{"id":6969,"date":"2021-12-19T16:11:34","date_gmt":"2021-12-19T22:11:34","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/firstlutheranri.org\/?p=6969"},"modified":"2021-12-19T16:11:34","modified_gmt":"2021-12-19T22:11:34","slug":"fourth-sunday-of-advent-19-december-2021","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/firstlutheranri.org\/?p=6969","title":{"rendered":"Fourth Sunday of Advent: 19 December 2021"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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A great big thanks to Haleigh and Natalie Jacocks for their musical leadership today!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thank you to all those who participated in caroling yesterday and today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Blessings to you this final week of Advent. I hope to see you at our Christmas Eve worship at 4pm!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Come, Lord Jesus, Come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Peace, Pastor Chris Lee<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Order of Worship for the Fourth Sunday of Advent: December 19, 2021:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Prelude:<\/strong> “Mary Did You Know?”- arr. DeCesare. Vocalists, Haleigh and Natalie Jacocks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ANNOUNCEMENTS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meditation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Cradle and cross are inextricably connected on the fourth Sunday of Advent. Between a lovely tribute to the little town of Bethlehem and Mary\u2019s magnificent song of praise, the letter to the Hebrews reminds us in no uncertain terms that Christ\u2019s advent is for \u201cthe offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.\u201d It is the kind of tension in which the church always lives as when in holy communion\u2014with high delight\u2014\u201cwe proclaim the Lord\u2019s death.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Confession and Forgiveness<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Blessed be the holy Trinity, \u2629 one God, who alone does wonders, who lifts up the lowly, who fills the hungry with good things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Amen.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let us confess our sin, trusting in the tender mercy of our God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

God for whom we wait,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

in the presence of one another,<\/strong> we confess our sin before you.<\/strong> We fail in believing that your good news is for us.<\/strong> We falter in our call to tend your creation.<\/strong> We find our sense of self in material wealth.<\/strong> We fear those different from ourselves.<\/strong> We forget that we are your children<\/strong> and turn away from your love.<\/strong> Forgive us, Blessed One,<\/strong> and assure us again of your saving grace.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Amen.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

God, in Christ Jesus, has looked with favor upon you! Through the power of the Holy Spirit, \u2629 your sins are forgiven. You are children of the Most High, inheritors of the eternal promise, and recipients of divine mercy. God strengthens you anew to follow the way of peace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Amen.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Opening Hymn: <\/strong>ELW 257- “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” verses 1 -4. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prayer of the Day<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Stir up your power, Lord Christ, and come. With your abundant grace and might, free us from the sin that binds us, that we may receive you in joy and serve you always, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Amen.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Light the first , second, third, and fourth candle<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lighting of the Advent Candle:<\/strong>\u00a0ELW 249- \u201cLight One Candle to Watch for Messiah,\u201d 4th verse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First Reading: Micah 5:2-5a<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The prophet Micah, having pronounced judgment upon Judah, speaks of a future shepherd-king who, like David, will come from the small town of Bethlehem. (Ephrathah refers to the area around Bethlehem.) This king will restore Israel and bring peace. New Testament writers understood this passage to be referring to Jesus.<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u20032<\/sup>But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah,
\u2003\u2003who are one of the little clans of Judah,
\u2003from you shall come forth for me
\u2003\u2003one who is to rule in Israel,
\u2003whose origin is from of old,
\u2003\u2003from ancient days.
\u20033<\/sup>Therefore he shall give them up until the time
\u2003\u2003when she who is in labor has brought forth;
\u2003then the rest of his kindred shall return
\u2003\u2003to the people of Israel.
\u20034<\/sup>And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the Lord,
\u2003\u2003in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.
\u2003And they shall live secure, for now he shall be great
\u2003\u2003to the ends of the earth;
\u20035a<\/sup>and he shall be the one of peace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Second Reading: Hebrews 10:5-10<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The author of Hebrews uses the image of religious sacrifice to convey the significance of Christ\u2019s coming. Through obedient acceptance of God\u2019s will, Christ allows his own body to become the greatest sacrifice of all, one through which we are made a holy people.<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

