The Second Sunday of Advent

                                                    THE HOLY EUCHARIST RITE II

                                                             ORDER OF SERVICE

PRELUDE 

                                                        THE LITURGY OF THE WORD

PROCESSIONAL HYMN          "Rejoice! rejoice believers"  

THE LIGHTING OF THE CANDLE OF PEACE

VOICE - Today is the second Sunday of Advent, the Sunday of Peace. 

VOICE - Our peace is found in God, and in his son Jesus Christ. John the Baptist, and all the prophets remind us, that to receive peace, we must be prepared for it. 

VOICE - We light this candle today to remind us that Christ is the Prince of Peace, the one promised from the beginning of the world. We thank God for the hope he gives and for the peace he bestows. 

The Lighting of the Candle of Peace 

Priest/Deacon - LET US PRAY - O God of Peace, Emmanuel, we pray you to send your light into our hearts at this time. Help us to be ready for the day and the hour of Christ's appearing. Work in our hearts at this time and help us prepare ourselves for the peace that he brings — the inner peace that tells us that we are united with you and the outer peace which will come when he returns to judge the world. Bless our worship that it may be pleasing unto you, and bless us that we may prove to be your faithful servants. Amen. 

ALL SING - The candle is burning a flame warm and bright, a candle of peace in December's dark night. While angels sing blessing from heaven's starry sky, our hearts we prepare now for Jesus is nigh. 

The Service continues

Celebrant: Bless the Lord who forgives all our sins.

People:    His mercy endures for ever..

Celebrant:  Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

THE KYRIE (Sung)

Kyrie eleison, Christe eleison

Kyrie eleison, eleison, eleison.

COLLECT OF THE DAY

Celebrant:  The Lord be with you.

People:     And also with you.

Celebrant: Let us pray.

Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

FIRST READING ISAIAH 11:1-10 (NRSV)

Lector:   A Reading from the Book of Isaiah.

A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse,

and a branch shall grow out of his roots.

The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him,

the spirit of wisdom and understanding,

the spirit of counsel and might,

the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.

His delight shall be in the fear of the Lord.

He shall not judge by what his eyes see,

or decide by what his ears hear;

but with righteousness he shall judge the poor,

and decide with equity for the meek of the earth;

he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth,

and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked.

Righteousness shall be the belt around his waist,

and faithfulness the belt around his loins.

The wolf shall live with the lamb,

the leopard shall lie down with the kid,

the calf and the lion and the fatling together,

and a little child shall lead them.

The cow and the bear shall graze,

their young shall lie down together; 

and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.

The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp,

and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder's den.

They will not hurt or destroy

on all my holy mountain;

for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord

as the waters cover the sea.

On that day the root of Jesse shall stand as a signal to the peoples; the nations shall inquire of him, and his dwelling shall be glorious.

Lector Hear what the Spirit is saying to God's people. 

People: Thanks be to God.

THE PSALM PSALM 72:1-7, 18-19

1 Give the King your justice, O God, *

and your righteousness to the King's Son;

2 That he may rule your people righteously *

and the poor with justice;

3 That the mountains may bring prosperity to the people, *

and the little hills bring righteousness.

4 He shall defend the needy among the people; *

he shall rescue the poor and crush the oppressor.

5 He shall live as long as the sun and moon endure, *

from one generation to another.

6 He shall come down like rain upon the mown field, *

like showers that water the earth.

7 In his time shall the righteous flourish; *

there shall be abundance of peace till the moon shall be no more.

18 Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, *

who alone does wondrous deeds!

19 And blessed be his glorious Name for ever! *

and may all the earth be filled with his glory.

Amen. Amen.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *

As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. 

SECOND READING ROMANS 15:4-13 (NRSV)

Lector:   A Reading from the Letter of Paul to the Romans.

Whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of the truth of God in order that he might confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written,

"Therefore I will confess you among the Gentiles,

and sing praises to your name";

and again he says,

"Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people";

and again,

"Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles,

and let all the peoples praise him";

and again Isaiah says,

"The root of Jesse shall come,

the one who rises to rule the Gentiles;

in him the Gentiles shall hope."

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Lector:: Hear what the Spirit is saying to God's people.

People:  Thanks be to God.

SEQUENCE HYMN "Wait for the Lord" 

THE GOSPEL   MATTHEW 3:1-12 (NRSV)

Deacon The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew

People:    Glory to you, Lord Christ.

In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said,

“The voice of one crying out in the wilderness:

‘Prepare the way of the Lord,

make his paths straight.’”

Now John wore clothing of camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then the people of Jerusalem and all Judea were going out to him, and all the region along the Jordan, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.

But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit worthy of repentance. Do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our ancestor’; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

“I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and will gather his wheat into the granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”

Deacon:   The Gospel of the Lord.

People:      Praise to you, Lord Christ.

THE SERMON.  

THE NICENE CREED

We believe in one God,

    the Father, the Almighty,

    maker of heaven and earth,

    of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,

    the only Son of God,

    eternally begotten of the Father,

    God from God, Light from Light,

    true God from true God,

    begotten, not made,

    of one Being with the Father.

    Through him all things were made.

    For us and for our salvation

        he came down from heaven:

    by the power of the Holy Spirit

    he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary,

        and was made man.

    For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;

        he suffered death and was buried.

        On the third day he rose again

            in accordance with the Scriptures;

        he ascended into heaven

            and is seated at the right hand of the Father

    He will come again in glory to judge the 

. living and the dead,

        and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, 

who proceeds from the Father and the Son.

    With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified.

    He has spoken through the Prophets.

    We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.

    We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.

