CREATED, SAVED AND GIFTED BY GOD, WE SEEK, SERVE AND SHARE JESUS CHRIST.
Fourth Sunday of Advent
December 20, 2020
10:30 am
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
901 East Stroop road
Kettering, OH 45429-4688
(937) 298-0136
Introduction
God keeps the promise made to David, to give him an everlasting throne. The angel tells Mary that God will give David’s throne to her son Jesus. She is perplexed by Gabriel’s greeting and by the news of her coming pregnancy, but she is able still to say, “Count me in.” We who know that Jesus is called king only as he is executed still find it a mystery hard to fathom, but with Mary today we hear the news of what God is up to and say, “Count us in.”
Called into the Future
In Luke’s first words about Mary, she sounds unflappable. In most scripture stories, a visit from an angel provokes terror, but when the angel Gabriel appears to Mary, she isn’t scared. She’s curious. Even when the angel delivers the astonishing news that she will become pregnant with the Son of the Most High God whose glorious kingdom will never end, her response is a simple question: “How can this be?” (Luke 1:34).
The angel reminds her that God’s powerful Spirit works in mysterious ways. Anything is possible with God! That’s all the explanation Mary needs. “Here I am,” she declares. She is God’s servant, and she is up for the task. What courage it must have taken to say yes! Parenthood is demanding to begin with. Giving birth to the King of kings must have come with its own unique set of challenges. This moment will change the course of her life.
Mary found strength in the knowledge that she was not alone. The first thing the angel said to her was: “The Lord is with you” (Luke 1:28). Mary knew that she was held in God’s presence even before she understood what lay ahead of her. She was “favored” by God, seen and known and loved. Whatever future she was called into, she could trust the one who led her. That faith is the foundation for Mary’s “Yes.”
Like Mary, we, too, are servants of the Most High God, who calls us into “ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown” (Evangelical Lutheran Worship, pp. 304, 317). Even when we don’t feel quite as composed as Mary, we can trust in the same promise she did: we are loved by the God who makes impossible things possible and goes with us into whatever our futures hold.
GATHERING
The Holy Spirit calls us together as the people of God.
WELCOME
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CONFESSION & FORGIVENESS
All may make the sign of the cross, the sign that is marked at baptism, as the presiding minister begins.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you and worthily magnify your holy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another.
Most merciful God, we confess that we are captive to sin and cannot free ourselves. We have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. For the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us, so that we may delight in your will and walk in your ways, to the glory of your holy name. Amen.
God, who is rich in mercy, loved us even when we were dead in sin, and made us alive together with Christ. By grace you have been saved. In the name of Jesus Christ, your sins are forgiven. Almighty God strengthen you with power through the Holy Spirit, that Christ may live in your hearts through faith.
Amen.
GATHERING SONG – “Come, Emmanuel” | Chancel Choir
O Beloved, all-creating God. Come, O come, Emmanuel.
O Beloved, grieving for us God Come, O come, Emmanuel.
O Beloved, come to court us, Come, O come, Emmanuel.
God. O Beloved, wed to us, O God. Come, O come, Emmanuel.
Rejoice, rejoice! Emmanuel. Shall come to you, O Israel.
O Beloved, Word made flesh, we cry. Come, O come, Emmanuel.
O Beloved, dwell with us, we cry. Come, O come, Emmanuel.
O Beloved, full of grace, we cry. Come, O come, Emmanuel.
O Beloved, grace on grace, we cry. Come, O come, Emmanuel.
Rejoice, rejoice! Emmanuel. Shall come to you, O Israel.
O Beloved, hear us night and day. Come, O come, Emmanuel.
O Beloved, seek us night and day Come, O come, Emmanuel.
O Beloved, hide us night and day. Come, O come, Emmanuel.
O Beloved, wake us night and day. Come, O come, Emmanuel.
Rejoice, rejoice! Emmanuel. Shall come to you, O Israel.
