The Second Sunday in Advent - Online Worship - December 6, 2020

vs. 1
He became sin, who knew no sin;
That we might become His righteousness;
He humbled Himself, and carried the cross.
Love so amazing, love so amazing.

refrain:
Jesus, Messiah; Name above all names;
Blessed Redeemer; Emmanuel.
The Rescue for sinners, The Ransom from heaven;
Jesus, Messiah, Lord of all.

bridge:
All our hope is in You, All our hope is in You;
All the glory to You, God, The Light of the world.
(refrain)

Jesus, Messiah, Lord of all.
The Lord of all! The Lord of all.

Today as ‘we prepare the way of The Lord,’ we trust anew, we are the ones being made ready in every sign, of Jesus Messiah, the Lord of all, the One who is getting ready to come to us once again, so we worship, in the name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit.

Amen.

People of God: As we prepare the way of The Lord to renew our hearts, to break into our world and lives again, let us take a moment of silence to confess our sins and those times we have failed to trust 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 and rose again for you, who will come again, graces you in these words: Jesus saves; Jesus forgives you all your sins. You have been made white as snow. Get ready for The One who gets you ready! Believe anew! The One who banishes the darkness, leads you homeward!

Stir up your power, O Lord, to prepare the way for your only Son. As we await Jesus’ promised return, give us strength, and shed your light on us, in the darkness of this world. During the seasons of Advent and Christmas, increase in us such faith to look for every blessed sign of your grace and holy presence. On this Second Sunday in Advent, make us ready like never before for Christmas, for your promised return, and to receive you into our hearts and everyday lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

vs. 2
Light two candles to watch for Messiah:
Let the light banish darkness.
He shall feed the flock like a shepherd,
Gently lead them homeward.

The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in the prophet Isaiah, “See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way; the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.’” John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” 
(New Revised Standard Version)

ISAIAH 40:1-11; 2 PETER 3:8-15A; MARK 1:1-8

What are you doing to get ready for Christmas this year?  Gift buying, card sending, list making, decorating, baking?  How do you know you are getting things done?  Do the gifts pile up under the tree?  Do the cards leave your desk?  Do your lists get checkmarks?  Does your house change its look?  Does your pantry and frig and freezer fill up?  "Prepare the way of the Lord."  Jesus and the prophet Isaiah tell us to get ready, to prepare for the Lord, `to make his path straight.'  How do we do this?  Christmas is coming.  Christ is coming.  Nothing we can do will stop him or slow him down.  Time will run out.  Left to us, we will not be prepared, paths will be anything but straight.  What if we believed and trusted God’s signs of grace in our midst, that God is The One making sure every sign is made ready, that grace is ready, that Jesus is ready, that all is prepared?  Let us trust and celebrate and give thanks, there is nothing we can do to stop the signs made ready, to stop or to slow salvation.  Ready or not, God’s grace is ready to ready us!

1. Trust signs are being made ready, for God’s grace is all ready to ready you, not just for Christmas but for Christ!  Isaiah 40:1-3; 2 Peter 3:14; Mark 1:1-3

A. Signs are being made ready, for God’s grace to ready us just like the little town of Bethlehem.  Isaiah 40:8-10; 2 Peter 3:10

i. Decorations point beyond themselves.  God readies us to point beyond ourselves.

ii. Long ago, God in grace readied Bethlehem.  Grace will ready us.

iii. Grace made all things ready once before.  Trust in grace, for God to prepare the way again and again is no problem.

B. Signs are being made ready, for God’s grace will ready us, making us white as snow.  Mark 1:4, 8

i. `Don’t forget to clean before the guests arrive.’

ii. As we uncover the dirt, mercy and grace will ready us.

C. Signs are being made ready!  God will ready us for the wilderness, for the brokenness, for parts of life crying out for life.  Isaiah 40:1-3

i. The Story Of St. Nicholas on December 6 is a good story and a sign of grace, readying us to ready others.

ii. Grace is indeed all ready to ready you to ready others.

D. Signs are being made ready, God’s grace will ready us to be ready for the expected, for Christmas, for The Christ, to get in line, for the every day signs, gifts of God’s grace. 2 Peter 3:8-10

i. Christmas is coming.  Nothing we can do to stop it or slow it down.

ii. Christ is coming.  Nothing we can do to stop his grace and his promised return.

iii. Trust The Holy Spirit has made you ready, to “get in line to see Jesus,” for The Best Sign of God’s grace!

2. As we follow the Savior, we hear the call to be faithful.  In the midst of getting ready for Christmas and The Christ, we often wonder how it will all get done.  Having God call us to `prepare the way of the Lord’ is a joyful calling and a heavy demand.  How can we do it all?  By His grace! By The Spirit!  Indeed, the hope of Advent, the certainty of Christ’s return, and the promise of Christmas is God’s grace has all things ready for all things!  The signs are made ready, for God’s grace has prepared you and I, for the way of The Lord!  Isaiah 40:11; Mark 1:7

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
O little town of Bethlehem,
How still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep,
The silent stars go by;
Yet in thy dark streets shineth,
The everlasting light.
The hopes and fears of all the years,
Are met in thee tonight.

vs. 2
For Christ is born of Mary,
And gathered all above,
While mortals sleep,
The angels keep, 
Their watch of wond’ring love.
O morning stars, together,
Proclaim the holy birth,
And praises sing to God the King,
And peace to all the earth.

As we prepare to celebrate Christmas, which gives us hope in Jesus’ presence and promised return, we share many traditions that point beyond themselves to the Savior. Earlier today we lit the Advent wreath. As we hang wreaths on our homes and share the Advent wreath, the circle shape reminds us life has no end. The blue candles announce Christ’s royalty, our call to repentance, and sorrow for our sins. The pink candle lit during the third week of Advent proclaims the joy we know and share as we wait for Jesus to come again.

