The Third Sunday in Advent - Online Worship - December 15, 2024
The Third Sunday in Advent
Upcoming Events
Sunday Worship - The Fourth Sunday in Advent
”He Rules The World!”
Sunday, December 22, 9:30AM
Faith Quest Sunday School meets next Sunday!
Festive Christmas Eve Worship
”Wonders of His Love!”
Tuesday, December 22, 9:30AM
Worship includes Carols, Communion, Candlelight, Children’s Message, and “One Solitary Life!”
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
Rejoice
Rejoice
Emmanuel
Shall come to you
O Israel
(repeat refrain)
Litany Telling the Awe of Christ’s Promised Return
BASED ON PSALM 146
Today we rejoice, and we repeat the sounding joy in the presence of Emmanuel, and in the arrival and promised advent and return of The Christ, so we worship in the name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit.
Amen. Praise the Lord, O my soul! I will sing praises to the Lord as long as I live. Like the children today, I will get ready to tell the real story, to share and make known, heaven and nature sing in Emmanuel: Praise the Lord!
People of God: Do not put your trust in princes or mortals in whom there is no help. Let us take a moment of silence to confess our sins and those times we fail to trust and announce the awe of God’s grace in the Prince of Peace.
(silence for reflection)
Friends in Christ: Jesus who was born in a manger, who died for you, who rose again, who will come again, forever repeats the sounding joy in the grace of these words: Jesus saves, Jesus, forgives you all your sins. Trust anew! Like the children today, go, tell others, make known every gift of Emmanuel; be still, for The Holy One is here!
Song of Hope Made Known
Be Still
Evans
vs. 1
Be still for the presence of the Lord
The Holy One is here
Come bow before Him now
With reverence and fear
In Him no sin is found
We stand on holy ground
Be still for the presence of the Lord
The Holy One is here
Happy are all who know and trust the awe of the Lord who made heaven and earth, the One who keeps the faith forever, the One who makes heaven and nature sing! May we go tell others, and repeat the sounding joy, made known in Jesus alone!
Friends in Christ: The Lord sets the prisoners free, lifts up those who bow down, he loves the righteous. Be still! Come to the One who comes to you first; then go like the children, go in faith, repeat the sounding joy, for the glory of the Lord, is shining, all around!
Song of Hope Made Known
Be Still
Evans
vs. 2
Be still for the glory of the Lord
Is shining all around
He burns with holy fire
With splendor He is crowned
How awesome is the sight
Our radiant King of light
Be still for the glory of the Lord
Is shining all around
Loving God, as you called John the Baptist, increase our faith and courage, to witness, to point others, to testify, to make known, Jesus. By your Holy Spirit, like the children today, we will go and tell others, the salvation we have, the forgiveness we trust, the assurance given, and the hope that is ours, in Emmanuel, for is God with us, as we await Jesus’ promised return. On this Third Sunday in Advent, like the shepherds, announce to us again, repeat the sounding joy, perfectly, like never before, the good news of the greatest joy. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Song Lighting The Advent Wreath
Light One Candle
Wold
vs. 3
Light three candles
To watch for Messiah
Let the light banish darkness
Lift your heads
And lift high the gateway
For the King of glory
Lighting of The Advent Wreath – The Shepherd Candle
Gospel
LUKE 3:7–18
John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruits worthy of repentance. Do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our ancestor’; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” And the crowds asked him, “What then should we do?” In reply he said to them, “Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.” Even tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, “Teacher, what should we do?” He said to them, “Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you.” Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what should we do?” He said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages.” As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, John answered all of them by saying, “I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” So, with many exhortations, he proclaimed the good news to the people.
(New Revised Standard Version)
Stating Our Faith in God
BASED ON LUKE 1:47–55
Long ago God’s holy servant Mary was blessed with faith to witness heaven and nature sing, to hold the One who first came to us, to repeat the sounding joy of all that had been told to her. May we boldly magnify all God is still making known to one and all!
“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.