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.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Stir up your power, Lord Christ, and come. With your abundant grace and might, free us from the sin that would obstruct your mercy, that willingly we may bear your redeeming love to all the world, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
ADVENT WREATH BLESSING
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 One Candle
Light one candle to watch for Messiah:
let the light banish darkness.
He shall bring salvation to Israel,
God fulfills the promise.
Christ Be our light!
Shine in our hearts.
Shine through the darkness.
Christ be our light.
Shine in your church
gathered today.
Light two candles to watch for Messiah:
let the light banish darkness.
He shall feed the flock like a shepherd,
gently lead them homeward.
Christ Be our light!
Shine in our hearts.
Shine through the darkness.
Christ be our light.
Shine in your church
gathered today.
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.
Christ Be our light!
Shine in our hearts.
Shine through the darkness.
Christ be our light.
Shine in your church
gathered today.
Light four candles
to watch for Messiah:
let the light banish darkness.
He is coming, tell the glad tidings.
Let your lights be shining!
Christ Be our light!
Shine in our hearts.
Shine through the darkness.
Christ be our light.
Shine in your church
gathered today.
WORD
God speaks to us in scripture reading, preaching, and song.
FIRST READING 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16
Instead of David building a house (temple) for the Lord, the Lord promises to establish David’s house (dynasty) forever. Centuries later, after the Babylonian exile, no king sat on the throne. Even then, however, the people of Israel remembered this promise and continued to hope for a king, the messiah, the Lord’s anointed.
A reading from the book of 2 Samuel.
Now when the king was settled in his house, and the LORD had given him rest from all his enemies around him, the king said to the prophet Nathan, “See now, I am living in a house of cedar, but the ark of God stays in a tent.” Nathan said to the king, “Go, do all that you have in mind; for the LORD is with you.” But that same night the word of the LORD came to Nathan: Go and tell my servant David: Thus says the LORD: Are you the one to build me a house to live in? I have not lived in a house since the day I brought up the people of Israel from Egypt to this day, but I have been moving about in a tent and a tabernacle. Wherever I have moved about among all the people of Israel, did I ever speak a word with any of the tribal leaders of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, saying, “Why have you not built me a house of cedar?” Now therefore thus you shall say to my servant David: Thus says the LORD of hosts: I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep to be prince over my people Israel; and I have been with you wherever you went, and have cut off all your enemies from before you; and I will make for you a great name, like the name of the great ones of the earth. And I will appoint a place for my people Israel and will plant them, so that they may live in their own place, and be disturbed no more; and evildo- ers shall afflict them no more, as formerly, from the time that I appointed judges over my people Israel; and I will give you rest from all your enemies. Moreover the LORD declares to you that the LORD will make you a house. Your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me; your throne shall be established forever.
Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.
SECOND READING Romans 16:25-27
Paul closes his letter to the Romans by praising God because in the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ God has revealed the promised, divine plan of salvation for all hu- manity. Paul proclaims this gospel of Christ in order to bring about the obedience of faith among all nations.
A reading from the book of Romans.
Now to God who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but is now disclosed, and through the prophetic writings is made known to all the Gentiles, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith—to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever! Amen.
Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL Luke 1:26-38
In this annunciation, Luke makes clear that God comes with good news for ordinary people (Mary) from littleknown places (Nazareth). This king will not be born to royalty in a palace, but to common folk in a stall. Here Luke highlights the role of the Spirit, a special emphasis in his gospel.
The holy gospel according to Luke. Glory to you, O Lord.
In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. 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. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” 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. 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. For nothing will be impossible with God.” 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.
The gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.
MESSAGE
SPECIAL MUSIC – My Soul Magnifies the Lord
Good news of great joy
For every woman every man, This will be a sign to you:
A baby born in Bethlehem, Come and worship, do not be afraid.
A company of angels,
Glory in the highest
And on the earth a peace among
Those on whom His favor rests.
Come and worship, do not be afraid.
My soul, my soul magnifies the Lord,
My soul magnifies the Lord;
He has done great things for me,
Great things for me.
Unto you a child is born,
Unto us a Son is given.
