SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE
THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT
DECEMBER 14, 2025 — 10:30 AM
✝️ As we gather for worship, we light the Candle of Joy and listen for God’s promise through the soaring words of Isaiah and the Song of Mary. The music of the season surrounds us — from the ancient beauty of the shimmering bells and the power of Elgar’s The Spirit of the Lord is upon me. Together we reflect on the surprising ways joy breaks into our lives, even in uncertain times, and we lift our voices in hope as we continue our Advent journey toward the light of Christ.
🕊️ Be Part of Our Worship Community: Experience the peace and joy of coming together in God's presence. Whether you're seeking spiritual nourishment, a sense of community, or simply a moment of tranquility, our service welcomes all.
⛪ At St. Andrew's Church, we deepen our relationship with God, each other and the world, through Jesus Christ, by building connections, growing in faith, and serving others.
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Isaiah 61:1–4, 8–11
61 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;
2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;
3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.
4 And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations.
8 For I the Lord love judgment, I hate robbery for burnt offering; and I will direct their work in truth, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them.
9 And their seed shall be known among the Gentiles, and their offspring among the people: all that see them shall acknowledge them, that they are the seed which the Lord hath blessed.
10 I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.
11 For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.
Luke 1:39–55
39 And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;
40 And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.
41 And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:
42 And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.
43 And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
44 For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.
45 And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.
46 And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,
47 And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
48 For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
49 For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.
50 And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.
51 He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
52 He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.
53 He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.
54 He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;
55 As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.
ONLINE DONATIONS
https://www.standrewsottawa.ca/one-time-gifts
Your financial gift will help host worship services, offer people pastoral care, provide gathering places for community organizations, share God’s word and so much more. Your generosity is a blessing.
WORSHIP AT ST ANDREW’S CHURCH
At St. Andrew’s we value belonging, connection, discipleship and our location in the centre of Ottawa. It is a place to call home. All are welcome here. Our church is a sanctuary where you can experience the grace and peace of god, feel supported and find courage and strength.
We worship each week on Sundays at 10:30 am and our services can be joined online. Whether you are visiting from out of town, looking for a new church home, or simply curious to learn more about St. Andrew’s, please visit our website to find out more: https://www.standrewsottawa.ca/im-new