Worship Bulletin
Sunday, December 14, 2025
Third Sunday of Advent
Introduction
A note of joyful expectation marks today’s worship. Isaiah announces that the desert shall rejoice and blossom, and Jesus points to the unexpected and transforming signs of God’s reign. We wait with patience for the coming of the Lord, even as we rejoice at his presence among us this day: in word and holy supper, in church and in our homes, in silent reflection and in works of justice and love. We pray that God would open our eyes and ears to the wonders of Christ’s advent among us.
GOD WELCOMES ALL
God welcomes all, strangers and friends; God's love is strong and it never ends.
Text: John L. Bell, b. 1949
Text © 2008 WGRG, Iona Community, admin. GIA Publications, Inc., giamusic.com. All rights reserved.
CONFESSION and FORGIVENESS
Leader: In the name of the Father, and of the + Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
People: Amen
L: Loving God, it is another Sunday and we come to worship you.
People: Hear us, Loving God
L: Wonderful God, we give you thanks for the gift of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
People: Thank you Lord.
L: Forgive us when we do not love our neighbors and you as we should.
People: Forgive us Lord.
L: Forgive us when we do not trust you in all things, but rely on ourselves and our own understanding.
People: Forgive us Lord.
L: Forgive us when we do not take time in our busy day to spend with you.
People: Forgive us Lord.
L: We have a loving, gracious, living God! As a called and ordained minister of the church of Christ and by his authority, I declare to you the entire forgiveness of all your sins, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. We are forgiven. We have a new chance each day to show our love of God and other people. And that, my friends, is Good News!
or
L: We have a loving, gracious, living God! Because Jesus came to die for us and God wants a relationship with us, we are forgiven. We have a new chance each day to show our love of God and other people. And that, my friends, is Good News!
People: Amen, thanks be to God.
My Lord, What a Morning
Refrain
My Lord, what a morning;
my Lord, what a morning;
oh, my Lord, what a morning,
when the stars begin to fall.
1 You will hear the trumpet sound,
to wake the nations underground,
looking to my God's right hand,
when the stars begin to fall. Refrain
2 You will hear the sinner cry,
to wake the nations underground,
looking to my God's right hand,
when the stars begin to fall. Refrain
3 You will hear the Christian shout,
to wake the nations underground,
looking to my God's right hand,
when the stars begin to fall. Refrain
Text: African American spiritual
Prayer of the Day
Stir up the wills of all who look to you, Lord God, and strengthen our faith in your coming, that, transformed by grace, we may walk in your way; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
For Such a Time as This
Could it be (could it be) that we were born
for such a time as this?
Could it be (could it be) that we were born
for such a time as this?
Text: Jonathan Rundman, b. 1971
Text © 2015 Jonathan Rundman and Salt Lady Music (ASCAP), admin. Augsburg Fortress
First Reading: Isaiah 35:1-10
The prophet describes the return from the Babylonian captivity as a joyous procession to Zion. God’s coming reign will bring a renewal of creation in which health and wholeness will be restored. There is no need for fear, for God is coming to save.
The dry desert will rejoice. The desert will be glad and blossom. It will be covered with flowers and dance with joy. It will be as beautiful as the forest of Lebanon, the hill of Carmel, and the Sharon Valley. This will happen because all people will see the Glory of the Lord. They will see the beauty of our God.
Make the weak arms strong again. Strengthen the weak knees. People are afraid and confused. Say to them, “Be strong! Don’t be afraid!” Look, your God will come and punish your enemies. He will come and give you your reward. He will save you. Then the eyes of the blind will be opened so that they can see, and the ears of the deaf will be opened so that they can hear. Crippled people will dance like deer, and those who cannot speak now will use their voices to sing happy songs. This will happen when springs of water begin to flow in the dry desert. Now people see mirages that look like water, but then there will be real pools of water. There will be wells in the dry land where water flows from the ground. Tall water plants will grow where wild animals once ruled.
There will be a road there. This highway will be called “The Holy Road.” Evil people will not be allowed to walk on that road. No fools will walk on it. Only good people will walk there. There will be no dangers on that road. There will be no lions there to hurt people or any dangerous animals on it. That road will be for the people God saves.
The Lord will make his people free, and they will come back to him. They will come into Zion rejoicing. They will be happy forever. Their happiness will be like a crown on their heads. Gladness and joy will fill them completely. Sorrow and sadness will be far, far away.
Word of God, Word of Life!
Thanks Be to God!
Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah
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.
Psalm 146:5-10
The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down. (Ps. 146:8)
It is a great blessing for people to have the God of Jacob to help them.
