"Ever Ready"

Call to Worship (Jeremiah 33, 1 Thessalonians 3, Luke 21)

People of faith, prepare for the coming reign of Christ!   As we gather to pray and sing and listen, a spirit of anticipation and hope fills us. The days are surely coming, says Our God, when justice and righteousness will prevail. May our worship illuminate our hearts and minds, freeing us to respond joyfully to God’s call in the days to come.

Opening Prayer (Psalm 25, 1 Thessalonians 3, Luke 21)

Holy Source of life and hope, as we come together this day, open our ears to hear, open our eyes to see, and open our hearts to love, that we may come to know your ways and follow your paths. Help us grow in love for one another, and for all creation, as we prepare for the coming of the one who calls us to turn from our false gods to you, Holy One, the true source of our salvation. Amen.

Invitation to the Offering (1 Thessalonians)

God’s love for us knows no bounds. In grateful response, may our gifts to others abound.

Prayer

We can hardly believe it, Lord. The Advent season is upon us. We usually translate that into the buying season in preparation for THE BIG DAY. But when we place our hope in the tinsel, wrappings, tape and boxes, we forget the most glorious gift of all, the gift of God's absolute love. Open our eyes, our hearts, our spirits today to behold God's gracious love for us in the fulfillment of all God's promises. For we ask this in the name of Jesus. AMEN.

Luke 21:25-36 New International Version 25 “There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. 26 People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. 27 At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” 29 He told them this parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees. 30 When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. 31 Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 “Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. 34 “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap. 35 For it will come on all those who live on the face of the whole earth. 36 Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”

Benediction

God's presence and promises are real. Go now into God's world, trusting in God's love and placing your hope in God. Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever.Go in peace. AMEN