S U N D AY M O R N I N G W O R S H I P • 1 0 A M
WAITING for the ADVENT 2025 DECEMBER 21
An Invasion of Love John 1:1-14
A welcoming community of faith where Jesus Christ transforms lives
WORSHIP LEADERS
PROCESSION
Rev. Christopher A. Henry Senior Pastor
Ewer Bearer Marshall Bryans
Rev. Michael M. Samson Associate Pastor for Adult Faith Formation
Acolytes and Advent Candles Mimi Fisher Adalena Dykstra
Rev. Gracie H. Payne Associate Pastor for Engagement Mimi Fisher Liturgist Sanctuary Choir Dr. Michelle Louer Director of Music and Fine Arts Dr. John Allegar Organist and Assistant Director of Music and Fine Arts Handbell Ensemble Rebecca Holt, Director All music in this service used by permission: CCLI License #719352; OneLicense #A-715008; or public domain.
WELCOME FAMILIES WITH YOUNG CHILDREN Following today’s Word with Children, children ages 4 through grade 5 may remain with their families or depart for Sunday Mornings for Children. If departing, please assure your child is wearing a nametag. Carol Choir pick up will be in Room 355 at 11:15 AM. Pick up for other sections of Sunday Mornings for Children will be in the third-floor hallway at the same time. Childcare is available on the second floor for infants through age 3.
VISUAL AND HEARING ASSISTANCE
Please speak to an usher if you need a large print bulletin, large print hymnal, or an assistive listening device. FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
2
DECEMBER 21, 2025
December 21, 2025 FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT We Come Together as God’s People Prelude
Les enfants de Dieu (from La Nativité du Seigneur) Dr. John Allegar, organ
Olivier Messiaen (1908-1992)
But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. – John 1:12-13
I Saw Three Ships English carol arr. David Willcocks (1919-2015) Caitlin Stewart and Kristin Shaffer, soprano; Caleb Crawford and Mitzi Westra, alto Dr. Michelle Louer, conductor I saw three ships come sailing in on Christmas Day in the morning. And what was in those ships all three on Christmas Day in the morning? Our Savior Christ in Trinity (original: and his lady) on Christmas Day in the morning. Pray, whither sailed those ships all three on Christmas Day in the morning? O, they sailed into Bethlehem on Christmas Day in the morning. And all the bells on earth shall ring on Christmas Day in the morning. And all the angels in heaven shall sing on Christmas Day in the morning. And all the souls on earth shall sing on Christmas Day in the morning. Then let us all rejoice amain [greatly] on Christmas Day in the morning!
Sing We Now of Christmas Handbell Ensemble; Rebecca Holt, conductor
Welcome Choral Call to Worship
arr. Kevin McChesney (b. 1963)
Rev. Christopher A. Henry
Still, Still, Still Sanctuary Choir; Dr. Michelle Louer, conductor
German carol arr. Philip Ledger (b. 1937)
Still, still, still Let all the world be still, For Mary lays her son to rest, Sings to him softly at her breast, Still, still, still Let all the world be still, Sleep, sleep, sleep, My dearest baby, sleep The angels all rejoice and sing Heav’s for your delight shall ring, Sleep, sleep, sleep, My dearest baby, sleep Joy, joy, joy, My heart is filed with joy! The God of love has left his throne, Made this humble world his own, Joy, joy, joy, My heart is filed with joy! Text: attr. Georg Götsch (1895–1956) / trans. Meg Peacocke (b. 1930)
SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
3
10 AM
* Opening Sentences
Rev. Michael M. Samson
One:
From places deeply rooted,
All:
we gather to light our Advent candles.
One:
From places yet undiscovered,
All:
we gather to sing our Advent songs.
One:
From places tangled with disappointment,
All:
we gather to share our Advent prayers.
One:
Let us gather in worship.
* Prayer of Adoration * Processional Hymn #22
Angels, from the Realms of Glory
Lighting of the Advent Candle
REGENT SQUARE
Mimi Fisher and Adalena Dykstra
One:
We light this candle as a symbol of God’s love for us and our love for one another. For the Lord rejoices over us with gladness and renews us in his love. We await the fulfillment of love’s promise. We await the birth of the Christ Child, the coming of God into our lives in a new way.
All:
We wait filled with hope, knowing your light will shine in the darkness.
One:
We wait anticipating your peace, believing that one day it will fill our world.
All:
We wait with joyful eagerness, standing on tiptoe to sense your presence.
One:
We wait embracing your love; may we reach out to share it with our neighbors.
All:
Lord, we wait. Come soon and fill us with your life. Amen. Christ, be our Light!
Bernadette Farrell
Invitation to Confession Prayer of Confession God of light and life, our prayer this week is anything but simple: to see the good in one another, to live as if peace is possible, to choose joy even in the dark of night, and to trust love in every circumstance. This is our hope, a hope that we receive from you. (Silent Prayer) Assurance of God’s Grace FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
4
DECEMBER 21, 2025
* Response of Praise
Gloria in Excelsis Deo!
French Carol
* Passing the Peace of Christ * Hymn #11
O Lord, How Shall I Meet You?
