The Third Sunday in Advent - Online Worship - December 13, 2020

vs. 1
He came down that we may have love;
He came down that we may have love;
He came down that we may have love;
Hallelujah forevermore.

vs. 2
He came down that we may have light;
He came down that we may have peace;
He came down that we may have joy;
Hallelujah forevermore.
(repeat verse 1)

Today we rejoice and celebrate every sign of the good news and the greatest joy; God’s grace has come down with love, light, peace and joy, to make known, the arrival of Emmanuel, and Jesus’ promised return, so we worship, in the name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit.

Amen.

People of God: Do not put your trust in princes or mortals in whom there is no help. Let us take a moment of silence to confess our sins and the times we have failed to trust and make known his presence and promised return.

(silence for reflection)

Friends in Christ, this will be a sign for you: Jesus who was born in a manger, who died for you, who rose again, who will come again to this world, graces you in these words: Jesus saves; Jesus forgives you all your sins. Trust, go and tell, make known, every sign of Jesus, the One who forever banishes the darkness, makes known the King of glory!

Loving God, as you called John the Baptist, increase our faith and courage, to witness, to point others, to testify, to make known, every sign of Jesus in our midst. By your Holy Spirit, we will go and tell others, the salvation we have, the forgiveness we trust, the assurance given, and the hope that is ours, in Emmanuel, God with us, as we await your promised return. On this Third Sunday in Advent, like the shepherds, announce to us again, make known completely, perfectly, like never before, every sign of the good news of the greatest joy. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

vs. 3
Light three candles to watch for Messiah:
Let the light banish darkness.
Lift your heads and lift high the gateway,
For the King of glory.

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.

This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, “I am not the Messiah.” And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you a prophet?” He answered, “No.” Then they said to him, “Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ ” as the prophet Isaiah said. Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. They asked him, “Why then are you baptizing if you are neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?” John answered them, “I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal.” This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing. 

(New Revised Standard Version)

ISAIAH 61:1-4, 8-11; 1 THESSALONIANS 5:16-24; JOHN 1:6-8, 19-28

Witnesses hear and make known the truth.  Witnessing something first hand is helpful.  Even when we do witness something, we still might miss something.  In your faith walk, what have you witnessed along the way?  What has been made known to you; who has made known to you signs of God’s grace and Light?  What do you hope to have made known to you first hand this Advent and Christmas season?  What do you need to see, to hear, to know this year more than ever before?  Today we light The Shepherd's Candle, we share the gifts they heard as the first witnesses of this `good news of a great joy.'  The news made known to them, the news they went and shared with Mary and Joseph, is the same good news made known to us.  Though we deeply miss the children sharing their program with us today, the children are still sharing of the joy of the story this year, they are still making known once again the joy of Jesus this year, the same truth and Light John the Baptist gave witness to.  Whether you need to call Him, `Light of The World,' `Wonderful Counselor,' `Mighty God,' `Good Shepherd,' `Prince of Peace,' `Savior,'  `Jesus;' may you receive the witness of others, may you witness first hand again this year, the best news of the greatest joy, made known in every sign of God’s grace!  

1. The children this season are still making known the truth to us once again.  As we continue our journeys in faith, as we continue our journey this Advent and Christmas season, we uncover the truth, we build on the truth, we witness first hand, we make known, every sign of God’s grace made known to us!  Isaiah 61:1; John 1:7-8

A. As the children this season give witness to the joy we know, as we go along, we are blessed with the witness of others, we are blessed to witness for ourselves, every sign of God’s grace made known. 1 Thessalonians 5:23

i. We cannot see it all, hear it all, or know it all.  The witness of others blesses us, strengthens us, makes known to us, when we question what we know, widening the circle of believers, building on the truth we know and the Light we see shining.  John 1:6

ii. We like witnessing things first hand.  We are blessed to witness signs of grace first hand.  Being a first hand witness comes with risk.  Surrounded by other first hand witnesses, making known what we know, Who knows us, gives us courage to believe and to testify.  Isaiah 61:1

B. As the children share the joy of the season, we are reminded, the more witnesses the better, so `let’s get busy!’  The more that is witnessed and is made known adds to the signs of God’s grace, to the signs of Christmas.  John 1:19-24

i. The more witnesses the stronger the case. Isaiah 61:9

ii. The more details witnessed the stronger the case. Isaiah 61:1-4

iii. The more witnesses, the more details, the more signs made known, the easier to build up faith and to remove all reasonable and unreasonable doubt.  Be the signs of Christmas!  1 Thessalonians 5:16-22

