CALL TO WORSHIP: –

This is our wake-up call. It is our invitation to come and worship Jesus our Saviour, not in the stable long ago but here and now.  We must be ready to celebrate Christ, God who is with us.

You are invited to sing the song:   ‘Awake before Sunrise’  (Unfortunately there was no YouTube audio for this music)

1. Awake before sunrise, before heat of day

Get ready for Christmas, we must be away.

Come worship the Christ child, our shepherd our head;

The woolshed his dwelling, the wool bale his bed.

2. The shepherds go muster, the dogs hunt away;

With dust and the barking, it’s shearing all day.

Come worship the Christ child, our shepherd our head;

The woolshed his dwelling, the wool bale his bed.

3. A breather for smoko, a time to give pride

To Jesus our shepherd, our saviour our guide.

Come worship the Christ child, our shepherd our head;

The woolshed his dwelling, the wool bale his bed.

4.  On horseback, on hilltop, creation below;

God’s beauty, our freedom, in Christ may we know.

Come worship the Christ child, our shepherd our head;

The woolshed his dwelling, the wool bale his bed.

Words Bill Bennett Music David Dell ©1990

From Christmas in the Shed published by Leigh Newton and Tanya Wittwer

Let us pray committing this time as we prepare for our Christmas celebrations.

We come together in hope, love and joy.
We join in joyful songs and prepare with joy to welcome Jesus.

Lord, we trust you,
you are our strength and salvation.
We trust in you and come to you for refreshing.
We will shout aloud, sing for joy
and tell everyone how great you are.  (Isaiah 12.2-6)

You are invited to listen to, or join on singing the carol:TIS   304 ‘O Come all ye faithful.’

LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLES LITURGY

Joy – Third Sunday in Advent  

Narrator: Today we light the candle of Joy.

[The candle of Hope and the candle of Peace, and the candle of Joy are lit.]

As we revisit the account of the first Christmas, we read that……

Mary joyfully treasured all the things that had happened during the angel’s visit and sang “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour,

Angels told the shepherds they had news of great or exceeding joy. The shepherds rushed off at once to meet this little baby who would be the Saviour of the World. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen,

We read that the astrologers from the East were filled with joy!

We can experience that same joy as we focus on Jesus, Immanuel, God with us.

The great joy of Christmas is that God sent Himself into the World as a baby Human, to do what we could not. Jesus lived a perfectly sinless life in our stead so that when we repent of our sinful lives and trust in His sinless life, God accepts us into His family and ultimately into Heaven. That is something about which we should be really joyful.

Look beyond the manger to the cross of Calvary and know the reason Christmas brings such joy to you and me.

Let us continue in prayer responding by singing the chorus  “Christ be our light.” (unaccompanied)

Empowering God,
The Advent candles shine out the light of your love; in that light we bring to you our hopes and worries, our gifts and our burdens.

(Sing) Christ, be our light
Shine in our hearts, shine through the darkness
Christ, be our light
Shine in your church gathered today                                                                        

The Advent candles shine out the light of your strength;
in that light we bring you those we love and those we miss.

(Sing)Christ, be our light
Shine in our hearts, shine through the darkness
Christ, be our light
Shine in your church gathered today

The Advent candles shine out the light of your promises;
in that light we bring you our lives and our dreams
for your blessing.

(sing) Christ, be our light
Shine in our hearts, shine through the darkness
Christ, be our light
Shine in your church gathered today

God of life,
in a world prone to despair,
we thank you for the joy of hope.
In a world wracked by uncertainty,
we thank you for the joy of your promises.
In a world tempted by greed,
we thank you for the joy of your goodness.
In a world of so much loneliness,
we thank you for the joy of your presence

Lighting our way
Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
we thank you. Amen.

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Lord of Advent,
we are sorry when we have let the busyness of Christmas
diminish the joyful news of your birth.

Lord, forgive us                                                                                                                 

We are sorry when we have missed opportunities to spread joy.

