We are worshiping at 9 am.

December 21, 2025

Fourth Sunday of Advent

Introduction & Welcome

Confession and Forgiveness

All may make the sign of the cross, the sign that is marked at baptism, as the presiding minister begins.

Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God,

whose home is heaven and earth,

whose salvation is sure.

Amen.

Let us confess our sin in the presence of God

and of one another.

Silence is kept for reflection.

Long-expected God,

we confess that we look to ourselves

for the peace and security only you can provide.

We reach for swords and spears,

reluctant to release our grip on the ways of war.

We become impatient while waiting

and weary of keeping awake.

Free us from self-reliance,

and teach us to live in harmony with our neighbors.

Increase our trust in God’s timing,

and awaken us to your advent among us,

that we may abound in the hope you have promised.

Amen.

God judges us not as we deserve,

but according to God’s own righteousness.

☩ You are freed and forgiven,

saved by grace,

and ready to welcome the Savior.

Amen.

HYMN “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

1 O come, O 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.

4 O come, O Branch of Jesse, free

your own from Satan's tyranny;

from depths of hell your people save,

and give them vict'ry o'er the grave. Refrain

7 O come, O King of nations, come,

O Cornerstone that binds in one:

refresh the hearts that long for you;

restore the broken, make us new. Refrain

8 O come, O come, Emmanuel,

and ransom captive Israel,

that mourns in lonely exile here

until the Son of God appear. Refrain

Text: Psalteriolum Cantionum Catholicarum, Köln, 1710; tr. composite

Text sts. 2, 6, 7 © 1997 Augsburg Fortress.

Duplication in any form prohibited without permission or valid license from copyright administrator.

Pastor - 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.

Lighting the Advent Wreath: Advent 4

We praise you, O God, for this wheel of time

that marks our days of preparation for Christ’s advent.

As we light the candles on this wreath,

open our eyes to see your presence

in the lowly ones of this earth.

Enlighten us with your grace,

that we may sing of your advent among us

in the Word made flesh.

Grant this through Christ our Lord,

whose coming is certain and whose day draws near.

Amen.

Light all four candles.

Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah

1 Light one candle to watch for Messiah:

let the light banish darkness.

He shall bring salvation to Israel,

God fulfills the promise.

2 Light two candles to watch for Messiah:

let the light banish darkness.

He shall feed the flock like a shepherd,

gently lead them homeward.

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.

4 Light four candles to watch for Messiah:

let the light banish darkness.

He is coming, tell the glad tidings.

Let your lights be shining!

Text: Wayne L. Wold, b. 1954

Text © 1984 Fortress Press, admin. Augsburg Fortress.

Duplication in any form prohibited without permission or valid license from copyright administrator.

Kyrie

In peace, let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

For the peace from above,

and for our salvation,

let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

For the peace of the whole world,

for the well-being of the Church of God,

and for the unity of all,

let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

For this holy house,

and for all who offer here their worship and praise,

let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord.

Amen.

Pastor - Prayer of the Day

Stir up your power, Lord Christ, and come. With your abundant grace and might, free us from the sin that hinders our faith, that eagerly we may receive your promises, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen.

Congregation is seated

Assistant-First Reading Isaiah 7:10-16

A reading from Isaiah beginning with the 7th chapter.

10 The Lord spoke to Ahaz, saying, 11 “Ask a sign of the Lord your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven.” 12 But Ahaz said, “I will not ask, and I will not put the Lord to the test.” 13 Then Isaiah said, “Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary mortals that you weary my God also? 14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son and shall name him Immanuel. 15 He shall eat curds and honey by the time he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good. 16 For before the child knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land before whose two kings you are in dread will be deserted.”

Word of God, word of life. Thanks be to God.

Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 Read responsively

1 Hear, O Shepherd of Israel, leading Joseph like a flock;
shine forth, you that are enthroned upon the cherubim.
2 In the presence of Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh, stir up your strength and come to help us.
3 Restore us, O God; let your face shine upon us, and we shall be saved.
4 O Lord God of hosts, how long will your anger fume when your people pray?
5 You have fed them with the bread of tears; you have given them bowls of tears to drink.
6 You have made us the derision of our neighbors, and our enemies laugh us to scorn.
7 Restore us, O God of hosts; let your face shine upon us, and we shall be saved.
17 Let your hand be upon the one at your right hand, the one you have made so strong for yourself.
18 And so will we never turn away from you; give us life, that we may call upon your name.
19 Restore us, O Lord God of hosts; let your face shine upon us, and we shall be saved.

Assistant-2nd Reading Romans 1:1-7

A reading from Romans beginning with chapter 1

1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, 2 which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy scriptures, 3 the gospel concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh 4 and was declared to be Son of God with power according to the spirit of holiness by resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, 5 through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the gentiles for the sake of his name, 6 including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ,
7 To all God’s beloved in Rome, who are called to be saints:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Word of God, word of life. Thanks be to God.

Gospel Acclamation

Alleluia. Lord, to whom shall we go?

You have the words of eternal life.

Alleluia.

Pastor - Gospel Matthew 1:18-25

The holy gospel according to Matthew, the 1st chapter.

Glory to you, O Lord.

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 pregnant from the Holy Spirit. 19 Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to divorce 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 become pregnant and give birth to 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 given birth to a son, and he named him Jesus.

The gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.

Congregation is seated

Sermon

Congregation stands for Hymn of the Day

Hymn of the Day “He Came Down”

1 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;

hallelujah forevermore.

3 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;

hallelujah forevermore.

