Looking into the lectionary - A longest night liturgy 🌠

Matthew 11:2-11 Third Sunday of Advent December 14, 2025 December is a tough month for me – much too dark and too cold. Loneliness is magnified and sorrow seems deeper during the winter for the people I serve. Someone I love was diagnosed with yet another cancer. There are families in my wealthy suburb who don’t have enough to eat. Our nation seems more divided than ever and the world feels out of control. I remember the curse the White Witch put on Narnia in C. S. Lewis’ classic The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe: Always winter, but never Christmas. John the Baptist was arrested by King Herod because he was publicly critical of Herod for marrying his brother’s wife. John had already identified Jesus as the Lamb of God, the coming one whose sandals he was unworthy to untie. John had baptized Jesus in the Jordan and seen the heavens opened, the Spirit of God descend as a dove, and the voice of God identify Jesus as “My Son, the one I love.” But now, in prison, John is not so sure. In the dark of loneliness, the prison of Herod’s moral failings, and the anxiety of what awaits him, John wonders if Jesus is really the Messiah. That should comfort all of us. Even John the Baptist, when things got tough and the future looked bleak, had to ask, “Are you the One to come — or is there another?” If we are serious about faith in Jesus Christ, that is our question too. Is Jesus the real thing? This world seems pretty messed up. Did the Son of God, the Messiah, really come as a baby to Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem over 2000 years ago? If so, what difference does it make? Will Christmas come and bring tidings of comfort and joy? Or will this winter go on forever? Jesus sent John’s disciples back to him in prison, uncritical of John’s question. But Jesus’ answer was not a clear yes or no. ... Thanks to this week's writer, Tracey Davenport. Read the rest of the commentary at pres-outlook.org. Want the worship resources for December 7, 2025? You can find them here. Order of worship — December 14, 2025 by Tracey Davenport Seven things queer people would like the church to know by Mike Ferguson What Outlook readers are listening to by you A conversation between two Indigenous-rooted texts by Emery J. Cummins Music in worship is “like a heartbeat” by Patrice Gaines Longest night service: A liturgy of light and hope by Rae Watson IN CASE YOU MISSED IT... Oz was always political — ‘Wicked’ simply makes it clear Long before "Wicked" soared across stage and screen, L. Frank Baum’s world carried a political pulse. The new film reminds us that Oz’s magic has always included questions of power, propaganda, and resistance, writes Michael Parker. Board of Pensions begins search for next president Next year, the 227th General Assembly will be asked to confirm the person selected to succeed the Rev. Dr. Frank Clark Spencer. — BOP Dearly Beloved: Prince, Spirituality & This Thing Called Life "Dearly Beloved" reveals how Prince’s music can be a guide for healing, spirituality, and self-love, writes Llewellyn Dixon. The Tears of Things: Prophetic Wisdom for an Age of Outrage In "The Tears of Things," Richard Rohr calls readers to transform their anger into compassionate action through true prophecy, writes Amy Pagliarella. The Rev. Dr. Bridgett A. Green is named president and publisher of Presbyterian Publishing Corporation Currently the interim president, Green will officially begin in her new role on Jan. 1, 2026. — PPC Reading God’s Love: Three new children’s books for growing faith Discover three new children’s books that nurture faith, justice, and belonging. — Amy Pagliarella and Jesy Littlejohn It's not too late to start an Advent devotional