Created, saved and gifted by god, we seek, serve and share Jesus Christ.
Second Sunday of Advent
December 4, 2022 – 10:30 am
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
901 East Stroop Road
Kettering, OH 45429-4688
(937) 298-0136
Introduction
At the heart of our Advent preparation stands John the Baptist, who calls us to repent and make a new beginning. As the darkness increases we turn toward the light of Christ’s com- ing. For Christians he is the root of Jesse, the righteous judge who welcomes all, especially the poor and meek of the earth. We wait with hope for that day when the wolf will dwell with the lamb, and there will be no more hurt or destruction. From the Lord’s table we are sent in the spirit of John the Baptist to proclaim that in Christ the kingdom of God has come near.
An Impossible Vision?
Today’s image from the Old Testament reading of a world at peace—a peace so full and uni- versal that it extends to every living creature—may feel as comforting as it does unbelievable, at least by our logic (Isaiah 11:1-10). Wolves and lambs aren’t friends. Lions don’t eat straw. Children should not play with snakes. In the animal kingdom—and we are animals—there are predators and prey. Whether we take it literally or metaphorically, “Eat or be eaten” is how we’ve been taught to survive in the wilderness.
And yet here, on this wilderness morning, we hear the prophet telling us that it does not have to be this way—indeed, that it will not be this way forever. In the new world God is coming to bring, we won’t need to tear each other apart just to survive. Somehow we will be able to live together in peace.
No wonder that of all the ways God could have revealed the depths of holy love and brought reconciliation to the world, God chose to come as a little child, a child no one thought possible, a branch from a tree that was seemingly long dead.
Beholding this child moves us to repentance, turning us from all the ways we demonize and hurt each other, and calling us instead to offer peace. Rather than taking the bait set to keep us fighting, we come together to eat the bread and drink from the cup set at the Lord’s table.
In the new creation, our identity is no longer defined by our lineage or status, as those who came to be baptized by John imagined, or by being enemies, prey, or predator. Instead, in Christ’s baptismal waters we are given a new life as beloved kin. With God all things are pos- sible!
PRELUDE
GATHERING
The Holy Spirit calls us together as the people of God.
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”
Holy God, burning bush, now hear.
Come, O come, Emmanuel.
Holy God, Moses’ courage, hear.
Come, O come, Emmanuel.
Holy God, Miriam’s song, now hear.
Come, O come, Emmanuel.
Holy God, freeing captives, hear.
Come, O come, Emmanuel.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
shall come to you, O Israel.
Holy God, Prophets ever long.
Come, O come, Emmanuel.
Holy God, exiles waiting long.
Come, O come, Emmanuel.
Holy God, strife to peace shall be.
Come, O come, Emmanuel.
Holy God, earth made whole shall be.
Come, O come, Emmanuel.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
shall come to you, O Israel.
Holy God, swords to plows shall be.
Come, O come, Emmanuel.
Holy God, greed to grace shall be.
Come, O come, Emmanuel.
Holy God, strife to peace shall be.
Come, O come, Emmanuel.
earth made shole shall be.
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 our hearts,
Lord God, to prepare the way of your only Son. By his coming nurture our growth as people of repentance and peace; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
LIGHTING THE ADVENT WREATH
Praise to you, O God, who gives us courage to start again. You fasten righteousness around your waist and baptize with the Holy Spirit’s fire. Bless us as we mirror your mighty fire in these simple flames, and teach us to mirror your justice in the paths we prepare. We ask that peace abound, until none hurt or destroy over all the earth.
Amen.
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 bring salvation to Israel,
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.
WORD
God speaks to us in scripture reading, preaching, and song.
FIRST READING Isaiah 11:1-10
Isaiah describes the coming of a future, ideal ruler who will renew David’s royal line (the stump of Jesse). Gifted by the spirit of God, this ruler will reign with perfect justice. Enmity and danger will be restored to harmony and peaceful coexistence.
A reading from the book of Isaiah.
A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots.
The spirit of the LORD shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD.
