The Fourth Sunday in Advent - Online Worship - December 18, 2022
Upcoming Events:
Sunday Worship - The Fourth Sunday In Advent
Sunday, December 18, 2022, 9:30am
Join us for Lord of Life LIVE on YouTube!
Faith Quest meets during worship
Festive Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship
Saturday, December 24, 2022, 4:00pm
Join us for Lord of Life LIVE on YouTube!
Faith Quest meets during worship
Festive Christmas Day Worship
Sunday, December 18, 2022, 9:30am
Join us for Lord of Life LIVE on YouTube!
Faith Quest meets during worship
Prelude, Prayer Cross & Words of Greeting
All are welcome, encouraged to visit the Prayer Cross as moved to do so.
Song of Hope & Joy
He Came Down
Cameroon Traditional
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)
Litany Telling The Awe of Christ’s Promised Return
based on Psalm 89
Today we celebrate one day the wait will be over! The angels on high will sing even more! For now we hold fast; comfort and joy have come down, and will come again, in the arrival and promised return of The Christ, so we worship in the name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit.
Amen. I will sing of your steadfast love, O Lord, forever; with my mouth I will proclaim your faithfulness to all generations. Your Word is as firm as the heavens.
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 have failed to trust in and to tell others, the comfort and joy we have in The Christ.
(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 us comfort and joy and grace in these words; Jesus saves; Jesus forgives you all your sins. You are his chosen ones and he has made a new covenant with you. Let us go like the angels, lift our voices, and sing, tidings of comfort and joy!
Carol Echoing True Joy
Angels We Have Heard on High
French Traditional
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
Let the heavens praise you! You have found your servant. You have anointed him. Who can equal your comfort and joy? Who in the skies can be compared to you, Lord, and your faithfulness?
Friends in Christ: The Lord is great and awesome. All of heaven and earth belong to him. In these days, let us love the Lord and trust in his promised return. Together, let us take hold of our Rock and salvation, our comfort and joy, let us lift our voice and rejoice!
Carol Echoing True Joy
Angels We Have Heard on High
French Traditional
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 these final days of preparation and anticipation for Christmas this year, as we wait for Christ’s promised return, give us your comfort and joy to give to others. On this Fourth Sunday in Advent, as angels pointed Mary and Joseph and the shepherds, as the star pointed the wise men, use us in these hours and days and always, to point others to your comfort and joy and light that forever shines in the darkness. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Song Lighting the Advent Wreath
Light One Candle
Wold
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
Lighting of The Advent Wreath – The Prophecy, Bethlehem, Shepherd & Angel Candles
Children are invited to attend Faith Quest for the remainder of our service.
Old Testament Lesson
Isaiah 7:10-16
Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, saying, Ask a sign of the Lord your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven. But Ahaz said, I will not ask, and I will not put the Lord to the test. Then Isaiah said: “Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary mortals, that you weary my God also? Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel. He shall eat curds and honey by the time he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good. For before the child knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land before whose two kings you are in dread will be deserted. (New Revised Standard Version)
Special Music
Carols In The Round
Wold
Gospel
Matthew 1:18-25
Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophets: “Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.” When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.
(New Revised Standard Version)
Long ago God's holy servant Mary was blessed with faith to see, to hear, and to hold the tidings of comfort and joy announced to her in the news of The Child. May we hear, trust, hold and boldly magnify all God is announcing to us in The Christ!
“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.
Gifts of Comfort & Joy!
ISAIAH 7:10-16; ROMANS 1:1-7; MATTHEW 1:18-25
There is little doubt, now. The clock is ticking. Christmas Eve is here in six days. The day is approaching too quickly. Once again, there is likely a gap between what we wanted to do and get done and have ready, and what is done. Once again, there might be a gap between what we wanted to give and what we are giving. Thanks be to God, once again there will be a gap between what we are expecting and hoping for, and the comfort and joy and all that God is giving us in the grace of Christ. Long ago, the angels gave Mary and Joseph comfort and joy as they received unbelievable news that would soon be believed. Long ago, the angels gave the shepherds comfort and joy as they received Good News of the greatest joy while keeping watch over their flocks by night. Long ago, the star pointed the wise men to the comfort and joy of a Savior when a simple king was sought. There is still time to close the gap, to give the best this year! This Christmas, all your days, receive what God gives you in Christ, point others to and tell one and all, who you have been pointed to, give what was first given to you in Jesus Christ!
