December 14, 2025

December 14, 2025 Third Sunday of Advent Rev. Kendra Balliet Organist Jim Ross * Please Stand If Able Prelude Welcome & Announcements *Call to Worship PASTOR: Just as our theme carol asks, “What child is this?” we, too, have come with our questions this day. We go into the world with answers of Good News, being the Body of Christ through our words and deeds. PEOPLE: We Ask, We Answer PASTOR: As we prepare to go into the world, let us ask and answer the question we came with. PEOPLE: What child IS this? PASTOR: This is the one born into a time when unbridled joy was squelched by those in power. PEOPLE: What child IS this? PASTOR: This is the one whose birth would stir the world from slumber and challenge us to know joy that comes from right relationships. PEOPLE: What child IS this? PASTOR: This, this is the “Son of Mary” who shows us the song of life that is ours when we stand up for the least. * Opening Hymn – “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee” #89 Lighting of the Third Advent Candle What Child is this, who, laid to rest, On Mary’s lap is sleeping? Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, While shepherds watch are keeping? Reader 1: We often hear Jesus referred to as the “Son of God” and the “Son of Man.” But this carol points out his identity over and over as the “Son of Mary.” This equally powerful description points to his being reared by a woman who, upon hearing she would bear a child, said “yes” to one of the most difficult and precarious situations she could face. Reader 2: And then she sings with joy a song of justice for the ages. She goes on to guide and help form this child who would tend to the suffering ones. Reader 1: We light this candle of Joy for those who need it most. (Light the First and Second Purple Candles and the Pink Candle.) Reader 2: For all whose despair feels endless. Reader 1: For all who find little joy in daily living. Reader 2: For all whose disappointment runs deep. Reader 1: Our question for today at the scene of the nativity is this: “How can we proclaim a deep joy “in spite of” hardship in our time?” Reader 2: What child IS this? This, this, is the Son of Blessed Mary who reigns with joy forever. This, this is Christ, the King, Whom shepherds guard and angels sing: Haste, haste to bring Him laud, The Babe, the Son of Mary! Opening Prayer Here, at the nativity of your birth, give us the courage to face this moment with an uncanny joy. Open us to new understandings of the unfolding story of your presence among us. Show us how to praise you even when songs and carols feel empty. We pray in the name of the Child, the One Who Uplifts our hearts and lives. Amen. Children’s Chat Scripture- Luke 1:26-56 Pastor: The Word of God for the people of God. People: Thanks be to God Series: “What Child IS This: Beyond the Lullaby” Message: “Son of Mary” Tithes and Offering Offertory *Doxology – Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow #94 Prayer Hymn – “To a Maid Engaged to Joseph” #215 Vs1, 2, 4, & 6 Prayers of the People - Joys and Concerns Pastoral Prayer & Lord’s Prayer *Closing Hymn – “Joy to the World” #246 Action Steps and Benediction Postlude