The First Sunday in Advent - Online Worship - December 3, 2023
Lord of Life LIVE - The First Sunday in Advent
Upcoming Events
Sunday Worship - The Second Sunday in Advent
”And This Will Be a Sign for You; The Sign Made Ready”
December 10, 2023, 9:30AM
(Faith Quest does not meet)
Sunday Worship - The Third Sunday in Advent & Christmas Program
December 17, 2023, 9:30AM
Sunday Worship - Christmas Eve & The Fourth Sunday in Advent
December 24, 2023, 9:30AM & 4:00PM
(Faith Quest does not meet)
Join us in person, or on YouTube for Lord of Life LIVE!
All are welcome, encouraged to visit the Prayer Cross as moved to do so.
Song of Promised Return
Oh, Come, Oh, Come, Emmanuel
Helmore
vs. 1
Oh come oh come Emmanuel
And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear
refrain:
Rejoice Rejoice
Emmanuel
Shall come to you O Israel
vs. 3
Oh come strong Branch of Jesse free
Your own from Satan’s tyranny
From depths of hell your people save
And give them vict’ry o’er the grave
(refrain)
vs. 4
Oh come blest Day-spring come and cheer
Our spirits by your advent here
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night
And death’s dark shadows put to flight
(refrain twice)
Litany of Hope in The Christ’s Promised Return
Based on Psalm 122
Today we hold close in new ways, and this will be a sign for you, we rejoice, for our hope is in the arrival and in the promised return of Emmanuel, The Christ, so we worship in the name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit.
Amen. I was glad when they said, let us go to the house of the Lord! Our feet stand firm in the Lord. Come, Lord Jesus, come!
People of God: As we pray and wait for our Lord to break into our world, our lives, our hearts once again; to return in full glory; let us take a moment of silence to confess our sins and those times we fail to place our hope in The Christ, or to trust his presence and promised return.
(silence for reflection)
Friends in Christ: Jesus who was born in a manger, who died and rose for you, who will come again, who fulfills every sign for you; gives grace in these words: Jesus saves; Jesus forgives you all your sins. We are his new Jerusalem. All who are thirsty; come to The One, who comes to you first!
Song of Hope & Promise
All Who Are Thirsty
Brown
All who are thirsty
All who are weak
Come to the fountain
Dip your heart in the stream of life
Let the pain and the sorrow
Be wash’d away
In the waves of His mercy
As deep cries out to deep
We sing
Come Lord Jesus come
Come Lord Jesus come
Come Lord Jesus come
Come Lord Jesus come
Help us, Lord; renew us as we wait for your promised return. You alone sit on the throne of judgment. Restore us and renew us, with every sign you have promised. May your peace overtake us and dwell in the hearts of all people.
Friends in Christ: As we wait for, and listen for, Jesus to return, trust God keeps his promises. God is getting all things ready. All who thirst for every sign Emmanuel promises and fulfills, come to The One who thirsts for you, and comes to you first!
Song of Hope & Promise
All Who Are Thirsty
Brown
All who are thirsty
All who are weak
Come to the fountain
Dip your heart in the stream of life
Let the pain and the sorrow
Be wash’d away
In the waves of His mercy
As deep cries out to deep
We sing
Come Lord Jesus come
Come Lord Jesus come
Come Lord Jesus come
Come Lord Jesus come
Stir up your power, O Lord, and come. Protect us by your strength and save us from the threatening dangers of our sins. When we look for your every sign to be fulfilled, increase in us such faith to see and believe you forever keep your promises. By your Spirit, come, Lord Jesus, come anew, to us again, this Advent and Christmas. Reveal yourself again. As we light The Prophecy candle, build us up to join the voice of the prophets, to serve, witness, trust and glorify your promised return. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Song Lighting the Advent Wreath
Light One Candle
Wold
vs. 1
Light one candle to watch for Messiah
Let the light banish darkness
He shall bring salvation to Israel
God fulfills the promise
All Children are invited to attend Faith Quest for a time of education, singing, and crafts. Children will also be rehearsing music and roles for our Christmas program!
