The First Sunday in Advent - Online Worship - December 1, 2024

The First Sunday in Advent

Upcoming Events

Sunday Worship - The Second Sunday in Advent
”Far As the Curse is Found!”
December 8, 9:30AM
Join us for a festive Advent Service with the Presenting of The Greens!

Faith Quest Sunday School meets next Sunday!

Next week’s service on December 8th, will not be Live Streamed

Advent Devotions

Check back daily on our website and facebook page for daily Advent devotions!

All are welcome, encouraged to visit the Prayer Cross as moved to do so.

Song of Promised Return

Oh, Come, Oh, Come, Emanuel

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 Giving God Thanks for All of God’s Glory & Grace

BASED ON PSALM 122

Today we celebrate the hope we have in the arrival and in the promised advent of Emmanuel; heaven and nature sing in The One who comes to us, 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 to me, “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 and lives again, let us take a moment of silence to confess our sins and those times we fail to have our hearts prepare room for Jesus’ presence and promised return.

(silence for reflection)

Friends, Jesus, who was born in a manger, who died for you, and who will come again, gives grace in these words: Jesus saves; Jesus forgives you all your sins. We are his new Jerusalem. Heaven and nature sing! 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, and renew us as we wait for your promised return. You alone sit on the throne of judgment. We pray simply to trust you restore and renew us, that your peace overtakes us and dwells within the hearts of all people.

Friends in Christ: As we wait for Jesus to return, trust God sends the Spirit to make all things ready; for us to prepare him room. Make this truth known: The One who thirsts for you is here; and Jesus will come again!

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. Save us from our sins. Increase in us such faith to hear heaven and nature sing, to listen for you alone during the seasons of Advent and Christmas. On this First Sunday in Advent, open our eyes and hearts like the prophets, to see your Kingdom has come, to more boldly believe, to prepare you room. By your Spirit, come, Lord Jesus, come anew, and reveal yourself to us. 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

Lighting of The Advent Wreath – The Prophecy Candle

Faith Quest Sunday School does not meet today.

The Old Testament

JEREMIAH 33:14–16

The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called: “The Lord is our righteousness.”

(New Revised Standard Version)

The New Testament

1 THESSALONIANS 3:9–13

How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you? Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and restore whatever is lacking in your faith. Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you. And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you. And may he so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. 

(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

LUKE 21:25–36

Jesus spoke to his followers, saying, “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in a cloud’ with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” Then he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day catch you unexpectedly, like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.” 

(New Revised Standard Version)

Stating Our Faith in God

BASED ON LUKE 1:67–79

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.

Let Every Heart, Prepare Him Room!

JEREMIAH 33:14-16; 1 THESSALONIANS 3:9-13; LUKE 21:25-36

How are you at `being ready?’  `Getting ready’ is something we do, quite often.  We `get ready’ for special events, special moments, special people; and we `get ready’ for day to day details: meetings, meals, etc.  `Being ready’ is different than `getting ready.’  As Jesus tells us again today,  `There will be signs ... Know the kingdom of God has come near ... Be on guard, be alert at all times.'  We are to be ready, not `quite often;’ `at all times,’ ready for the Kingdom of God to come near, for God’s grace to make us ready, ready for Jesus to return, ... today!  Advent is a blessed season in The Church Year, making known: `Be ready’ for The One who promised he would return always keeps his promises!  As we light The Prophecy Candle, we boldly proclaim the prophecy and promise given long ago were kept, The Messiah came, now we are to `be ready,’ to let every heart prepare Him room, to be ready for the new promise to be kept as well, to be ready for heaven and nature to sing, like they did once before, for they will do so again completely, just as God has promised!

1. `Let every heart prepare Him room,’ for Jesus is coming back!
1 Thessalonians 3:11-13; Luke 21:32-36

A. Advent is the season to be ready for all God has ready, for heaven and nature to sing completely in Jesus’ return!

B. We do not like to wait.  We do not even really like getting ready, especially when timing is uncertain.

C. We do not mind getting ready for Christmas.  We know the timing.  We know how we got ready last year, and the year before that, and the year before that.

D. Advent is God’s gift to us to `be ready,’ for The Kingdom of God to come near, and for Jesus to come again!  We do not like to wait, we may not have to; let us be ready, ... today!

2. `Let every heart prepare Him room,’ to believe, to be comforted, to hold onto real hope; be ready for God to keep his promises!
Jeremiah 33:14-16; Luke 21:25-28

A. As we light The Prophecy Candle today, we are reminded long ago a prophecy was announced, a promise was given, a promise was kept, The Messiah came.

i. How are you at keeping promises?

ii. Who was ready to be a prophet for you, to tell you of God’s promises and grace?

iii. Are you ready, has your heart prepared Him room, to be a prophet, to tell others Jesus is coming back, to tell others God keeps his every promise!

B. Be ready today for God to faithfully keep the new promise given; be ready today for The Kingdom of God to come near; let every heart prepare room for Jesus today; for the promise will indeed be kept; Jesus will come back ... maybe today!

3. `Let every heart prepare Him room,’ to be ready, to be on guard, to be alert at all times for God’s grace, for heaven and nature to sing!
Jeremiah 33:14-16; 1 Thessalonians 3:10; Luke 21:29-31, 36

A. Be ready today; believe God makes things happen every day!

B. Be ready today; believe The Kingdom of God has come near!

C. Be ready today; believe Jesus is breaking forth every day, believe Jesus is coming back one day as promised!

D. Be ready today; believe heaven and nature will sing as they did once before, for they will sing again completely, as 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

refreain:
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)

...as we pray to you, Jesus,
We trust heaven and nature sing; you and your grace come to us.

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.

Song 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 we hear heaven and nature sing, and as we await, and forever trust, God’s grace in 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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Follow us on facebook to watch our services live on Lord of Life LIVE now on YouTube! Watch with us live at 9:30am on Sundays, or rewatch at your own convenience!

Today, Sunday, December 1st, we celebrate The First Sunday In Advent, “Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room!” Toay, our Faith Quest Sunday School ministry meets!\

Join us next Sunday, December 8th, as we celebrate The Second Sunday In Advent, “Far As The Curse Is Found!” “The Presenting Of The Greens!” Next Sunday, our Faith Quest Sunday School ministry meets!

Join us tomorrow night, Monday, December 2nd, as we share in hosting our Veteran’s Dinner! All volunteers welcome and appreciated, any time, 5-7:30 p.m. Your financial support is also greatly appreciated! Simply note an envelope or the memo line of your check. Thank You!

As we share our worship, we give thanks for every volunteer as you bless our ministry, greeting, ushering, nursery, serving communion, live streaming, AV ministry, set up, clean up, fellowship, 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. 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 As Wait For 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.