As we look to Christ in Christmas, may we remember and tell of how Jesus forgives us and that life in him goes on and on.

Throughout the Christmas preparation and celebration, people make, buy and share in the giving of gifts. Of course, the first gifts were brought by wise men for Jesus. We share our gifts in this spirit of thanksgiving as we look to Jesus who is God’s special gift to us.

As we share our gifts, may we remember the spirit with which the first gifts were given, and may we give to others trusting in all God has given to us in the birth of Jesus.

The lighting of candles and decorating with lights has its origin in pagan customs of the cold, dark winter months. We who believe in Jesus as our Savior decorate with candles and lights to celebrate that Jesus is the Light of the world who warms us and brightens our path.

As we light our candles and put up our lights, may we remember The Light that has come into our world, a light no darkness can overcome.

The display of holly and poinsettia plants also point us to the Savior. The red berries of the holly plant remind us of Jesus’ blood that is shed to save the world, and the thorns of the holly remind us Jesus was born to wear a crown of thorns. The shape of the red flower of the poinsettia plant reminds us of the star of Bethlehem.

As we display our plants of the season, may we remember we are alive, with color and richness and new life in Christ, for we trust the grace and hope of our Lord’s death and resurrection, and that a star shines so all people will follow and know the Savior.

The nativity scene, or crèche, was started by St. Francis of Assisi. He wanted people to feel the joy and love that the baby Jesus brought at Christmas. By setting out the nativity in our homes we are reminded Jesus comes into our homes and lives to be with us as well.

As we set out the nativity this year, may we remember The Word became flesh to live among us, that you are the One who truly brought joy to Bethlehem, and you bring this same joy into our hearts and homes as well.

The Christmas Tree has its origin in the Paradise Tree, symbolizing Jesus dying for our sins. Popular thought is that Martin Luther adapted the Paradise Tree into the present day, Christmas Tree. A legend shares that as Mary and Joseph and Jesus fled to find safety in Egypt from Herod’s army, they took refuge under an evergreen in that region. The other trees had bare branches because of the season, and so the evergreen protected them while Herod’s army went by. God blessed the tree saying its branches would be forever green. Evergreens continue to be a sign of everlasting life.

As we put up our tree, may we celebrate the lights which point to the Light, may we enjoy the evergreen and know that God protects us and that we will also live forever, and may we remember the tree Jesus died on to forgive our sins and save us.

Through these traditions, we are invited to trust God is actively strengthening our family ties, bringing friends together, and most importantly drawing us closer to Jesus. May the traditions and celebrations we share always point beyond themselves to our Savior.

Thanks be to God, we have ways to celebrate the joy and the life-saving message of the season. May we see God preparing our hearts for his return, as we use our traditions to celebrate our faith in the Savior of the world.

...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 ready in God’s grace, and serving The Lord of life.

Thanks be to God!

vs. 1
God rest ye merry, gentlemen,
Let nothing you dismay.
Remember Christ our Savior
Was born on Christmas Day,
To save us all from Satan’s pow’r
When we were gone astray.
O - tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy,
O - tidings of comfort and joy.

Comfort and joy have come to us,
In God’s amazing grace,
Comfort and joy have come to us,
In this and every place,
Comfort and joy will be fulfilled,
The day we see God’s face.
O - tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy,
O - tidings of comfort and joy.

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
We dim the lights,
We stroke the fire,
We breathe the evergreen.
Young ones wait
While the old ones make up
Tales of how it used to be.
China dolls,
Candy corn,
Painted wooden toys; 
Treasures found
To the wondrous sound 
Of caroling the Savior
Born to us on Christmas morn.

refrain:
Emmanuel, God with us,
Emmanuel,
Emmanuel, God with us,
The Son of Israel.

vs. 2
And still he calls
Through the night,
Beyond the days of old. 
A voice of peace
To the weary ones who 
Struggle with
The human soul.
All of us travelers
Through a given time, 
Who can know
What tomorrow holds? 
But over the horizon
Surely you and I will find…
(refrain)

bridge:
And the years, they come,
And the years, they go,
Though we may forget, somehow,
That the child once born
In Bethlehem is still among us now.
(refrain)

The Son of Israel,
The Son of Is . . . Israel.

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Follow us on facebook to watch our services live on Lord of Life LIVE! Watch with us live at 9:30am on Sundays, or rewatch at your own convenience!

Join us next Sunday, December 13, as we share and celebrate The Third Sunday In Advent! “And This Will Be A Sign For You … A Sign Made Known!” Worship to include a Children’s Message and a Sermon from Pastor Jamie! Worship to be 30 minutes, and to conclude with Holy Communion!

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 wish to volunteer to serve on future Sundays, please see the SignUpGenius links in the LINK, and on our Facebook page. Thank you for giving in this blessed way!

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 of social distancing, please trust that we are committed to doing everything possible to slow the spread of the coronavirus, and yet, please also trust that 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!

A most holy and blessed Sunday to each of you and your loved ones! From everyone on every level of leadership and service, please know during these days, days filled with new opportunities, possibilities, information to process and evaluate, and yet, still so many questions, 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 51. © 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. “Jesus Messiah” © 2008 sixsteps Music CCLI #5183443 “Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah” © 2002 Birnamwood Publications CCLI #3756133 “Jesus Loves Me” Music & Lyrics Public Domain “O Little Town of Bethlehem” Music & Lyrics Public Domain “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” © 1980 Beam Me Up Music, CCLI #39441 “Emmanuel, God With Us” © 1992 Clouseau Music Ltd CCLI #1334303 All rights reserved. All songs used with permission. CCLI License #1380826 & OneLicense #A-724016.