The Second Sunday in Advent - Online Worship - December 5, 2021
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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 we trust anew heaven and nature sing in the hope we have in the arrival and in the promised advent of Jesus Messiah, The Lord of all, so we prepare and we worship in the name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit.
Amen.
People of God: As we prepare for our Lord to renew our hearts far as the curse is found, to break into our world and lives again, let us take a moment of silence to confess our sins and those times we fail to trust Jesus’ presence and his promised return.
(silence for reflection)
Friends in Christ: Jesus who was born in a manger, who died for you, and who will come again, Jesus saves, and Jesus forgives you all your sins. Far as the curse is found, you have been washed and made white as snow. One day God’s grace will be complete, for one day, the King shall come again!
vs 1
The King shall come
When morning dawns
And light triumphant breaks
When beauty gilds
The eastern hills
And life to joy awakes
Friends in Christ: Far as the curse is found, Jesus creates in you a clean heart, and puts a new and right spirit within you. Jesus has restored the joy of our salvation in his birth, death and resurrection, and in his promised return. A new and right spirit has been born in us as we prepare for the day when Christ comes, and we shall see his face!
vs 4
Oh brighter than
That glorious morn
Shall dawn upon our race
The day when Christ
In splendor comes
And we shall see his face
t
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
In the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was ruler of Galilee, and his brother Philip ruler of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias ruler of Abilene, during the high priesthood of Anna and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. He went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah, “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth; and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’”
(New Revised Standard Version)
Long ago the prophet Zechariah foretold to his son, John the Baptist, heaven and nature would sing and bring hope and promise to all. God is still speaking these words of our Savior, that we might be assured, that we might boldly believe, and tell the story.
Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has looked favorably on his people and redeemed them. He has raised up a mighty savior for us in the house of his servant David, as he spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old, that we would be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us. Thus he has shown the mercy promised to our ancestors, and has remembered his holy covenant, the oath that he swore to our ancestor Abraham, to grant us that we, being rescued from the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people by the forgiveness of their sins. By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. Amen.
MALACHI 3:1-4; PHILIPPIANS 1:3-11; LUKE 3:1-6
How are your preparations coming along this Advent and Christmas season? How is your personal spiritual preparation going? Are you getting ready, or are you ready, for Jesus’ promised return? Today, John The Baptist, recalls the prophecy of old, `a voice cries out in the wilderness, `Prepare the way of The Lord!” `Far as the curse is found,’ God’s people, each of us, are still crying out in our own wildernesses. `How could I possibly get ready for Jesus’ return?’ As we are blessed to share the presenting of the greens today, trust anew, God’s grace is at work, The Holy Spirit is busier than you, Emmanuel is still here, you are being made ready, your way is being made straight, repentance, forgiveness, reconciliation, hope, light, faith, are all here, where they are needed most, `far as the curse is found!
1. `Far as the curse is found,’ ‘joy to the world’ is breaking forth, in word, message, and song!
A. Are you a selective listener? In day to day living? In your spiritual walk?
B. As we share the presenting of the greens today, trust `far as the curse is found,’ in your very midst, through you, God's hope is needed, announced, clung to, believed!
i. Pilate, Herod, Caiaphas - the most powerful men in the region, yet they were `upstaged by a desert prophet.'
Luke 3:1-3
ii. Do you hear the messengers of our day? Are you a messenger for others to hear?
Malachi 3:1-4; Philippians 1:3-11
C. `Far as the curse is found,’ God’s message is being delivered in its entirety, words of assurance and comfort, and words of conviction which may feel uncomfortable?
Luke 3:3-6
i. John the Baptist announced a baptism of repentance. Repentance is turning away from sin, turning back to God, so we do not miss the message!
ii. Hear `a story though you have heard it, a story ever new!' The world, we, still cry out for repentance and forgiveness! Hear like shepherds, what the angels are telling us: `Be not afraid' `Go and see, go and tell'? Zechariah and John heard and told.
iii. Joy to the world breaks forth, in our own lives, `far as the curse is found!’ Be not afraid! Be reconciled to one another, be reconciled to God!