Let every heart prepare His throne,
Let every nation under Heaven
Come and worship, do not be afraid.
My soul, my soul magnifies the Lord,
My soul magnifies the Lord;
He has done great things for me,
Great things for me.
My soul, my soul magnifies the Lord,
My soul magnifies the Lord;
He has done great things for me,
Great things for me.
Of His government there will be no end,
He’ll establish it with His righteousness,
And He shall reign on David’s throne,
And His name shall be from this day on Wonderful Counselor,
Everlasting Father Wonderful Counselor.
And His name shall be Everlasting Father!
My soul, my soul magnifies the Lord.
My soul, my soul magnifies the Lord.
He has done great things for us,
He has done great things for us.
He has done great things for us,
He has done great things for us.
My soul, my soul magnifies the Lord.
My soul, my soul magnifies the Lord.
My soul, my soul magnifies the Lord.
My soul, my soul magnifies the Lord,
My soul magnifies the Lord;
He has done great things for me,
Great things for me.
My soul, my soul magnifies the Lord,
My soul magnifies the Lord;
He has done great things for me,
Great things for me.
He has done great things!
He has done great things!
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 power of the Holy Spirit,
born of the virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended into hell.
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.
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
God of power and might, fulfill your promise and come quickly to this weary world. Hear our prayers for everyone in need.
A brief silence.
Each intercession concludes:
Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Draw near to us, O God, and receive our prayers for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
MEAL
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
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 and good that we should everywhere and always offer thanks and praise to you, holy God, mighty and immortal, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who on this day broke the bonds of death, opening to us the way of everlasting life and giving us a foretaste of the feast to come.
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.
LORD’S PRAYER
Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us.
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 tempta- tion, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
Even as we watch and wait, Christ is here. Come, eat and drink. Amen.
HOLY COMMUNION
TABLE BLESSING
The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ bless you and always keep you in God’s grace.
Amen.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Gracious and abundant God, you have done great things for us, and we rejoice. In this bread and cup you give us life forever. In your boundless mercy, strengthen us and open our hearts to the world’s needs, for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Lord.
SENDING
God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world.
BLESSING
The Creator of the stars bless your Advent waiting, the long-expected Savior fill you with love, the un- expected Spirit guide your journey, now and forever.
Amen.
SPECIAL MUSIC “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence”
DISMISSAL
Go in peace. Prepare the way of the Lord.
Created, saved and gifted by God; we seek, serve and share Jesus Christ. Hallelujah, thanks be to God!
Make a commitment to not only worship each week but also try to find a way to serve in the congregation and seek out a way to serve our community.
YOU ARE NOW ENTERING THE MISSION FIELD
UPCOMING COMMEMORATIONS
John of the Cross, renewer of the church, died 1591
Monday, December 14, 2020
John was a member of the Carmelite monastic order, and worked to reform it. His writings reflect a deep interest in mystical thought and meditation.
Las Posadas (LLC)
Wednesday, December 16, 2020
This celebration, long popular in Mexico, takes its name from the “posadas,” or lodgings, sought by Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem. Their search is reenacted in a neighborhood, unsuccessfully, until finally they are welcomed in, and a party commences.
Katharina von Bora Luther, renewer of the church, died 1552
Sunday, December 20, 2020
Born to an impoverished nobleman, Katie eventually took vows as a nun, but around age twenty-four she and several other nuns who were influenced by the writings of Martin Luther left the convent. Six children were born to Katie and Martin.
Stephen, Deacon and Martyr
Saturday, December 26, 2020
Stephen was a deacon and the first martyr of the church. He was one of those seven upon whom the apostles laid hands after they had been chosen to serve widows and others in need. Later, Stephen’s preaching angered the temple authorities, and they ordered him to be put to death by stoning.
“My Soul Magnifies the Lord” CCLI Song # 5601671
Chris Tomlin | Daniel Carson
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For use solely with the SongSelect Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI License # 2273011
From Sundays and Seasons.com. Copyright 2014 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.
Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #22920.
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.