Sunday,  December 14, 2025
Third Sunday of Advent
Isaiah 35:1-10 | "Called the Holy Way"

Call to Worship
One: Joy is the gift God gives us
upon waking in the morning
to see beams of sun dance in dusty corners
or hear much needed rain, even on a leaky roof.
Many: Joy is in the delight 
of tiny precious things. 
One: Joy is the magnificence of the Redeemer
when the tests come back clear, 
or when a school test is finally passed,
or when the spirit is tested 
and chooses faith over fear.
Many: Joy is in the hands that hold our own 
while we sit silently and wait. 
One: Joy is the patience of Emmanuel
when petty disagreement 
turns into great injustice
and change is slow to bend 
towards what is right and good.
Many: 
Joy is in the small actions we take each day 
to help righteousness and peace abound.

Invocation
Beloved, we come now seeking to recognize moments of delight when we feel connected to you. We bring our fragmented hearts filled with good cheer, gentle reverence, and utter amazement; we share our secret hopes, dependable comforts, and cozy moments of advent peace. Rise up within us as we cherish the divinity of all that is good.

Prayer for Transformation and New Life
Great Redeemer, too often we allow the idea of absolute happiness to block the existence of joy from our daily lives. Our hopes are crushed under the weight of the world’s sorrows, and our peace is disturbed by the agonies of an interconnected existence. We race toward solutions without pausing to meditate on the greater good. We lay bare the sorrows we carry without acknowledging the small delights that make the fight against injustice worthwhile. Relieve us of the pain we wear as a badge of honor, ignoring your love, even as it surrounds us.

Words of Grace
Our loving God does not spare us from pain, as empathy is born from suffering; but neither does God remove joy from our lives as a punishment for our indiscretions. We are bound together with a sacred braid of hope, peace, and joy designed to hold fast against the greatest adversities. In faith, no anguish can take hold completely; no sorrow completely outweigh the possibility of joy. Praise be to God!

Lighting the Candle of Joy
Today we light the Candle of Joy.
Joy is often considered the easiest 
of these four weeks before Christ’s holy birth.

We may cling to hope, 
and pray for peace,
but in joy, we delight. 

In joy, our struggles are released.
In joy, we find relief and comfort,
a connection to friends and family and God.
In joy, we find innocence within 
that has not been ground out.

The lighting of this candle is joy.
and it reminds us of candles lit in our lives.
No matter the size or color of the wax,
no matter what room it is lit in, 
the act itself is exquisite. 

While the flame dances, we are one 
in the miracle and beauty of its light.

Invitation to Generosity
There is a simple joy to be found in sharing what we have. Regardless of how much or how little that may be, a portion belongs to God. What God desires is not an altar of sacrifices, but an outstretched hand. Give what you can, and delight in the joy your gift will bring.

Prayer of Dedication and Thanksgiving
Precious God, take these gifts in the spirit they were given, with joy and love for our siblings around the world. Let us remember that we all have times of trouble. We will each stand before you, hands clasped in prayer, begging for relief. Use what we have here to bring that relief where it is needed most.
Amen

Words of Institution
Jesus gathered his disciples together on his last night. He made room at the table for those who loved him, those who questioned him, those who followed him, and for the one who would betray him. As witnesses to his teachings, his earthly struggles, and his prophetic justice shifting ministry, they came.

As they were eating, Jesus took the bread, blessed it, then gave it to them, saying “This is my body broken for you, do this in remembrance of me.” 

In the same manner, following their meal, Jesus took the cup and blessed it and poured it out for each one of them and said, “This is the cup of the new covenant, sealed in my blood, given for you and for all for the forgiveness of sins.”

“As often, then, as you eat this bread and drink this cup, do so in memory of me.” 

Come now, bringing, each of us, our Joy within. All are welcome at Christ’s table. We gather to renew our spirits with this sacred meal and offer a place at the table for all. 

Prayer of Communion
Gracious and Eternal God, we share this meal as a symbol of Joy. In each of us, we find the beloved, the follower, the doubter, and the betrayer, and yet we know that we are welcome at this table. This meal is open to all, that it may offer sustenance as well as refuge. May we leave this table refreshed, ready to take your radical ministry of extravagant hope, everlasting peace, exuberant joy, and abundant love into the world. Amen.

Benediction
God, lead us from this time of prayer and reflection with dancing! Allow the joy within each one of us to shine upon those who suffer. Let our light be magnified by your grace each and every day! Amen.

Called the Holy Way: Service Prayers for the Third Sunday of Advent Year A was written by Maria Mankin.