You might think you know the story of Christmas from the Bible, with shepherds and angels, and Mary and Joseph, with wise men and a baby in a manger. But do you know the WHOLE story? Do you know about John the Baptist’s dad, Zechariah, and how he didn’t get to talk for the whole nine months before his son’s birth? Did you know about Mary’s questions for Gabriel, and her part in agreeing to God’s plan? Did you know that Simeon and Anna waited their whole long lives for Jesus, and were almost as excited as the shepherds to meet him? This lectionary introduces a deep dive into the WHOLE story of the birth of Jesus, from beginning to end. It begins on Christ the King Sunday and ends sometime toward the end of January. It is a lot longer than the typical Advent and Christmas season, but, over time, helps people of faith to really soak in the whole story and how the story we know connects the the wider story which includes people of all generations, genders, and socio-economic statuses. It is truly a story for all of us.
Here are the readings for each Sunday. There also also companion resources, including a Please-Touch Nativity and daily devotion book hosted on our sister site, Family God Time (see below). May these resources be a blessing to you!
God of honey and harvest of grain and grape of ocean and orchard: This harvest time may we both praise and pray; praise you for the abundance and pray that this harvest is not just shared but shared justly.
God of beehives and breadbaskets of living webs and the weaving of life of ecosystems and economy: This harvest time may we both praise and pray praise you for the wealth of the harvest and pray that this harvest is not just a promise but is full of promise for all.
God of bumble bees and blue whales evolution and environment ice-field and star-field: This harvest time may we both praise and pray praise you for the sheer wonder of the world and pray that this harvest is not about our wealth but the wealth of our generosity. Amen.
1. What scares, confuses, or challenges me in this reading? 2. What delights or comforts me in this reading? 3. What stories or memories does this story stir up within me? 4. What is God calling me to do or to be in this reading?
Gospel Canticle
Prayers of the People
The Lord’s Prayer
Blessing/Sending
God of harvest, gardener supreme, you place us at the centre, feed us, equip us and, having provided for us, look to a different harvest— a fruitfulness of lives in service to you and others. God of harvest, feed us prune us harvest us that our lives might bring glory to you. Amen.
We begin by creating a holy space. We light a candle to recognize the light of Christ, present with us during worship. We ring a singing bowl or bell to give us time to breathe and fully arrive, and to remind us to listen for God’s voice speaking to us during this holy time.
Confession and Forgiveness
Loving Father, all the fancy words in the world, expressed in eloquent prose, decorated with emotion, spoken with conviction, cannot compete with a heartfelt ‘sorry’ when all other words fail. There are times when we are all too aware of our limitations, conscious of sin, and the distance it creates between us. Sometimes ‘sorry’ is all the heart can bear to say aloud. It is only you who can read and understand the language of our hearts, only you who can translate our ‘sorry’ into the prayer we would have prayed, if we had the words within us. Then you forgive, and having forgiven surround us in an embrace of love, drawing us close to your heart, as it was always meant to be. Thank you, Loving Father, that you listen to hearts, as well as voices Thank you. Amen.
You can use these questions to discuss the Bible story with those in your household, with your study group, or on your own in a journal.
ELCA Book of Faith Devotional Questions 1. What scares, confuses, or challenges me in this text? What do I have questions about? 2. What delights or comforts me in this text? What is my favorite part, and why? 3. What stories or memories does this text stir up in me? What does it remind me of? How does this story connect to the story of my life? 4. What is God up to in this text? What is this living Word calling me to do or to be?
Song of the Day: Changes Each Week
Apostles’ Creed
Prayers of the People: Prayer of Intercession for Lent
(inspired by Psalm 145: 14) The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.