His delight shall be in the fear of the LORD. He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide by what his ears hear;
but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked.
Righteousness shall be the belt around his waist, and faithfulness the belt around his loins.
The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them.
The cow and the bear shall graze, their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.
The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder’s den.
They will not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain; for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.
On that day the root of Jesse shall stand as a signal to the peoples; the nations shall inquire of him, and his dwelling shall be glorious.
Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.
SECOND READING Romans 15:4-13
God’s promise to include Gentiles within the circle of God’s blessed people has been fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Christians live out their unity by welcoming and encouraging each other just as Christ has welcomed them into God’s family.
A reading from Paul’s letter to Romans.
Whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of the truth of God in order that he might confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written,
“Therefore I will confess you among the Gentiles, and sing praises to your name”;
and again he says, “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people”;
and again, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples praise him”;
and again Isaiah says, “The root of Jesse shall come, the one who rises to rule the Gentiles; in him the Gentiles shall hope.”
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit
Word of God, word of life.
Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL Matthew 3:1-12
Just before Jesus begins his public ministry, John the Baptist appears, calling people to mend their ways and speaking of a powerful one who is to come.
The Holy Gospel according to Matthew.
Glory to you, O Lord.
In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said,
“The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.’ ”
Now John wore clothing of camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then the people of Jerusalem and all Judea were going out to him, and all the region along the Jordan, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.
But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit worthy of repentance. Do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our ancestor’; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
“I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and will gather his wheat into the granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”
The gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.
YOUTH MESSAGE
MESSAGE – Pr. Jaime Vannoy
HYMN OF THE DAY – “Comfort, Comfort Now My People
“Comfort, comfort now my people;
tell of peace!” So says our God.
Comfort those who sit in darkness
mourning under sorrow’s load.
To God’s people now proclaim
that God’s pardon waits for them!
Tell them that their war is over;
God will reign in peace forever.
For the herald’s voice is crying
in the desert far and near,
calling us to true repentance,
since the reign of God is here.
Oh, that warning cry obey!
Now prepare for God a way.
Valleys, rise to greet the Savior;
hills, bow down in humble favor.
Straight shall be what long was crooked,
and the rougher places plain.
Let your hearts be true and humble,
as befits God’s holy reign.
For the glory of the Lord
now on earth is shed abroad,
and all flesh shall see the token
that God’s word is never broken.
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.
OFFERING
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 – “Come Now, O Prince of Peace”
Come now, O Prince of peace, make us one body.
Come, O Lord Jesus, reconcile your people.
Come now, O God of love, make us one body.
Come, O Lord Jesus, reconcile your people.
Come now and set us free, O God, our Savior.
Come, O Lord Jesus, reconcile all nations.
Come, Hope of unity, make us one body.
Come, O Lord Jesus, reconcile all nations.
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 – “Prepare Ye the Way”
Prepare ye the way,
Prepare ye the way of the Lord.
Prepare ye the way,
Prepare ye the way of the Lord.
Prepare ye the way,
Prepare ye the way of the Lord.
Prepare ye the way,
Prepare ye the way of the Lord.
Yeshua, You reign on high,
You reign on high.
Almighty God, Your love is like no other.
Yeshua, You reign on high,
You reign on high.
Almighty God, Your love is like no other.
Prepare ye the way,
Prepare ye the way of the Lord.
Prepare ye the way,
Prepare ye the way of the Lord.
Yeshua, You reign on high,
You reign on high.
Almighty God, Your love is like no other.
Yeshua, You reign on high,
You reign on high.
Almighty God, Your love is like no other.
Your love is like no other. Yeah!
Prepare ye the way,
Prepare ye the way of the Lord.
Prepare ye the way,
Prepare ye the way of the Lord.
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
“Come, Emmanuel”
Words: adapt by Tony Alonso and Gabe Huck
Music: based on VENI, VENI EMMANUEL; arr. by Tony Alonso © 2005 GIA Publications, Inc.
All rights reserved. Reprinted under license A-723735.
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.