Sunday,  December 21, 2025
Fourth Sunday of Advent
Isaiah 7:10-16 | "Let It Be Deep"

Call to Worship
One: To love is the greatest gift 
bestowed upon us. 
It is a surrender
to God’s holy power.
Many: God loves us, 
despite all our mistakes, 
so we pray for the patience of hope!
One: To be loved by God
is the right of every living thing.
This love is the sun and the rain,
it is the beginning and end of all.
Many: God loves us 
even when we neglect our neighbors,
so we pray for the strength to bring peace.
One: God’s love is always
a promise and a responsibility,
and we are given this love freely.
God demands nothing from us,
yet knows we are capable of greatness.
Many: God loves us
in the midst of destruction and despair,
so we pray to share a vision of joy.
One: Love is a sacred vow 
God has made to us,
a rainbow in the sky,
a baby in the manger.
Many: God loves us just as we are, 
and we gives thank and whisper amen.

Invocation
Emmanuel, we come today with arms wide open, ready to meet your precious son. Your love for us is so full that you sent a fragile babe to share your holy word, knowing that he would face human pain. Open us, God! Prepare us for his coming, that we may be messengers of your abundant love, and act to ease the suffering of all.

Prayer for Transformation and New Life
Majestic Redeemer, in these last days before the birth of your son, we admit that we ask often for a sign. We put you to the test, beg for miracles, for mercy, for proof of your holy word. 
We doubt, even as we retell the old stories. We are like Joseph – shamed, questioning, fearful of the truth of Mary’s dream – not wanting to be taken as fools for believing in something that seems too precious to be true. We are as afraid as the shepherds in their fields, sometimes as cowardly and cruel as Herod. You have given us the most sacred gift, yet we often lack the faith to accept it. Amen. 

Words of Grace
God’s love for us encompasses every doubt and disaster we will imagine. God did not turn from our ancestors when they fell short, and God will not turn from us. Our humanity is not a flaw. It is the gift of the divine, sealed in Emmanuel’s humanity. Praise be to God!

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

Over the past few weeks,
we have sparked the light
of hope, peace, and joy.
Now, we come to love,
which binds all of these together.

Each strand is braided 
gently into an image of God
who protects, encourages, and endures.

We cannot look upon the face of God,
but we can experience this love
every time we experience
hope, peace, and joy.

We are not above suffering,
but God promises, 
even in the midst of despair,
love will pour down upon us.

Just as we await the birth 
of our savior in the manger, 
God waits on us, watches over us,
and sends us out into the world 
to do as Jesus did –
to care for our neighbors,
to give freely to those in need,
to call out tyranny,
to face down injustice –
knowing that God is with us.

We are loved. 
We are love.

Invitation to Generosity
This is a week when we often feel the disparity between the haves and the have nots. Many will go into debt striving for a perfect holiday, while others cannot even imagine the ability to have such a day. God has told us many times and, in many ways, where love flows from – it comes from the hand we extend when we have enough and even when we do not. Let us bring forth the true joy of this season and give as much as we are able.

Prayer of Dedication and Thanksgiving
Love and Light of the world, we give you thanks for these gifts. We give you thanks for the privilege of generosity. We give you thanks for the ability to share your divine love in a tangible form with our siblings around the world. Help us to remember, as we await Christ’s birth, to give more generously than we receive, knowing we will always be rich in your abundant love.
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, bringing Love 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 Love. 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
Let us go out into the world with the extravagance of God’s love in our hearts! Let us savor the moments of joy, whether from the excitement of the season or the peace of a deeply feeling spirit. We are messengers of hope in a waiting world.
Amen

Let It Be Deep: Service Prayers for the Fourth Sunday of Advent Year A was written by Maria Mankin.