December 7, 2025

Stone United Methodist Church
December 7, 2025
Second Sunday of Advent

REV. KENDRA BALLIET ORGANIST JIM ROSS

Please Stand If Able
Prelude - Choral Prelude on "Of The Fathers Love Begotten"
-John Blackburn
Welcome & Announcements 

*Call to Worship
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 in a time when too many were silenced.
PEOPLE: What child IS this?
PASTOR: This is the one whose voice would ring out,
reminding all that peace does not come through violence.
PEOPLE: What child IS this?
PASTOR: This, this is the “Prince of Peace” who shows us
the kin-dom in which all have a voice, and no one is afraid.

Opening Hymn – “Star Child” #2095

Lighting of the Second Advent Candle
Why lies He in such mean estate,
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian, fear: for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading.

Reader 1: The poet of our theme carol, “What Child is This,” penned the phrase “the silent Word is pleading.” Our vision of the child in the manger may be the soothing lullaby and the silent night, but the reality of babies, and of that time in history, is that of a “crying out.”
Reader 2: It was a time when many were silenced, and the need for prophesying justice in the midst of trauma was great. Zechariah does this when his silence is lifted. The Word became Flesh for such a time.
Reader 1: We light this candle of Peace for those who need it most. (Light the First and Second Purple Candles.)
Reader 2: For all who are being silenced.
Reader 1: For all who are afraid to speak out.
Reader 2: For all who know that peace comes with justice.
Reader 1: Our question for today at the scene of the nativity is this: “How will we cry out for true peace for ALL people? How will we soothe the trauma of the world in our time?”
Reader 2: What child IS this? This, this, is the Prince of Peace who invites us to proclaim his reign 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 new air in our lungs. Open us to new understandings of the unfolding story of your presence among us. Show us the true meaning of peace on earth, goodwill for all. We pray in the name of the Child, the Prince of Peace in our hearts and lives. Amen.

Children’s Chat 
 
Scripture- Luke 1:5-25
Pastor: The Word of God for the people of God. 
People: Thanks be to God 
 
Series: “What Child IS This: Beyond the Lullaby”
Message: “The Silent Word”

Tithes and Offering 
Offertory -  Lenten Lullaby – George Blake
*Doxology – Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow #94 

Prayer Hymn – “Prepare the Way of the Lord” #207

Prayers of the People - Joys and Concerns 
Pastoral Prayer & Lord’s Prayer 

Communion

*Closing Hymn – “Let There Be Peace on Earth” #431

Action Steps and Benediction 

Postlude – Noel – Willard Irving Nevins