God of love hear the cry of those who yearn for love; fractured families, broken homes neglected, unwanted, alone. God of love hear our prayer
God of justice hear the cry of those who yearn for justice; persecuted and oppressed, exploited, ill-treated, broken. God of justice hear our prayer
God of peace hear the cry of those who yearn for peace; in battle zones and broken states, frightened, fearful, anxious God of peace hear our prayer
God of healing hear the cry of those who yearn for healing; physical and spiritual hurting, weakened, depressed God of healing hear our prayer
God of mercy Hear the cry of those who yearn for mercy; convicted, in need of your Grace, contrite, humble, bowed down, God of mercy hear our prayer
This year’s Lenten challenge is to participate in Warm Up America, a non-profit which makes and distributes blankets, scarves, and hats to distribute to anyone in need. Learn more about this project for knitters and crocheters here: https://warmupamerica.org/make/box-of-500/
Offering Prayer
God of the wilderness, We give these offerings in gratitude, rejoicing in the abundance of your gifts to us. We give these offerings in faith, trusting that you will provide for our needs. We give these offerings in hope, knowing you can use them to spread your love in this world. And with these offerings, we give ourselves; May we live with generous hearts, with open hands. Amen.
Gentle and patient, God, you are calling. Careful and persistent, God, you are calling. In grieving and in praise, God, you are calling. Through dawn and midday, God, you are calling. Unexpected and planned, God, you are calling. In a still small voice and in power, God, you are calling. Spontaneous and prepared, God, you are calling. Willing or protected, God, you are calling.
Our God is eager to share with us, wherever we are in our journey. May we be diligent to listen. God, you are calling.
Go in peace, called to journey with Christ. Thanks be to God!
We begin by creating a holy space. We light a candle to recognize the light of Christ, present with us during worship. We ring a singing bowl or bell to give us time to breathe and fully arrive, and to remind us to listen for God’s voice speaking to us during this holy time.
Confession and Forgiveness: Prayer of Brokenness/Confession
Holy God, we confess that we do not always love our neighbor. We confess that we have despised others, even to the point of hatred. We confess that we have been hurt by others. We confess that forgiveness and reconciliation at times are just impossible for us. We know that nothing is impossible in You. We come to You, seeking healing and wholeness for us. Help us, whenever possible, to live in peace with others, to seek reconciliation and healing and forgiveness. For Your Son came and lived among us, was betrayed and denied, abused and put to death. He rose again, and came with the message of peace to those who had denied him and abandoned him. May we walk in his ways. Amen.
Blessing/Assurance of Pardon
(inspired by Matthew 19:26, Psalm 139, Romans 8:31-39) For nothing is impossible with God. There is no place you can go, no end of the earth you can run, where God cannot find you. There is nothing on earth or beyond death that can separate you from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. You are forgiven. You are loved. You are reconciled to God. Go and live with the love of God. Amen.
You can use these questions to discuss the Bible story with those in your household, with your study group, or on your own in a journal.
ELCA Book of Faith Devotional Questions 1. What scares, confuses, or challenges me in this text? What do I have questions about? 2. What delights or comforts me in this text? What is my favorite part, and why? 3. What stories or memories does this text stir up in me? What does it remind me of? How does this story connect to the story of my life? 4. What is God up to in this text? What is this living Word calling me to do or to be?
Song of the Day (changes each week)
Apostles’ Creed
Prayers of the People
Holy God, may we hear your voice In the stillness of night, in clatter of day You call us, and we respond, Here I am! May we follow you Holy God, May we love as you love.
Holy One, through trials and turbulence Make us steady, your hands Holding strong the fragile and weak Holy God, May we love as you love.
Gracious God, may the fruits of our lives be food for the hungry, bread clothing, shelter, fire, water, Word Holy God, May we love as you love.
God of justice, remove the barriers Of our lives that keep us from One another, barriers we construct Based on skin color, religion, or gender May we hear, and follow, graciously. Holy God, May we love as you love.
Loving God, take this day our fears our Worries, distractions, and all Turn them into grace and mercy, And, following the example of Martin Luther King, Jr. and all your Saints. Holy God, May we love as you love. Amen.
