Created, saved and gifted by god, we seek, serve and share Jesus Christ.
First Sunday of Advent
November 27, 2022 – 10:30 am
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
901 East Stroop Road
Kettering, OH 45429-4688
(937) 298-0136
Introduction
The new church year begins with a wake-up call: Christ is coming soon! In today’s readings both Paul and Jesus challenge us to wake from sleep, for we know neither the day nor hour of the Lord’s coming. Isaiah proclaims the day when God will gather all people on the holy mountain and there will be no more war or suffering. Though we vigilantly watch for the promised day of salvation, we wait for what we already have: Christ comes among us this day as the word and meal that strengthens our faith in the promises of God.
Time to Wake Up
Advent is a season of waking up. Even as the days grow darker, we are awoken to the light of truth about our lives, the world, and, ultimately, God. But no one really likes being woken from sleep, real or metaphorical. No one likes being pulled from a cozy blanket to a crowded commute, from dreams to reality, from what’s comfortable and “always has been” to what’s actually happening right now. It’s why when we have pivotal, perhaps painful moments in our lives in which we become aware of something previously hidden, or about which we shed the veil of denial, we refer to them as “wake-up calls.”
Yet it is never God’s intent to hurt us by rousing us from sleep. It is not to punish us for our past mistakes, to expose our inner failings to the world, or to add to the already deep well of shame that so many of us carry. It is for our good that God comes to reveal that which was hidden, breaking into our world as human flesh and blood. And it is for our good that, through our baptism, we are able to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 13:14). The divine image is revealed in you, and in every friend and stranger. God knows, loves, and takes delight in each of us.
That is why nations will beat their swords into plowshares, their spears into pruning hooks, and their guns into gravel to build a highway for our God. We won’t need to learn war anymore, as the prophet says (Isaiah 2:4), because you can’t raise arms against your own kin, another person in whom the living Christ dwells.
This season is a time for us to awaken to this new reality: at any moment, and at every moment, Christ lives among and within us, helping us rub the sleep out of our eyes, and revealing a different way. Welcome to Advent.
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, and 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.
LIGHTING THE ADVENT WREATH
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.
WORD
God speaks to us in scripture reading, preaching, and song.
FIRST READING Isaiah 2:1-5
The visionary message presented in this reading focuses on a future day when God establishes a universal reign of peace. Divine decisions will make war obsolete, and the worshiping community responds: “Let us walk in the light of that Lord now!”
A reading from the book of Isaiah.
The word that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. In days to come the mountain of the LORD’s house shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be raised above the hills; all the nations shall stream to it. Many peoples shall come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.” For out of Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations, and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the LORD!
Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.
SECOND READING Romans 13:11-14
Paul compares the advent of Christ to the coming of dawn. We live our lives today in light of Christ’s coming in the future.
A reading from the book of Romans.
Besides this, you know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us live honorably as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.
Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL Matthew 24:36-44
Jesus describes his second coming as a sudden, turbulent event that will bring about deep change to our normal, day-to-day lives. Therefore, he urges people to stay awake, be aware, and wait expectantly, because the Son of Man will come unannounced.
The holy gospel according to Matthew.
Glory to you, O Lord.
[Jesus said to the disciples,] “About that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. For as the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, and they knew nothing until the flood came and swept them all away, so too will be the coming of the Son of Man. Then two will be in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. Two women will be grinding meal together; one will be taken and one will be left. Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But understand this: if the owner of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.”
The gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.
YOUTH MESSAGE
MESSAGE – Don Bennett
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
As we prepare for the fullness of Christ’s presence, let us pray for a world that yearns for new hope.
A brief silence.
Each intercession concludes:
God, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
God of our longing, you know our deepest needs. By your Spirit, gather our prayers and join them with the prayers of all your children. In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen.
MEAL
God feeds us with the presence of Jesus Christ.
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, our duty and our joy, the we should at all times and in all places give thanks and praise to you, almighty an merciful God, through our Savior Jesus Christ; who on this day overcame death and the grave, and by his glorious resurrection opened to us the way of everlasting life. 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 pow’r and God of might,
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna, hosanna in the highest.
Hosanna, 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.
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
Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God, who has come to save you.
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 – “Emmanuel”
Emmanuel, Emmanuel, his name is called “Emmanuel”:
God with us, revealed in us, his name is called “Emmanuel”.
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
Faithful God, in this meal you have remembered your mercy, bringing heaven to earth in the body and blood of Christ. As we wait for the day when all your promises will be fulfilled, sustain us and strengthen us by this holy mystery. Guide us toward your promised future, coming to birth in Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord. Amen.
SENDING
God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world.
BLESSING
God the eternal Word, who dwells with us in Jesus, and who holds us in the grace of the Holy Spirit, bless you now and forever.
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. God 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.