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Sunday 13th December 2020

Introduction by Frances Carrol  

Welcome to this service from the linked charges of Eddleston and Peebles Old.

On this the third Sunday of advent we take time to reflect on John the Baptist, the one who pre-eminently prepared the way for Jesus. Despite the difficult social and political situation of the day John knew his task and he was not to be diverted from it. We remain grateful for his example

After the bells stop you are invited to join in our opening hymn On Jordan’s bank.

Let us worship God .

3rd Sunday in Advent

HYMN: On Jordan's bank

PRAYER

Said by Very Revd. David Arnott

Almighty and eternal God
Speak to the quietness within us
So that in this time of worship
We may be drawn closer to you
As you draw ever closer to us.

Hold not our faults and failings against us, Lord God
But through your forgiving grace in Jesus Christ
Cleanse our hearts and minds
From all that would hold us back
From seeing you more clearly,
Loving you more dearly
And following you more nearly.

Let us today lay down before you
All the burdens we no longer need to carry
Our hurts our disappointments,
Our sadnesses and our worries
So that trusting in your unending mercy
We may go forward in strength and in faith
Through Jesus Christ our Lord
In whose name we pray together and say

THE LORD'S PRAYER

LESSON

Read by Janette Cameron  
Mark 1: 1-8

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, "Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, who shall prepare thy way;
the voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight--"
John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
And there went out to him all the country of Judea, and all the people of Jerusalem; and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.
Now John was clothed with camel's hair, and had a leather girdle around his waist, and ate locusts and wild honey.
And he preached, saying, "After me comes he who is mightier than I, the thong of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie.
I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."

Reflection

HYMN: Make way, make way

PRAYER

Said by Very Revd. David Arnott

Lord God we pray and give thanks
For those who prepare the way.

For those teachers in life who have helped and still help
To prepare the way to life in all its fullness,
For those who refused to criticise us
But instead have offered support and unconditional love
Never standing in judgement.

We pray for those who prepare the way
For young lives to grow in faith and in love
For parents and friends who set an example
For those whom we know follow the Christ in love and in faith
A life-style of service to be copied.

We pray for those who prepare the way
Through these challenging times;
Holding fast to their faith and their love
Against all the odds
Refusing to yield under pressure
Because they are convinced love conquers all.

We pray for all affected by the current pandemic
And continue to remember with gratitude before you
All the medical, nursing and care home staff
Who have gone more than the extra mile
Preparing the way for a return to some kind of normality

We pray Lord God and give thanks
For those who have gone before us in the faith
And prepared the way for our own homecoming to you,

Through Jesus Christ our Lord we pray
Amen

HYMN: Comfort, comfort now my people

BENEDICTION

Said by Very Rev David Arnott

And now may the blessing of Almighty God
Father, Son and Holy Spirit
be with you and remain with you
and all those whom you love
now and forever more
Amen

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