Advent Calls to Worship
Introduction: Advent Call to Worship
This collection of Calls to Worship offers liturgical readings tied to the lectionary texts for Year A (Matthew 24:36–44), Year B (Mark 13:24–37), and Year C (Luke 21:25–36).
Each set reflects themes of hope, watchfulness, cosmic disruption, and Christ’s promised return—perfect for lighting the first candle and setting the tone of holy expectation.
Call to Worship for Advent Week 1 – Year A (Matthew 24:36–44)
1.
Leader: No one knows the day or the hour,
People: But we know the One who holds time in his hands.
Leader: We light the candle of hope,
People: And open our hearts to the coming Christ.
Leader: Come, let us worship the God who keeps promises.
2.
Leader: The world is not asleep—
People: It longs, it groans, it waits.
Leader: We come awake to God’s movement in our lives.
People: With hopeful hearts, we prepare him room.
Leader: This is the season of holy expectation.
3.
Leader: Advent is a whisper, not a shout—
People: A quiet stirring, not a storm.
Leader: But we listen closely, for hope draws near.
People: We light this candle as a sign: we are ready.
Leader: Come, Emmanuel—our hope and our joy.
4.
Leader: The night is far gone; the day is near.
People: Let us walk in the light of the Lord.
Leader: We light the first candle, holding fast to hope.
People: For Christ will come and not delay.
Leader: Come, let us worship the God of hope and light.
5.
Leader: As in the days of Noah, we go about our lives—
People: But today, we pause, we watch, we wait.
Leader: God breaks into ordinary time with extraordinary promise.
People: We light the candle of hope for all who long for more.
Leader: Come, Lord Jesus.
Call to Worship Advent Week 1 – Year B (Mark 13:24–37)
1.
Leader: In the darkness, stars will fall and the heavens will tremble,
People: But the Word of God will not pass away.
Leader: We light the candle of hope,
People: Trusting in the promises that endure.
Leader: Come, worship the Lord who is making all things new.
2.
Leader: When the world feels uncertain,
People: We anchor ourselves in hope.
Leader: When the future feels unclear,
People: We watch for the signs of God’s kingdom.
Leader: We light this candle for hope—steadfast and sure
3.
Leader: “Keep awake,” says the Lord.
People: For the time is near, and hope is on the move.
Leader: We light this candle to remember that God is coming.
People: Not in fear, but in mercy. Not in judgment, but in grace.
Leader: Let us worship the God of our awakening.
4.
Leader: The fig tree puts forth leaves—
People: So we know that summer is near.
Leader: We light this candle as a sign that hope is blossoming.
People: God’s future is breaking into our present.
Leader: Come, people of God—Christ is near.
5.
Leader: The sun will darken, and the moon will lose its light,
People: But God’s promises will shine forever.
Leader: We light the candle of hope,
People: Believing that redemption is already on the horizon.
Leader: Come, let us worship in holy anticipation.
Call to Worship for Advent Week 1 – Year C (Luke 21:25–36)
1.
Leader: There will be signs in the heavens,
People: But hope is rooted in the One who made them.
Leader: We light the candle of hope,
People: For our redemption is drawing near.
Leader: Let us worship the God who breaks through fear.
2.
Leader: When the world feels faint with worry,
People: We stand firm in faith.
Leader: When nations shake and waters roar,
People: We lift our heads in hope.
Leader: For God is near—closer than we think.
3
Leader: Stand up. Lift your heads.
People: Our Redeemer comes with healing and light.
Leader: We light this candle to remind us:
People: Hope is not a feeling—it is a Person.
Leader: Come, worship the Lord of our salvation.
4.
Leader: Heaven and earth will pass away,
People: But the words of Christ endure forever.
Leader: Today we light a candle for hope.
People: Not shallow optimism, but deep trust.
Leader: The future belongs to God.
5.
Leader: In the distress of the nations,
People: God whispers peace and breathes hope.
Leader: We light the first candle of Advent,
People: Watching for signs of God’s mercy.
Leader: Come, Lord Jesus, our Hope and our Deliverer.
