The Nativity of our Lord

Transcription

1 CHRISTMAS EVE DECEMBER 24, 2017 The Nativity of our Lord On a long winter evening we gather to proclaim the coming of the light. Isaiah announces that the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. Paul reminds us that the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all. In the familiar account of Christ s birth, the evening sky is bright with the heavenly host singing, Glory to God in the highest. Amid our broken world we proclaim that the Prince of peace is born among us. God comes to us in human flesh in Christ s body and blood so that we may be bearers of divine light to all the world. 10:45 A.M. Traditional Worship Advent Lutheran Church Murfreesboro, TN

2 Welcome to Advent Lutheran Church We are a community of faith that expresses itself through the views of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. We strive to live out God s grace by worshiping God, sharing time together in fellowship, and reaching out to our neighbors. We have a place for you here in the mission and ministry of Advent Lutheran Church. We welcome to the Lord s Table all who believe that the crucified and risen Christ is present in this meal. At the table of our Lord Jesus Christ, God nourishes faith, forgives sin, and calls us to be witnesses to the Gospel. 2 Vision Statement God s purpose for Advent Lutheran Church is to welcome and accept all people, discover the path God has chosen for each of us, and develop our faith through a closer walk with Him. We d like to get to know you! Holy Communion is offered to all who believe that Christ is present in this meal. We Invite You to join us for any of the activities listed in the announcements in the back. All are welcome! Everyone is asked to sign the attendance pads as they are passed down each pew. VISITORS Please leave your contact information so we can follow-up with you. And again, welcome to Advent LC!!! Pastor s Message Merry Christmas! As stated in our worship resource, Sundays & Season, Seasonal Essays for Christmas, we know that: the Christmas season is part of a larger unit, one that emphasizes the multitude of ways that God is made known to all of creation. In Advent it was through joyful expectation and hope, pointing to God s revelation in Christ in past, present, and future. The Christmas season continues to center on God s revelation but as it happened through the incarnation. Although the season lasts only twelve days, its impact is profound. Eugene Peterson said that Christmas is like God moving into the neighborhood. God enters our humanity and is present with us. The impact of the incarnation (God in the flesh) is indeed profound, for in the incarnation, we have joined the history of God s redemption for all humankind. That s right! You and me, both. We are joined into the Good News for all the earth! Know that God has entered our darkness and calls us forth to embrace the light of the world and to be a light FOR the world. Peace, Pr. Michael Jannett

3 3 GATHER + PRELUDE WELCOME / ANNOUNCEMENTS CENTERING SONG Of the Father s Love Begotten Instrumental music CHRISTMAS DIALOG P: Jesus Christ is the Light of the world! C: He is the Light no darkness can overcome. P: At darkest night we gather to celebrate the great light of our salvation. C: With the heavenly host we sing, "Glory to God in the highest heaven." P: In Christ, God's Word is made flesh and lives among us. C: With the shepherds, we will tell of the wonders we have seen and heard. Stand CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS Blessed be the holy Trinity, one God, who shines in glory, clothes us in compassion, and bears gifts of mercy for all. Amen Let us confess our sins with confidence in God s promise of forgiveness. Silence for reflection and self-examination. God, wonderful counselor, we confess that we have turned from your gifts and chosen our own way. We have not made room for you in our hearts or in our world. We have lived in fear; we have not welcomed the stranger; we desire gifts that will not endure. Forgive us our sins, known and unknown, and open us to receive the peace of Jesus dwelling in and among us. Amen. God s lovingkindness has appeared to us in Christ our Savior. We are saved, not by anything we have done, but by God s mercy poured out on us richly. In the name of Jesus Christ, your sins are forgiven. Through the Spirit living in you, God give you faith to trust Jesus, who is Love born for you, now and always. Amen.

