Sunday 28 November 2021 | Advent Sunday

HERALDED MESSAGE Come, O long-expected Jesus, Born to set your people free; From our fears and sins release us By your death on Calvary. COLLECT Almighty Father, your Son came to us in humility as our Saviour and at the last day he will come again in glory as our judge: give us grace to turn away from darkness to the light of Christ that we will be ready to welcome him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen READING from Jeremiah 33: 14-16 14 The Lord said, “The time is coming when I will fulfill the promise that I made to the people of Israel and Judah. 15 At that time I will choose as king a righteous descendant of David. That king will do what is right and just throughout the land. 16 The people of Judah and of Jerusalem will be rescued and will live in safety. The city will be called ‘The Lord Our Salvation.’ READING from 1 Thessalonians 3: 9-13 10 Day and night we ask him with all our heart to let us see you personally and supply what is needed in your faith. 11 May our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus prepare the way for us to come to you! THE GOSPEL according to Luke 21: 25-36 25 "There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. 26 People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 Then they will see 'the Son of Man coming in a cloud' with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." 29 Then he told them a parable: "Look at the fig tree and all the trees; 30 as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. 31 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. PRAYER for COVID Lord of the ages, Covid still lingers on. We are protocol-focused and still grieving the losses of our beloveds. Some still resist the vaccine and variants continue to appear through mutation. Thank you for journeying with us with your healing presence and companionship, drawing us into compassionate community. Save us from our arrogance, so that we will soon be free from the oppression of this virus. Amen BENEDICTION You know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. Salvation is nearer now than when we became believers; the night is far gone, the day is near. Lay aside the works of darkness, and put on the Lord Jesus Christ; And the blessing of God, Creator, Redeemer, Life-giving Comforter, be with you always. Amen COMMISSIONING/SENDING Go in peace with courage, to love and serve the Lord. In the name of Christ. Amen.