WESTPORT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH WORSHIP SERVICE
SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT
CELEBRATION OF HOLY COMMUNION
December 7, 2025
PRELUDE: The First Noel arr. Kathy Bowen
LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLES: Joanne Sunshower
Reader: In the Gospel according to Luke, chapter 2, we read “In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see–I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people'” (Luke 2:8-10).
Today we remember the shepherds, workers for the common good, steadfast watchmen isolated and alone, far from the warmth of home, doing the job no one wants. And yet God saw them, God valued them, and God declared the greatest news of all to them alone.
Today we give thanks for the shepherds among us, back-breaking laborers on whom our economy stands, those we overlook or rarely see, yet rely on for our very survival, the ones who have much to teach us about watching for God in the darkness.
On this second Sunday in Advent, we light the second candle as a symbol of the shepherds, agents of good news and redeemers of the world.
OPENING HYMN: #121 Glory to God O Little Town of Bethlehem (verses 1-2, 4)
UNISON CONFESSION OF OUR NEED OF GOD:
All: O quiet light, appear. Come and be with us. Enter our bodies, our faces and places. Shine in our hearts. Life is hard, and we get discouraged. Life is routine, and we grow sleepy. Wake us into the strangeness of this season of Advent, that we might be caught by surprise, and dazzled out of our drowsiness.
ASSURANCE OF GOD’S GRACE:
One: “Anyone who is in Christ is a new creation. The old life has gone; a new life has begun.” The sky glows with early morning light. Open your eyes, and your heart. Know that you are forgiven and be at peace.
All: Thanks be to God!
SUNG RESPONSE: #137 Glory to God He Came Down (sing twice)
[Kids’ Time Front of Sanctuary]
SHARING THE PEACE OF CHRIST:
One: The peace of Christ be with you.
All: And also with you.
One: Let’s share the peace of Christ with one another.
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION:
One: Mystery of arriving love, guide us by your word and Spirit, that we might hear your truth, wake into this special season, and be prepared for Christ’s coming this Christmas.
All: Amen.
SCRIPTURE READING: Isaiah 35:1-10; Luke 1:46b-55
CHORAL ANTHEM: Noel Nouvelet arr. S. Poorman
MESSAGE: Less Fear Rev. Jared Witt
SUNG PREPARATION FOR PRAYER: #91 Glory to God Come Emmanuel (Sing Twice)
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER:
Our Mother and 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 debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.
CELEBRATION OF HOLY COMMUNION:
THE OFFERING OF OURSELVES/INVITATION TO GIVE:
One: As a farmer plants the seeds and waits for the rains to come,
Let us entrust our gifts to the Lord as we await the coming of God’s new realm.
OFFERTORY SOLO: What Songs Were Sung JJ Niles Joshua Stark, baritone
PRAYER OF DEDICATION:
One: Thanks be to you, O God, hope of the afflicted and friend of the poor.
All: Your faithfulness never fails.
One: Take and use our gifts to further your purpose in the world;
All: and to fulfill the promise of the world to come. Amen.
INVITATION TO THE TABLE
GREAT THANKSGIVING
BREAKING OF THE BREAD
COMMUNION
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION:
One: Sustaining God, in this holy feast you have nourished our bodies, calmed our spirits, and warmed our hearts.
All: Keep us watchful for ways we can embody your love in the world.
WELCOME: News In, Around, and Beyond the Community
*CLOSING HYMN: #101 Glory to God No Wind At The Window (verses 1-3)
*CHARGE AND BLESSING
*POSTLUDE: Episode on Veni, Emmanuel arr. L. Smith
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