The First Sunday After Christmas - Online Worship - December 29, 2024
The First Sunday After Christmas
Join us next Sunday!
Sunday Worship - The Second Sunday After Christmas
”Heaven and Nature Sing, Here, Now!”
January 5, 9:30AM
Faith Quest Sunday School resumes next Sunday!
All are welcome, encouraged to visit the Prayer Cross as moved to do so.
Carol of Blessed Joy
Good Christian Friends, Rejoice
Suso, Neale
vs. 1
Good Christian friends rejoice
With heart and soul and voice
Give ye heed to what we say
Jesus Christ is born today
Ox and lamb before him bow
And he is in the manger now
Christ is born today
Christ is born today
vs. 2
Good Christian friends rejoice
With heart and soul and voice
Now ye hear of endless bliss
Jesus Christ was born for this
He has opened heaven’s door
And we are blest forevermore
Christ was born for this
Christ was born for this
vs. 3
Good Christian friends rejoice
With heart and soul and voice
Now ye need not fear the grave
Jesus Christ was born to save
Calls you one and calls you all
To gain his everlasting hall
Christ was born to save
Christ was born to save
Litany of Every Gift of Grace Anew, In Hope & Light
BASED ON PSALM 98:1–4
Friends, we come to worship and rejoice, with heart and soul and voice, for Christ is born to save, to come to us in every gift anew, to forever grace us and live among us, in Emmanuel, so we worship in the name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit.
Amen.
In the spirit of Christmas and as we prepare for the year 2025, let us take a moment of silence to confess our sins, and those times we have failed to trust anew with heart and soul and voice.
(silence for reflection)
Friends of Emmanuel: God is with us, The Lord is come, to make you new in every gift, as heaven and nature sing anew in the grace of these words: Jesus saves; Jesus forgives you all your sins! Sing a new song unto the Lord! He has done marvelous things!
Through Jesus’ birth and his faithful presence, God’s right hand and his holy arm have gotten him the victory.
Let us break into joyful song and sing praises! Emmanuel is here! Christ, the Child, is indeed Lord of all!
Carol of New Hope
Infant Holy, Infant Lowly
Reed
vs. 1
Infant holy infant lowly
For his bed a cattle stall
Oxen lowing little knowing
Christ the child is Lord of all
Swiftly winging angels singing
Bells are ringing tidings bringing
Christ the child is Lord of all
Christ the child is Lord of all
Through his bright light the Lord is alive, making known his victory.
Jesus is the Word made flesh; he is our goodness and light! Our God has revealed his vindication in the sight of all the nations.
God graces us with every blessing anew in Jesus. This is God’s Christmas gift to you, to the world. Christ, the Child was born for you!
Carol of New Hope
Infant Holy, Infant Lowly
Reed
vs. 2
Flocks were sleeping shepherds keeping
Vigil till the morning new
Saw the glory heard the story
Tidings of a Gospel true
Thus rejoicing free from sorrow
Praises voicing greet the morrow
Christ the child was born for you
Christ the child was born for you
Emmanuel breaks forth with every gift of grace anew; steadfast love is here!
All the ends of the earth have seen his goodness and light, and the gifts of God’s grace. We live anew; our life is in Emmanuel, for God is with us! Make a joyful noise to the Lord all the earth!
Search no longer for hope and grace! Break forth into joyful song! Come with all the faithful! Come, let us adore him!
Carol of Hope & Joy
Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful
Wade
vs. 1
Oh come all ye faithful
Joyful and triumphant
Oh come ye oh come ye
To Bethlehem
Come and behold him
Born the King of angels
refrain:
Oh come let us adore him
Oh come let us adore him
Oh come let us adore him
Christ the Lord
Loving God, you are Lord of all, you are the Faithful One and we adore you. In the grace of Christmas, you, Emmanuel, come to us, you are our joy in the world. Come anew, now to us, keep alive in us, your hope and light. As a New Year soon begins, each and every day, keep Christmas coming to us, keep Christ coming anew to us, as heaven and nature forever sing anew, in every gift of your saving grace. Renew us in The Word made flesh, The Light no darkness can overcome. In the glory of the new born King, we pray. Amen.
Faith Quest Sunday School does not meet today.
