These opening words for worship were created to accompany the Advent sermon series “Joy to the World.” The bolded words are spoken by the congregation. You are welcome to use or adapt these liturgies for worship, with credit. When printing these liturgies, please use the following credit line: “Prayer by Rev. Carol Holbrook Prickett.”
Week 1: “The Heart Prepares”
Rejoice! The Lord is come.
He came as a child in Bethlehem.
He comes as the hope of our hearts.
He will come again in glory.
We remember. We celebrate. We anticipate.
Rejoice! The Lord is come.
Week 2: “The Earth Resounds“
*adapted from Psalm 148
Praise the Lord! For he commanded and all was created.
Praise him, sun and moon and shining stars
Praise him, ocean deeps and stormy winds
Praise him, mountains and forests, animals of every kind
Praise him, young men and women alike, old and young together
Praise the Lord! His glory is above earth and heaven.
Week 3: “The Curse Recedes“
*adapted from Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee
Joyful, joyful, we adore thee
God of glory, Lord of love
Hearts unfold like flowers before thee
Hail thee as the sun above
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness
Drive the dark of doubt away
Giver of immortal gladness
Fill us with the light of day!
Week 4: “The Ruler Loves“
*adapted from John 1
The Word became flesh and lived among us,
and we have seen his glory,
the glory as of a father’s only son,
full of grace and truth.
From his fullness we have all received
grace upon grace.
Deep Well Worship 