Created, saved and gifted by god, we seek, serve and share Jesus Christ.
First Sunday of Advent
November 28, 2021 – 10:30 am
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
901 East Stroop Road
Kettering, OH 45429-4688
(937) 298-0136
Introduction
Advent is about the “coming days.” God’s people have always lived in great expectation, but that expectation finds specific, repeated enunciation in the texts appointed for these four weeks. The ancients anticipated a “righteous Branch to spring up for David.” The Thessalonians awaited “the coming of our Lord Jesus with all the saints.” Our Lord’s contemporaries hoped for the time “to stand before the Son of Man.” With them we eagerly await the coming days: another Christmas celebration, a second coming, and the advent of our Lord in word and supper.
Expectant Waiting
A pastor once summarized the way God answers prayers with three categories: yes, no, and not yet. To his young audience, these categories made sense and served as a simple way to think about their prayer life. But having clear categories does not dismiss the fact that it is often easier to receive the answer “yes” or “no,” compared to the answer “not yet.” After all, the answer “not yet” often involves waiting. And waiting can be exhausting!
Whether it be waiting for a medical diagnosis, longing for healing in a relationship, expecting a child, or enduring another situation beyond our complete control, it can be challenging to be patient, accept the unknown, and trust God’s promises in the meantime.
This is a reality Jesus understood, and one that is at the heart of his parable of the fig tree in today’s reading. The early believers needed encouragement as they waited for the coming of the Lord. Patience, endurance, and trust did not come any easier to them than they do to many of us today. Yet that is precisely what followers of Christ are invited to do during the season of Advent: to remain prayerful and expectant as they await the birth of Jesus.
Perhaps that is why Jesus gives his followers something to do in their waiting. Jesus’ words urge us to be on the lookout for signs of God’s kingdom, even as we await the fulfillment of God’s promises in the future. The sign you see may be a neighbor helping another in need, a child growing and thriving, or a card received from a friend. God’s promise is that even as we wait for the fulfillment of God’s kingdom, it is drawing near—and is, in fact, already among us.
GATHERING
The Holy Spirit calls us together as the people of God.
PRELUDE
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
In remembrance of their baptism, all may make the sign of the cross.
Blessed be the holy Trinity, † one God, the parent who rouses us from slumber, the shepherd who gathers us on the holy mountain, the deliverer who sets us free.
Amen.
Let us come before the living God in confession.
Silence is kept for reflection.
As we wait and watch for the promised day of salvation,
we open our hearts to you, O God. Search us and know us. Reveal all that we keep inside. To you, O God, we confess our sins, known and unknown. Forgive us, renew us, nd lead us in your ways of justice and peace. Make us reflections of the radiant love of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Beloved children of the Most High, you are gathered before the righteous judge who has mercy on all. Splash exuberantly in the waters of baptism, where sin is washed away in the river of life. Dwell peacefully in the loving arms of the one who nurtures all creation. Go forth boldly in the assurance that your sins are forgiven in the name of the one who is coming and is already here, †Jesus Christ, our Savior.
Amen.
GATHERING HYMN – “Come Emmanuel”
Come, O come, Emmanuel.
You are Wisdom, from the mouth of God.
Come, O come, Emmanuel.
You are Wisdom, playing before God.
Come, O come, Emmanuel.
You are Wisdom, wondrous Word of God.
Come, O come, Emmanuel.
You are Wisdom, loving friend to God.
Come, O come, Emmanuel.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to you, O Israel.
You are Wisdom, mother to us all.
Come, O come, Emmanuel.
You are Wisdom, truth told to us all.
Come, O come, Emmanuel.
You are Wisdom, promise to us all.
Come, O come, Emmanuel.
You are Wisdom, banquet set for all.
Come, O come, Emmanuel.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to you, O Israel.
You are wisdom, straight our paths to you.
Come, O come, Emmanuel.
You are Wisdom, hearts on high to you.
Come, O come, Emmanuel.
You are Wisdom, here we watch for you.
Come, O come, Emmanuel.
You are Wisdom, open arms to you.
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.
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, amen.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Stir up your power,
Lord Christ, and come. By your merciful protection alert us to the threatening dangers of our sins, and redeem us for your life of justice, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
WORD
God speaks to us in scripture reading, preaching, and song.
FIRST READING Jeremiah 33:14-16
In the Old Testament, “righteousness” often has to do with being faithful in relationship. God acts righteously both in punishing Israel for its sin and in having mercy. In today’s reading, Jerusalem’s future name—”The Lord is our righteousness”—proclaims that the Lord is even now working salvation for Israel.
A reading from the book of Jeremiah.
The days are surely coming, says the LORD, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will cause a righ- teous Branch to spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called: “The LORD is our righteousness.”
Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.
SECOND READING 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13
Upon Timothy’s report from the congregation at Thessalonica, Paul is exuberant with gratitude for them. In this passage from his letter, Paul voices overflowing thanks, joy, and blessings for the people of this growing church.
A reading from the book of 1 Thessalonians.
How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you? Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and restore whatever is lacking in your faith.
Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you. And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you. And may he so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.
Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Alleluia, alleluia,
alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL Luke 21:25-36
God will fulfill God’s purposes and, already, hidden signs of that fulfillment abound. On that great day there will be dismay, perplexity, confusion, and terror, but God’s people shall be given strength to stand boldly and receive God’s promised redemption.
The holy gospel according to Luke.
Glory to you, O Lord.