4 4 GATHERING HYMN O Come, All Ye Faithful ELW 283 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

5 Let us pray Almighty God, you made this holy night shine with the brightness of the true Light. Grant that here on earth we may walk in the light of Jesus presence and in the last day wake to the brightness of his glory; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. Sit + WORD + FIRST READING: Isaiah 9:2-7 This poem promises deliverance from Assyrian oppression, a hope based on the birth of a royal child with a name full of promise. While Judah s king will practice justice and righteousness, the real basis for faith lies in God s passion for the people: The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this! 2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness on them light has shined. 3 You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. 4 For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. 5 For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. 6 For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. Word of God, word of life. Thanks be to God. 5

6 6 PSALM: Psalm 96 1 Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth. 2 Sing to the LORD, bless the name of the LORD; proclaim God s salvation from day to day. 3 Declare God s glory a- mong the nations and God s wonders a- mong all peoples. 4 For great is the LORD and greatly to be praised, more to be feared than all gods. R 5 As for all the gods of the nations, they are but idols; but you, O LORD, have made the heavens. 6 Majesty and magnificence are in your presence; power and splendor are in your sanctuary. 7 Ascribe to the LORD, you families of the peoples, ascribe to the LORD hon- or and power. 8 Ascribe to the LORD the honor due the holy name; bring offerings and enter the courts of the LORD. 9 Worship the LORD in the beau- ty of holiness; tremble before the LORD, all the earth. 10 Tell it out among the nations: The LORD is king! The one who made the world so firm that it cannot be moved will judge the peo- ples with equity. 11 Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea thunder and all that is in it; let the field be joyful and all that is therein. 12 Then shall all the trees of the wood shout for joy at your com- ing, O LORD, for you come to judge the earth. 13 You will judge the world with righteousness and the peoples with your truth. SECOND READING: Titus 2:11-14 The appearance of God s grace in Jesus Christ brings salvation for all humanity. Consequently, in the present we live wisely and justly while also anticipating the hope of our Savior s final appearance.

7 11 The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, 12 training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. 14 He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds. Word of God, word of life. Thanks be to God. Stand GOSPEL PROCESSIONAL The Word is brought into the midst of the people as we process to the center aisle with the Bible God s Word lifted high. Hymn Let Us All Together Praise Our God ELW 287 Vs 1&2 7

8 GOSPEL: Luke 2:1-14 [15-20] God s greatest gift comes as a baby in a manger. Angels announce the good news of great joy and proclaim God s blessing of peace. The Holy Gospel according to Luke. Glory to you, O Lord. 1 In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 All went to their own towns to be registered. 4 Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. 5 He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. 8 In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid; for see I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11 to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors! [ 15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us. 16 So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. 17 When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.] The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ. GOSPEL PROCESSIONAL The Bible is returned to the pulpit. Hymn Let Us All Together Praise Our God ELW 287 Vs 3&4 Sit CHILDREN S SERMON (7:30pm) 8

9 9 Please be sure everyone on your row has had an opportunity to sign the attendance book. Thank you. SERMON Stand HYMN OF THE DAY Angels We Have Heard on High ELW 289

10 10 NICENE CREED page 104 We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father; through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary and became truly human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son,* who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen. PEACE The peace of Christ be with you always. And also with you. The ministers and congregation may greet one another in the name of the Lord. Peace be with you.

11 11 Sit + MEAL + OFFERING ANTHEM Stand Carol of the Birds OFFERING SONG Angels from the Realms of Glory ELW 275 OFFERING PRAYER Let us pray. Holy God, your beauty shines forth from the manger and your love flows from the cross. As you gather us around these signs of your love come among us, warm us to extend your care among the hungry and all in need. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. GREAT THANKSGIVING

12 12 Dialog The presiding minister greets the assembly and invites all present to give thanks Preface It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks and praise... we praise your name and join their unending hymn: Holy, Holy, Holy

13 13 Thanksgiving at the Table (we hear an account of salvation history) LORD S PRAYER Lord, remember us in your kingdom, and teach us to pray 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 PRESIDING MINISTER Come to the table where Christ meets you. Eat, rejoice, and be glad! Thanks be to God. Sit COMMUNION When giving the bread and cup, the communion ministers say The body of Christ, given for you. The blood of Christ, shed for you. and each person may respond Amen. MUSIC DURING THE DISTRIBUTION OF COMMUNION EE BACK OF