The Old Testament
1 SAMUEL 2:18–20, 26
Samuel was ministering before the Lord, a boy wearing a linen ephod. His mother used to make for him a little robe and take it to him each year, when she went up with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice. Then Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife, and say, “May the Lord repay you with children by this woman for the gift that she made to the Lord”; and then they would return to their home. .... Now the boy Samuel continued to grow both in stature and in favor with the Lord and with the people.
(New Revised Standard Version)
The New Testament
COLOSSIANS 3:12–17
As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
(New Revised Standard Version)
Carol of Good News
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Mendelssohn
vs. 1
Hark The herald angels sing
Glory to the newborn king
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled
Joyful all you nations rise
Join the triumph of the skies
With angelic hosts proclaim
Christ is born in Bethlehem
refrain:
Hark The herald angels sing
Glory to the newborn king
vs. 3
Hail the heav’n-born Prince of Peace
Hail the sun of righteousness
Light and life to all he brings
Ris’n with healing in his wings
Mild he lays his glory by
Born that we no more may die
Born to raise each child of earth
Born to give us second birth
(refrain)
Gospel
LUKE 2:41–52
Now every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the festival of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up as usual for the festival. When the festival was ended and they started to return, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. Assuming that he was in the group of travelers, they went a day’s journey. Then they started to look for him among their travelers and friends. When they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem to search for him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him they were astonished; and his mother said to him, “Child, why have you treated us like this? Look, your father and I have been searching for you in great anxiety.” Jesus said to them, “Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” But they did not understand what he said to them. Then he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them. His mother treasured all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and in years, and in divine and human favor.
(New Revised Standard Version)
Stating Our Faith in God
BASED ON REVELATION 21:5–7
God’s Son who was born in a manger, who went forward to make us all one through his death and resurrection, will come again. Trusting every gift of hope and grace anew in Emmanuel, we boldly share our faith, for heaven and nature sing, for his light has come and the darkness will not overcome it.
God who sits upon the throne says, “Behold, I make all things new. Write these words for they are trustworthy and true. It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the fountain the water of life without payment. They who conquer shall have their heritage, and I will be their God, and they will be my children. Amen.
Joy to The World
1 SAMUEL 2:18-20,26; COLOSSIANS 3:12-17; LUKE 2:41-52
Do you think Christmas is only for children? Well, you may be right. Christmas is for the child in each of us. God’s joy to the world is for the child of God in each of us. Christmas invites the child in each of us to be excited about the giving and the opening of gifts, especially those gifts and The Gift we receive from God. Christmas, at the heart, is about The Child - The Child of God born unto us. Today we hear more about The Child. Even as a child, Jesus amazed those around him. "And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers." God’s joy to the world is still speaking; Emmanuel is still with us! Heaven and nature forever sing in Jesus’ birth, his youth, his ministry and teaching, his death and resurrection, and in his promise to return. Be a child, be a child of God, be awed by, though not surprised by, God’s joy to the world, for The Lord is come! Do not let the hope of his advent and promised return end; do not let the excitement and joy of Christmas end as you open all he gives you in a new year and every new day. Be a child of God as you hear heaven and nature sing as you boldly believe anew The One who is God’s joy to the world!
1. Christmas, God’s joy to the world, is for children, the children of God.
Colossians 3:12,14
A. Children of God know anticipation, excitement and hope.
B. Children of God know they need to grow, but they do not always need to grow up.
1 Samuel 2:26; Luke 2:52
2. Christmas, God’s joy to the world, is about letting the child of God in each of us start over, have a new beginning, to try again and again.
Luke 2:45, 49
A. Small children are usually given the most freedom when it comes to making mistakes. As we get older, being forgiven, offering forgiveness, believing we are forgiven, gets harder.
B. The Child Jesus gave a new understanding in the temple. His words, his forgiveness, his promise give us a new beginning.
C. In our Father's house is where we need to start over. When we need to start over, we need to go back to what is most vital, we need to go back to loved ones and to God. When you lose Jesus, go back to where you lost him, come close to The One who comes close to you first!
3. Christmas, God’s joy to the world, keeps the spirit of children alive.
Luke 2:48,50
A. As we age, we feel the need to be more proper and cautious. We may even get lazy or leave the spirit for someone else.
B. Mary and Joseph thought they knew best; even as a child, Jesus helped others hear and believe all God was saying to His children.