During this season where we celebrate the baptism of Jesus, consider giving the gift of soap for Personal Care Kits and Baby Care Kits. You can send boxes of soap to the MN or MD warehouses, or give a gift online here: https://donate.lwr.org/give/190907/#!/donation/checkout
Offering Prayer
Giving God, Following the example of the magi, we offer our gifts to you, our gold, our worship, and our time in relationship with you. Use our gifts for the healing of the nations, in the name of Jesus, Amen.
by Rev. Breen Marie Sipes
Sending Song: We are Marching in the Light of God
Blessing/Extinguish Candles
May our Epiphany God, Who appeared by the light of a star, In the rending of the heavens and the flight of a dove, In the miracle of water turned to wine, bless, keep, and call you forth, both now and always. Amen.
by Rev. Breen Marie Sipes
Sending: God, You Are Calling
Gentle and patient, God, you are calling. Careful and persistent, God, you are calling. In grieving and in praise, God, you are calling. Through dawn and midday, God, you are calling. Unexpected and planned, God, you are calling. In a still small voice and in power, God, you are calling. Spontaneous and prepared, God, you are calling. Willing or protected, God, you are calling.
Our God is eager to share with us, wherever we are in our journey. May we be diligent to listen. God, you are calling.
Go in peace, called into God’s marvelous Light. Thanks be to God!
Tri-Saints provides this resource as a way to help you and those you love to worship on the go, wherever you are. Because in person worship is currently suspended, we will use this site as our order of worship on Sunday morning. You can find the link to the Zoom meeting on our parish website: www.tri-saints.org Please bring a candle to light, a “singing” bowl to ring, your Alleluia banner and/or noisemaker, a small bowl of water, and a coloring devotion, if you wish.
Easter Blessing (Easter Sunday)
Prayer Practice
We will engage in an Easter season prayer practice led by Rev. Patrick Sipes of The Forming Spirit.
Light Your Candle
Lighting a candle helps us to take an ordinary space and set it aside for a holy purpose. It reminds us of the light of Christ, coming among us. You can use a wax candle, an LED candle, or even a flashlight.
Confession & Forgiveness
Lutheran Book of Worship pg. 77
Ring the Singing Bowl
In worship, we ring a singing bowl to remind us of God’s presence and to help us to take a moment to fully arrive and be present to worship. You can use a metal bowl and a wooden spoon, a bell, or anything else that makes a sustained ringing sound (my favorite was a metal trash can and a rolling pin!). You can also play the video below.
Alleluia! Christ is risen! Christ is risen, indeed! Alleluia!
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. And also with you.
Litany: Psalm 95
O come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods. O come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! In his hand are the depths of the earth; the heights of the mountains are his also. The sea is his, for he made it, and the dry land, which his hands have formed. O come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! O come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker! For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. O come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!
We invite our children and youth into a time of interactive storytelling. At the end, they are invited to color their devotion sheet while they listen to the Gospel and the sermon.
Gospel
Questions for Discussion
If you are accessing this site at a time other than our Zoom meeting, take some time to talk with others in your household or to journal about the following questions. If you get stuck, or want a place to start, you can access Pastor Breen’s weekly Dwelling in the Word devotion at http://tri-saintsworship.weebly.com
ELCA BOOK OF FAITH DEVOTIONAL QUESTIONS
What scares, confuses, or challenges me in this text? What do I have questions about?
What delights me in this text? What is my favorite part, and why?
What stories or memories does this text stir up in me? How does this story connect to my life?
What is God up to in this text? What is God calling me to do or to be because of this message?
Worshippers have the opportunity to email Pastor Breen in advance, or to text or chat box their prayers during live worship.
Prayers of the People
The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us pray for ourselves, the world, and all in need of prayer.
