The Fourth Sunday in Advent - Online Worship - December 19, 2021
Join us on facebook for Lord of Life LIVE!
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 one day the wait will be over, The One who came down will come down again. For now, we hold fast to hope and grace; heaven and nature sing in Jesus’ advent, arrival, and promised return, so we worship in the name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit.
Amen.
People of God: The Lord has established us and our descendants forever. Let us take a moment of silence to confess our sins and those times we fail to trust the presence and promised return of The One who rules the world with truth and grace.
(silence for reflection)
Friends in Christ: Jesus who was born in a manger, who died for you, who rose again, who will come again, gives life and grace in these words: Jesus saves, and Jesus forgives you all your sins. Heaven and nature sing! He rules the world, and you are his chosen ones! Go, join the angels! Share the good news of the greatest joy!
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
Friends in Christ: The Lord is great and awesome. All of heaven and nature belong to him. Like the angels, let us sing and make known the One who came down to rule the world, will come again!
vs 2
Shepherds why this jubilee
Why your joyous strains prolong
What the gladsome tidings be
Which inspire your heav’nly song
refrain:
Gloria
In excelsis Deo
Gloria
In excelsis Deo
Stir up your power, O Lord, and come. In this final week of preparation and anticipation for Christmas this year, as we wait for Christ’s promised return, give us faith to go tell others heaven and nature sing, for you alone rule the world. On this Fourth Sunday in Advent, as angels pointed Mary and Joseph and the shepherds, as the star pointed the wise men, grace us to point others to your comfort and hope and joy, to your light that forever banishes the darkness. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
vs 4
Light four candles to watch for Messiah
Let the light banish darkness
He is coming tell the glad tidings
Let your lights be shining
But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is from old, from ancient days. Therefore, he shall give them up until the time when she who is in labor has brought forth; then the rest of his kindred shall return to the people of Israel. And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they shall live secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth; and he shall be the one of peace.
(New Revised Standard Version)
In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, where she entered the home of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.”
(New Revised Standard Version)
Long ago God’s holy servant Mary was blessed with faith to witness heaven and nature sing, to hold the One who first came to us, to repeat the sounding joy of all that had been told to her. May we boldly magnify all God is still making known to one and all!
“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made with our ancestors, to Abraham, and to his descendants forever.” Amen.
MICAH 5:2-5a; HEBREWS 10:5-10; LUKE 1:39-45, 46-55
The world is ever changing. Remember when you used to be able to .... The world is ever changing. What will the daily news tell us next? The world is ever changing. We can connect with anyone, anywhere, at any time, yet we are focused more inward than ever. The world is ever changing, yet we long for transformation! `He rules the world with truth and grace!’ The angels pointed Mary and the shepherds, the star pointed the wise men, in a world that was changing, to The One who was about to change the world, transform the world, rule the world! As this final week of Advent begins for this year, as we share the Christmas season, as we await Jesus’ promised return, trust, celebrate, be transformed by The One who rules the world in truth and grace: Emmanuel, God with us!
1. `He rules the world, with truth and grace,’ and heaven and nature sing, even in a world that is changing, even in a world that has changed.
A. `He rules the world,’ even a world that is changing, even a world full of statements which begin, “You used to be able to ...” Heaven and nature sing, in Emmanuel, for God is with us, to abolish what used to be, to fulfill what is promised.
Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10
i. Jesus is The One who makes us secure, The One who is great to the ends of the earth, The One who is peace.
ii. Jesus is The One who came to abolish the old, that is the law, and to fulfill the second, that is the gospel, The Good News of our greatest joy, the hope given in truth and grace!
B. `He rules the world,’ even a world that is changing, even a world full of uncertainty, doubts and fears. Heaven and nature sing, in Emmanuel, for God is with us, to overcome all that overwhelms.
Luke 1:39-45, 46-55
i. What will the news of the day be .... nation rising up again nation, and so much more.
ii. Mary and Elizabeth lived in a world that was changing, yet they knew Who was changing the world: “My soul magnifies The Lord.” “Elizabeth was filled with The Holy Spirit,...” All this started with the visit of an angel, `Be not afraid ... with God all things are possible.’
C. `He rules the world,’ even a world that is changing, even a world that at times feels like it is getting smaller and smaller, at times we are focused more inward than ever before. Heaven and nature sing, in Emmanuel, for God is with us, calling us to say, `Here I am, Lord,’ to `believe there would be a fulfillment of all that is promised.’