5<\/sup>Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said,
\u2003\u201cSacrifices and offerings you have not desired,
\u2003\u2003but a body you have prepared for me;
\u20036<\/sup>in burnt offerings and sin offerings
\u2003\u2003you have taken no pleasure.
\u20037<\/sup>Then I said, \u2018See, God, I have come to do your will, O God\u2019
\u2003\u2003(in the scroll of the book it is written of me).\u201d
8<\/sup>When he said above, \u201cYou have neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings\u201d (these are offered according to the law), 9<\/sup>then he added, \u201cSee, I have come to do your will.\u201d He abolishes the first in order to establish the second. 10<\/sup>And it is by God\u2019s will that we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gospel: Luke 1:39-55<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Elizabeth, John\u2019s mother, and Mary, the mother of Jesus, are two women filled with the Holy Spirit and with faith. In Elizabeth\u2019s inspired greeting and Mary\u2019s song of praise we hear of a saving God who remembers, scatters, lifts up, and fulfills all things.<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

39<\/sup>In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, 40<\/sup>where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41<\/sup>When Elizabeth heard Mary\u2019s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit 42<\/sup>and exclaimed with a loud cry, \u201cBlessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. 43<\/sup>And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? 44<\/sup>For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy. 45<\/sup>And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.\u201d
\u2003 46<\/sup>And Mary said,
\u2003\u201cMy soul magnifies the Lord,
\u2003\u200347<\/sup>and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
\u200348<\/sup>for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant.
\u2003\u2003Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
\u200349<\/sup>for the Mighty One has done great things for me,
\u2003\u2003and holy is his name.
\u200350<\/sup>His mercy is for those who fear him
\u2003\u2003from generation to generation.
\u200351<\/sup>He has shown strength with his arm;
\u2003\u2003he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
\u200352<\/sup>He has brought down the powerful from their thrones,
\u2003\u2003and lifted up the lowly;
\u200353<\/sup>he has filled the hungry with good things,
\u2003\u2003and sent the rich away empty.
\u200354<\/sup>He has helped his servant Israel,
\u2003\u2003in remembrance of his mercy,
\u200355<\/sup>according to the promise he made to our ancestors,
\u2003\u2003to Abraham and to his descendants forever.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sermon: <\/strong>Pastor Chris Lee<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hymn of the Day: <\/strong>ELW 261- “As the Dark Awaits the Dawn.”
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Prayers of Intercession<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In this season of watching and waiting, let us pray for all people and places that yearn for God\u2019s presence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nurturing God, you give us life and care for our every need. Use the church\u2019s gifts and ministries for your service, bringing your word to all who seek your transforming grace. Hear us, O God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your mercy is great.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Creator God, you proclaim your boundless love for all that you have made. Renew barren lands, polluted waters, and melting ice caps. Make us servants of your creation that brings forth abundant life. Hear us, O God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your mercy is great.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Righteous God, you bring down the mighty and lift up the lowly. Strengthen those who seek justice. Bless the work of community organizers, activists, journalists, and all who call our attention to imbalances of power. Hear us, O God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your mercy is great.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Compassionate God, you proclaim your love and mercy. Show your lovingkindness to teen parents and those who are pregnant. Comfort any struggling with infertility and those who await test results, are in treatment and hospice care, and others who are ill or are in need especially those suffering from tornado damage and Sarah Scott; Bruce and Sandy Wright; Betty Lee; Paige Wheeler; Julie Prenatt; David Neu; Sheri Stoutt; Nan Hibbs; Britta Maddox; Everett Noah; Libby Hofsas; Noah Stoutt; Shelley Collis; Deb Schafer; Richard Hotchkiss; Nancy and Bob Bosco; Charysse and Adean Heritage and Family; Randy McIntyre; Karen Bemowski; Marilyn Hubbard; Helen Schubert, Jenna LaRue; Gary Berg and all those we name before you now, aloud or in our hearts… Give them tangible signs of your steadfast love. Hear us, O God. Hear us, O God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your mercy is great.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gracious God, you fill the hungry with good things. Bless the feeding ministries of this congregation and community. Guide us to share your bounty with those who hunger or live in poverty. Hear us, O God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your mercy is great.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Faithful God, you stir up the hearts of those who love you. We give you thanks for those who, like Mary, were courageous in their witness especially Rose Reasor; Marijane Cook; and their families. Give us such courage until that day when you fulfill all things. Hear us, O God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your mercy is great.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