Powerful God, we pray for the church. During this time apart, help us to learn to connect, i n new, old, and surprising ways. Draw us ever closer to you. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Powerful God, we pray for the earth. Give us favorable weather, a safe planting season, and the hope of a plentiful harvest. Bless all those who care for your creation. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Powerful God, we pray for the world. We pray especially for decision makers, health care workers, scientists and factory workers, and all those who are working to provide essential services. Give wisdom to our leaders, safety to those who are vulnerable, and respite to those who are at the end of their strength. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Powerful God, we pray for our Partners in Mission. We pray especially for… Use their hands to do your work. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Powerful God, we pray for those who cannot be here with us today. We pray especially for… Help us to find innovative ways to connect with those who need our presence. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Powerful God, we pray for those in need of prayer. We pray especially for… Heal the sick, comfort the dying, give solace to all who mourn, and give us all a full measure of your grace and mercy, especially as we struggle in the days and weeks ahead. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Powerful God, we pray for those who are celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, or other important milestones this week. We pray especially for… You are with us in the midst of our celebrations. Give us your joy, peace, hope, and love. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Powerful God, we pray for ourselves. (Chat box and texting prayers) and for those things on our hearts and minds which are known only to you. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Powerful God, we know that you both hear and respond to the prayers of our hearts. Give us each what we need, this day and always. In your name we pray, Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
Offering
Mission of the Month: Lutheran World Hunger Chicks: For $1, Sunday school children and other members can purchase and decorate this paper chick for themselves or in honor of friends and loved ones. Hang the colorful chicks in a prominent spot – like the sanctuary or narthex – to highlight your success. The funds raised will benefit ELCA World Hunger and help provide families in need with chickens, other animals and the resources they need to escape hunger and poverty for good. You can find your own Chick to color here: http://download.elca.org/ELCA%20Resource%20Repository/Buck_A_Chick.pdf Sew Bee It Medical Face Masks Our area hospitals and health care workers are in need of hand made masks. You can find the free pattern here: http://www.sewbeeitquiltshop.com/shop/Surbical-Mask-Pattern/p/Surgical-Mask-Pattern-x48249789.htm
Offering Prayer
Alleluia! Christ is risen! Christ is risen, indeed! Alleluia! We pray: Lord of All, you are a miracle worker, a healer, and a giver of new life. Open our eyes to see you, our hearts to receive you, and our hands to share the many blessings that you have given us to a world in need. We pray in hope and Easter joy, Amen.
Sending Song
Remembering Our Baptism
During this season of Easter, we conclude our worship by returning to our baptism so that we remember in this physical sign that God walks with us, from our worship and into our lives. We ask God to be present with us here in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
(Remember your baptism by dipping your finger in your water bowl and making the sign of the cross on your forehead. You may also say, “I am God’s child.”)
You are God’s Child. You are loved. You are forgiven. You have a place in God’s kingdom. Walk wet in this promise of life. Amen
Blessing
Dismissal
Alleluia! Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia! Go in peace, strengthened for your journey. Thanks be to God.
The goal of Sabbath Sunday worship is to provide a worship experience where all ages and stages can fully participate and be engaged. It is led by the youth and children of our congregations.You can find more information about the various leadership parts here: https://pbsipes.files.wordpress.com/2020/01/sabbath-sunday-leadership-roles.pdf
Prayer of Preparation
Even though our bodies are present in this space, sometimes it takes a few moments for our hearts and minds to arrive. As you listen to the ringing of the singing bowl, take a few moments to become fully present and ready to worship God.
Call to Worship
Return to Our Baptism
As we begin our worship of God this morning, we begin at the place where we started, the place where we were baptized, and we remember. We might not remember the day that we ourselves were baptized, but we do remember the promises we received there.
We remember that
…in this water, God promised to forgive us, no matter what
…in this water, God promised to love us, no matter what.
…in this water, God promised us our very own place in the kingdom of God.
We remember that
… because of this water, God knows your name.
…because of this water, God says your name.
…because of this water, God remembers your name.
Everyone will now get the chance to remember their baptism by getting a little bit wet. We are going to put a small amount of water from the font into these small dishes and pass them around. The dishes are plastic, and the worst thing that might happen if you spill is that you get a little bit more wet than you planned. When the dish comes to you, dip a finger in, trace the sign of the cross on your forehead, and say “I am God’s child.” Let’s try it, “I am God’s child.” When everyone has had a chance, my helpers will return the dishes and the water up front, and we will finish with a blessing.
As the water is being distributed, we listen to the song “He Knows My Name” from Pandamania VBS (2011) and Maker Fun Factory (2017) by Group Publishing.
You are a child of God, completely forgiven and well loved. Because of the promises that God freely gives, you have your own place in God’s kingdom. Thanks be to God. Amen.
Gathering Song
We sing a seasonally appropriate hymn which is familiar to the congregation. The goal of these hymns is to transmit well-loved hymns to the next generations.
