Advent 3A

Rejoice! The Lord is near

Sentence
      Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who are of a fearful heart, "be strong, do not fear! Here is your God." Isaiah 35:3-4
 
Collects
      Almighty God, we pray that the course of this world may be so peaceably ordered through your guidance that your church may joyfully serve you in all godly quietness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. BCP. Trinity 5
 
      Let us pray [that God will fill us with joy at the coming of Christ.]
      Lord God, may we, your people, who look forward to the birthday of Christ, experience the joy of salvation and celebrate the feast with love and thanksgiving. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. AAPB
 
      Sustain us, O God, with the power of your love on our journey to meet the One who is coming: strengthen our weak hands, make firm our feeble knees, and open blind eyes to the dawning of your kingdom, so that our hearts may rejoice as we behold the majesty of our God. We ask this through your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. APBA
 
Readings
      God himself will come to save us.   Isaiah 35:1-10  
      While I have any being I will sing praises to my God.   Psalm 146:5-10   alt. The Son of Mary (Magnificat) Lk.1:47-55
      Patience in sufferings.   James 5:7-12   5:7-10
      The one to come is here.   Matthew 11:1-19   11:2-11
 
Supplementary readings
      Prepare the way of the Lord.   Isaiah 40:1-11  
      The one to come is here.   Matthew 11:1-19   11:11-24
 
Hymns and Spiritual Songs
 
Worship elements
Gathering Songs
 
 
Invocation
Praise
Gradual/Reading
Offertory/Prayer
Recessional 		Book & #
Hymn or Chorus first line
 		Tunes and sources
 
Color Key and Notes
      RCL reading;
      APBA reading;
      Congregational response or refrain, AAPB/RSV;
      Subject heading, AAPB;
      Where there is a second Old Testament reading it is sequential rather than linked to the gospel;
      Hymn book and other abbreviations. See In Words and Song.
Index of studies: Resource library
[Pumpkin Cottage]
Pumpkin Cottage Ministry Resources
Lectionary Bible Studies and Sermons
www.lectionarystudies.com