2. On this Sunday of preparation, `far as the curse is found,’ trust God is always ready, giving you an early Christmas present, to open in a new way, as you journey through this Advent season, as you look to Christmas, as you pray, watch, and prepare, for Emmanuel’s presence and Jesus’ promised return.
Malachi 3:1-4; Phil. 1:3-11; Luke 3:3-6
A. Ask God for the gift of repentance, to turn you back to himself, to prepare your way for the Lord.
Luke 3:3
B. Ask God for the gift of focus, to direct your heart, energy and priorities, to make your way straight to him.
Luke 3:5
C. Ask God for the gift of strength while you wait, to trust you are not alone, to trust he hears you crying in the wilderness, to trust one day the wilderness will be no more.
Luke 3:4
D. Ask God for the gifts of witness and invitation, to lead you to be his messenger to those who are searching.
Luke 3:3
E. Ask God for the gifts of hope and faith, to believe anew, to be awed by, yet never surprised by, God’s faithfulness.
Luke 3:3
F. Ask God for the gifts of love and life and salvation, for God is with us; `These are ready; they are already yours.'
Luke 3:6
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
vs 3
How silently how silently
The wondrous gift is giv’n
So God imparts to human hearts
The blessings of his heav’n
No ear may hear his coming
But in this world of sin
Where meek souls will
Receive him still
The dear Christ enters in
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 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
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 light
He came down
That we may have light
Hallelujah
Forevermore
vs 3
He came down
That we may have peace
He came down
That we may have peace
He came down
That we may have peace
Hallelujah
Forevermore
vs 4
He came down
That we may have joy
He came down
That we may have joy
He came down
That we may have joy
Hallelujah
Forevermore
(repeat verse 1)
vs 1
On Jordan's banks the Baptist’s cry
Announces that the Lord is nigh
Awake and hearken for he brings
Glad tidings of the King of kings
vs 2
Then cleansed be ev’ry life from sin
Make straight the way for God within
And let us all our hearts prepare
For Christ to come and enter there
vs 5
All praise to you eternal Son
Whose advent has our freedom won
Whom with the Father we adore
And Holy Spirit evermoree sky
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
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
vs 2
From God our heav’nly Father
A blessed angel came
And unto certain shepherds
Brought tidings of the same
How that in Bethlehem was born
The Son of God by name
O - tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
O - tidings of comfort and joy
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Today we share and celebrate The Second Sunday In Advent! Worship today includes, “The Presenting Of The Greens!” Faith Quest Sunday School meets today! Children go directly to Faith Quest this morning!
Join us next Sunday, December 12, The Third Sunday In Advent “Repeat The Sounding Joy!” Our Faith Quest Children’s Christmas Program is next Sunday, December 12! There is a dress rehearsal for our Children’s Christmas Program, this Saturday, December 11, 10:00-11:30 a.m.
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 – based on Ps. 51. “The King Shall Come” “Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah” “Hark! A Thrilling Voice Is Sounding” “In the Bleak Midwinter” “O Little Town of Bethlehem” “On Jordan’s Banks the Baptist’s Cry” © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship & With One Voice Supplmnt © 1995 Augsburg Publ. House, Mpls & Board of Publication, Luth. Church In America, Philadelphia; and Evangelical Lutheran Worship © 2006 Augsburg Fortress, Mpls, MN. Used w/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. Used w/permission. “Jesus Messiah” © 2011 Centricity Music Publish CCLI #5998298 “Hallelujah, It’s Christmas” © Universal Music Publishing Group “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” © 1980 Beam Me Up Music, CCLI #39441 All rights reserved. All songs used w/permission. CCLI License #1380826 & OneLicense #A-724016.