VALET WILL ICH DIR GEBEN
We Experience God’s Word The Word with Children Prayer for Illumination Isaiah 9:2-6
First Scripture Lesson Anthem
His Light In Us Sanctuary Choir; Dr. Michelle Louer, conductor
Mimi Fisher (p. 624) Kim André Arnesen (b. 1980)
God’s distant call flares in the night, so long expected, so longed for; and all my life, Christ called my name, and now at last, I’ll answer Him. Refrain: Renewed, his hope, his light in us, incarnate, fragile, our Lord appears, Alleluia, alleluia! Eternal, so perfect, his cry of changeless love. Alive, awake, His call is here: it is the crying of the Child; I know Christ’s call, its hidden flame, it makes my spirit flare with hope! Refrain This root, this stem, this flowering Love, this mustard seed, it grows to the greatest tree, the birds of souls have nested there. The light of the night now blazes at dawn! You’ve led me here, O little child, your being singing with God’s life. The kingdom sings, it choirs with earth, all creation lives Christ’s peace. Refrain Text: Euan Tait (b. 1968)
SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
5
10 AM
Second Scripture Lesson
John 1:1-14
Sermon
(p. 966) Rev. Christopher A. Henry
An Invasion of Love “And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)
Moment of Silent Meditation Response to the Sermon
This Endris Night Sanctuary Choir Treble Section Leaders
Sarah Quartel (b. 1982)
This endris night I saw a sight, A star as bright as day; And e’er among, A maiden sung. ‘Lullay, by, by, lullay.’ (Mother) ‘My son, my child, dear, Why liest thou thus in hay? But ne’ertheless I will not cease To sing, ‘by, by, lullay.’ (Son) ‘For angels bright to me do light: Thou knowest ‘tis no nay: And for that sight thou may’st delight To sing, ‘by, by, lullay.’ (Mother) ‘Now tell, sweet son, I thee do pray, Thou art my love and dear – How should I keep thee to thy pay, And make thee glad of cheer?’ (Son) ‘Dear mother, when time it be, Take thou me up on loft, And if I weep, and may not sleep, Thou sing, ‘by, by, lullay.’ (Mother) ‘Sweet son, since it is come so, That all is at thy will, To bliss thou bring – and I shall sing, ‘Lullay, by, by, lullay.’ Text: 15th century, adapted
FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
6
DECEMBER 21, 2025
We Give Thanks to God Prayers of the People and The Lord’s Prayer
Rev. Gracie H. Payne
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen. Invitation to Discipleship and Generosity Offertory
Do You Hear What I Hear? Handbell Ensemble
* Doxology
arr. Alan Lohr (b. 1952) OLD HUNDREDTH
* Prayer of Dedication
We Go Forth to Serve * Closing Hymn #12
People, Look East
BESANÇON (French carol)
* Charge and Benediction * Choral Benediction
BESANÇON (French carol)
People, look east and sing today: Love the Lord is on the way.
Postlude
Fughetta on “People, Look East”
Richard Shephard
(1949-2021)
At the conclusion of worship, we invite you to join us in McFarland Hall for coffee, donuts, & community.
SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
7
10 AM
WELCOME NEW BABY The red rose in front of the pulpit is in honor of:
Christmas Eve Services
Frederick Thomas Sundberg Birthdate: December 8, 2025 Parents: Liz and Brian Sundberg
Wednesday, December 24
THE POWER OF PRAYER
4 PM • Child-Led Service of Lessons & Carols
We remember in prayer these members who have died, and their loved ones. The white rose in front of the lectern is in memory of:
Led by the children of the church, ages 3 through 5th grade Cherub and Carol Choirs Carol Baker and Patrick Pauloski, conductors Dawn Waddell, organist Danny Fisher, pianist; Tom Ristine, guitarist
Bob Ware Would you like one of our pastors to pray with you today? We invite you to come to Milner Chapel immediately following the 10 AM worship service for a short time of communion and prayer. You may also visit SecondChurch.org/Prayer to fill out a Prayer Request Form.
Prelude begins 20 minutes before each service Rev. Christopher A. Henry Sanctuary Choir, Organ, Brass, & Percussion Dr. Michelle Louer, conductor; Dr. John Allegar, organist
If you or a loved one is hospitalized, please contact: Ashley McNamara, Coordinator of Pastoral Care AMcNamara@SecondChurch.org
11 PM • Service of Lessons and Carols with Holy Communion
7 & 9 PM • Service of Lessons and Carols
Prelude begins 20 minutes before service Rev. Christopher A. Henry Treble Section Leaders, Organ, Harp, & Strings Dr. Michelle Louer, conductor; Dr. John Allegar, organist
GIVING
Secondchurch.org/Commitment
BE THE LIGHT
NEXT SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28
Let’s keep the light burning brightly! We’re making progress toward our 2026 Commitment Campaign goal—thank you to all who have already pledged! Everyone’s help is appreciated and makes a difference. To make your 2026 commitment visit Secondchurch.org/Commitment Questions? Call the Office of Stewardship and Endowment, 317-253-6461, ext. 359.
What Child Is This? Rev. Michael M. Samson
NO 8:15 AM • Chapel Worship
VISITING TODAY?
NO 9 AM • Sunday School for All Ages
Thank you for worshiping with Second! Our Hospitality Team would love to connect and welcome you more fully into the life of Second. Scan this QR code and let us know you were here!
10 AM • Sanctuary Worship NO Coffee Hour NO 11:15 AM • Service of Wholeness and Communion
UPCOMING EVENTS
For more details visit SecondChurch.org/Worship
Emerging Adults Advent Worship & Christmas Party December 22 • 6:30 – 8:30 PM • Milner Chapel & Room 112
Watch Sunday worship all week long at SecondChurch.org/Live
SecondChurch.org/Events
Christmas Day • December 25 Building Closed
FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
8
DECEMBER 21, 2025