Old Testament Lesson
Isaiah 64:1-9
O that you would tear open the heavens and come down, so that the mountains would quake at your presence – as when fire kindles brushwood, and the water causes water to boil – to make your name known to your adversaries, so that the nations might tremble at your presence! When you did awesome deeds that we did not expect, you came down, the mountains quaked at your presence. From ages past no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any good besides you, who works for those who wait for him. You meet those who gladly do right, those who remember you in your ways. But you were angry, and we sinned; because you hid yourself we transgressed. We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a filthy cloth. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away. There is no one who calls on your name, or attempts to take hold of you; for you have hidden your face from us, and have delivered us unto the hand of our iniquity. Yet, O Lord, you are our Father, we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand. Do not be exceedingly angry, O Lord, and do not remember iniquity forever. Now consider, we are all your people.
(New Revised Standard Version)
New Testament Lesson
1 Corinthians 1:3-9
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind – just as the testimony of Christ has been strengthened among you – so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful; by him you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
(New Revised Standard Version)
Song of Promise & Hope
Of The Father’s Love Begotten
Prudentius/Davis
vs.1
Of the Father’s love begotten
Ere the worlds began to be
He is Alpha and Omega
He the source the ending he
Of the things that are that have been
And that future years shall see
Evermore and evermore
vs. 3
This is he whom seers in old time
Chanted of with one accord
Whom the voices of the prophets
Promised in their faithful word
Now he shines the long-expected
Let creation praise its Lord
Evermore and evermore
vs.4
Let the heights of heav’n adore him
Angel hosts his praises sing
Pow’rs dominions bow before him
And extol our God and King
Let no tongue on earth be silent
Ev’ry voice in concert ring
Evermore and evermore
Gospel
Mark 13:24-37
Jesus quoted the prophet Isaiah, saying, “‘But in those days, after that suffering, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heaven will be shaken.’ Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in the clouds’ with great power and glory. Then he will send out the angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven. From the fig tree, learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. Therefore, keep awake – for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly. And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake.”
(New Revised Standard Version)
based on Luke 1:67-79
Long ago the prophet Zechariah spoke these words as a sign of hope and promise to his son, John the Baptist. God is still sending signs to us, and speaking these words of our Savior, that we might be assured, that we might 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.
The Sign Promised
ISAIAH 64:1-9; 1 CORINTHIANS 1:3-9; MARK 13:24-37
Do you have a list of things you are hoping to receive for Christmas this year? What is on your list? What are the chances you receive the things on your list? For many parents, `tis the season of responding to children with dreams of sugar plums dancing in their heads, to children with hope bursting from their eyes; the response from parents likely heard echoing through the malls and stores, out car windows, across dinner tables, at the foot of beds, at bedroom doors are these important words: “We’ll see.” As believers, we celebrate Advent and Christmas thanks to all that was a sign for us, long ago, The Sign of God’s grace as promised! As Jesus tells us to stay awake, we stay awake, keep alert, for the next signs of grace given and promised, while we wait, trust and hope for this sign, for Jesus, God’s promised grace, to come again. Will God’s grace come completely again one day? Can we really trust the sign of grace promised by the prophets and Jesus, himself? Is the best Jesus can do for us now, is to answer, “We’ll see”? No way! `Tis the season to believe anew! God’s grace is promised! And this will be a sign for you: God’s grace is coming again and again!
1. God’s grace is a sign promised, giving us hope to trust and to celebrate the word spoken by the prophets and the words of Jesus Christ are truth. This sign of grace promised gives us hope in the return of Christ, a promise that will be kept. For now we stay awake looking for every sign of grace, looking for The Christ!
Mark 13:35-37
A. Stay awake, anticipate, every sign of God’s grace promised, a promise that is holy, prophesied, set apart from all the others. Anticipate, set apart the signs of grace from all else this season!
Isaiah 64:4; Mark 13:29
B. Stay awake, watch for, every sign of God’s grace promised, promises that give real hope and overcome all that overwhelms us. Watch for every sign that calms and reassures!
1 Corinthians 1:7; Mark 13:26-27
C. Stay awake, be awed by, every sign of God’s grace promised, promises foretold and kept, promises that will be kept again. Share the awe of the promise!
Isaiah 64:5; 1 Corinthians 1:6; Mark 13:33
D. Stay awake, these are Kingdom promises, signs of God’s grace promised, promises foretold from above, promises kept, promises that will be kept again; promises different from this world!