    We look for the resurrection of the dead,

        and the life of the world to come. Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

Reading of Intentions

Celebrant:        The prophet John the Baptist preached a repentance which would bear fruit in the lives of those who heard him. In penitence and faith, let us offer to God our prayer for all people saying: In the name of Christ, hear our prayer.

Intercessor:

We pray for the church throughout the world, remembering especially our sisters and brothers and for all those ordained to particular ministries for the building up for the body of Christ, that in our diverse vocations we may serve to the glory of God. In the name of Christ,

R/          Hear our prayer.

We pray for this nation and for all the nations of the world, remembering especially those who are victims of political or social injustice. We pray for those whom we have elected to public office, and for political leaders everywhere, that they may administer the tasks of government with courage and equity. In the name of Christ,

R/          Hear our prayer.

We pray for the sick, the elderly, and those who live alone. We pray for those who are overworked and for those who cannot find work. Send upon them the power of the Holy Spirit, that they may abound in hope. In the name of Christ,

R/          Hear our prayer.

We pray for this community, for our neighbors and friends, for those with whom we study and work. Guide and strengthen us all in our common life that we may know the gifts of your grace and love. In the name of Christ,

R/          Hear our prayer.

Celebrant:        We offer these prayers to you, our God, in penitence for what is past and in faith that your work in us will bear fruit as we seek to do your will, for you alone are the Holy One. May our lives give honor to you, through Christ our Lord.   Amen.

THE CONFESSION

Deacon: Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.

All:   Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.

Celebrant:   Almighty God have mercy on you,  forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.

THE EXCHANGE OF PEACE   -  VIRTUAL HUGS

Celebrant. The peace of the Lord be always with you.

People      And also with you.

                                                   THE LITURGY OF THE TABLE

OFFERTORY SENTENCE

Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and make good your vows to the Most High. (Psalm 50:14)

THE DOXOLOGY

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

Praise Him, all creatures here below;

Praise Him above, ye heav’nly host;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost! Amen.

PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS

God our strength, we are nothing without you. Receive all we offer you this day as you sustain us with your mercy, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

OFFERTORY HYMN "On Jordan's bank the Baptist cry""

THE GREAT THANKSGIVING

Eucharistic Prayer B

Celebrant: The Lord be with you.

People:     And also with you.

Celebrant: Lift up your hearts.

People:     We lift them to the Lord.

Celebrant: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

People:     It is right to give him thanks and praise.

Celebrant:  It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.

Because you sent your beloved Son to redeem us from sin and death, and to make us heirs in him of everlasting life; that when he shall come again in power and great triumph to judge the world, we may without shame or fear rejoice to behold his appearing.

Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who for ever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:

SANCTUS S 125 (Sung)

Holy, Holy, Holy Lord, God of power and might,

heaven and earth are full of your glory.

    Hosanna in the highest.

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

    Hosanna in the highest.

Celebrant: We give thanks to you, O God, for the goodness and love which you have made known to us in creation; in the calling of Israel to be your people; in your Word spoken through the prophets; and above all in the Word made flesh, Jesus, your Son. For in these last days you sent him to be incarnate from the Virgin Mary, to be the Savior and Redeemer of the world. In him, you have delivered us from evil, and made us worthy to stand before you. In him, you have brought us out of error into truth, out of sin into righteousness, out of death into life.

On the night before he died for us, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, "Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me." After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, "Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me."

Therefore, according to his command, O Father,

Celebrant and People

We remember his death,

We proclaim his resurrection,

We await his coming in glory

The Celebrant continues

And we offer our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to you, O Lord of all; presenting to you, from your creation, this bread and this wine. We pray you, gracious God, to send your Holy Spirit upon these gifts that they may be the Sacrament of the Body of Christ and his Blood of the new Covenant. Unite us to your Son in his sacrifice, that we may be acceptable through him, being sanctified by the Holy Spirit. In the fullness of time, put all things in subjection under your Christ, and bring us to that heavenly country where, with all your saints, we may enter the everlasting heritage of your sons and daughters; through Jesus Christ our Lord, the firstborn of all creation, the head of the Church, and the author of our salvation. By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and for ever. AMEN.

THE LORD'S PRAYER

Celebrant: And now, in the language of our hearts, and as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

T

HE BREAKING OF BREAD

FRACTION ANTHEM "Jesus, Lamb of God" S164

INVITATION

The Gifts of God for the People of God. Take them in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving.

THE COMMUNION

COMMUNION HYMN       "Christ be our Light"

HEALING AND ANOINTING

POST COMMUNION PRAYER

Eternal God, heavenly Father, you have graciously accepted us as living members of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, and you have fed us with spiritual food in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood. Send us now into the world in peace, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve you with gladness and singleness of heart; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

THE ADVENT BLESSING

May Almighty God, by whose providence our Savior Christ came among us in great humility, sanctify you with the light of his blessing and set you free from all sin. Amen. 

May he whose second Coming in power and great glory we await, make you steadfast in faith, joyful in hope, and constant in love. Amen. 

May you, who rejoice in the first Advent of our Redeemer, at his second Advent be rewarded with unending life. Amen. 

And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you for ever. Amen.

ANNOUNCEMENTS, RECOGNITION

BIRTHDAY BLESSING (if any)

O God, our times are in your hand; Look with favor, we pray, on your servant(s) N. . . . as   he/she/they begin(s) another year. Grant that he/she /they may grow in wisdom and grace, and strengthen  his/her/their  life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

RECESSIONAL HYMN " I want to walk as a child of the Light "

DISMISSAL

Deacon:  Let us go forth in the name of Christ. 

People:   Thanks be to God.