December 14, 2025
“To me, Mary embodies an idea in the Eastern Orthodox tradition: “bright sadness.” This phrase names how gladness and grief are never easily disentangled, how we taste both longing and delight, simultaneously, in every moment of our lives….
We find in Mary’s story that joy and pain constantly intertwine. Her heart is full of all kinds of unimaginable memories treasured up and her soul waits to be pierced. Her life story witnesses to the profound vulnerability of mothers in a world where deep love does not give us the ability to protect our children from all violence or pain.
~Tish Harrison Warren,
“What Mary Can Teach Us About the Joy and Pain of Life”
The New York Times, December 12, 2021
WORDS OF GREETING AND GATHERING
Alexis Ward Owens
WELCOMING STATEMENT
RISE believes that God has open arms, and so should we. Our Creator wants us to love, accept and affirm every human being, including persons of every age, race, ethnic background, nationality, gender identity, sexual orientation, family or socioeconomic status, educational background, religion or creed, and physical or mental ability. We celebrate our diversity and recognize the sacred worth and dignity of all. Everyone is invited and encouraged to join us as we seek to follow Jesus with mutual respect, understanding, and love.
*Read more about “Why Pronouns Matter” HERE.
OPENING Affirmation
~Homiletics, adapted
It is Advent, and we’re walking toward Bethlehem,
Listening every step of the way
for the sound of our name,
for the assurance that we have found favor with God.
We’re walking toward Bethlehem,
Watching every step of the way
for a new star in the sky,
for guidance in our daily lives.
We’re walking toward Bethlehem,
Sensing we are not alone.
Angels are all around us.
The prayers of saints surround us.
We’re walking toward Bethlehem,
Hoping to find that baby in a manger:
A simple sign that God loves us still
And reason enough to sing God’s praise.
Opening SongS
Songs Will Happen!
“God GranT you Peace and Happiness” (God Rest You Merry Gentlemen)
God grant you peace and happiness, let nothing you dismay
Remember, Christ, our Saviour, was born on Christmas day
To save us all from Satan's power, when we were gone astray
O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy
In Bethlehem, in Jewry, this blessed Babe was born
And laid within a manger, upon this blessed morn
The which His Mother Mary did nothing take in scorn
O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy
From God in heaven above a blessed Angel came;
And unto certain Shepherds brought tidings of the same:
How that in Bethlehem was born the Son of God by Name.
O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy
Now to the Lord sing praises, all you within this place,
And with true love and brotherhood, each other now embrace;
This holy tide of Christmas, all other doth deface.
O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy
“Gabriel’s Message”
~Text: Sabine Barin-Gould, Music: Basque Carol
The angel Gabriel from heaven came,
his wings as drifted snow, his eyes as flame.
"All hail," said he, “thou lowly maiden Mary,
most highly favor’d lady." Gloria!
"For known as blessed mother thou shalt be,
all generations laud and honor thee.
Thy son shall be Immanuel by seers foretold,
most highly favor’d lady." Gloria!
Then gentle Mary meekly bowed her head,
"To me be as it pleaseth God," she said.
"My soul shall laud and magnify his holy name."
Most highly favor’d lady, Gloria!
Advent Reflections
Seth Owens
Personal Reflections
Lighting the Advent Candles — Joy (+Hope and Peace)
Advent Song
“Far Too Long”
~Brent Holl and Chris Zepp
For far too long, the world had dwelt in darkness
For far too long the people without light
And so God sent us a tiny little baby
A little child to inspire and delight
A little child to inspire and delight
The angels sang, the shepherds rejoiced
The friendly beasts gathered ‘round the baby mild
Wise men offered gifts of frankincense and myrrh
Mary and Joseph sang softly to the child
Alleluia, Alleluia
Alleluia, Alleluia
For far too long, the world had dwelt in darkness
For far too long the people without light
And so God sent us a tiny little baby
A little child to inspire and delight
A little child to inspire and delight
Scripture Readings
Isaiah 35:1-10 (CEB)
1 The desert and the dry land will be glad;
the wilderness will rejoice and blossom like the crocus.
2 They will burst into bloom,
and rejoice with joy and singing.
They will receive the glory of Lebanon,
the splendor of Carmel and Sharon.
