Here’s a call to
worship for the start of the Advent season. It was written by Ann Siddall and
posted on the website of the Stillpoint
Spirituality Centre and Faith Community (see link below).
Ann writes: “This call to worship requires the communion
table to be empty as worship begins. During the prayer, purple material, a Bible, a candle, and a wrapped
gift are laid on the table. And during the worship that follows a few moments of quiet space are left
after the Bible reading, after the prayers of intercession, and before the Benediction and
people are invited to stay in the silence with the words ‘And now in a few moments of quietness, let
us watch and wait to honour the Christ who comes.’”
Advent
Call to Worship
In the midst of
frenzied shopping
and end-of-year
weariness,
we spread out a purple
cloth,
(a purple cloth is spread over the communion table)
read again the ancient
stories,
(a Bible is placed on the table)
and light a candle in
the darkness,
(a candle or an Advent wreath is placed and lit)
to celebrate a visitation.
Gathered here we
declare our intention to live
as if the greatest gift
in the world
were about to be placed
into our hands
(a wrapped parcel is laid on the table),
and as if the Giver has
understood
our deepest needs, our most
heartfelt prayers.
Like Mary,
may we be surprised by
our calling;
like Simeon and Anna,
may the years increase
our faith;
like sleepy shift
workers on a hillside,
may our eyes be opened;
like Joseph may we
listen to our dreams;
for this season requires
our creative imagination.
There is a Presence in
our world that asks to be seen,
who will stay awake?
There is a coming to
our world that seeks a welcome,
who will offer
hospitality?
Even now Jesus Christ
is moving towards us.
~
written by Ann Siddall, Stillpoint Spirituality Centre and Faith Community.
Free for use in corporate worship, as long as the author and source are
credited. Posted on the Stillpoint website.
https://stillpointsa.org.au/
