Instrumentalists: Steve & Karen

Announcements [Pastor] 

Congregation: Behold

Advent Reading- Peace   [See text at the end of the post] 
Brett & Dawn 

Special Music: Glory, Let there be Peace;  Ava 

It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
Infant Holy, Infant Lowly

Grace Giving 

Special Music:  God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman;  Jack, Cam, Gabe, and Joe

Hark the Herald Angels Sing
What Child Is This

Message

Congregation

O Come All Ye Faithful

Advent Reading: Peace

Reader 1: Today, we light the second candle of Advent — the candle of peace. This flame symbolizes the growing peace that dwells within us as we journey through this season. Just as this light illuminates the darkness, may the peace of Christ shine brightly in our lives, guiding our steps and bringing hope to the world.

Reader 2: In a world often torn apart by division and strife, we yearn for the peace that surpasses all understanding–a peace only Jesus can provide. During this season, we remember the anticipation that filled the hearts of those who longed for the coming of the Messiah.

Reader 1: The prophet Isaiah proclaimed, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”  God fulfilled His promise by sending His Son to bring peace to a broken world.

Reader 2: In Ephesians 2 we read that “Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us.

Reader 1:  He brought this Good News of peace to Gentiles who were far away from him, and peace to the Jews who were near.  Now all of us can come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us.

Reader 2:  So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family.

Reader 1: Jesus, the Prince of Peace, came to reconcile us with God and with one another. Through His birth, life, death, and resurrection, He makes it possible for us to know a peace that transcends circumstances and brings healing to our brokenness. He is the embodiment of peace and the only way we can truly live peacefully with God.

Reader 2: It’s a time to extend forgiveness, practice empathy, and work towards reconciliation. With Christ as our peace, we can surrender our burdens of anxiety, doubt, failure and fear, and entrust Him with our lives.

Reader 1:  Let us thank our Father for the peace that surpasses all understanding that comes from His Son, Jesus Christ. Allow Him to fill your heart with a calming peace. This season of Advent, be agents of reconciliation and peace.