[Jesus said:] “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in a cloud’ with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
Then he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
“Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day does not catch you unexpectedly, like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
The gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.
YOUTH MESSAGE
LIGHTING THE ADVENT WREATH
Blessed are you, O Lord our God, ruler of the universe. You call all nations to walk in your light and to seek your ways of justice and peace, for the night is past, and the dawn of your coming is near. Bless us as we light the first candle of this wreath. Rouse us from sleep, that we may be ready to greet our Lord when he comes and welcome him into our hearts and homes, for he is our light and our salvation.
Blessed be God forever. Amen.
Advent Week 1 – November 28 – Verse 1
Advent Week 2 – December 5 – Verse 1, 2
Advent Week 3 – December 12 – Verse 1, 2, 3
Advent Week 4 – December 19 – Verse 1, 2, 3, 4
- 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 his 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.
MESSAGE – Pr. Jamie Vannoy
HYMN OF THE DAY – “Messiah”
For all You are, all You have done,
We worship You, Eternal One-
Savior and Lord forevermore,
You are Messiah.
Down on our knees, pleading as one,
Together we pray Your kingdom will come.
In Heaven and earth, Your will be done,
You are Messiah.
Let Your kingdom come,
Let Your kingdom come,
Let Your kingdom come,
You are Messiah.
Let Your kingdom come,
Let Your kingdom come,
Let Your kingdom come,
You are Messiah.
Radiant hope, we long for You.
Deep in our hearts, Your Word is true.
Be lifted up in all we do,
You are Messiah.
Let Your kingdom come,
Let Your kingdom come,
Let Your kingdom come,
You are Messiah.
Let Your kingdom come,
Let Your kingdom come,
Let Your kingdom come,
You are Messiah.
You are Messiah, oh!
For all You are, all You have done,
We worship You, Eternal One-
You are the Lord forevermore;
You are Messiah.
Let Your kingdom come,
Let Your kingdom come,
Let Your kingdom come,
Let Your kingdom come.
Let Your kingdom come,
Let Your kingdom come,
Let Your kingdom come,
You are Messiah.
Let Your kingdom come,
Let Your kingdom come,
Let Your kingdom come,
You are Messiah.
You are Messiah.
You are Messiah.
You are Messiah.
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
In this season of watching and waiting, let us pray for all people and places that yearn for God’s presence.
A brief silence.
Each intercession concludes:
Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
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.
Amen.
MEAL
God feeds us with the presence of Jesus Christ.
DIALOGUE
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,
God of power and might,
Heaven 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.
WORDS OF INSTITUTION
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.
Let us proclaim the mystery of faith:
Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.
With this bread and cup we remember your Word dwelling among us, full of grace and truth. We remember our new birth in his death and resurrection. We look with hope for his coming.
Come, Lord Jesus.
Holy God, we long for your Spirit. Come among us. Bless this meal. May your Word take flesh in us. Awaken your people. Fill us with your light. Bring the gift of peace on earth.
Come, Holy Spirit.
All praise and glory are yours, Holy One of Israel, Word of God incarnate, Power of the Most High, one God, now and forever.
Amen, amen, amen.
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 temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
Come to Christ’s banquet. Feast on God’s gift of grace.
Amen.
LAMB OF GOD
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 HYMN – “Lost in the Night”
Lost in the night do the people yet languish,
longing for morning the darkness to vanquish,
plaintively sighing with hearts full of anguish.
Will not day come soon? Will not day come soon?
Must we be vainly awaiting the morrow?
Shall those who have light no light let us borrow,
giving no heed to our burden of sorrow?
Will you help us soon? Will you help us soon?
Sorrowing wand’rers, in darkness yet dwelling,
dawned has the day of a radiance excelling,
death’s deepest shadows forever dispelling.
Christ is coming soon! Christ is coming soon!
Light o’er the land of the needy is beaming;
rivers of life through its deserts are streaming,
bringing all peoples a Savior redeeming.
Come and save us soon! Come and save us soon!
HOLY COMMUNION
The body of Christ, given for you.
The blood of Christ, shed for you.
Each person may respond: Amen.
TABLE BLESSING
The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you always in his grace.
Amen.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Most High God,
you have come among us at this table. By the Spirit’s 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. Amen.
SENDING
God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world.
BLESSING
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.
Amen.
SENDING HYMN – “Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning”
Keep your lamps trimmed and burning,
keep your lamps trimmed and burning,
keep your lamps trimmed and burning,
for this work’s almost done.
Children don’t grow weary;
Children don’t grow weary;
Children don’t grow weary,
for this work’s almost done.
Darker midnight lies before us,
Darker midnight lies before us,
Darker midnight lies before us,
for this work’s almost done.
Children don’t grow weary;
Children don’t grow weary;
Children don’t grow weary,
for this work’s almost done.
Lo, the morning soon is breaking,
Lo, the morning soon is breaking,
Lo, the morning soon is breaking,
for this work’s almost done.
Children don’t grow weary;
Children don’t grow weary;
Children don’t grow weary,
for this work’s almost done.
Keep your lamps trimmed and burning,
keep your lamps trimmed and burning,
keep your lamps trimmed and burning,
for this work’s almost done.
Children don’t grow weary;
Children don’t grow weary;
Children don’t grow weary,
for this work’s almost done.
DISMISSAL
Go in peace. Christ is near.
Created, saved and gifted by God, we seek, serve and share Jesus Christ.
Hallelujah, thanks be to God!
POSTLUDE
“W + 2” = Worship Plus Two
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
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 Curches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.