2. There is no doubt when it comes to the signs of God’s grace being made known!  The cloud of witnesses, those testifying to the Light, is growing bigger, stronger, every day, with every Advent and every Christmas, yet, there is room for still more!  Thanks be to God, we have witnessed the Light, we are blessed by others who have seen the Light.  Whatever you hope to witness in the best news of the greatest joy this season, may you see it and hear it clearly being made known in every sign of God’s grace!
Isaiah 61:8,11; 1 Thessalonians 5:24; John 1:25-28

Offering is available for our indoor services. Find a Lord of Life with a volunteer bucket to deposit offering in person as you leave worship today. If you find yourself wanting to offer your gifts to Lord of Life, you can do so online using the link below. You can also drop offering at anytime in our secure mailbox at Lord of Life located in the parking lot.

vs. 1
Angels we have heard on high,
Sweetly singing o’er the plains,
And the mountains in reply,
Echoing their joyous strains.

refrain:
Gloria, in excelsis Deo;
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!

vs. 2
Shepherds, why this jubilee,
Why your joyous strains prolong?
What the gladsome tidings be,
Which inspire your heav’nly song?
(refrain)

...as we pray to you, Jesus,

We trust your signs; our hope is in your promise and your grace.

All these things and whatever else you see we need, grant to us we pray, for into your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Amen.

Holy Communion will take place after the singing of “Better Is One Day.” If you are not worshipping with us in person but would like to receive Communion, we will be offering Drive Through Communion at our building at 16200 Dodd Lane, Lakeville, Minnesota, following our indoor service. Drive Through Communion will be available between 10:15am & 10:30am.

In order to better serve you in this troubling times, the way we receive Communion has changed slightly. You will be offered a self-contained Communion serving. Each capsule has two layers. The first layer is a thin, clear, cellophane layer which reveals the host. Under the second layer you will find the alcohol free juice. Volunteers will be happy to take you waste after you receive Communion.

The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.”

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 trespasses,
As we forgive those who trespass against us;
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,
Forever and ever. Amen.

The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look upon you with favor and give you peace, as you await and trust God’s every sign in the grace of Jesus Christ. In the name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit.

Amen.

Let us go in the peace of Christ, celebrating the love of God, trusting anew every sign made known in God’s grace, and serving The Lord of life.

Thanks be to God!

vs. 1
Caroling, caroling, now we go;
Christmas bells are ringing!
Caroling, caroling, thru the snow;
Christmas bells are ringing!
Joyous voices sweet and clear,
Sing, the sad of heart to cheer.
Ding, dong, ding, dong.
Christmas bells are ringing!

vs. 2
Caroling, caroling, thru the town;
Christmas bells are ringing!
Caroling, caroling, up and down;
Christmas bells are ringing!
Mark ye well the song we sing,
Gladsome tidings now we bring.
Ding, dong, ding, dong.
Christmas bells are ringing!

At this time we will transition to offering Holy Communion. As a reminder, to better serve you in this troubling times, the way we receive Communion has changed slightly. You will be offered a self-contained Communion serving. Each capsule has two layers. The first layer is a thin, clear, cellophane layer which reveals the host. Under the second layer you will find the alcohol free juice. Volunteers will be happy to take you waste after you receive Communion.

Upon leaving your seats and receiving Communion, we ask that you please leave the building and return to your vehicles.

For your safety and the safety of our community, we ask that once you leave your seated area and return to your vehicles that you avoid congregating near your vehicles.

We will continue to sing songs during Communion, and you are welcome to leave at any time. Drive Through Communion will begin at 10:15 and run until 10:30.

vs. 1
Come, they told me,
Pa-rum pum pum pum,
Our newborn King to see,
Pa-rum pum pum pum,
Our finest gifts we bring,
Pa-rum pum pum pum,
To lay before the King,
Pa-rum pum pum pum,
Rum pum pum pum,
Rum pum pum pum,
So to honor Him,
Pa-rum pum pum pum,
When we come.

vs. 2
Baby Jesu,
Pa-rum pum pum pum,
I am a poor boy too,
Pa-rum pum pum pum,
I have no gift to bring,
Pa-rum pum pum pum,
That’s fit to give our King,
Pa-rum pum pum pum,
Rum pum pum pum,
Rum pum pum pum,
Shall I play for you,
Pa-rum pum pum pum,
On my drum? 

