CALL TO WORSHIP
Today we light the second candle of the Advent season which is the candle of peace.
John 1:14 declares “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us” which assures us that God has entered into human history through the incarnation of the Son. The season of Advent, a season of waiting, is designed to cultivate our awareness of God’s actions—past, present, and future. In Advent we heighten our anticipation for the ultimate fulfillment of all Old Testament promises, when the wolf will lie down with the lamb, death will be swallowed up, and every tear will be wiped away. In this way Advent highlights for us the larger story of God’s redemptive plan. Though Christ has come, not all things have reached completion. While we remember Israel’s waiting and hoping and we give thanks for Christ’s birth, we also eagerly anticipate His second coming at the end of time.
As we await our coming King, we read these words together:
O Son of David, standing as a sign among the peoples;
before You kings will shut their mouths,
to You the nations will make their prayer:
Come and deliver us, and delay no longer.
Come, Lord Jesus

CALL TO CONFESSION
During our time of confession this morning, we will focus on the Advent theme of peace. The peace that Christ brings is not the absence of troubles. It is a peace that is unshakeable even in the midst of troubles. During difficult times, we are called to remember the living God who works out all things for good for those who love Him. If we set our heart on anything besides God, we become lost in the chaos and confusion of a fallen world. But if our greatest pursuit is the unchanging God, then our peace can never be taken from us.

CONFESSION
During our time of confession this morning, we will focus on the Advent theme of peace. Hear these words of confession…
O promised Christ:

We are a world at war.
 Our peace depends on your coming.

We are a sinful people.
 Our pardon depends on your coming.

We are full of good intentions but weak at keeping promises;
our only hope of doing God’s will 
is that you should come and help us do it.

Lord Christ, Word made flesh,

our world waits
 for your peace, 
for your pardon,
 and for your grace.

Even so: come, Lord Jesus. Amen.