We believe in God, the giver of life and grace, whose wondrous deeds
bring hope and healing to people of all nations
We believe that God’s decision to be with us, in the person of Jesus,
manifested God’s immeasurable love for humankind.
We abide in Jesus, the Beloved One, whose name is written upon our hearts.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, who is at work whispering words of hope, peace, joy and love
to ALL people.
We believe in the church, the living body of Christ in the world, to which we belong.
As members of the body, we are called to minister to all people in Jesus’ name
seeking transformation for ourselves, the church, and the world.
And so it begins. Amen.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Gracious and wondrous God of Hope, we look forward to this Advent Season as an opportunity to contemplate our spiritual lives. We confess how very much we like seeing the smiles and laughter on the faces of children as they anticipate Christmas. But help us not to rush the season. Help us be aware of people’s concerted effort to show a kinder side of themselves, even in crowded parking lots and shopping malls. We pray stay the waiting course of Advent, as we prepare our hearts and minds for the arrival of your greatest gift to humankind. We shall not dwell on the former things, or consider the things of old, but we shall perceive the new thing that is sure to make us glad. Fill us with the Hope that is in you, as these Advent days unfold. In the name of the Christ, we pray.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
How many of you thrill to a rollercoaster ride, or thrill at winning the lottery or the jackpot at your favorite slot? How many of you remember the thrill of your first kiss, your first car, your first home, or your first child? “Thrill’s” origin in the 14th century as a verb, meant: to pierce through, perforate, or penetrate as in making a hole. By the 16th century thrill was being used metaphorically to describe a penetrating emotion, that made one shiver with excitement. When translating the French Carol, O, Holy Night, into English, Boston born, Unitarian, John Sullivan Dwight, translated the word tresaille (meaning tremble) to “thrill.” Until 1971 you couldn’t find “thrill” in scripture, but an enthusiastic translator took the Hebrew pâchad meaning, to tremble with fear or dread, in Isaiah 60:5, and put the word “thrill” in its place, which is a word more welcome than tremble, to our sensitive ears, as well as, a feeling we look forward to.
UNISON OFFERTORY PRAYER
Wondrous and Eternal God, pour out your blessing upon these gifts and promises. We offer them with full and grateful hearts. We trust that you will always guide us to use them wisely, and always for the greater good. Proclaiming our belief that all things are possible with you, we offer ourselves in service, seeking always, in the name of the Christ, to do your work and will. Amen.
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