First Presbyterian Church of Weedsport
December 14, 2025
Third Sunday of Advent
Rev. Brian Copeland
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Liturgist
PRELUDE
LIGHTING THE ADVENT CANDLES Liturgist
With Mary, the mother of Jesus, we magnify the Lord, rejoicing in God our Savior,
for the Mighty One has done great things for us, and holy is God's name.
On each occasion the lighting of the candles is concluded with:
The Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory.
Alleluia!
OPENING SENTENCES (Responsive) Liturgist
Soon parched lands will blossom into life and burst into joyful song—very soon.
Say to those who are drowning in fear, “Take courage! Here is God, coming to save you.”
Soon every creature will have what it needs in abundance. All peoples of all dis/abilities and ages will shout for joy in freedom—very soon.
A highway stretches heavenward, smooth and level. All may walk or roll there unimpeded.
Soon happiness and joy will overwhelm us! Grief and groaning will flee for good—very soon. Amen.
HYMN #13 Prepare the Way
CONFESSION AND PARDON (Responsive) Liturgist
The life of faith is not only about being faithful to God. It is knowing that God is faithful to us.
Trusting that God will never turn away from us, let us tell the truth about our lives.
Magnificent God, it is easy to rejoice at the wilderness bursting into bloom and the hungry being filled with good things. We may not want the powerful to be brought down or the rich to be sent away empty. We know that sometimes, we are the powerful. Sometimes, we are the rich. Sometimes we are the ones with privilege,
Ignoring and harming those you would lift up. Forgive us, humble us, and refocus us,
that we may follow your way of life and truth.
SILENT PRAYERS OF CONFESSION MAY BE OFFERED
There is nothing and no one that is too far gone for God to redeem. There is no land too parched that God cannot make streams of living water flow. Beloved, we are forgiven!
Alleluia! Thanks be to God!
SPECIAL MUSIC
CHILDREN’S TIME (Children may leave to go to Sunday School after Children’s Time.)
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION (Unison) Liturgist
Holy God, our hope and strength, by the power of your Spirit prepare the way in our hearts for the coming of your Word, so that we may see the glorious signs of your promise fulfilled; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
FIRST SCRIPTURE READING: Isaiah 35:1-10 Liturgist
1 The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom;
like the crocus 2it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing.
The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon.
They shall see the glory of the LORD, the majesty of our God.
3 Strengthen the weak hands and make firm the feeble knees.
4 Say to those who are of a fearful heart, “Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God. He will come with vengeance, with terrible recompense. He will come and save you.”
5 Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped;
6 then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy.
For waters shall break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert;
7 the burning sand shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water;
the haunt of jackals shall become a swamp, the grass shall become reeds and rushes.
8 A highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Holy Way; the unclean shall not travel on it, but it shall be for God’s people; no traveler, not even fools, shall go astray.
9 No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it;
they shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there.
10 And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
SECOND SCRIPTURE READING: Matthew 11:2-11 Rev. Brian Copeland
2When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples 3and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?” 4Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5the blind
raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. 6And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me.”
7As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? 8What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. 9What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10This is the one about whom it is written, ‘See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’ 11Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
SERMON Rev. Brian Copeland
HYMN #38 It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH (Unison) Adapted from the Confession of 1967, 9.19
Out of Israel, God in due time raised up Jesus. His faith and obedience were the response of the perfect child of God. He was the fulfillment of God’s promise to Israel,
the beginning of the new creation, and the pioneer of the new humanity. He gave history its meaning and direction and called the church to be his servant for the reconciliation of the world.
JOYS AND CONCERNS
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION AND THE LORD’S PRAYER
Gathered here, in the house of the Lord, let us pray for the coming of Christ’s realm.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING (Offering plates are not passed. Offering plates are on the front and back tables.)
PRAYER OF DEDICATION (Unison)
Eternal God, as we wait for the fulfillment of your reign, use these gifts and the gifts of our lives to bring justice to those who are oppressed, to set free those who are in prison, to lift up those who are bowed down, and to uphold those who are vulnerable. Amen.
HYMN #44 O Little Town of Bethlehem
BLESSING AND CHARGE
POSTLUDE
*Large print bulletins are available. Please ask the greeter.
Reminders:
Loose change from the fourth quarter will go to the Honor Flight
Dec. 21 – Longest Night service, 7 pm, MFPC
Dec. 24 – Christmas Eve service, 7 pm
Dec. 28 – Lynne Jacques will be the substitute minister
Jan.- March – worship will be held in the Fellowship Hall
Jan. 12 – Committee reports due
Jan. 25 – Congregational Meeting