They depend on the Lord their God.
He made heaven and earth.
He made the sea and everything in it.
He can be trusted to do what he says.
He does what is right for those who have been hurt.
He gives food to the hungry.
The Lord frees people locked up in prison.
The Lord makes the blind see again.
The Lord helps those who are in trouble.
The Lord loves those who do right.
The Lord protects strangers in our country.
He cares for widows and orphans,
but he destroys the wicked.
The Lord will rule forever!
Zion, your God will rule forever and ever! Praise the Lord!
Thy Word is a Lamp
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path
(Repeat)
Second Reading: James 5:7-10
In anticipation of the Lord’s coming, Christians are called upon to cultivate patience rather than discontent.
Brothers and sisters, be patient; the Lord will come. So be patient until that time. Look at the farmers. They have to be patient. They have to wait for their valuable crop to grow and produce a harvest. They wait patiently for the first rain and the last rain. You must be patient too. Never stop hoping. The Lord is coming soon. Brothers and sisters, don’t complain against each other. If you don’t stop complaining, you will be judged guilty. And the Judge is ready to come!
Brothers and sisters, follow the example of the prophets who spoke for the Lord. They suffered many bad things, but they were patient.
Word of God, Word of Life!
Thanks Be to God!
Together in One Spirit
One church, One body
One faith, One Lord
Together in one Spirit
Rejoicing in His word.
One church, One body
One faith, One Lord
Together in one Spirit
Rejoicing in His word.
All created equal,
Together we belong.
United in one body,
Rejoicing in one song.
One church, One body
One faith, One Lord
Together in one Spirit
Rejoicing in His word.
All created equal,
Together we belong.
United in one body,
Rejoicing in one song.
United in one body,
Rejoicing in one song.
Gospel: Matthew 11:2-11
John the Baptist expects the Messiah to bring God’s judgment upon the earth (Matt. 3:11-12). From a prison cell, he wonders whether Jesus is the one who will do this. Jesus’ response indicates that God’s reign is indeed being fulfilled already through healing and restoration.
When John was in prison, he heard about the things that were happening—things the Messiah would do. So he sent some of his followers to Jesus. They asked him, “Are you the one we have been expecting, or should we wait for someone else?”
Jesus answered, “Go tell John what you have heard and seen: The blind can see. The crippled can walk. People with leprosy are healed. The deaf can hear. The dead are brought back to life. And the Good News is being told to the poor. Great blessings belong to those who don’t have a problem accepting me.”
When John’s followers left, Jesus began talking to the people about John. He said, “What did you people go out to the desert to see? Someone who is weak, like a stem of grass blowing in the wind? Really, what did you expect to see? Someone dressed in fine clothes? Of course not. People who wear fine clothes are all in kings’ palaces. So what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, John is a prophet. But I tell you, he is more than that. This Scripture was written about him:
‘Listen! I will send my messenger ahead of you.
He will prepare the way for you.’
“The truth is that John the Baptizer is greater than anyone who has ever come into this world. But even the least important person in God’s kingdom is greater than John.
The Gospel of the Lord
Praise to You O Christ
Thy Word is a Lamp
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path
(Repeat)
He Came Down
1 He came down that we may have love;
he came down that we may have love;
he came down that we may have love;
hallelujah forevermore.
2 He came down that we may have light;
he came down that we may have light;
he came down that we may have light;
hallelujah forevermore.
3 He came down that we may have peace;
he came down that we may have peace;
he came down that we may have peace;
hallelujah forevermore.
4 He came down that we may have joy;
he came down that we may have joy;
he came down that we may have joy;
hallelujah forevermore.
Text: Cameroon traditional
Prayers of the People
In our waiting and watching, we come to you in prayer, O God, trusting your promise to renew the church, the nations, and the whole creation.
A brief silence.
God of power and mercy, we praise you for Jesus and his acts of healing and liberation. Lead us to proclaim the good news from generation to generation, that all may place their hope in you. God of grace,
hear our prayer.
When lands are parched and dry, bring rain and snow; where wilderness is barren, sow seeds of life. Fill the lands with trees that grow, plants that flower, and creatures that thrive, as nature proclaims the wonder of your works. God of grace,
hear our prayer.
When there is injustice or corruption among nations and leaders, root it out. Turn their attention to inequity and the cries of the poor. Instill a deeper sense of compassion and care in all who govern. God of grace,
hear our prayer.