Isaiah 64:1-2; 1 Corinthians 1:7-9; Mark 13:32-33
E. Stay awake for every eternal sign of God’s grace promised; promises from Emmanuel are eternal. The Christ is from eternity for eternity. The signs of grace are eternal, make you eternal indeed! God’s promises, God’s grace, are forever!
Isaiah 64:9; Mark 13:32
2. In the midst all you are hoping for this Advent and Christmas, stay awake, do not let the routine, become routine, do not let the common, become common; expect, anticipate, watch for, be awed by, receive, see, take hold, believe, these will be Kingdom promises, eternal promises, signs of God’s grace ... forever promised!
Isaiah 64:1-3; 1 Corinthians 1:4,9; Mark 13:33,35-37
A. Stay awake and you will receive a sign of all you are promised, a sign of what you are waiting for, hoping for, longing for - whether or not you have it on your list.
B. Trust when you ask God for a sign of God’s grace, “We’ll see” will not be the response you hear. You will hear, “Stay awake!” `Tis the season to believe anew! Look and listen, expect and anticipate, receive every sign of God’s grace, forever promised!
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 Hope & Promise
The First Noel
Gardner
vs. 1
The first Noel
The angel did say
Was to certain poor shepherds
In fields as they lay
In fields where they lay
Keeping their sheep
On a cold winter’s night
That was so deep
refrain:
Noel Noel Noel Noel
Born is the King of Israel
vs.2
They looked up
And saw a star
Shining in the east
Beyond them far
And to the earth
It gave great light
And so it continued
Both day and night
(refrain)
vs. 3
And by the light
Of that same star
Three wise men came
From country far
To seek for a king
Was their intent
And to follow the star
Wherever it went
(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 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.
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
I Wonder As I Wander
Niles
vs. 1
I wonder as I wander
Out under the sky
How Jesus the Savior
Did come for to die
For poor ord’n’ry people
Like you and like I
I wonder as I wander
Out under the sky
vs. 2
When Mary birthed Jesus
All in a cow’s stall
Came wise men and farmers
And shepherds and all
And high from the heavens
A star’s light did fall
The promise of the ages
It then did recall
vs. 3
If Jesus had wanted
For any wee thing
A star in the sky
Or a bird on the wing
Or all of God’s angels
In heav’n for to sing
He surely could have had it
‘Cause he was the King
vs. 4
I wonder as I wander
Out under the sky
How Jesus the Savior
Did come for to die
For poor ord’n’ry people
Like you and like I
I wonder as I wander
Out under the 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 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, and serving The Lord of life.
Thanks be to God!
Going Trusting Anew The Promise
Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers
Laurenti
vs. 1
Rejoice rejoice believers
And let your lights appear
The evening is advancing
And darker night is near
The bridegroom is arising
And soon is drawing nigh
Up pray and watch and wrestle
At midnight comes the cry
vs. 4
Our hope and expectation
O Jesus now appear
Arise O Sun so longed for
O’er this benighted sphere
With hearts and hands uplifted
We plead O Lord to see
The day of earth’s redemption
That sets your people free
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Today, Sunday, December 3rd, we celebrate The First Sunday In Advent! “And This Will Be A Sign For You; The Sign Promised!” Today our Faith Quest Sunday School ministry does meet!
Join us next Sunday, December 10th, as we celebrate The Second Sunday In Advent! “And This Will Be A Sign For You; The Sign Made Ready!” Next Sunday, our Faith Quest Sunday School ministry does meet!
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 as you exit the building.
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.
We hope our worship 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.
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 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 122. “Prayer of The Day,” “Lord’s Prayer,” “Post-Communion Blessing, Prayer, & Benediction,” based on the LBW. © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship (LBW) and With One Voice Hymnal Supplement © 1995 Augsburg Publishing House, Mpls & Board of Publication, Lutheran Church In America, Philadelphia; & Evangelical Lutheran Worship © 2006 Augsburg Fortress, Mpls, MN. Used w/permission. Words & Music Public Domain: “Oh, Come, Oh, Come, Emmanuel” “Of the Father’s Love Begotten” “The First Noel” “I Wonder As I Wander” & “Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers” “All Who Are Thirsty” © 1998 Vineyard Songs, CCLI #2489542 “Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah” © 2002 Birnamwood Publications CCLI # “Jesus Loves Me” © Words and Music Public Domain, CCLI #4771887 All rights reserved. All songs used w/permission. CCLI License #1380826 & OneLicense #A-724016.