Sunday,  December 7, 2025
Second Sunday of Advent
Isaiah 11:1-10 | "A Branch Shall Grow"

Call to Worship
One: At the start of every day,
God shakes us awake to the possibility 
of reconciliation and joyful abundance.
Many: May our Great Redeemer, 
who judges all with righteousness, 
reward the tyrannized with justice.
One: In every season, 
God tends to the child within us, 
bringing into harmony 
all distress and despair.
Many: May our Beloved Emmanuel 
defend the cause of the deprived, 
give deliverance to the abused, 
and overwhelm the will of their persecutors.
One: Throughout all generations, 
God bestows upon the people 
a peace that is everlasting.
Many: May the Prince of Peace
rain down blessed mercy upon the people,
showering the earth with righteousness and peace. 

Invocation
Almighty God, we seek relief from the unrest of our daily lives. You, who offer peace and justice in a single hand, are our redeemer. Allow us, God, to unfold in your palm. With each breath, allow us to inhale the power of your sacred word, and exhale the turmoil within. 

Prayer for Transformation and New Life
Gentle God, it has been too long since your people have known peace. We turn away from the ugliness hidden behind closed doors, from the ravages of war, from the famine and genocide that stalk our siblings around the world. We’ve lost hope, lost our faith in the possibility of a small act’s power to change. We talk and talk, all the while forgetting that we are not just your mouthpiece, but your hands and feet. Remind us, Redeemer, how to show up for justice. Teach us how to transform this ragged hope into peace for all.

Words of Grace
God does not judge based on our insecurities, but on the promise rooted within each of us. Hope is as robust as ever when we study God’s image in the mirror. Peace is not only a possibility but is the ultimate work of God’s people. In faith, we rise and fall and rise again, knowing that our Redeemer will never stumble or disappoint. Praise be to God! 

Lighting the Candle of Peace
Today we light the Candle of Peace.

There is a hush in our hearts as we wait 
to feel the peace of God envelop us.

We imagine it as delicate as a lily’s petals opening,
as a blanket pulled snug beneath our chin,
as a breeze shaking the oak’s branches on a sunny morning.

We expect peace to come gently, 
but when has anything worthwhile come without pain?
A baby cries in birth as the mother sweats and shakes.
Imperfect compromises leave both sides vulnerable.
A voice that rallies us to change is often silenced too soon.

Striving for peace is no different.
It is fierce, and loud, and it requires tenacity.
Peace is complicated. Peace is a sip of water
after the longest night. Peace is the flame within
that we must keep lit for the sake of all.

Peace is the hush, and it is the clatter.
Peace is God’s love, acted out loud.

Invitation to Generosity
Peace makes us generous. God’s abundance pours through us to our neighbors, just as God’s love showers us with blessing. As each of us gives what we can, we know that our community is only as resilient as our most vulnerable neighbor.

Prayer of Dedication and Thanksgiving
Emmanuel, hear our prayer! We bring these gifts before you to spread peace throughout our homes, our communities, and our world. On every street corner, beside rivers, lakes, oceans, at the top of your tallest mountains, and dwelling below the cliffs, your people are in need. Take these gifts to strengthen our church and bring relief to your beloved children.
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 your sins.”

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

Come now, open to Peace 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 Peace. 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
Beyond these walls, the world needs peace. Go out taking with you the exquisite peace of Christ. Carry it boldly and spread it to all those you meet, knowing that God is within you, strengthening the light of the world. Amen.

Raised Above: Service Prayers for the Second Sunday of Advent Year A was written by the Maria Mankin.