Third Sunday of Advent — Year B (2026)

Description

A complete, affirming worship-prep package for Third Sunday of Advent in the Revised Common Lectionary (Advent, Year B, 2026). This downloadable set gives progressive and mainline congregations everything needed to prepare worship around this Sunday’s readings — liturgy, sermon-prep starting points, bulletin-ready text, and original worship visuals, all with inclusive, justice-centered, expansive language by default.

Lectionary Readings for Third Sunday of Advent (Year B)

• First Reading: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11
• Psalm: Psalm 126 or Luke 1:46b-55
• Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
• Gospel: John 1:6-8, 19-28

Themes: good news to the oppressed, rejoice always, testimony, year of the Lord’s favor

What’s included

• Liturgy set (editable Word document): call to worship, prayer of confession, prayer of intercession, and sending/benediction
• Sermon-prep starter (editable Word document): distinct angles on the week’s texts — a starting point, never a finished sermon
• Bulletin-ready text (editable Word document): drop-in liturgy formatted for your worship bulletin
• Three original worship visuals: a 16:9 projection slide, a 1:1 square, and a 2:3 vertical/story image

Created by Progressive Church Media for progressive, affirming, and mainline Protestant congregations (UCC, UMC, Episcopal, ELCA, PCUSA, Disciples, and similar traditions).

Related Resources

More Advent worship and ministry resources from Progressive Church Media:

• Advent Images — Wreath, Candle & Nativity Visuals for Worship
• Planning an Advent Service
• Seeing the Holy Family in Today’s Refugees and Migrants
• Advent Candle Lighting Readings (All 5 Weeks) | Free Liturgies for Church & Family
• Advent: A Progressive Christian Guide to the Season
• Blue Advent Candles