December 8, 2024
Prelude: Prelude in E minor
attr. Bach
Introit: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
15th cent. French/setting Ferguson
Angela Bloemeke, clarinet
Welcome
Lighting the Advent Candles
[Isaiah 2:4, 11:6]
Cindy Guschov and Elaine Terdal
We light these candles as a sign of the coming light of Christ.
Advent means coming. We are preparing ourselves for the days
when nations shall beat their swords into plowshares,
and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up sword
against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.
The wolf shall live with the lamb,
the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion
and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them.
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (Hymn 9)
Latin, c. 12th century/adapt. Helmore
O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel!
O come, Thou Dayspring, come and cheer our spirits by Thine advent here;
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night, and death’s dark shadows put to flight.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel!
O come, Desire of nations, bind all peoples in one heart and mind;
Bid envy, strife, and discord cease; fill the whole world with heaven’s peace.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel!
Confession
God of fierce compassion, we are aware of our failings both in our nearest relationships and in national and international conflicts. We are not at peace with each other or even with ourselves. Forgive us when we have forgotten how deeply you know us and how deeply you are committed to us. Help us receive your mercy and extend mercy to others. Bring us closer to a world where all can serve you without fear, and teach us the way of peace. Amen.
Silence
O Little Town of Bethlehem (Hymn 44)
Redner/Brooks
O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray;
Cast out our sin and enter in, be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell;
O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel!
Forgiveness in Jesus Christ
Peace
The peace of Christ be with you.
And also with you.
Gloria Patri (Hymn 579)
Greatorex
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be,
Word without end. Amen, Amen.
Children’s Message
Song of Zechariah (Hymn 602)
Hopson/Perry
Blest be the God of Israel, who comes to set us free;
Who visits and redeems us, who grants us liberty.
The prophets spoke of mercy, of freedom and release;
God shall fulfill that promise and bring the people peace.
God from the house of David a child of grace has given;
A Savior comes among us to raise us up to heaven.
Before Him goes the herald, forerunner in the way,
The prophet of salvation, the harbinger of day.
On those who sit in darkness the sun begins to rise,
The dawning of forgiveness upon the sinner’s eyes.
God guides the feet of pilgrims along the paths of peace.
O bless our God and Savior with songs that never cease!
Prayer for Illumination
Scripture Readings
Alida Gowan
Old Testament: Malachi 3:1-4
New Testament: Luke 1:68-79
Sermon: Tender Mercies of Christmas
Scott Starbuck
Focus: Advent is the time of year to hold lights of mercy in any and every darkness to guide all feet in the ways of peace.
Response: Prepare the Way (Hymn 13)
Franzen/Then Swenska Psalmboken
Prepare the way, O Zion, your Christ is drawing near!
Let every hill and valley a level way appear.
Greet One who comes in glory, foretold in sacred story.
O blest is Christ that came in God’s most holy name.
Christ brings God’s rule, O Zion; he comes from heaven above.
His rule is peace and freedom, and justice, truth, and love.
Lift high your praise resounding, for grace and joy abounding.
O blest is Christ that came in God’s most holy name.
Fling wide your gates, O Zion; your Savior’s rule embrace.
And tidings of salvation proclaim in every place.
All lands will bow rejoicing, their adoration voicing.
O blest is Christ that came in God’s most holy name.
Pastoral Prayer & The Lord's Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, and deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
Call to Stewardship
Zak Cannard
…to guide our feet into the way of peace. -Luke 1:79b
Offering: How Far Is It to Bethlehem?
STOWEY/setting Manz
Doxology for Advent
To you, O Christ, all praises be, whose advent sets your people free;
Whom with the Father we adore and Holy Spirit evermore!
Charge & Benediction
Postlude: The Holly and the Ivy
trad. English Carol/setting Biery
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