Liturgy for the Fourth Sunday of Advent, Year B, Mark
Introduction
On the last Sunday before Christmas, the story narrows from a king's palace to a small town and a young woman who says yes. David wants to build God a house, and God answers with a promise of a different kind. An amazing collection of power stories of a promise made and later fulfilled through Jesus.
This complete liturgy for the Fourth Sunday of Advent, Year B, follows the Revised Common Lectionary and centers on the love that makes room for us before we ever make room for it. It includes a lighting of the Advent candle, a call to worship, opening prayer, prayer of confession, assurance of pardon, prayer for Illumination, and benediction. Christmas Eve and every Advent Sunday can be found in the Advent Liturgy hub, and for ministry resources and encouraging words, join my newsletter.
Lectionary readings for this Sunday
2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16: David wants to build a house for God, but God promises instead to build David a house, a dynasty and a throne established forever. Read who David was and how many covenants are in the Bible.
Luke 1:46b-55: Mary's song praises the God who looks with favor on the lowly, scatters the proud, and fills the hungry with good things. Read more about the Song of Mary (Magnificat). This prayer models Hannah’s in the early pags of Samuel.
Romans 16:25-27: Paul closes his letter with praise to the God who has revealed a mystery kept secret for long ages. See who wrote Romans.
Luke 1:26-38: The angel Gabriel comes to Mary in Nazareth with news that she will bear God's Son, and Mary answers, "Here am I." Read why Jesus was born of a virgin and meet all the Marys in the Bible.
Liturgy for this Sunday
Lighting of the Advent Candle: Love
One: We light the candles of hope, peace, and joy, and now a fourth candle for love.
All: Love that comes close enough to touch.
One: God's love has made room for us.
All: Come, Lord Jesus. Make your home with us.
Call to Worship
One: My soul magnifies the Lord.
All: Our spirits rejoice in God our Savior.
One: God has looked with favor on the lowly.
All: The Mighty One has done great things for us.
One: Holy is God's name.
All: Come, let us worship the Lord who has come near us!
Opening Prayer
God of the promise, David wanted to build you a house, and you answered that you would build him one instead, a line that would not end. When the time came, you did not send your Son to a palace but to a young woman in a small town who said yes. Make room in us this week for what you are doing. Give us Mary's courage to say, "Here am I." Amen.
Prayer of Confession
Loving God, we confess that we try to build you a house on our own terms. We want you in places we can manage and control. We are slow to say yes when your plans unsettle ours, and we doubt that anything new can come from small and lowly places. Forgive us. Make room in our hearts for the love that is arriving in less than a week. Amen.
More Advent Prayers of Confession
Assurance of Pardon
"For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed, says the Lord, who has compassion on you." (Isaiah 54:10)
Friends, believe the good news: in Jesus Christ we are forgiven and held in love that will not let us go. Thanks be to God!
More on the Assurance of Pardon
Prayer for Illumination
God of wisdom, you have made known the mystery kept secret for long ages. Open our hearts as your Word is read, and let it be with us according to your Word. Amen.
More Advent Prayers for Illumination
Benediction
Go now into the last crowded days before Christmas, and make room for Christ wherever you are. And to the God who is able to strengthen you, the only wise God, be the glory forever through Jesus Christ. Amen.
More Benedictions and Blessings
See also
Advent Liturgy
Worship Resources
Calls to Worship
Opening Prayers
Advent Prayers of Confession
Assurance of Pardon
Advent Prayers for Illumination
Benedictions and Blessings
Planning next Sunday?
This liturgy is one of many. Find more for your worship planning in two places.
