Liturgy for the Third Sunday of Advent, Year B, Mark
Introduction
Halfway through Advent, the church lights the rose candle and turns toward joy. As you and many congregants understand, joy is sometimes not easy. Sometimes joy is sown in tears and the harvest is a long ways to come. And yet, the good news of God is spoken to the brokenhearted.
This complete liturgy for the Third Sunday of Advent, Year B, follows the Revised Common Lectionary and includes a lighting of the Advent candle, a call to worship, opening prayer, prayer of confession, assurance of pardon, prayer for Illumination, and benediction. Find the full set of Advent orders of worship in the Advent Liturgy hub, and some other ideas a few times a month, so join my newsletter!
Lectionary readings for this Sunday
Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11: The Spirit of the Lord anoints the prophet to bring good news to the oppressed, bind up the brokenhearted, and proclaim the year of the Lord's favor. Read what the Jubilee is in the Bible and whether Israel ever practiced it.
Psalm 126: A Song of Ascents remembering when the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, and praying that those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy. See what Zion means in the Bible.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-24: Paul urges the church to rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances, trusting the God who sanctifies. Read what prayer means in the Bible and what sanctification means.
John 1:6-8, 19-28: John the Baptist comes to testify to the light, and when questioned, insists he is not the Messiah, not Elijah, and not the prophet, only a voice in the wilderness. See what light means in the Bible and who Elijah was.
Liturgy for this Sunday
Lighting of the Advent Candle: Joy
One: We light the candles of hope and peace, and now a third candle for joy.
All: Joy that comes even after weeping.
One: Those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy.
All: Come, Lord Jesus, and fill our mouths with laughter.
Call to Worship
One: Rejoice always.
All: The Lord has done great things for us.
One: Pray without ceasing.
All: We bring our hopes and our heavy hearts.
One: Give thanks in all circumstances.
All: Fill our mouths with laughter and our tongues with songs of joy.
Opening Prayer
God of glad surprises, you promised good news to the oppressed, healing for the brokenhearted, and freedom for those held captive. In this season of waiting, plant your joy in us like seed in hard ground, so that what we have sown in tears we may gather with songs of thanksgiving and praise. Amen.
Prayer of Confession
Holy God, we confess that joy does not come easily to us. We hold on to old grief and call it wisdom. We dim the light you have given us, or we try to be the light ourselves. We have quenched your Spirit with worry and busyness, which we admit to this time every year. Lord, help us change. Forgive us, and restore to us the joy of your salvation. Amen.
More Advent Prayers of Confession
Assurance of Pardon
"I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my whole being shall exult in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness." (Isaiah 61:10)
Friends, believe the good news: in Jesus Christ we are forgiven and clothed in grace. Thanks be to God!
More on the Assurance of Pardon
Prayer for Illumination
Spirit of the Lord, rest on us now as your Word is read and proclaimed. Open our hearts to receive good news, and let us hear it with joy. Amen.
More Advent Prayers for Illumination
Benediction
Go out rejoicing, and testify to the light in the places where it is hard to see. May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this. 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.
