The Presbyterian Outlook - Worship resources for December 17

December 17, 2023 Third Sunday of Advent John 1:6-8, 19-28 In William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” we find the tragic love story of two young lovers in Italy. Maybe you remember, as I do, the famous balcony scene or the devastating suicide at the end. But before all of that, before the story even really begins, there is a prologue. Prologues can serve different functions in a story. Some prologues give a glimpse into the future; some introduce readers to the backstory necessary to understand all that will come after. Some do both. In “Romeo and Juliet,” the prologue gives the history of the long-standing feud between the Capulets and the Montagues. The clash between these two families is the foundation upon which the heartbreaking interactions between Romeo and Juliet will take place. The first three verses from our lectionary text today are also part of a prologue, the prologue to John’s Gospel. John’s prologue, verses 1-18, is both a glimpse of what is to come and a look back at how the world began. Before the author really begins, he summarizes the Christology and theology of this Gospel. We find that true light, the light for which all humanity yearns, is coming into the world and that not all will recognize or receive him. And it is here in the prologue that we first meet John the Baptist. ... Read the rest of the commentary on the website. Thanks to this week's writer Tara W. Bulger. Order of worship for December 17, 2023. These liturgies are free to use. Five free and discounted digital services for churches by Julie Raffety   Roots, thorns and joy: Navigating complex family history during the holidays (December 17, 2023) by Chris Burton Sing of Peace— Weekly Christian ed lesson by Joelle Brummit-Yale Want the worship resources for December 10, 2023? You can find them here. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT... Pope Francis asks theologians to ‘demasculinize’ the church ‘Women have a way of reflecting on theology that is different from us men,’ Francis told the International Theological Commission. — Claire Giangravé Identifying and sharing the mental load of pastoral work In any community, there is likely one person ensuring all the plates keep spinning. How can we acknowledge this and ease the load, asks Elana Keppel Levy? How can we work together? In ‘Unapologetic,’ young Palestinian-Israeli podcasters advocate for a third narrative In the podcast, launched amid the Israel-Hamas War, the co-hosts imagine a role in the peace process that is particular to the Arab community in Israel. The art of asking questions in teaching and learning Being intentional in your question asking can reinvigorate a Sunday school or small group, writes educator Donald Griggs. Bethlehem pastors arrive in DC, urge lawmakers to embrace cease-fire, peace plan 'All we want for Christmas is a constant and comprehensive cease-fire and an end to this war,' said the Rev. Munther Isaac, pastor of Bethlehem’s Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church. A Is for Alabaster: 52 Reflections on the Stories of Scripture In Anna Carter Florence's book, "Prophets become petulant and loving. Certain women, perhaps considered sassy or labeled as illicit, become exemplars of faith ...," writes Jo Forrest. An Advent Candle Liturgy by Carol Holbrook Prickett Free for a limited time!