When bodies weaken and hearts grow fearful, speak your blessing. Come alongside all who are ill or struggling. By your grace, make your presence known among all who call to you for healing. We remember any who are sick or suffering those named in our prayer bowl, those on our prayer list, and those we name aloud or in the silence of our hearts. (PAUSE) In uncertain times, remind us of the promise spoken to our ancestors in faith. God of grace,
hear our prayer.
When people are imprisoned or held captive, break the chains and offer release. Strengthen the work of the church in restorative justice, breaking cycles of poverty, and welcoming the immigrant especially we pray for Global Refuge and Lutheran Social Services. God of grace,
hear our prayer.
Please feel free to offer other petitions at this time. (PAUSE) God of Grace,
Hear our prayer.
As we await your coming, we give thanks for the faithful who have lived and died in faith especially Mary, mother of Jesus. May their boldness of faith inspire our witness and work. God of grace,
hear our prayer.
Draw near to us, O God, as we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy through Jesus Christ, Emmanuel.
Amen.
God Extends an Invitation
Nuestro Padre nos invita
God extends an invitation
to the table of creation,
where there's wine and light and bread.
Here we gather in thanksgiving
and we offer all our living.
Here the feast of life is spread;
here the feast of life is spread.
Nuestro Padre nos invita
a la mesa de la vida,
donde hay vino, luz y pan;
y nosotros nos reunimos,
y lo nuestro compartimos,
pues así es la comunión;
pues así es la comunión.
Text: Miria T. Kolling; Spanish and English tr. Gerhard M. Cartford, b. 1923
Spanish and English text © 1998 Augsburg Fortress.
Sharing of Peace
Leader: The peace of the Lord
be with you always.
People: And also with you.
Offering Prayer
Jesus, Bread of life,
you have set this table with your very self,
and called us to the feast of plenty.
Gather what has been sown among us,
and strengthen us in this meal.
Make us to be what we receive here,
your body for the life of the world.
—Amen
The Preface
P: The Lord be with you.
C: And also with you.
P: Lift up your hearts.
C: We lift them to the Lord.
P: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
C: It is right to give him thanks and praise.
P: It is indeed…
P: …unending hymn.
C: Holy, holy, holy Lord,
God of power and might:
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna. Hosanna. Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
The Words of Institution
P: In the night in which he was betrayed,
our Lord Jesus took bread,
and gave thanks; broke it,
and gave it to his disciples, saying:
Take and eat; this is my body, given for you.
Do this for the remembrance of me.
After supper, he took the cup, gave thanks,
and gave it for all to drink, saying:
This cup is the new covenant in my blood,
shed for you and for all people
for the forgiveness of sin.
Do this for the remembrance of me.
With this bread and cup,
we remember Christ’s life among us;
his association with outcasts,
his eating with sinners,
his healing of the sick,
his care for the poor.
Send, we pray, your Holy Spirit
upon us and upon this bread and wine,
that we who share this meal
may become a holy communion,
the body of Christ in the world.
The Lord’s Prayer
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,
the power and the glory,
for ever and ever.
Amen.
Prayer after Communion
Shepherding God, you have prepared a table before us and nourished us with your love. Send us forth from this banquet to proclaim your goodness and share the abundant mercy of Jesus, our redeemer and friend.
C: Amen.
The Blessing
May the Lord bless you and keep you.
May the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you.
May the Lord look upon you with favor and grant you his peace.
Amen
The Sending
P: Go in peace and serve the Lord!
C: Gonna walk in peace and serve the Lord!
P: And let your light shine throughout the word!
C: Gonna shine my light all over this world!
P: Go in peace and serve the Lord!
C: Gonna walk in peace and serve the Lord!
P: And let your light shine throughout the word!
C: Gonna shine my light all over this world!
P: Christ is calling , “Follow me!”
C: Gonna let his shine for all to see!
P: As you work, live, play and trod!
C: He walks with me! Thanks be to God!
Amen
The Lord Now Sends
Us Forth
Enviado soy de Dios
The Lord now sends us forth
with hands to serve and give,
to make of all the earth
a better place to live. Repeat
The angels are not sent
into our world of pain
to do what we were meant
to do in Jesus' name;
that falls to you and me
and all who are made free.
Help us, O Lord, we pray,
to do your will today.
Enviado soy de Dios,
mi mano lista está
para construir con él
un mundo fraternal. Repitalo
Los ángeles no son
enviados a cambiar
un mundo de dolor
por un mundo mejor;
me ha tocado a mí
hacerlo realidad.
Ayúdame, Señor,
a hacer tu voluntad.
The Lord now sends us forth
with hands to serve and give,
to make of all the earth
a better place to live. Repeat
And all God’s people said,
Amen