The Second Sunday of Advent
Centering Practice
We invite you to slow down, breathe, and connect with God, each other, and yourself:
- Begin by closing our eyes and taking several slow, deep breaths
- Advent is a season of watching and waiting on the Lord. The theme of this second Sunday is peace — many people in our world today are stressed, anxious, frustrated, frazzled, or otherwise un-peaceful
- Invite you to take 3 deep breaths as you hold a symbol of peace for yourself (hands over heart, hug, open, hands over eyes); whatever brings your pace down and allows you to encounter the Prince of Peace today
Lighting of the Advent Candles
Week Two: The Candle of Peace
Reading 1
We give thanks for the light of Christ,
shining in the lives of all God’s people.
Reading 2
As we light our Advent candle
We thank You for the peace You give.
As we prepare for Christmastime
Light of the world, shine on us.
Reading 3
In our lives of confusion and stress,
Bring peace to our hearts.
To all the people who don’t know You,
Light of the world, shine through us.
Reading 4
In this world of pain and darkness,
Help us to share the peace You give.
In our service here today,
Light of the world, light the way.
— Light Two Purple Candles —
Worship Songs
Great Are You Lord
O come, O come Emmanuel
O come, O come Emmanuel
You give life
You are love
You bring light to the darkness
You give hope
You restore
every heart that is broken
And great are You, Lord
It’s Your breath in our lungs
So we pour out our praise
We pour out our praise
It’s Your breath in our lungs
So we pour out our praise
To You only
All the earth will shout Your praise
Our hearts will cry, these bones will sing
Great are You, Lord
Be Thou My Vision
Be thou my Vision
O Lord of my heart
Naught be all else to me
Save that Thou art
Thou my best thought
By day or by night
Waking or sleeping
Thy Presence, my Light
Riches I heed not
Nor vain empty praise
Thou mine inheritance
Now and always
Thou and Thou only
Be first in my heart
High King of Heaven
My treasure, Thou art
O God, be my everything
Be my delight
Be Jesus, my glory
My soul satisfied
High King of Heaven
When victory is won
May I reach Heaven’s joys
O bright Heaven’s sun
Heart of my own heart
Whatever befall
Still be my vision
O Ruler of all
Advent Prayer
Holy One,
be the light in our darkness this day.
As we have lit the candle of peace,
we pray for those people and places who need peace…
— Invite people forward to light candles —
Holy One,
be the light in our darkness this day,
that we might reflect Your light
into every corner of our world.
Amen.
Assurance of God’s Love
Communion
Offering Prayer
Announcements
- Thanks for worshiping with us today! We hope you experience meaningful connection with God and others in our community. If you’re visiting for the first time today, we’d love to get to know you better. Please take home a visitor’s card with QR code so that we can stay in touch & build a relationship!
- Advent Offerings: This year’s advent offering will be given to two groups: Justice Ventures International and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance
- Upcoming Schedule:
- Next Sunday, 12/15: Young Adults bowling outing after service
- Saturday, 12/21: Christmas party at the Kim’s house in Vista
- Sunday, 12/22: Advent offering during service; Youth Group outing after service
- Sunday, 12/29: Reset Sunday
- Sunday, 1/5/25: Anchor & Hope’s anniversary!
Passing of the Peace
Let’s greet each other at this time!
Family Praise
I’ve Got Peace Like a River
Blessing of the Children
Go in peace and go in joy;
Filled with wonder for this day.
Go in faith and go in love;
God will guide you on your way!
Worship Song
Psalm 23 (I’m Not Alone)
O Lord You’re my Shepherd
You go before me
Defender behind me
I won’t fear
I’m filled with anointing
My cup’s overflowing
Nothing can harm me
I won’t fear
Hallelujah, I am not alone
You’re my comfort
Always holds me close
Lord, You always guide me
Through mountains and valleys
Your joy is refreshing
It restores my soul
Your mercy and goodness
Gives me assurance
That I’ll see Your glory
Face to face
Your Spirit lives within me
So I will walk in Your peace
Your Spirit lives within me
Come lead me, Lord lead me
Scripture Reading
Isaiah 9:2,6-7
2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.
6 For a child has been born for us,
a son given to us;
authority rests upon his shoulders,
and he is named
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Great will be his authority,
and there shall be endless peace
for the throne of David and his kingdom.
He will establish and uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time onward and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
Reader: This is the Word of the Lord.
Together: Thanks be to God.
Sermon
The Season of Advent: Peace
Pastor Dan
Conversation:
- Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace: In which way do you need Jesus to bring you peace today?
- Say a brief prayer for your conversation partner: “Jesus, be _______ for _______ today”
Worship Song
Be Still
O broken sinner come
And rest by Galilee
And let the Savior speak to you
The beauty of His peace
His tender voice of love
Bids all your strivings cease
Breathes into every fear and doubt
The beauty of His peace
Be still my soul
Be still my soul
Be still my soul
Be still
You know my anxious thoughts
Your Spirit my relief
Speak through the earthquake, wind, and fire
The beauty of Your peace
The beauty of Your peace
When tears fall through the night
And panic grips my life
I can rest, I can rest in You
When sorrow marks my day
I will not be afraid
I will trust, I will trust in You
Lord, I need You, oh I need You
Every hour I need You
My One defense, my righteousness
Oh God how I need You
Anchor & Hope Church 