Go Tell it On the Mountain!
John the Baptist (Part I)
December 3, 2023
Even before Jesus is born, we hear the joyful proclamation of his birth. We hear it when the angel first visits Mary, and then again when Mary visits Elizabeth. We hear it in Joseph’s dream, and in the song Zechariah sings to celebrate the birth of his own son, John. Later, we hear it from the angel choir, the shepherds, and the aged prophets who greet the baby Jesus in the temple. And even when Jesus is grown, before he begins his ministry, we hear it from his cousin, John the Baptist: “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).
Throughout this Advent and Christmas season, we’ll explore the joyful proclamation of Jesus’ birth in Scripture, and in our own lives. We begin on this first Sunday of Advent with the message of John the Baptist: “Prepare the way of the Lord!” (Mark 1:3). Our Scripture passages will be Isaiah 40:1-11 and Mark 1:1-8. We will also welcome our Women’s Circle to light the first Advent candle, and we will celebrate the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. Please join us in the sanctuary or online. Our service will be live-streamed at 11:00 a.m. on the Jefferson United Presbyterian Church YouTube Channel and available any time afterward.
Note: If you are joining us at home, please download the bulletin by clicking the button below.