Greeting
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. And also with you.
Song of Praise
(Same tune as the Call to Worship) You are saved by grace, Yes, you are saved by grace. Thanks be to God! You are saved by grace.
I am…
We are…
Prayer of the Day
The prayer of the day is seasonally appropriate and changes quarterly. It includes simplified language so that all worshippers may know what we are praying about. It is done in a repeat-after-me fashion so that it is accessible to those who cannot yet read, or those who find reading the worship folder difficult.
January-March 2020 The Lord be with you. And also with you. Please repeat after me: Dear Jesus, we thank you for being our light in the darkness, our friend on the road, our leader and guide. Help us to come and follow you, all the way to the cross and beyond. In your name we pray, Amen.
First Reading
We use the Revised Common Lectionary text, in solidarity with our sisters and brothers in Christ across the world.
Second Reading
We use the Revised Common Lectionary text, in solidarity with our sisters and brothers in Christ across the world.
The psalm is seasonally appropriate, and changes quarterly. The congregation offers the same refrain, with motions, to each verse. It is our hope that these verses will come to be known by heart.
January-March 2020 Psalm 51:1-3, 10-12 (vs. 10 refrain) Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take your holy spirit from me. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me.
Experience the Word
Experience the Word is an Interactive Biblical Storytelling event with six main parts and room for all children and youth to be included.More resources for bringing this practice to your context will be available soon.
Gospel
We use the Revised Common Lectionary text, in solidarity with our sisters and brothers in Christ across the world.
Sermon
A shortened sermon is offered.
Song of the Day
We sing a seasonally appropriate hymn which is familiar to the congregation. The goal of these hymns is to transmit well-loved hymns to the next generations.
Apostles’ Creed
We profess the Apostles’ Creed with motions to fully embody what we believe.These motions also help us to understand what we are saying.
Peace
The Peace of Christ be with you always. And also with you.
Prayers of the People
We pray the Prayers of the People, led by our youth, in the way we do on all other Sundays. We rehearse the response to the petitions in advance.You can access our current Prayers of the People athttps://tri-saintsworship.weebly.com/worship-to-go.html
Offering
Offering Prayer
The offering prayer is seasonally appropriate and changes quarterly. It includes simplified language so that all worshippers may know what we are praying about. It is done in a repeat-after-me fashion so that it is accessible to those who cannot yet read, or those who find reading the worship folder difficult.
Please repeat after me: Come, Lord Jesus, be our guest, and let these gifts to us be blessed. Give us this day our daily bread, may all the world be clothed and fed. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
We pray the Lord’s Prayer with motions to fully embody what we are praying.These motions also help us to understand what we are praying for.
Blessing
This is the Aaronic Blessing from Deuteronomy, which we want everyone to come to know by heart.
The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord’s face shine on you with grace and mercy. The Lord look upon you with favor ☩, and give you peace. Amen.
Sending Song
We sing a seasonally appropriate hymn which is familiar to the congregation. The goal of these hymns is to transmit well-loved hymns to the next generations.
Sending
Dismissal
The Dismissal changes seasonally. It is led by our children and youth.
What follows is our worship setting for St. Paul, Hardy for the season after Epiphany. In our congregation, we are singing these songs acapella, and the psalm litany replaces the Kyrie and Hymn of Praise. God bless your worship in song!
SONG OF WELCOME
LITANY
Psalm 63:1-8
O God, you are my God, I seek you, my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. 2 So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. 3 Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. 4 So I will bless you as long as I live; I will lift up my hands and call on your name.
5 My soul is satisfied as with a rich feast, and my mouth praises you with joyful lips 6 when I think of you on my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; 7 for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I sing for joy. 8 My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
For the Gospel Acclamation, we sing only the refrain of this hymn:
OFFERING SONG
SENDING ACCLAMATION
SENDING FOR MISSION
Go in Peace, Your LIGHT has Come! Thanks be to God!
The pianist Kaleb Brasee is a stellar resource for Christmas songs to sing along to. If you would like to see the lyrics, choose “open transcript” from the menu that comes up after the three dots at the bottom of the video. Many blessings on your Christmas celebrations!