Song Anticipating True Joy
O Come, Little Children
Schulz
vs. 1
O come little children
O come one and all
To Bethlehem’s stable
In Bethlehem’s stall
And see with rejoicing
This glorious sight
Our Father in heaven
Has sent us this night
vs. 2
O see in the manger
In hallow-ed light
A star throws its beam on
This holiest sight
In clean swaddling clothes
Lies the heavenly Child
More lovely than angels
This Baby so mild
vs. 3
Oh there lies the Christ child
On hay and on straw
The shepherds are kneeling
Before him with awe
And Mary and Joseph
Smile on him with love
While angels are singing
Sweet songs from above
Presented By Lord of Life’s 2024 Faith Quest Kids:
Addison Barth, Atlas Bell, Alex Boxrucker, Chase Burner, Lilly Burner, Avery Ehlers, Gage Ehlers, Ryan Ehlers, Rhett House, Charlotte Hubbard, Zach Hubbard, Tobin Huettl, Emmalee Johnson, Evelyn Michals, James Michals, Charlee Ostgulen, Summer Ostgulen, Jack Pietila, Leo Pietila, Rosie Pietila, Cayden Pemble, Kate Pemble, Eliana Reis, Daxton Taft, Lennon Taft, Annie Tran, Daniel Taverna, Joseph Taverna, Logan Vaudt, Payten Wratz, Oaklee Williams, Brynlee Wubben
Repeat the Sounding Joy!
ISAIAH 12:2-6; ZEPHANIAH 3:14-20; PHILIPPIANS 4:4-7; LUKE 3:7-18
The sounds of the season! They come to us, bless us, try to influence us, crowd us, inspire us, fill us, save us. Which sounds do you hear? Which ones do you listen to, listen for? Which sounds do you need to break through all the others, to ring out the loudest, to ring out the truest? Good sound requires being true, clear, harmony, balance, and amplification. What you like to hear may be a matter of personal style. In our Gospel today, John the Baptist is preaching a baptism of repentance, calling all to bear fruit, proclaiming The One more powerful still to come, announcing The Holy Spirit. As we are blessed with the children today, to “Get Ready, For The Real Story,” may we listen anew for heaven and nature to sing, as we share the season of Advent, as we long for Christmas, as we wait for Christ’s return, as we live each day in The One more powerful than any of us! Let us like the shepherds, like the children today, hear The Good News of The Greatest Joy, and repeat the sounding joy!
1. Repeat the sounding joy, for it is time to clear the road and follow, free from distractions and obstacles, for The One who is more powerful is coming!
Luke 3:16
A. There is still time to clear our priorities. Jesus will help us know what to do, what to do first, what is most important!
Isaiah 12:2-6; Luke 3:10, 12, 14
B. There is still time to clear our schedules.
Philippians 4:6
C. There is still time to clear our throats.
Isaiah 12:5-6; Zephaniah 3:14; Philippians 4:5-6
D. There is still time to clear our minds. There is so much going on, we all need a moment of peace. `The peace of God will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.'
Philippians 4:7
E. There is still time to clear our hearts. John invited the people `to bear the fruits worthy of repentance.' We cannot just go through the motions!
Luke 3:7
F. There is still time … The time is now! John was called and he went, the people heard and they came. The shepherds heard, and they went with haste. What will we do and say, will we follow more closely?
Luke 3:16
2. Like the children today, we are invited to join the real story, to jump into our role, to repeat the sounding joy! The good news of Advent and Christmas is that God sent Jesus `The One who is more powerful' to clear the way, The One to restore us before the Lord.' In Christ who has come, and in Christ who will come again, we repeat the sounding joy, and we `rejoice, and again, I say, rejoice!'
