Third Sunday in Advent December 16th, 2007 The Christmas Fund sends Christmas gift checks that bring joy to retired clergy and lay workers – this year more than _____ of whom are one hundred years old or older.

The gospel of Matthew tells us – Look the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means “God is with us.” Reader 1: The gospel of Matthew tells us- Look the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means, “God is with us.”

We light again the Candle of Hope and remember those who restore our hopes. Lighter: We light again the Candle of Hope and remember those who restore our hopes

The Candle of Hope Lighter: (Light the first candle) The Christmas Fund offers hope to active and retired clergy and active and retired lay employees because they can receive emergency assistance in time of need. Lighter: (Light the first candle)

We light again the Candle of Peace and remember the Peace on Earth once sung by angels. Lighter: We light again the Candle of Peace and remember the Peace on Earth once sung by angels.

The Candle of Peace Lighter: (Light the second candle) The Christmas Fund’s health supplementation brings peace of mind and spirit to many retired pastors, musicians, sextons and administrators. Lighter: (Light the second candle)

God is with us. This is the Candle of Joy God is with us. This is the Candle of Joy. We come to church to share our joy. In this season everyone hears carols, sees holly and poinsettias, tastes cookies, smells balsam fir. Here in our church the joy is deepened because we celebrate not just a “holiday” but the coming of the light of the world. Reader 2: God is with us. This is the Candle of Joy. We come to church to share our joy. In this season everyone hears carols, sees holly and poinsettias, tastes cookies, smells balsam fir. Here in our church the joy is deepened because we celebrate not just a “holiday” but the coming of the light of the world.

The Candle of Joy Lighter: (Light the third candle) The Christmas Fund sends Christmas gift checks that bring joy to retired clergy and lay workers – this year more than ____ of whom are one hundred years old or older. Lighter: (Light the third candle)

God brings water in the wilderness of lives and flowers that bloom in the dry land of the soul. For those who need tenderness and healing in this season because of grief and loss and loneliness there is a quality of joy that is a gentle as Mary’s song, “my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” Let us pause and reflect on one thing in eachof our lives that is a source of rejoicing. (Instead of silence, gently play a few bars of “Joy to the World.” In some churches people may like to call out or whisper the things that bring them joy.) Reader 1: God brings water in the wilderness of lives and flowers that bloom in the dry land of the soul. For those who need tenderness and healing in this season because of grief and loss and loneliness there is a quality of joy that is a gentle as Mary’s song, “my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” Let us pause and reflect on one thing in each of our lives that is a source of rejoicing. (Instead of silence, gently play a few bars of “Joy to the World.” In some churches people may like to call out or whisper the things that bring them joy.)

(Let us pray) Emmanuel, God with us, we pledge ourselves to care for the ones Mary named – the poor, the lowly, the hungry, the empty. Let it be our joy – to find the manager at every street corner, to recognize your child in every face. Amen. Reader 2: Let us pray Emmanuel, God with us, we pledge ourselves to care for the ones Mary named – the poor, the lowly, the hungry, the empty. Let it be our joy – to find the manager at every street corner, to recognize your child in every face. Amen.