GATHERING PRAYER
Our Lord Emmanuel, we thank you for coming down to us on Christmas. Shine your light into our darkness, and open our hearts to your way of love and peace. Amen.
GATHERING SONG
FIRST READING
The Birth of Jesus Foretold (Luke 1:26-38 NRSV) 26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, 27 to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” 29 But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. 30 The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. 33 He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 34 Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. 36 And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.
CAROL
SECOND READING
The Birth of Jesus the Messiah (Matthew 1:18-25 NRSV) 18 Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. 20 But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: 23 “Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.” 24 When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, 25 but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.
CAROL
THIRD READING
The Birth of Jesus (Luke 2:1-7 NRSV) In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 All went to their own towns to be registered. 4 Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. 5 He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
CAROL
FOURTH READING
The Shepherds and the Angels (Luke 2:8-20 NRSV) 8 In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11 to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!” 15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. 17 When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
CAROL
FIFTH READING
The Visit of the Wise Men (Matthew 2:1-12) 2 In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” 3 When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: 6 ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.’” 7 Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. 8 Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.” 9 When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. 11 On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.
CAROL
SIXTH READING
The Word Became Flesh (John 1:1-5,9-14 NRSV) 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being 4 in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. 9 The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. 12 But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.
CAROL
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
On this holy night, let us pray for the whole people of God in Christ Jesus, and for all people throughout the world, and for all those in need of prayer.
O God of Courage, we pray for those who, like Mary, need some courage today. Strengthen them in their courage, and give us a measure of your own. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
O God of Encouragement, we pray for those who, like Elizabeth, encourage others. Open their hearts and minds to those who need your help and care, and encourage us in the path where you lead. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
O God of Mercy, we pray for those who, like Joseph, are merciful. Help them to know how to do what is right, and help us to extend that mercy towards those who need it. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
O Light of Light, we pray for the church. For unity in division, for strength in adversity, for hope in despair. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
O Root of Jesse, we pray for the earth. For rest for the land, for clean water, air, and soil, for good stewardship of all you have given us. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
O Prince of Peace, we pray for the world. For peace among nations, for peace among peoples, for peace in our homes and communities. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
O Key of David, we pray for those who cannot be here with us today. For compassion for our neighbors in need. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
O Source of Wisdom, we pray for those in need of prayer. For health, hope, healing, and wholeness. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
O Mighty Lord, stir up your power and come among us. For those things on our hearts and minds which are known only to you. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
God with us, we thank you for this time to worship you. As we go from here, help us to be your light in all the dark places of our homes, our communities, and our world. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Lord, remember us in your kingdom, and teach us to pray…
THE LORD’S PRAYER
CAROL
OFFERING: MISSION OF THE MONTH
Blue Valley Home Foundation Becoming a partner with Blue Valley Lutheran Homes allows us to continue to provide the highest quality nursing care to our residents, who are elderly, disabled or suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. Your gift greatly impacts the lives of the residents we serve! Blue Valley is a serving arm of the Nebraska Synod ELCA. Learn more about Blue Valley Home Foundation here: http://bvlh.org/foundation-for-blue-valley-lutheran-homes-nebraska-nursing-care-homes/
OFFERING PRAYER
As we celebrate the coming of your Son, O God, we thank you for the blessing of your generosity and forgiveness. We give you thanks for our many blessings, signs of your gracious love. Strengthen us to be generous and forgiving, that we may share our gifts with the hungry and all who look for your justice and mercy. Grant this through Christ our Lord, Amen.
What follows is our Advent to Epiphany of Our Lord hymn setting of the liturgy. You are welcome to sing through this liturgy during the week as a devotional practice. In worship, we sing the number of verses as indicated below. God bless your worship in song!
Prayer of Preparation/Lighting the Advent Wreath
Add one verse each week as the number of lit candles increases.
Kyrie
Sing a different two verses each week.
Hymn of Praise
Sing verse one each week.
Offering Song
Sing verse 3 each week.
Sanctus
Sing verse 2 on Communion Sundays.
Sending/Extinguish the Advent Wreath
Sing the same verses as at the beginning of worship.
Dwelling in the Word Together 