1. Advent 2

2. GOD WELCOMES US John said: 'After me will come one more powerful than I, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I baptise you with water, but he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit.' In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit Amen.

3. Let us confess our sins in the presence of God and of each other. We confess to you, almighty God, before the whole company of heaven, and to each other, that we have sinned in thought, word and deed, by our own fault. Have mercy on us, for Jesus’ sake, forgive us all our sins, and bring us to eternal life. Amen.

4. May the almighty and merciful Lord grant us pardon and forgiveness of all our sins. Amen.

5. We light the Advent candle and pray The true light came to those who belonged to him, and his own people did not accept him. The true light, who enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.

6. Lord Jesus, you are the light of the world. You came to be born as a king in Bethlehem, the city of King David. Be born in our hearts, and rule our lives today. Amen.

7. We sing an Advent hymn/song

8. Psalm 85:1,2,8-13 Lord, you were favourable to your land: you restored the fortunes of Jacob You forgave the iniquity of your People: you pardoned all their sin. Show us your steadfast love O Lord, and grant us your salvation.

9. Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for he will speak peace to his people: to his faithful, to those who turn to him in their hearts. Surely his salvation is at hand for those who fear him: that his glory may dwell in our land. Show us your steadfast love O Lord, and grant us your salvation.

10. Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet: righteousness and peace will kiss each other. Faithfulness will spring up from the ground: and righteousness will look down from the sky. The Lord will give what is good: and our land will yield its increase. Righteousness will go before him: and will make a path for his steps. Show us your steadfast love O Lord, and grant us your salvation.

11. The Lord be with you And also with you. Let us pray.

12. Merciful God, you sent your messengers to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation. Turn us away from our sins, so that we greet our coming redeemer, Jesus Christ, with joy. For he lives with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

13. GOD SPEAKS TO US Old Testament Reading – Isaiah 40:1-11 (after the reading) This is the word of the Lord Thanks be to God

14. Epistle Reading - 2 Peter 3:8-15a (after the reading) This is the word of the Lord Thanks be to God

15. Gospel Reading – Mark 1:1-8 (after the gospel) This is the gospel of the Lord Praise be to you, O Christ Thank you, Lord Jesus, for sending John the Baptist to announce your coming to save people. Help us to repent and believe in you. Amen.

16. We sing a hymn/song

17. We listen to the address

18. We confess our faith I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried.

19. He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God, the Father almighty, from thence he will come to judge the living and the dead.

20. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic* church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. * ‘catholic’ here meaning 'universal'

21. GOD RECEIVES OUR OFFERING We sing a hymn/song as our offering is received

22. We pray for ourselves and the world Prayer response: Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer.

23. The Lord’s Prayer Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread.

24. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

25. May Christ, the Sun of Righteousness, shine on us and make us ready to meet him when he comes in glory. And the blessing of almighty God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, be with us always. Amen.

26. We sing a hymn/song