Lord, forgive us

We are sorry when the way we live doesn’t reflect
the generosity of your coming to us in Jesus.

Lord, forgive us

We are sorry when the joy of your presence has got lost
in the Christmas trimmings.

Forgive us and help us to walk with humility, integrity and wisdom
every step of the way to Bethlehem. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS

Eternal God,
we thank you for your gifts of grace and forgiveness
and for the words of your prophets,
who assure us of your mercy and set us free from fear
so that we can live fully, faithfully and for your glory.

When we confess our sins, we know that God is faithful and just, forgiving our sins and cleanses us from all unrighteousness. We therefore can confidently say–

Our sins are forgiven.

REFLECTION Mary did you know?

Mary did not know, but put her complete trust in the Lord.as she said,

 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.”

PRAYER OF ILLUMINATION

God, source of all light, by your Word, you give light to the soul.

 Pour out on us the spirit of wisdom and understanding,

that our hearts and minds may be opened

to know your truth and your way.

Amen.

BIBLE READINGS

Isaiah 12:2-6 GNT

 God is my saviour;

 I will trust him and not be afraid.
The Lord gives me power and strength;
 he is my saviour.
As fresh water brings joy to the thirsty,
 so God’s people rejoice when he saves them.”

 A day is coming when people will sing,

“Give thanks to the Lord! Call for him to help you!
 Tell all the nations what he has done!
 Tell them how great he is!

 Sing to the Lord because of the great things he has done.
Let the whole world hear the news.
Let everyone who lives in Zion shout and sing!
Israel’s holy God is great,
 and he lives among his people.”

Zephaniah 3:14-20            Good News Translation

A Song of Joy

Sing and shout for joy, people of Israel!
Rejoice with all your heart, Jerusalem!
The Lord has stopped your punishment;
he has removed all your enemies.
The Lord, the king of Israel, is with you;
 there is no reason now to be afraid.                                                                          
The time is coming when they will say to Jerusalem,
 “Do not be afraid, city of Zion!
  Do not let your hands hang limp!
The Lord your God is with you;
 his power gives you victory.
The Lord will take delight in you,
and in his love he will give you new life.^[a]
He will sing and be joyful over you,
as joyful as people at a festival.”
The Lord says,
“I have ended the threat of doom
 and taken away your disgrace.^[b]
The time is coming!
I will punish your oppressors;
I will rescue all the lame
and bring the exiles home.
I will turn their shame to honour,
and all the world will praise them.
The time is coming!
I will bring your scattered people home;
I will make you famous throughout the world
and make you prosperous once again.”
The Lord has spoken.

Your word, O God, is a lamp to our feet

A light to our path

Luke 3:7-18  GNT

 Crowds of people came out to John to be baptized by him. “You snakes!” he said to them. “Who told you that you could escape from the punishment God is about to send? 

Do those things that will show that you have turned from your sins. And don’t start saying among yourselves that Abraham is your ancestor. I tell you that God can take these rocks and make descendants for Abraham! 

The axe is ready to cut down the trees at the roots; every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown in the fire.”

The people asked him, “What are we to do, then?”

 He answered, “Whoever has two shirts must give one to the man who has none, and whoever has food must share it.”

Some tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, “Teacher, what are we to do?”

“Don’t collect more than is legal,” he told them.

 Some soldiers also asked him, “What about us? What are we to do?”

He said to them, “Don’t take money from anyone by force or accuse anyone falsely. Be content with your pay.”

 People’s hopes began to rise, and they began to wonder whether John perhaps might be the Messiah.  So, John said to all of them, “I baptize you with water, but someone is coming who is much greater than I am. I am not good enough even to untie his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. ¹⁷ He has his winnowing shovel with him, to thresh out all the grain and gather the wheat into his barn; but he will burn the chaff in a fire that never goes out.”

 In many different ways John preached the Good News to the people and urged them to change their ways.

Thank you for your words of life.

