Advent Call to Worship (4th Sunday/Prepare hearts)

(Instructions)

Lights dimmed in sanctuary.  John 1:1-5 read from the back of the sanctuary.  The Advent candles are  “walked” down the aisle.  As they are put into place at the front of the sanctuary, the lights are raised and a soloist (from the back of the sanctuary) sings the VERSE to the tune of “O Come, O Come Emmanuel”.  The choir and congregation sing the PRAYER/REFRAIN. 

 (Call to Worship)

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being n him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.

(verse sung by a soloist to the tune of “O Come, O Come Emmanuel”)

Oppressed, they once cried out,

"O LORD, how long?"

And we now pray,

"O God, Thy kingdom come."

Expectancy and hope is in the air.

Prepare the manger, for the time is near.

(Sung prayer/refrain by choir and congregation)

Make soft, our hearts -

A place for you to dwell.

O come to us

Emmanuel.

(c) 2011 anna murdock / Broad Street UMC / Statesville, NC