Dec. 14 Virtual Worship
3rd Sunday in Advent (Joy)
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Worship Team: Sarah Haas, Marc Hayden
Music Ministry Team: Kristin Petty
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Key Notes from the reading & sermon:
Scripture Lesson
Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 35:1-10
Sermon: The Speechless Sing for Joy
Isaiah 35:1-10
1 The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad; the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus 2 it shall blossom abundantly and rejoice with joy and shouting. 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 shall be opened; 6 then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy. Key Idea of the Sermon 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;[e] 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
Key Idea of the Sermon
On this Third Sunday of Advent we remain in the ancient prophecy of Isaiah. The Divine vision of chapter 35 describes the return home of the redeemed. God makes a safe way through the wilderness. Even “the feeble, lame, deaf, and blind” find Divine strength to make the long journey home (vs 3-6). The desert itself comes alive with resources to nourish the travelers. The flowers bloom and “rejoice with joy and singing” (vs 2). The Lord will protect the travelers so they “shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away” (vs 10).
Questions for Reflection
• On the second Sunday of Advent, we celebrated Christ’s gift of love. How did you experience love this past week?
• The faithful do not feel at home on this earthly journey. How do you understand going home?
• When the way is difficult, can you imagine and summon the promised support and protection of God to get you home? How does that help produce joy in your life and in those you influence?
A Spiritual Practice to Try
Be a person of joy this week in your circle of influence by choosing tangible ways every day to be kind, just, and humble. Pay attention to the difference God can make through you and be thankful.
If you need some guidance or support, you may reach me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com
Video Recordings (Recorded Live)
Due to an internet outage in the area, we were unable to stream or record the worship service.