Help us to come close to you and follow your Spirit’s leading.

MESSAGE

Our season of Advent is the time when we remember the coming of Christ and God’s Kingdom. It is the time of preparing ourselves to celebrate with joy at Christmas. This is certainly an appropriate time for the start of the church calendar year. This Sunday is Advent 3 telling us that it won’t be long until we celebrate on Christmas Day and so we wait (and that waiting for some young people can be unbearable.)

Yes, the coming doesn’t happen without the waiting. Waiting is part of life. Sometime the waiting leads to frustration and questioning Waiting is easier when there is anticipation for the possibility of something better.

And waiting is  even better when there is certain hope in the knowledge that it will all come to pass.

Liz and I have a resident Cocker Spaniel, Joe, who figures largely in our lives He has ingratiated himself so much so that he’s convinced that we cannot do without him. As a retriever there is nothing more that he loves but to chase a tennis ball over and over again.

Joe knows that waiting will lead to more ball games. When working in the garden Joe is always there, either with ball in mouth or ball placed where we can throw it again and again. Yesterday I was busy at my desk in the garage. Joe would place the ball behind me and wait ten minutes? twenty?  As soon as I stood up from the chair Joe would come from nowhere and be waiting for me to get up, head outdoors and throw the tennis ball.

He waits in anticipation and certain hope.

Joe is much loved and a source of entertainment for all.

Liz and I recently attended a performance of Beethoven’s nineth symphony by the Queensland Symphony Orchestra and the Brisbane Chamber Choir, conducted by Internationally acclaimed Umberto Clerici. It was a memorable performance.

There are many tunes and themes which we might all be familiar with especially the Ode to Joy.

We sat in excellent seats where we could watch and hear well. I was mesmerised by the passionate playing by all members of the full orchestra.

As we waited for the performance to begin the orchestra took their places, the choir filed in and sat across the stage behind the orchestra.

The symphony No. 9 in D minor, Opus 125, Choral is divided into four movements. The final movement contains the “Song of Joy”.

Most in the audience, knowing the symphony well, look forward to the finale as the Orchestra and Choir join forces to create the magnificence of Ode to Joy. Beethoven had the rare talent of capturing and projecting hope in the face of adversity, which is why this work endures.

While the first three movements are played, foreshadowing the finale, the choir behind sits still, waiting. Finally, the soloists come to the stage and stand waiting and the orchestra begins.                             

The Bass is the first voice heard calling for Joy., the beautiful spark of divinity. Beginning in in simplest tones and gradually building to full orchestra and choir together, the music demands a response and draws me into the magnificence of the music. For me to be there in the audience to see and hear that wonderful music was a rare privilege.

But that’s not all; when the music was at its heights, more members of the choir, who were dotted throughout out the audience stood and joined in creating a fuller and richer sound. A total surround sound, totally unexpected, I was, as C. S. Lewis wrote, “Surprised by Joy”. The energy and brilliance of the orchestra and the choristers – the skilful engrossing leadership the baton of the conductor all combined to inspire.

We wait this Advent with certain hope not just celebrating an event of the past but celebrating a “bright and  living hope for tomorrow”, trusting that our Lord, God, has everything in hand.

When we turn to our bibles, we find that waiting, especially in Old Testament seems to be a compulsory requirement.

It took ages for Noah to build the ark. What patience!

Abraham and Sarah – a promised child in old age Laughable!

Jacob‘s long wait for Rachel’s hand in marriage.  Must have been something special there!

Joseph’s faithful diligence in Egypt and trust in God over many years – a wonder!

Joseph’s family and descendent Israelites in Egypt – 400 years away from their homeland – How did they do it!

Moses and the 40 years in the wilderness – they could have been there in a few weeks! God must have been pounding his fists in frustration!

And once back in their homeland the ups and down stories of Judges and Kings punctuated by the prophets encouragement and warnings leave us wondering whether we could have done better.