vs. 3
Mary nodded,
Pa-rum pum pum pum,
The ox and lamb kept time,
Pa-rum pum pum pum,
I played my drum for Him,
Pa-rum pum pum pum,
I played my best for Him,
Pa-rum pum pum pum,
Rum pum pum pum,
Rum pum pum pum,
Then He smiled at me
Pa-rum pum pum pum,
Me and my drum.

vs. 1
Hark! The herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn king;
Peace on earth, and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled.”
Joyful, all you nations, rise;
Join the triumph of the skies;
With angelic hosts proclaim,
“Christ is born in Bethlehem!”

refrain:
Hark! The herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn king!”

vs. 3
Hail the heav’n-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the sun of righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings,
Ris’n with healing in his wings.
Mild he lays his glory by,
Born that we no more may die,
Born to raise each child of earth,
Born to give us second birth.
(refrain)

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Join us next Sunday, December 20, and Thursday, December 24 as we share and celebrate our Christmas Eve Worship, “And This Will Be A Sign For You!” In this unique season, we are attempting to be as creative and intentional as possible! We are offering two opportunities to share in a Christmas Eve worship experience! Join us either Sunday, December 20, at 9:30 a.m. or Thursday, December 24, at 4 p.m. These services will be identical and we pray will touch you and your loved ones in some way! These Christmas Eve services will include, Carols, The Christmas Gospel, Candle Lighting, Silent Night, & One Solitary Life! Worship to include a Children’s Message and a Sermon from Pastor Jamie! Worship to be 30 minutes, and to conclude with Holy Communion! At least one of the services will be live streamed and made available to you!

As we share worship in this new way, we are seeking volunteers to assist with greeting, ushering, serving communion, live streaming, AV ministry, set up, clean up, worship leaders, and more! You can access details and ways to sign up on our website and Facebook page! Thank you!

Friends, today as always, all who proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, are welcome to God’s table of grace as we share Holy Communion. Communion will be offered to you following the closing song as you exit the sanctuary, as we share pre-packaged single servings of communion, including a wafer and grape juice. Carefully pull back the first tab to expose the host, the body of Christ, given for you; then pull back the second tab to expose the blood of Christ, shed for you! Please ask for assistance or clarification as you are served!

For those sharing their generosity today, we thank you for your faithful giving! Offering is collected in baskets by the ushers as you exit the sanctuary.

For those who are not able to join us for worship, you are invited to receive drive-through communion, available Sundays, 10:15-10:30 a.m. at the front curb near the church entrance.

We hope having the service provided for you in this way, will touch you, comfort you, reassure you, and grace you in some way! If you believe others you know would be blessed to receive this bulletin, the sermon notes, or our live stream links, please forward these to them.

In this time when we are committed to safety and social distancing, please trust we are equally committed to keeping us socially and spiritually connected! On behalf of the Kingdom of God, thank you for the ways you make God and neighbor first!

From everyone on every level of leadership and service, we continue to pray for you and to give thanks to God for each of you! Please contact Pastor Jamie if he can serve you in any way: jamie.thompson@lordoflifemn.org

We pray The Holy Spirit breathes anew on us to be God’s people and to be God’s Church, as together we make known and we trust anew God’s gifts of hope, peace, justice, clarity, calm, and comfort forever break forth in new ways for you and your loved ones, today, and as we share every sign of God’s love and grace!

Acknowledgments for today’s service include:

Litany of Hope In The Signs of Jesus’ Promised Return – written based on Psalm 146. © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship (LBW) and With One Voice Hymnal Supplement © 1995 Augsburg Publishing House, Minneapolis & Board of Publication, Lutheran Church In America, Philadelphia; and Evangelical Lutheran Worship © 2006 by Augsburg Fortress, Minneapolis, MN. Used with permission. “Prayer of The Day,” “Lord’s Prayer,” “Post-Communion Blessing, Prayer, & Benediction,” based on the LBW. “He Came Down” © 2008 sixsteps Music CCLI #5183443 “Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah” © 2002 Birnamwood Publications CCLI #3756133 “Jesus Loves Me” Music & Lyrics Public Domain “Angels We Have Heard On High” Music & Lyrics Public Domain “Caroling, Caroling” © 1954, renewed 1957 Hollis Music, Inc. Secured by Harry Fox Agency (HFA), Song #C17400, C11067 “The Little Drummer Boy” © 1958, renewed 1986, EMI Mills Music Inc. Secured by HFA, Song #L44608 “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” Music & Lyrics Public Domain All rights reserved. All songs used with permission. CCLI License #1380826 & OneLicense #A-724016.