life.

[Especially we pray for…]

Lord, in your mercy
hear our prayer.

We commend to your fatherly goodness all who are anxious or distressed in mind or body; comfort and relieve them In their need, giving them patience in their sufferings, and bring good things out of their troubles.

[Especially we pray for…]

Merciful Father,
accept these prayers
for the sake of your Son,
our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

[Let us give thanks to God for his goodness.]

Gracious God, we humbly thank you
for all your gifts freely bestowed upon us,
for life and health and safety,
for freedom to work and leisure to rest,
and for all that is beautiful in creation and in human life.
But, above all, we thank you for our Saviour Jesus Christ,
for his death and resurrection,
for the gift of your Spirit,
and for the hope of glory.
Fill our hearts with joy and all peace in believing;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Open this link in a new tab to hear J. R. Peacy’s “Awake, Awake: Fling Off the Night.”

1 Awake, awake: fling off the night!
for God has sent a glorious light;
and we who live in Christ's new day
must works of darkness put away.

2 Awake and sing, with praises strong,
in psalm and hymn and Spirit-song.
Let love our words and works renew
with all that's good, and right, and true.

3 Let in the light; all sin expose
to Christ, whose life no darkness knows.
Before the cross expectant kneel,
that Christ may judge, and judging, heal.

4 Then rise, as children of the light.
Be neither proud, nor hide from sight.
Be careful how you live, and wise
to sift the truth from cunning lies.

5 Through Christ give thanks to God, and say
to other sleepers on the way:
"Awake, and rise up from the dead
that Christ may shine on you instead!"

GOING OUT AS GOD’S PEOPLE

The Lord be with you
and also with you.

Let us bless the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

May the Lord bless us
and protect us.
May the Lord smile on us
and be gracious to us.
May the Lord show us his favor
and give us his peace. Amen.

[The peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you always.
And also with you.

Those present may exchange a gesture of peace with these or similar words:
Peace be with you.]