4. Christmas, God’s joy to the world, is about God's Child and God's children.
Luke 2:44-46
A. Christmas is God's Child - "For to you is born this day ... You will find a child ..." Have you found the Child?
i. Mary and Joseph went searching. They were in the midst of it all, of all that was God's and they still lost it.
ii. What are you looking for? Who are you still looking for? Are you still looking for a gift this year, for something perfectly wrapped just for you, for joy in your world? God is always there, God is always here! The Child is in the midst of it all, in the midst of your all!
B. No matter how old or how young, God will help us find the Child, God will help us find the child in each of us.
C. Today, throughout the new year, hear The Child, Emmanuel! Trust and believe, heaven and nature are still singing, the child of God in you is forever blessed by The Child, God’s joy to the world!
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.
Carol of Wonders & Tidings
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 to 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
Comfort and joy have come to us
In God’s amazing grace
Comfort and joy have come to us
In this and every place
Comfort and joy will be fulfilled
The day we see God’s face
O - tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
O - tidings of comfort and joy
... as we pray to you, Jesus,
We trust heaven and nature sing anew, in your light 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.
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
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
vs. 3
Caroling caroling near and far
Christmas bells are ringing
Following following yonder star
Christmas bells are ringing
Sing we all the happy morn
Lo the King of heav’n is born
Ding dong ding dong
Christmas bells are ringing
Go Tell It on the Mountain
Work, Jr.
refrain:
Go tell it on the mountain
Over the hills and everywhere
Go tell it on the mountain
That Jesus Christ is born
vs. 1
While shepherds kept their watching
O’er silent flocks by night
Behold throughout the heavens
There shone a holy light
(refrain)
vs. 2
The shepherds feared and trembled
When lo above the earth
Rang out the angel chorus
That hailed our Savior’s birth
(refrain)
vs. 3
Down in a lonely manger
The humble Christ was born
And God sent us salvation
That blessed Christmas morn
(refrain)
The body and blood of our living Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, come to you, be born anew in you, strengthen you and keep you in his grace this holy morning and on into life everlasting.
Amen.
Let us pray.
Faithful God, on that first silent night, you sent Emmanuel, you came to us, giving your Son as a sacrifice for sin and a model of the godly life. Enable us to receive your every wonder of love and grace always, with thanksgiving, and to conform our lives to his, through Jesus Christ, the Lord of life. Amen.
The Lord come to you and bless you now, and in the anticipated new year, and give you His light. The Lord bless you with His presence and fill you with the warmth and quiet of the manger. The Lord bless you as heaven and nature sing, for Christ is salvation and hope, life and grace, love and peace, comfort and joy. In the name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Let us go in the peace of Christ, in the presence of Emmanuel, celebrating the love of God, and serving the Lord of life.
Thanks be to God! Peace on earth! Joy to the world!
Carol Going in New Joy
Joy to The World
Handel & Watts
vs. 1
Joy to the world the Lord is come
Let earth receive its King
Let ev’ry heart
Prepare him room
And heav’n and nature sing
And heav’n and nature sing
And heav’n and heav’n
And nature sing
vs. 4
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
Liking posts like this one helps get the word out about Lord of Life! Consider sharing posts like this with friends who may be missing their faith-based communities. Leave a comment and let us know what you liked or what moved you this week!
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 29th, 9:30 a.m. we celebrate The First Sunday After Christmas,
“Joy To The World!” Our festive worship today, includes A New Year’s Blessing On God’s Beloved! Next Sunday, January 5, 9:30 a.m., Faith Quest, Sunday School resumes!
Join us next Sunday, for The Second Sunday After Christmas, January 5th, 9:30 a.m. “Heaven And Nature Sing, Here, Now!” Join us for our festive worship on January 5th! Sunday, January 5, 9:30 a.m., Faith Quest, Sunday School resumes!
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 Every Gift Of Grace Anew, In Hope & Light, written based on Psalm 98:1-4. “Good Christian Friends, Rejoice” “Infant Holy, Infant Lowly” “Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful” “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” “Go Tell It On the Mountain” “Joy To The World” © 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,” “Lord’s Prayer,” “Post-Communion Blessing, Prayer, & Benediction,” based on the LBW “Jesus Loves Me” © Words and Music Public Domain, CCLI #4771887 “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.