Luke 1:39-45, 46-55
i. The world was about to change, heaven and nature were about to sing like never before; Mary and Elizabeth said `yes!’
ii. Our world is ever changing, and yet, `He rules the world,’ and he is asking us, to say, `yes’ to his call.
D. `He rules the world,’ in a world longing to be restored, reconciled, in relationship, heaven and nature sing, Emmanuel, God is with us!
Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews10:5-10, Luke 1:39-55
i. Even in the holiest of days in front of us, the things, can easily become `the thing’ we look to. Be transformed!
ii. The One who rules the world with truth and grace, is our joy in the world, even in a world that is ever changing!
2. In a world that is ever changing, now more than ever, as our personal journeys continue, as we celebrate Christmas, as we share the season, as we await Jesus’ promised return, as we trust in real hope for all eternity, let us trust the angels are still singing, the star is still shining, pointing us and our faith to The One who is forever personally with us; The One who forever rules the world is The One transforming the world, with truth and grace!
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
It came upon the midnight clear
That glorious song of old
From angels bending near the earth
To touch their harps of gold
“Peace on the earth
Good will to all
From heav’n’s all-gracious king”
The world in solemn stillness lay
To hear the angels sing
vs 4
For lo The days are hast’ning on
By prophets seen of old
When with the ever-circling years
Shall come the time foretold
When peace shall over all the earth
Its ancient splendors fling
And all the world give back the song
Which now the angels sing
...as we pray to you, Jesus,
We trust heaven and nature sing; as you come to us and bless us with 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 closing Benediction. 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.
In the night in which he was betrayed our Lord Jesus took bread and gave thanks; broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat, this is my body, given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.” Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it for all to drink, saying: “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin. Do this for the 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.
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
The body and blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, strengthen you and keep you in his grace, this day, and on into life everlasting.
Amen.
Let us pray.
Almighty God, you gave your Son both as a sacrifice for sin and a model of the godly life. Enable us to receive him always with thanksgiving, and to conform our lives to his, through Jesus Christ, the Lord of life. 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 we hear heaven and nature sing in God’s grace. 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, and serving the Lord of life.
Thanks be to God!
vs 1
Joy to the world
The Lord is come
Let earth receive her King
Let ev’ry heart
Prepare Him room
And heaven and nature sing
And heaven and nature sing
And heaven and heaven
And nature sing
vs 2
Joy to the world
The Savior reigns
Let all their songs employ
While fields and floods
Rocks hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat repeat
The sounding joy
refrain:
Joy
Unspeakable joy
An overflowing well
No tongue can tell
Joy
Unspeakable joy
It rises in my soul
Never lets me go
vs 3
He rules the world
With truth and grace
And makes the nations prove
The glories of
His righteousness
And wonders of His love
And wonders of His love
And wonders wonders
Of His love
(refrain)
Liking posts like this one helps get the word out about Lord of Life! Consider sharing posts like this with friends who may be missing their faith-based communities. Leave a comment and let us know what you liked or what moved you this week!
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!
Today we share and celebrate The Fourth Sunday In Advent!
Thank you to one and all for blessing our ministry and worship and the joy of the season!
Join us for our festive Christmas Eve Worship, this Friday, December 24, at 4 p.m.
“Wonders Of His Love!”
Christmas Eve Worship to include:
Carols, Children’s Message, Communion, Candlelight, and “One Solitary Life”
As we share worship in this 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!
All who proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, are welcome to God’s table of grace as we share Holy Communion. Communion is now offered once again during worship, 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 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.
For those sharing their generosity today, we thank you for your faithful giving!
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 gift of God’s light, love, and grace!
Acknowledgments for today’s service include:
Litany of Hope as We Wait for Christ’s Promised Return – written based on Psalm 89. “Angels We Have Heard On High” “Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah” “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear” © 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 Augsburg Fortress, Minneapolis, MN. Used with permission. “Prayer of The Day,” “The Lord’s Prayer,” “Post-Communion Blessing, Prayer, & Benediction” based on the LBW. “He Came Down” © 1999 This Far by Faith; An African American Resource for Worship, Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Used with permission. “Emmanuel, God With Us” © 1992 Clouseau Music Ltd CCLI #1334303 “Joy to the World (Unspeakable Joy)” © 2009 worshiptogether.com songs, CCLI #5607039 All rights reserved. All songs used with permission. CCLI License #1380826 & OneLicense #A-724016.
