Advent: the arrival of a notable person, thing, or event.

As we sing of the coming of the “notable person” this second Sunday of Advent, prepare your hearts (clean the stable!). And pray  for peace in the world, in every home and in every heart!

Prelude: O Come, O Come, Immanuel – Carolynn Baer, flute

Candlelighting Hymn: We light the Advent candle of peace this week.  The melody is the familiar American tune, “Away in a Manger.”

A candle is burning, a candle of peace;

A candle to signal that conflict must cease.

For Jesus is coming to show us the way;

A message of peace humbly laid in the hay.

Anthem: “Advent Grace” – The quietly joyful strains of “Gloria in excelsis Deo” open this Advent anthem. An adaptation of the O Little Town of Bethlehem text is paired with the classic Amazing Grace melody. Carolynn Baer will play flute.

Hymn: “Today We All Are Called to be Disciples”  In this hymn text by H. Kenn Carmichael, there are scripture references from Genesis, Psalms, Proverbs, Isaiah, Amos, Micah, Matthew, John, Colossians, James, and 1 John! These words from the 3rd stanza express our theme of peace for this Sunday.

For God is longing to restore an earth where conflicts cease,

A world that was created for a harmony of peace.

Advent: the arrival of a notable person, thing, or event.

As the wonderful season of Advent begins,  watch and wait for the “notable person.” Let the anticipation build! Let the excitement grow! Build a manger! Get ready! Hope is on the way!

Sunday, November 27 Music

Guest organist: Roy McCullough

Candlelighting Hymn: As we light the Advent candle this Sunday, we sing about the light of Christ which is hope.  The melody is the familiar American tune, “Away in a Manger.”

A candle is burning, a flame warm and bright;

A candle of Hope in December’s dark night.

While angels sing blessings from heav’n’s starry sky

Our hearts we prepare now, for Jesus is nigh.

Hymn: “Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus,”

Charles Wesley wrote this Advent hymn. Like so many of Wesley’s texts, “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus” alludes to one or more scripture passages in virtually every phrase.

For many Christians, this hymn is synonymous with Advent.  Musically, the tune fits very well with the hymn, and makes it easy to sing so we can focus on the words.  Hymns are first of all texts: poetry on a religious topic for singing in worship.

The 2nd stanza expresses our theme for this first Sunday of Advent: HOPE.

Come Thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free.

 From our fears and sins release us. Let us find our rest in thee.

Israel’s strength and consolation, hope of all the earth thou art;

 Dear desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart.

Our Music this Sunday

It is our tradition at Christ Presbyterian Church to celebrate Thanksgiving on the Sunday before the holiday. It is a wonderful coincidence that it is also Commitment Sunday for our Stewardship Campaign. As we express our gratitude for the many and abundant blessings God has provided, we return our “first fruits” in thanksgiving. Our music on this day reflects our thanks and praise, and also our commitment to God’s work in our midst, our community and the world.

Prelude – The Gift to be Simple – Chancel Ringers

Call to Worship – With Thanksgiving – Youth Choir

Hymn – Come, Ye Thankful People, Come

Anthem – A Thanksgiving Prayer – Youth and Sanctuary Choirs

Hymn – As Those of Old Their First Fruits Brought

In gratitude and humble trust, we bring our best today,
to serve your cause and share your love with all humanity.
O God, who gave yourself to us in Jesus Christ your Son,
teach us to give ourselves each day until life’s work is done.

The families of residents at Arden Courts Fair Oaks, just across the street from the church, have invited us to present a program of music for the residents there this Sunday at 1:00. Music is known to “spark compelling outcomes even in the very late stages” of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Many thanks to June Gladding and our youth and children for their hard work preparing  this outreach project.

Parents: Community Service hours available.