Text: Cameroon traditional

Apostles’ Creed

With the whole church, let us confess our faith using the words of the Apostles’ Creed.

I believe in God, the Father almighty,

creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

born of the virgin Mary,

suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, died, and was buried;

he descended to the dead.*

On the third day he rose again;

he ascended into heaven,

he is seated at the right hand of the Father,

and he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the holy catholic church,

the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body,

and the life everlasting. Amen.

Assistant-Prayers of Intercession

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.

In the anticipation of these days, prepare our hearts for your arrival. Stir our spirits through the gifts of artists, musicians, poets, and preachers, as together we proclaim your advent among us. God of grace,

hear our prayer.

The earth breaks forth in singing as it heralds the Messiah’s coming. Fill our hearts with wonder as we join heaven and nature in announcing this holy birth. God of grace,

hear our prayer.

You send your saving grace and peace to the nations. Lead us in work for justice and care for the common good. May we meet the Christ-child we seek in the faces of our neighbors. God of grace,

hear our prayer.

When tears of grief, exhaustion, or loneliness come, or physical or emotional hurt overwhelms us, come to our aid. Uphold all who are anxious, who know the challenges of depression, or who are ill especially Sue, Ed, Candy, Lynne, Margaret, Cheryl, Rillys, Mike, Michael and for those who we name aloud or silently in our hearts (pause for people in the congregation to add their prayers here). God of grace,

hear our prayer.

Surround expectant parents and those suffering from infant loss with communities of support. Bless young children and new parents. Guide us in ways that provide safety for all children and those who care for them. God of grace,

hear our prayer.

We give thanks for all who have treasured the gospel and lived in faithful service especially Cork Kirkpatrick. Strengthen our earthly journeys until, at the last, your face shines upon us and we are held in your in love. 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.

Offertory

“I Received the Living God”

Refrain

I received the living God,

and my heart is full of joy.

I received the living God,

and my heart is full of joy.

1 Jesus said: I am the bread,

kneaded long to give you life;

you who will partake of me

need not ever fear to die. Refrain

2 Jesus said: I am the way,

and my Father longs for you;

so I come to bring you home

to be one with us anew. Refrain

3 Jesus said: I am the truth;

come and follow close to me.

You will know me in your heart,

and my word shall make you free. Refrain

4 Jesus said: I am the life,

far from whom no thing can grow,

but receive this living bread,

and my Spirit you shall know. Refrain

Text: Anonymous

Offertory Prayer

Together we pray.

Nourishing God,

you are water in the wilderness and streams in the desert.

Through this meal, satisfy our parched places,

that we may rejoice and be for the world

signs of your kingdom come.

Amen.

Holy Communion

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

Lift up your hearts.

We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

It is right to give our thanks and praise.

It is indeed right, our duty and our joy,

that we should at all times and in all places

give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God,

through our Savior Jesus Christ.

You comforted your people with the promise of the Redeemer,

through whom you will also make all things new

in the day when he comes to judge the world in righteousness.

And so, with all the choirs of angels,

with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven,

we praise your name and join their unending hymn:

Holy, holy, holy Lord,

Lord God of pow’r and might:

Heav’n and earth are full of your glory.

Hosanna in the highest.

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

Hosanna in the highest.

Eucharistic Prayer

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.

Again, 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.

Remembering, therefore, his death, resurrection, and ascension,

we await his coming in glory.

Pour out upon us the Spirit of your love, O Lord,

and unite the wills of all who share this heavenly food,

the body and blood of Jesus Christ, our Lord;

to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit,

be all honor and glory, now and forever.

Amen.

Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us. (Sung)

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 debts,

as we forgive our debtors;

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.

Invitation to Communion

Here is life. God is with us.

Come, receive what God has promised.

Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world;

have mercy on us.

Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world;

have mercy on us.

Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world;

grant us peace, grant us peace.

Communion

The Body of Christ, given for you. Amen

The Blood of Christ, shed for you. Amen

Post Communion Blessing

The Body and Blood of our Lord, Jesus Christ, strengthen you and forever keep you in his grace. Amen.

Prayer after Communion

God our host,

at this table you have fed us with joy and gladness.

Send us forth, eager to share the feast,

welcome the stranger,

and bear good fruit in the name of Jesus.

Amen.

Benediction

May God who comes among us,

Father, ☩ Son, and Holy Spirit,

grant you patience in waiting, peace in the darkness,

and good news to share today and always.

Amen.

HYMN “Unexpected and Mysterious”

1 Unexpected and mysterious

is the gentle word of grace.

Everloving and sustaining

is the peace of God's embrace.

If we falter in our courage

and we doubt what we have known,

God is faithful to console us

as a mother tends her own.

2 In a momentary meeting

of eternity and time,

Mary learned that she would carry

both the mortal and divine.

Then she learned of God's compassion,

of Elizabeth's great joy,

and she ran to greet the woman

who would recognize her boy.

3 We are called to ponder myst'ry

and await the coming Christ,

to embody God's compassion

for each fragile human life.

God is with us in our longing

to bring healing to the earth,

while we watch with joy and wonder

for the promised Savior's birth.

Text: Jeannette M. Lindholm, b. 1961

Text © 2002 Jeannette M. Lindholm, admin. Augsburg Fortress.

Duplication in any form prohibited without permission or valid license from copyright administrator.

Dismissal

Go in peace. Keep awake.

Thanks be to God.

Permission for liturgies by Augsburg Fortress Liturgies License #SAS004206

Sundays and Seasons 2025