This liturgy is based on our Advent Theme this year, "The Gifts of Women", based on the women in Matthew's account of Jesus' genealogy. (Due to a family emergency, we wound up switching weeks 2 and 3.)
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Hymns
Hymn GTG #106, “Prepare the Way, O Zion”
Hymn GTG #324, “For All the Faithful Women" [v. 1 + New Verse:]
For Ruth, we lift our voices in gratitude and praise;
Naomi’s true companion, a friend through all her days.
Although the way was rocky, they each were not alone –
Ruth’s loyalty a path to Christ Jesus on his throne.
Hymn GTG #100, “My Soul Cries Out With a Joyful Shout”
Leader: We are here to prepare for the Lord’s coming
People: We gather to share stories of a faith passed down from generation to generation.
Leader: We give thanks for our biblical forefathers, the names we learn in Sunday school, the figures who loom large in our understanding of God.
People: But Matthew’s gospel reminds us not to forget the stories of the faithful women who lead us to Christ.
Leader: [Lighting purple candle] Today, we learn from our mother Ruth, whose love transformed her from a mere companion to a true ally.
People: As we remember the ancestors whose gifts point us to the manger, we cry aloud with one voice: Come, Lord Jesus.
Call to Confession (based on Ruth 1:8)
Leader: The Lord provides faithfully for those who turn to God. Let us confess our sin.
Prayer of Confession (based on Ruth 1:11-13)
You are invited to speak a word or short phrase that describes a personal or collective sin of which you repent and seek forgiveness. When the gathered community is finished sharing, we pray together:
People: Faithful God, we confess our loneliness. When our circumstances become difficult, we despair. And yet, when others offer support and solidarity, we turn them away. We believe in the myth of self-sufficiency to our detriment. Forgive us for the times that we have rejected the help of others, and for the times that we have neglected to offer such help ourselves. Remind us that we were created for relationship, and that community is a holy gift from you. In your mercy, hear our prayers… (Silent prayers of personal confession)
Declaration of Forgiveness (based on Ruth 1:16)
Leader: God’s faithfulness is unconditional and absolute: wherever we go, God will go; wherever we stay, God will stay. Therefore, we proclaim in a confidence born of this promise: In Jesus Christ, we are all forgiven!
People: Thanks be to God!
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