Advent has historically been observed as a season of confession, preparation, and anticipation, looking forward to the celebration of the birth of Christ on Christmas Day. You’ll notice several elements in the service this morning that are different from other times of the year: candles are lit during the Call to Worship, purple accents adorn the bulletin and the pulpit, and a time of silent prayer follows our corporate confession of sin. We will sing many of the traditional hymns and carols of the season: both familiar favorites like God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen, and some that are less well known, like Comfort, Comfort Ye My People. Three short musical responses fill out the center section of the service, in which we ask for mercy and peace (Clovercroft Agnus Dei), we say “Amen, Amen” to the assurance of pardon (Dresden Amen), and we join with the angels in heaven to say, “we give You thanks for Your great glory” (Clovercroft Gloria). There is also an insert in the bulletin with a series of daily scripture readings, which you can use at home with your family throughout the season. I hope these added elements help us to prepare our hearts to celebrate the incarnation of Jesus, the “tender lamb” promised from “eternal years,” who was born to set His people free.
—Henry C. Haffner