Philippians 4:4, Luke 3:16
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 Repeating Joy
The Little Drummer Boy
Davis
vs. 1
Come they told me
Pa-rum pum pum pum
Our newborn King to see
Pa-rum pum pum pum
Our finest gifts we bring
Pa-rum pum pum pum
To lay before the King
Pa-rum pum pum pum
Rum pum pum pum
Rum pum pum pum
So to honor Him
Pa-rum pum pum pum
When we come
vs. 2
Baby Jesu
Pa-rum pum pum pum
I am a poor boy too
Pa-rum pum pum pum
I have no gift to bring
Pa-rum pum pum pum
That’s fit to give our King
Pa-rum pum pum pum
Rum pum pum pum
Rum pum pum pum
Shall I play for you
Pa-rum pum pum pum
On my drum
vs. 3
Mary nodded
Pa-rum pum pum pum
The ox and lamb kept time
Pa-rum pum pum pum
I played my drum for Him
Pa-rum pum pum pum
I played my best for Him
Pa-rum pum pum pum
Rum pum pum pum
Rum pum pum pum
Then He smiled at me
Pa-rum pum pum pum
Me and my drum
...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
Do You Hear What I Hear?
Regney & Shayne
vs. 1
Said the night wind
To the little lamb
Do you see what I see
(Do you see what I see)
Way up in the sky little lamb
Do you see what I see
(Do you see what I see)
A star a star
Dancing in the night
With a tail as big as a kite
With a tail as big as a kite
vs. 2
Said the little lamb
To the shepherd boy
Do you hear what I hear
(Do you hear what I hear)
Ringing thru the sky shepherd boy
Do you hear what I hear
(Do you hear what I hear)
A song a song
High above the tree
With a voice as big as the sea
With a voice as big as the sea
vs. 3
Said the shepherd boy
To the mighty king
Do you know what I know
(Do you know what I know)
In your palace warm mighty king
Do you know what I know
(Do you know what I know)
A Child a Child
Shivers in the cold
Let us bring Him silver & gold
Let us bring Him silver & gold
vs. 4
Said the king
To the people everywhere
Listen to what I say
(Listen to what I say)
Pray for peace people everywhere
Listen to what I say
(Listen to what I say)
The Child The Child
Sleeping in the night
He will bring us goodness and light
He will bring us goodness and light
God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
Author 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
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 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 Anew In Joy & Promise
Caroling, Caroling
Hutson & Burt
vs. 1
Caroling caroling now we go
Christmas bells are ringing
Caroling caroling thru the snow
Christmas bells are ringing
Joyous voices sweet and clear
Sing the sad of heart to cheer
Ding dong ding dong
Christmas bells are ringing
vs. 2
Caroling caroling thru the town
Christmas bells are ringing
Caroling caroling up and down
Christmas bells are ringing
Mark ye well the song we sing
Gladsome tidings now we bring
Ding dong ding dong
Christmas bells are ringing
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Today, Sunday, December 15th, we celebrate The Third Sunday In Advent, “Repeat The Sounding Joy!” Our service this morning includes, our Children’s Christmas Program!
Join us next Sunday, December 22nd, as we celebrate The Fourth Sunday In Advent, “He Rules The World!” Next Sunday, Our Faith Quest Sunday School Ministry Meets!
Join us Tuesday, December 24th, 4 p.m., as we celebrate and share Our Festive Christmas Eve Worship, “Wonders Of His Loves!” Our Festive Christmas Eve Worship includes, Carols, Communion, Candlelight, Children’s Message, And “One Solitary Life!”
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 Telling The Awe Of Christ’s Promised Return – written based on Psalm 146. “Oh, Come, Oh, Come, Emmanuel,” “Be Still,” “Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah,” “The Little Drummer Boy,” © 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, and Public Domain. Used with permission. “Prayer of The Day,” “The Lord’s Prayer,” “Post-Communion Blessing, Prayer, & Benediction” based on the LBW. “O Come, Little Children” © 1999 PsalmSinger Music, CCLI #2769183 “Do You Hear What I Hear?” © 1962 Regent Music Corp., renewed by Jewel Music Publishing Co., Inc. “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen,” © 1980 Beam Me Up Music, CCLI #39441 “Caroling, Caroling,” © 1954, renewed 1957 Hollis Music, Inc. All rights reserved. All songs used with permission. CCLI License #1380826 & OneLicense #A-724016.