They will see the Lord’s glory,
the splendor of our God.3 Strengthen the weak hands,
and support the unsteady knees.
4 Say to those who are panicking:
“Be strong! Don’t fear!
Here’s your God,
coming with vengeance;
with divine retribution
God will come to save you.”5 Then the eyes of the blind will be opened,
and the ears of the deaf will be cleared.
6 Then the lame will leap like the deer,
and the tongue of the speechless will sing.
Waters will spring up in the desert,
and streams in the wilderness.
7 The burning sand will become a pool,
and the thirsty ground, fountains of water.
The jackals’ habitat, a pasture;
grass will become reeds and rushes.
8 A highway will be there.
It will be called The Holy Way.
The unclean won’t travel on it,
but it will be for those walking on that way.
Even fools won’t get lost on it;
9 no lion will be there,
and no predator will go up on it.
None of these will be there;
only the redeemed will walk on it.
10 The Lord’s ransomed ones will return and enter Zion with singing,
with everlasting joy upon their heads.
Happiness and joy will overwhelm them;
grief and groaning will flee away.
Luke 1:46-55 (CEB)
46 Mary said,
“With all my heart I glorify the Lord!
47 In the depths of who I am I rejoice in God my savior.
48 He has looked with favor on the low status of his servant.
Look! From now on, everyone will consider me highly favored
49 because the mighty one has done great things for me.
Holy is his name.
50 He shows mercy to everyone,
from one generation to the next,
who honors him as God.
51 He has shown strength with his arm.
He has scattered those with arrogant thoughts and proud inclinations.
52 He has pulled the powerful down from their thrones
and lifted up the lowly.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things
and sent the rich away empty-handed.
54 He has come to the aid of his servant Israel,
remembering his mercy,
55 just as he promised to our ancestors,
to Abraham and to Abraham’s descendants forever.”
THEOLOGICAL Reflection
Chris Zepp
“Dubious Joy, Indubitably”
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
How do relate to “the joy of the season”? Would you say that joy comes naturally to you, or is it hard?
Can you relate to Mary’s rejoicing? Can you find joy in God and what God is doing in the world, even if you can’t find joy in your own life right now? How are we (you, me, humanity) connected to God’s story and the incarnation that we celebrate at Christmas?
What if you just don’t feel joy at this time of year? How do you cope? How do you keep from sapping the joy of others? Might there be a way to experience joy even in the midst of suffering, loneliness, pain, grief, busyness, stress, family turmoil, etc?
Song
“Bread and Fishes”
~Alan Bell
As I went a walkin' one mornin' in spring
I met with some travelers in an old country lane
One was an old man, the second a maid
And the third was a young boy who smiled as he said
We've the wind in the willows, and the birds in the sky
We've a bright sun to warm us, where ever we lie
We have bread and fishes and a jug of red wine
To share on our journey with all of mankind
I sat down beside them, the flowers all around
And we ate on a mantle spread out on the ground
They told me of prophets and princes and kings
And they spoke of the one god who knows everything
We've the wind in the willows, and the birds in the sky
We've a bright sun to warm us, where ever we lie
We have bread and fishes and a jug of red wine
To share on our journey with all of mankind
I asked them to tell me their name and their race
So I might remember their kindness and grace
"My name is Joseph, this is Mary my wife
And this is our young son, our pride and delight”
We travel the whole world, by land and by sea
To tell all the people how they might be free
Like the wind in the willows, and the birds in the sky
We've a bright sun to warm us, where ever we lie
We have bread and fishes and a jug of red wine
To share on our journey with all of mankind
Sadly, I left them, in an old country lane
For I knew that I never would see them again
One was an old man, the second a maid
And the third was a young boy who smiled as he said:
We've the wind in the willows, and the birds in the sky
We've a bright sun to warm us, where ever we lie
We have bread and fishes and a jug of red wine
To share on our journey with all of mankind
Prayer
~Edward Hays, Prayers for a Planetary Pilgrim, adapted
Offering and NOMOFOMO
One of our core values is, "God gives to us, so we give back." We're called to give as a joy-filled response to what we've been given. Your financial gifts make a tremendous difference in the lives of God's beloved in Harrisonburg and beyond. Whether it's helping to make sure children in our community have enough to eat, helping to respond to the mental health crisis in our community, or providing much needed backing for the operating costs of our spaces and staff — your gift is a part of God's dream and we are grateful for everyone who partners with us on this journey!
