The Service in PDF format is at: December 20, 2020 Service
Video of service is at: Facebook Video
FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT
December 20, 2020
THEME: As we prepare to celebrate Christmas, the best news is that God through the very telling of Jesus’ birth builds the gift of faith in our heart so that we believe it. We believe that Jesus was born for us, for me. He came down from heaven to be the only acceptable sacrifice for my sin, to redeem me, and give me eternal life through the forgiveness of sins. With all the activities of Christmas week ahead, we take some time today to consider this great gift coming to us soon!
RINGING OF THE BELL
INVOCATION AND CALL TO WORSHIP
L: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
C: Amen.
LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH
L: On the four Sundays in Advent, we light a new candle each week. We mark the four candles with these four words: hope, peace, joy, and love. Jesus Christ is the hope of all nations.
C: We wait for the Lord, and in His Word do we hope.
L: Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace,
C: We wait for the Lord, and in His Word do we rest.
L: Jesus Christ is the source of all joy.
C: We wait for the Lord, and in His Word do we rejoice.
L: Jesus Christ is the One that show love.
C: We wait for the Lord, and in His Word do we love.
The first, second, third and fourth candles are lit during the Advent Song.
WE CONFESS OUR SIN…
L: That our eyes and our ears may be open to receive the mystery of God’s love, let us first empty ourselves of everything that has closed our hearts to God, confessing our sin and need of forgiveness and life.
C: At the Lord’s own invitation, I confess all my sins to
God, the very thoughts, words, and deeds with which I have offended Him and hurt my neighbor. I come now in the sincere hope and faith of the forgiveness of God made known to the whole world in the coming of His Son, Jesus. Remove my sin and guilt for His sake, and restore a right spirit within me. Amen.
~~~~~Silence for reflection~~~~~
…HEARING GOD’S FORGIVENESS
L: Upon this your confession, I, by virtue of my office, as a called and ordained servant of the Word, announce the grace of God to all of you. And in the stead and by the command of my Lord Jesus Christ I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit.
C: Amen.
SERVICE OF THE WORD
THE SCRIPTURE LESSON Titus 2:11-14
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.
SERMON “Are You Having that Perfect Christmas?”
L: Let us pray for the whole people of God in Christ Jesus and for all people according to their needs.
L: Almighty God, as we draw closer to the grand celebration of the birth of Your Son, Jesus, we thank You for making known the mystery of Your love from the very first promise to Adam and Eve, through Your living voice through the ministers of Your Church to this day. Grant that Your living Word ever call us and all sinners to repentance and faith in Your only-begotten Son. Lord, in Your mercy,
C: Hear our prayer.
L: Keep all You have called to preach and teach and care for Your people in true faith, guard them against the attacks of the evil one, and give them health and joy in their ministry. Lord, in Your mercy,
C: Hear our prayer.
L: Send Your Spirit over the whole world that those who lead in the authority of government acknowledge Your laws and will, making for times of peace that we may live faithfully in safety. Lord, in Your mercy,
C: Hear our prayer.
L: Give to those who are sick Your strength. Today we especially uplift (names…). Give them patience and grace in those times that they lose hope, Lord, in Your mercy,
C: Hear our prayer.
L: Into Your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in Your mercy; through Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.
C: Amen.
CLOSING SONG: “Silent Night” (Previously Recorded)
Words by: Joseph Mohr, Music by: Franz Xaver Gruber, John Freeman Young © Music: Public Domain, Words: Public Domain
Silent night holy night;
All is calm all is bright.
‘Round yon virgin mother and Child,
Holy Infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace.
Oh sleep in heavenly peace.
Silent night, holy night;
Shepherds quake at the sight
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing alleluia
Christ the Savior is born.
Christ the Savior is born.
Silent night, holy night;
Son of God love’s pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus Lord at Thy birth.
Jesus Lord at Thy birth.
Silent night, holy night;
Wondrous star, lend thy light.
With the angels let us sing,
alleluia to our king;
Christ, the Savior is born!
Christ, the Savior, is born!
DISMISSAL
P: Go in peace! Serve the Lord!
C: Thanks be to God!