1. What are you giving this year? What is God giving this year?
Romans 1:2-5; Matthew 1:18-25
A. We want so badly to get what we want. We want so badly to give what we want to give. We run out of time.
B. God in grace is longing for what he wants, too! God in grace has enough time to give you what God is longing to give you!
C. Trust God will bless you with time to give what we are so blessed to give, the Good News of comfort and the greatest joy!
2. God in grace has been giving comfort and joy for a long, long time.
Romans 1:2-5; Matthew 1:18-25
A. The angels gave Mary and Joseph a new and trusted comfort and joy as they spoke God’s faithfulness.
B. The angels gave the shepherds a new and trusted comfort and joy while they were out in their fields, `not to be afraid’ and to hear, `Good News of the greatest joy.’
C. The star gave the wise men a new and trusted comfort and joy as the star pointed the wise men to God’s faithful fulfillment of the Savior, not simply an expected king.
D. Why would God give any thing else to you?
i. God has enough comfort and joy to give you.
ii. God has time to give you comfort and joy.
iii. God makes comfort and joy believable!
3. By God’s grace and the power of the Holy Spirit and the presence of the promised Christ, believe the unbelievable, trust there is still time to give the very best, be like the angels and the star and give others what they are longing for, give Jesus the gift that would make His Christmas - go and make known all that has been made known to you, give what was first given to you, the comfort and joy of The Christ!
Romans 1:2-5; Matthew 1:22-24
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.
Song of Promise & Hope
It Came Upon the Midnight Clear
Willis & Willcocks
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,
Come to us, with your comfort and joy and 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 during our service. 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.
For those worshiping with us in person, we receive communion through intinction; that is, you will receive the bread, the host, then dip into the glass of choice, either a red wine in the chalice closest to the host, or in a light colored non-alcoholic grape juice. All are welcome.
We also offer gluten free and pre-packaged options. Please take these options before arriving at the host to receive a blessing.
The Words of Institution
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.
Songs During Holy Communion
Emmanuel, God With Us
Grant
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
Songs During Holy Communion
God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
Unkown
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
vs. 5
And when they came to Bethlehem
Where our dear Savior lay
They found Him in a manger
Where oxen feed on hay
His mother Mary kneeling down
Unto The Lord did pray
O - tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
O - tidings of comfort and joy
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 you hold fast to every tiding of comfort and joy, 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, and serving the Lord of life.
Thanks be to God!
Going Anew In Grace & Joy
Joy to the World (Unspeakable Joy)
Tomlin
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)
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Today, Sunday, December 18th, we celebrate, The Fourth Sunday In Advent, “Tidings Of Comfort And Joy … Gifts Of Comfort And Joy!” Today, Sunday, December 18th, our worship includes Special Music, our Faith Quest Sunday School meets today and shares in a special Christmas Party!
Join us for our Festive Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship, Saturday, December 24, 4 p.m. “Christ Is Comfort And Joy!” Carols, Children’s Message, Communion, Candlelight, “One Solitary Life!”
Join us for our Festive Christmas Day Worship, Sunday, December 25, 9:30 a.m. “Comfort And Joy Alive Among Us!” Carols, Children’s Message, Communion, Christmas Fellowship!
Join us for our Festive New Year’s Day Worship, The First Sunday After Christmas, January 1, 2023, 9:30 a.m. “Still Searching For Comfort And Joy!” This service includes a blessing on God’s beloved as a new year begins! Sunday, January 8, 9:30 a.m., Faith Quest, Sunday School resumes!
As we continue to share the ministry God places in our care, we are seeking more volunteers! 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.
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. 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 In The 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. “Jesus Loves Me” © Words and Music Public Domain, CCLI #4771887 “Emmanuel, God With Us” © 1992 Clouseau Music Ltd CCLI #1334303 “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen,” © 1980 Beam Me Up Music, CCLI #39441 “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.