DONATIONS NEEDED FOR
IFA CoMMUNITY UNITY EVENT
Sunday, January 18
As winter approaches, our unhoused neighbors in the area face harsh conditions. Your generosity can make a difference in someone’s comfort, safety, and dignity this season.
The Interfaith Association of Harrisonburg-Rockingham is hosting a Community Unity Event in the New Year with the goal of creating a meaningful, coordinated service project that combines practical needs with community outreach.
We will be collecting donations over the next several weeks to support the effort. Check out the flyer for a full list of items being collected. They are especially seeking unisex warm socks, winter hats, gloves, and hand/feet warmers.
All items collected will be distributed at the IFA Community Unity Event Meal being hosted at Muhlenberg Lutheran Church on Sunday, January 18, 2026.
LAST WTF? of 2025
Wednesday’s at exactly dinner-ish! (6pm EST)
Downstairs at John Wesley UMC
This Week’s Menu (12/17):
Rosemary Apple Cider Chicken
Join us for a midweek check in to fuel your body, mind and soul. RISE will provide the meal and an Advent topic for contemplation and conversation. All you have to do it show up!
If you are interested and/or able to help (cooking and prep, giving rides to students, setting up and greeting, washing dishes, etc) let us know using the link below!
TODAY!!
VOICE
Winter Benefit Concert
Court Square Theater
Sunday, December 14, 3 pm
The VOICE Ensemble will present their Winter Benefit Concert “Be Kind - Rewind” twice next weekend at Court Square Theater. Beth and Taylin Sellers and Sue Nelson are members of the ensemble. 100% of all donations at the door ($20 suggested) will go directly to Cat’s Cradle.
Walk to the Manger
Camp Overlook
Saturday, December 20, 5-7 pm
Join in a night of faith and fellowship as we journey to find the King of all Kings. Hot chocolate to follow afterwards in the picnic shelter.
Longest Night Worship
Trinity Presbyterian Church
Sunday, December 21, 7 pm
A reflective worship service held on the winter solstice. This is a compassionate space to acknowledge pain, loss, loneliness, or illness, and to find hope alongside others who understand. Elements such as candle lighting, prayer, quiet reflection, and communion will be included.
RISE Christmas Eve
JWUMC Fellowship Hall
Wednesday, December 24
4 pm - Deliver the Love Prep
5:30 pm - Worship Service
Join us at 4pm for light refreshments while we pack goody bags for Deliver the Love (see below).
Service of scripture readings, communion, candles, and hymns begins at 5:30.
On Christmas Eve we will be a packing care package bags to deliver a little bit of love and Christmas cheer to those who have to work on Christmas Eve!
How do I help?
1. RISE will provide the bags and paper to make cards, but we need cheerful items to fill the bags! Homemade cookies, Christmas stickers, candy, etc. Please bring items you would like to contribute with you to worship or with you on Christmas Eve!
2. Come help us pack the bags at 4pm before the service on Christmas Eve.
3. Take a couple of bags after the service to drop off to the folks who have to work at a business on your way home to spread the love of Christ! RISE leadership will take bags to the hospital.
Closing Song
“Joy to The World”
~Isaac Watts
Joy to the world, the Lord is come
Let Earth receive her King
Let every heart prepare Him room
And Heaven and nature sing
And Heaven and nature sing
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing
Joy to the Earth, the Savior reigns
Let all their songs employ
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy
He rules the world with truth and grace
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness
And wonders of His love
And wonders of His love
And wonders, wonders, of His love
(And one new extra verse!)
You are a gift to all the world!
Now go and share your love!
Spread joy and kindness everywhere,
Speak peace and justice as you go.
Show love to all around
Show love to all around
Show love, and joy to all around!
Parting Blessing
~Homiletics, adapted
May God grant us courage to walk in the paths of peace,
Patience to outlast the troubles of the day in hope,
Love that erases barriers and heals wounds,
And joy that radiates from the inside out…
Remember friends — you are a gift!
Now go and be a gift!
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Requests for care and/or prayer can be sent via e-mail to cares@riseharrisonburg.org, texted to 833-803-0868, or submitted online via our RISE Cares form.