Today we hear God speaking through the prophets in the written word.

What message to we hear that’s relevant to us?

As we hear the words of Isaiah –

Will we trust God as our Saviour without fear?

Will we rejoice, joyfully quenching out thirst with living water?

Will we sing and give thanks telling all how great God is and what God has done?

Will we together sing God’s praises as he lives among us?

How do we respond to the Zephaniah prophecy which speaks of the joy of God bringing His scattered people home rejoicing as the Lord takes delight in them giving new life to all?

Can we be amazed that the Lord God will also sing and be joyful over them as joyful as people at a festival?.

It is the writings of the prophets that sustained people for the 400 years of silence. Through these long years worship was maintained in one form or another especially significance of the Passover. Singing of Psalms reading of ancient scripture. 

The last words of Malachi, a warning that closed the Old Testament, promised restoration of relationships through Elijah who would return to stave off that great and terrible day.  

The waiting for Elijah for Jews became an integral part of the Passover meal which was a home-based, solemn festivity, worshipped around the family table. A very interesting tradition was that one of the chairs was always left empty. It’s Elijah’s. Jewish tradition teaches that Elijah the prophet will be the harbinger of the coming of the Messiah and the world’s redemption. Every home participated n this tradition so no wonder that when John the Baptist, the Messiah’s forerunner appeared everyone became curious.

There was an air of expectation people’s hopes began to rise, and they began to wonder whether John perhaps might be the Messiah.  So, John said to all of them, “I baptise you with water, but someone is coming who is much greater than I am. I am not good enough even to untie his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.                                              

 He has his winnowing shovel with   him, to thresh out all the grain and gather the wheat into his barn; but he will burn the chaff in a fire that never goes out.”

 In many different ways John preached the Good News to the people and urged them to change their ways.

I can imagine the excitement for after all these years. Was the Messiah coming as promised?  Was John the Elijah promised?

We know that John  John was the forerunner preparing a straight path for the Messiah.  The voice shouting in the wilderness. Get your act together! Change your ways!  Many people who heard responded, “What must I do?“ John gave it to them straight.

God announced his coming years earlier not with fire and thunder and terrifying experience as expected, but with warmth and reassurance.

We hear the words, The angels “Peace be with you.” – “Do not be afraid.” – 

As God was unexpectedly entering this world through the helplessness of tan  infant and began the healing of our relationship with God. We know through scripture God so loved the world, first loving us so that we return that love not out of fear but heartfelt love and true friendship.

Philip Yancey in his book “Disappointment with God” quotes theologian, Soren Kirkegaard, who tells the story about a king who loved a humble maiden.

            The king was like no other king. Every statesman trembled before his power. No one dared breathe a word against him, for he had the strength to crush all opponents. And yet this mighty king was melted by love for a humble maiden.

            How could he declare his love for her? In an odd sort of way, his very kingliness tied his hands. If he brought her to the palace and crowned her head with jewels and clothed her in royal robes, she surely would not resist. But would she love him?

            She would say she loved him, of course, but would she truly? Or would she live in fear, nursing a grief for the life she had left behind. Would she be happy at his side? How would he know? He did not want a cringing subject. He wanted a lover, an equal.

 He wanted her to forget that he was a king and she a humble maiden and to let shared love cross over the gulf between them.”

“For it is only in love that the unequal can be made equal” concluded Kierkegaard.

            The king, convinced he could not elevate the maiden without crushing her freedom, resolved to descend. He clothed himself as a beggar and approached her cottage incognito with a worn cloak fluttering about him. It was no mere disguise, but a new identity he took on. He renounced the throne to win her hand.”

            What Kiergegaard expressed in parable form, the apostle Paul expressed in these words about Jesus the Christ:

Who, being in very nature^[a] God,
    did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
⁷ rather, he made himself nothing  by taking the very nature of a servant,  being made in human likeness.
⁸ And being found in appearance as a man he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—
        even death on a cross!                     Philippians 2:6-8

Nothing could match the fact that after 400 years of silence God, like the king in Kierkegaard’s parable, took on a new form: he became a man. The most shocking decent imaginable.

