The Second Sunday in Advent - Online Worship - December 8, 2024

The Second Sunday in Advent

Lord of Life Live

This week’s service will not be live streamed. We look forward to live streaming next week with the presentation of our Faith Quest Sunday School’s Children’s Christmas program!

Upcoming Events

Sunday Worship - The Third Sunday in Advent
”Repeat the Sounding Joy”
December 15, 9:30AM
Next Sunday, our service includes, our Children’s Christmas Program!

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

Jesus, Messiah

Tomlin

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

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

BASED ON PSALM 51

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. Have mercy on me, O Lord, according to your steadfast love and mercy. Against you, and you alone have I sinned. Wash me thoroughly and cleanse my sin.

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!

Song of Grace Anew

The King Shall Come

Brownlie / DeBruyn

vs. 1
The King shall come when morning dawns
And light triumphant breaks
When beauty gilds the eastern hills
And life to joy awakes

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and do not take your Holy Spirit from me.

Friends in Christ: Far as the curse is found, 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!

Song of Grace Anew

The King Shall Come

Brownlie / DeBruyn

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

Stir up your power, O Lord, and come; prepare the way for your only Son. As we hear of Jesus’ promised return, far as the curse is found, shine your light on us, and banish the darkness. During this Advent and Christmas season, on this Second Sunday in Advent, as we light the Bethlehem candle, as we share our traditional ways of getting ready; prepare us like never before, for the King shall come, one day in full glory; as well as, here and now, each and every day in our hearts and lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Song Lighting The Advent Wreath

Light One Candle

Wold

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

Lighting of The Advent Wreath – The Bethlehem Candle

Faith Quest Sunday School meets today, practicing for our Christmas program next week!

Song of Preparation

Prepare the Royal Highway

Franzen & Herran

vs. 1
Prepare the royal highway
The King of kings is near
Let ev’ry hill and valley
A level road appear
Then greet the King of glory
Foretold in sacred story

refrain:
Hosanna to the Lord
For he fulfills God’s Word

Gospel

LUKE 3:1–6

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)

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.

Far As the Curse is Found!

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.

Song Ready for The Promise

O Little Town of Bethlehem

Redner/Brooks

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; 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

In the Bleak Midwinter

Holst & Darke

vs. 1
In the bleak midwinter
Frosty wind made moan
Earth stood hard as iron
Water like a stone
Snow had fallen snow on snow
Snow on snow
In the bleak midwinter
Long ago

vs. 2
Heaven cannot hold him
Nor earth sustain
Heav’n and earth shall flee away
When he comes to reign
In the bleak midwinter
A stable place sufficed
The Lord God almighty
Jesus Christ

vs. 3
What can I give him
Poor as I am
If I were a shepherd
I would bring a lamb
If I were a wise man
I would do my part
Yet what I can I give him
Give my heart

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

God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen

Unknown

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, Sunday, December 8th, we celebrate The Second Sunday In Advent, “Far As The Curse Is Found!” Our service this morning includes, “The Presenting Of The Greens!” Today, our Faith Quest Sunday School ministry meets!

Join us next Sunday, December 15th, as we celebrate The Third Sunday In Advent, “Repeat The Sounding Joy!” Next Sunday, our service includes, our Children’s Christmas Program!”

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 We Wait For Christ’s Promised Return, written based on Psalm 51. “Prayer of The Day,” “Lord’s Prayer,” “Post-Communion Blessing, Prayer, & Benediction,” “The King Shall Come,” “Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah,” “Prepare the Royal Highway,” “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” “In The Bleak Midwinter,” 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: “Jesus Messiah” © 2008 sixsteps Music CCLI #5183443 “Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah” © 2002 Birnamwood Publications CCLI #  “Jesus Loves Me” © Words and Music Public Domain, CCLI #4771887 “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen,” © 1980 Beam Me Up Music, CCLI #39441 39441  All rights reserved. All songs used w/permission. CCLI License #1380826 & OneLicense #A-724016.