December 15, 2024 – Rejoicing in Uncertainty: Finding Joy in God’s Presence

Opening & Announcements

• Liturgist: Mary Heen (filling in for Shirley Hess)
• Service Held Online Due to Hazardous Ice Conditions
  • The church parking lot was covered in slippery ice, making it unsafe for congregants to attend in person.
  • The service was live-streamed, with only a few people present in the sanctuary.

Key Announcements:

• Mitten Tree Donations: Items were due that day, but those unable to drop them off could contact Sandy Hunt or Alis Andre.
• Caroling at 4 PM: Planned to proceed as scheduled, led by Kathy Earl.

Welcome & Opening Prayer

• Rev. White emphasized the church’s open and inclusive nature, welcoming all regardless of background, beliefs, or status.
• Special Acknowledgments:
  • Prayers for members unable to attend, including:
    • Dick and Michelle O.
    • Alice H. (recovering from injuries after being hit on the highway)
    • Roger H. (ill and preparing for surgery)

Advent Candle Lighting: The Candle of Joy

• The third candle of Advent was lit, symbolizing joy.
• Reflection on Joy:
  • Joy is all around us, but often overshadowed by stress, memories, and distractions.
  • Joy is both a gift and a choice—something we must nurture and share.

Prayer for Joy:
“Loving God, open our hearts to joy, trusting that You have already planted it within us. Teach us to nurture and share it, walking in the Light of Christ. Amen.”

Call to Worship & Hymns

• Opening Hymn: “Come and Fill Our Hearts” (New Century Hymnal #104)
• Responsive Reading from Isaiah 12:
  • “Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid.”

Prayers & Concerns

• Individuals Remembered in Prayer:
  • Church members and friends facing illness, recovery, or loss.
  • Special prayer requests for:
    • A great-granddaughter (7 weeks old) recently hospitalized in intensive care.
    • The family of Ken Larson, a former choir member who recently passed away.

Scripture Readings

1. Luke 3:7-18 – John the Baptist Prepares the Way

   • John calls the people a “brood of vipers” and challenges them to bear fruit worthy of repentance.
   • Key Message: True faith is about action, not just lineage or words.
   • John offers practical advice, telling:
     • Those with two coats to share one.
     • Tax collectors to be fair.
     • Soldiers to avoid exploitation.
   • John foretells the coming of Jesus, who will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire.

2. Zephaniah 3:14-20 – A Call to Rejoice

   • Zephaniah prophesies the restoration of Jerusalem after hardship.
   • God is described as a warrior bringing victory, renewing His people in love, and exalting them with singing.
   • Key Message: Even amid trials, God’s joy is ever-present.

Sermon: Finding Joy in Troubled Times

Key Themes:

• Understanding Prophecy:

  • Biblical prophecies were not just about the future, but about calling people back to God.
  • Jeremiah warned of destruction if people strayed from faith.
  • Malachi called for genuine worship, not empty rituals.
  • Zephaniah predicted hardship but also ultimate restoration.

     

• Zephaniah’s Message of Hope:

  • Despite political turmoil, war, and exile, God’s presence remains.
  • Joy is not dependent on circumstances; it comes from God’s nearness.

     

• John the Baptist’s Challenge:

  • Faith isn’t about status or rituals—it’s about action and transformation.
  • True joy comes from aligning our lives with God’s purpose—by caring for others and living justly.

Application to Today’s World

• The world is filled with division, war, and suffering (Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan, violence in cities).
• What does Zephaniah say?
  • “Rejoice! God is near.”
  • We are called to live in joy, even in uncertainty, trusting in God’s ultimate goodness.

Hymn: “Go Tell It on the Mountain”

• A joyful reminder that Christ’s presence is worth proclaiming, even in difficult times.

Offering & Closing Prayers

• Due to the small attendance, offering plates were placed in the back for people to contribute as they felt led.
• Prayer of Reflection:
  • Asking for increased faith, love, and compassion.
  • Praying for healing, justice, and peace in our world.
  • Acknowledging that God is still speaking and calling us to act in love.

Final Hymn & Benediction

• Closing Hymn: “Joy to the World”
• Final Words:
  • “Christmas is coming. God is with us. God is one with us.”
  • May you be blessed in faith, hope, and joy.
• Song of Parting: “God Be With You Till We Meet Again”

Key Takeaways from the Service:

✔ Joy is more than a feeling—it’s a choice and an attitude, even in difficult times.
✔ Faith requires action—caring for others, sharing what we have, and living justly.
✔ Despite division, suffering, and uncertainty, God remains near, calling us to rejoice.
✔ Christmas is a reminder that God’s presence transforms everything.