God of new life, you come among us in the places we least expect. Receive these prayers and those of our hearts, in the name of Jesus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Amen.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Peace<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Great Thanksgiving<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Lord’s Prayer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Communion: <\/strong>ACS 910- “A Stable Lamp is Lighted.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Communion:<\/strong> ELW 265- “The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prayer after Communion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Most High God, you have come among us at this table. By the Spirit\u2019s power, form us to be bearers of your word, sharing gifts of mercy and grace with all, through Christ Jesus, our host and our guest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Amen.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Blessing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in believing, so that we may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit, through Christ Jesus for whom we wait.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Amen.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sending Hymn: <\/strong>ELW 266- “All Earth is Hopeful,” all verses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dismissal<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

And now dear ones, go in peace. Christ is near.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thanks be to God.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Postlude: <\/strong>“Gabriel’s Message,” – Manz <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Facebook link to worship service for the 4th Sunday of Advent, December 19, 2021:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/190629367619921\/videos\/491759648898226<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image credits: <\/strong>Windows at First Evangelical Lutheran; Christmas Tree in the Parish House parlor; back sidewalk at the Parish House, Therese Guise; <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Music credits:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mike McCalester, Song Leader<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vocalists, Haleigh and Natalie Jacocks<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pam Edwards: Music Director\/ Piano<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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“Mary Did You Know?”Arr. Stephen DeCesare. All rights reserved. Permission to podcast\/stream and print the music in this service obtained from One License with license #A-704843. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.” Text: Psalteriolum Cantionum Catholicarum<\/em>, Koln, 1710; tr. composite. Music: French processional, 15th century. Text sts. 2, 6, 7 copyright 1997 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Permission to podcast\/stream and print the music in this service obtained from One License with license #A-704843. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLight One Candle to Watch for Messiah.\u201d Text: Wayne L. Wold, b. 1954. Music: Yiddish folk tune. Text copyright 1984 Fortress Press. Public domain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“As the Dark Awaits the Dawn.” Text: Susan Palo Cherwein, b. 1953. Music: Carl F. Schalk, b. 1929. Text copyright 1996 Susan Palo Cherwein, admin. Augsburg Fortress. Music copyright 1997 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Permission to podcast\/stream and print the music in this service obtained from One License with license #A-704843. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“A Stable Lamp is Lighted.” Text: “A Christmas Hymn,” Richard Wilbur, 1921 – 2017. Music: David Hurd, b. 1950. Text copyright 1961, ren. 1989 Richard Wilbur, admin. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Music copyright 1984 GIA Publications, Inc.. All rights reserved. Permission to podcast\/stream and print the music in this service obtained from One License with license #A-704843. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came.” Text: Basque carol; para. Sabine Baring-Gould, 1834 – 1924. Music: Basque carol; arr. C. Edgar Pettman, 1865 – 1943, and John Wickham. Arr. copyright 1955, 1983 E.H. Freeman, Ltd. admin. Glenwood Music Corp.. All rights reserved. Permission to podcast\/stream and print the music in this service obtained from One License with license #A-704843. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“All Earth is Hopeful.” (Toda la tierra<\/em>) Text: Alberto Taule, b. 1932; tr. Madeleine Forell Marshall, b. 1946. Music: Alberto Taule. Spanish text and tune copyright 1993 and tr. copyright 1995 Centro de Pastoral Liturgica, admin. OCP Publications. All rights reserved. Permission to podcast\/stream and print the music in this service obtained from One License with license #A-704843. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Gabriel’s Message.” Contributors: Paul Manz (One License #100830) Music – \u00a91974 Augsburg Fortress Publishers. All rights reserved. Permission to podcast\/stream and print the music in this service obtained from One License with license #A-704843.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sundays and Seasons.com. Copyright 2022 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Reprinted\/ streamed with permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #SAS006904. Duplication in any form is prohibited without permission or valid license from the copyright administrator.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

A great big thanks to Haleigh and Natalie Jacocks for their musical leadership today! Thank you to all those who participated in caroling yesterday and today. Blessings to you this final week of Advent. I hope to see you at our Christmas Eve worship at 4pm! Come, Lord Jesus, Come. Peace, Pastor Chris Lee Order … [Read more…]<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["entry","post","publish","author-flcadmin","post-6969","format-standard","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/firstlutheranri.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6969","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/firstlutheranri.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/firstlutheranri.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/firstlutheranri.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/firstlutheranri.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=6969"}],"version-history":[{"count":56,"href":"https:\/\/firstlutheranri.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6969\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7048,"href":"https:\/\/firstlutheranri.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6969\/revisions\/7048"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/firstlutheranri.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=6969"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/firstlutheranri.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=6969"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/firstlutheranri.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=6969"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}