Today we prepare to celebrate Christmas. 2000 years in the making but only the start for we prepare our hearts and minds. We wait not with fear and anxiety but in knowing the joy in our hearts. Encouraged and knowing that we are loved dearly, we wait for Christmas Celebrations this 2024.

We wait with complete trust that God has our backs in the difficult times. as well the good times. This simple song allows us to express our trust in Him when the times get tough.  “All this day Your hand has held me
God of Heaven, by my side
Thank you, Father, for Your goodness                         
You will hold me through the night”                                                    

You are invited to listen to, or join on singing the song  ‘The Night Song’ 

OFFERTORY              In the spirit of thanksgiving our freewill offering will now be received.

You are invited to listen to, or join on singing the dedication song ‘Father I Thank You’   SIS 269 

1.   Father, I thank you for all you have done

You gave your son freely for me

And I praise you for calling me drawing me near

Out of blindness you caused me to see

2.   Spirit of life, you are God’s holy fire

You kindled my heart with your blaze

And I know you’re refining me changing my life

And by faith you’re revealing your ways

3.    Jesus, I need you as Lord of my life

I give all I have unto you

And I want to come under your heavenly hand

And to praise you in all that I do

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION

Lord God, as we gather today to rejoice in your loving plan to send your Son to save the world, we pray for any who are struggling to see the way forward.

Worries and difficult situations often seem worse at this time of year, when others are partying and making plans for Christmas and the new year ahead.

 We pray that your love will enfold them, and your light illuminate their way.

Father, as we lovingly gather gifts for friends and family, we remember those to whom we can no longer give, because they have gone before us into your presence.

We pray for all who feel the absence of loved ones keenly at this time of year.

May your love be the bridge between heaven and earth, reminding us that we are apart only for a while.

Lord, as Christmas cards land in our post boxes, perhaps with letters telling of travel and adventure, or achievements and family pride, we pray 10 for those who have little to tell this year; those who have suffered disappointments and defeats, whose hopes have faltered and come to nothing.

Your love is both comfort and encouragement to keep going, to have faith; may your Holy Spirit inspire them to persevere.

Father, for a war-torn world we pray, and for leaders who must make difficult decisions every day; and for your Church, often struggling to make its voice heard amongst the clamour of opposing views and strife.

May we here, in our own community, be carriers of your love to those who are confused by life; bombarded by too much news, bewildered perhaps by choices to be made and their consequences for ourselves and others; let your love reign in our hearts, and bring peace.

 The rising sun has come to us from heaven.
He shines on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death.
He guides our feet into the path of peace.  (Luke 1:78,79)

Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come,

your will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.

Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil,

For the Kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours,

Now and forever.  Amen.

You are invited to listen to, or join on singing the songTis 152 ‘Joyful, Joyful, We Adore You’

Henry Van Dyke wrote this poem in 1907 while staying at the home of Williams College president Harry Augustus Garfield. He was serving as a guest preacher at Williams at the time. He told his host that the local Berkshire Mountains had been his inspiration.^[3]

Van Dyke wrote of this hymn:

These verses are simple expressions of common Christian feelings and desires in this present time—hymns of today that may be sung together by people who know the thought of the age, and are not afraid that any truth of science will destroy faith, or any revolution on earth overthrow the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, this is a hymn of trust and joy and hope.

As we sing this hymn to the tune of  Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy”, let’s make it our own.

BENEDICTION        

 May you always be joyful in your union with the Lord. I say it again: rejoice!

 Show a gentle attitude toward everyone. The Lord is coming soon. Don’t worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. And God’s peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus.

And may the blessing of God, the Father, Jesus, the Son and the Holy Spirit be with you and remain with you always. (Philippians 4:4-7 GNT)

Amen

PLAYOUT SONG: