December 12th 2021

 

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS,

HYMN: I Am So Glad……………………………………………Red 271

KIDS COME FORWARD, LIGHTING ADVENT CANDLES

CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS

HYMN: In the Bleak Midwinter………………………………..Red 295 PRAYER OF THE DAY Stir up the wills of your faithful people, Lord God, and open our ears to the preaching of John, that rejoicing in your salvation, we may bring forth the fruits of repentance; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

HYMN: Twas in the Moon of Wintertime…………………….Red 284

Isaiah 12:2-6 Surely God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid, for the LORD GOD is my strength and my might, and has become  my salvation. With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.  And you will say in that day: Give thanks to the LORD, call on God’s name; make known the deeds of the LORD among the nations; proclaim that this name is exalted. Sing praises to the LORD, who has done gloriously; let this be known in all the earth. Shout aloud and sing for joy, O royal Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.   

Zephaniah 3:14-20 The prophet Zephaniah's message is mostly one of judgment for sin. This reading, however, which comes from the conclusion of the book, pictures the new people of God (3:12-13). Judgment has brought repentance and salvation, and now is the time of celebration. Sing aloud, O daughter Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem! The LORD has taken away the judgments against you, he has turned away your enemies. The king of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst; you shall fear disaster no more. On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem: Do not fear, O Zion; do not let your hands grow weak. The LORD, your God, is in your midst, a warrior who gives victory; he will rejoice over you with gladness, he will renew you in his love; he will exult over you with loud singing as on a day of festival. I will remove disaster from you, so that you will not bear reproach for it. I will deal with all your oppressors at that time. And I will save the lame and gather the outcast, and I will change their shame into praise and renown in all the earth. At that time I will bring you home, at the time when I gather you; for I will make you renowned and praised among all the peoples of the earth, when I restore your fortunes before your eyes, says the LORD.

Philippians 4:4-7 The theme of joy sounded in the first reading continues in Paul's confident words to the Philippians. Although he writes from prison, Paul finds hope in the assurance that hearts and minds are guarded securely by the peace of God. Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

 

HYMN: It Came Upon the Midnight Clear………………….Red 282

 

CREED

 

SERMON 

 

OFFERING

PRAYERS With messengers of hope from heaven and earth, and standing in the presence of God, let us offer our prayers. Holy One, fill your church with power to witness joyfully to the one who is coming and with gentleness that may be known to everyone. Send forth your light, and let your mercy shine upon us. Cleansing God, we thank you for water--for rain, wells, and rivers--and for the gift of baptism. With water and your Spirit, give us life, cleanse us, and make us fruitful. Send forth your light, and let your mercy shine upon us. Saving God, work among the nations so that hunger will be satisfied, justice will flourish, and fear, violence, and turmoil be changed to peace. Send forth your light, and let your mercy shine upon us. Merciful God, remember those in any need (especially). Through your work in us continue to gather outcasts, change shame into praise, and bring home all who are exiled. Send forth your light, and let your mercy shine upon us. Abundant God, bless our congregation with the certainty that you provide enough for all. Take away any worry or hindrance that keeps us from sharing with those who have little or nothing. Send forth your light, and let your mercy shine upon us. God of love, we remember all who have died (especially), and ask that you bring us with them into eternal joy. Send forth your light, and let your mercy shine upon us. Receive our prayers, merciful God, and speak to us through the presence of your Son, Jesus Christ, your love made flesh. Amen. Rejoice that Jesus is Emmanuel, God with us. When he comes again in glory, may he bring you to everlasting life. Amen. Almighty God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless you now and forever. Amen.

HYMN: Good Christian Friends………………………….Rejoice 288

Go in peace. Christ is with you. Thanks be to God.