14 14 Lamb of God Good Christian Friends, Rejoice ELW 288

15 15 I Am So Glad Each Christmas Eve ELW 271 Stand POST-COMMUNION BLESSING May the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in His grace. Amen. PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION Let us pray. God of wonder, in Jesus we behold the light of the world come near. As you have come among us now, send us out in joy, hastening to share the good news of your love. We ask this in the name of Jesus, through the Spirit dwelling among us now and forever. Amen BENEDICTION The Lord Bless You and Keep You Advent LC Choir + SEND + In the Beginning An interlaced reading of portions of Genesis 1 and John 1 The minister lights a candle from an altar candle, which symbolizes Christ, the Light of the

16 world of whom John's gospel and Genesis speaks. The ushers light their candles from the minister's candle, then light the candle of each worshiper nearest the aisle. The lighted candle is never tilted, but is always held upright when giving light to another. In the beginning was the Word, When God began to create the heavens and the earth and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. the earth was without shape or form and shadows covered the face of the deep while a spirit from God swept over the face of the waters. The Word was with God in the beginning. Everything came into being through the Word, and without the Word nothing came into being. God said, Let there be light ; and there was light. What came into being through him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines through the shadows, and the shadows do not overcome it. And God saw that the light was good. The true light, which shines on all people, was coming into the world. The light came to his own people, and his own people didn t welcome him. But those who did welcome him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become God s children, born not from blood or from human desire or passion, but born from God. Then God said, Let us make humanity in our image to resemble us so that they may take charge of the fish of the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the earth, and all the crawling things on earth. So God created humanity in God s own image, in the divine image God created them; male and female God created them. The Word became flesh and made his home among us. We have seen his glory, glory like that of a father s only son, full of grace and truth God saw everything he had made, and indeed it was supremely good. From the fullness of the Word made flesh we have all received grace upon grace. 16 HYMN OF LIGHT Silent Night, Holy Night! ELW 281

17 17 BENEDICTION The Lord Bless You and Keep You Advent LC Choir BLESSING God the Creator who delights in you, Jesus the Savior who is born for you, and the lifegiving Spirit who shines on you, bless you and keep you in hope and peace. Amen. Candles may now be extinguished. SENDING HYMN Joy to the World ELW 267

18 18 Children are welcome to play a percussion instrument from the front pew during our sending song! DISMISSAL Go in peace. Share the joy of Christ. Thanks be to God.

19 New Disciples Classes New disciples classes will start on Sunday, January 27 th at 9:45 am (between services) and will focus on UP IN OUT our faith, and how Advent Lutheran Church works within the ELCA, Murfreesboro and beyond. These classes run for 4 weeks with the Receiving of New Disciples on February 24. For more information, call the church office New Small Group Forming Are you interested in your faith formation? Would like to talk and have conversation about PR Michael verbiage L.Y.F.E L.Y.F.E. (Lutheran Youth for Everyone) High School & Middle School youth & their friends are welcome! The Youth Group meets every month on the 3 rd Sunday of the month at the church (unless otherwise noted) at 3:03pm. Wednesday Bible Study Each week, on Wednesdays, there is Bible Study which meets at Advent in the Parlor (across from the library) from 10:30-11:30 am. We will gather to discuss the upcoming Sunday Gospel reading. After bible study, lunch is at a local restaurant. All are welcome. Bible Study will resume on January 9th, after the holidays. Theology on Tap meets once a month on the 3 rd Tuesday of the 6:30pm at Puckett s Gro. & Restaurant. A topic is picked by Pastor Michael to discuss during dinner or a beer. Come and enjoy good conversation, food & fellowship!

20 Young Retirees This group is for anyone retired or close to retirement age (but all are welcome). They meet on the 3 rd Saturday, of the 11:30 am at a local restaurant. Inbetweeners This group is for anyone too old for college but too young to retire (but all are welcome). They meet on the 3 rd Saturday, of the usually in the evening. Locations vary. 20 The Book Club meets on Mondays, at 11:00 am in the Parlor. The book for January is: Lilac Girls By Martha Hall Kelly Following our discussion, we gather in the Fellowship Hall for lunch, so bring a brown bag lunch -- dessert is provided! All are welcome, even if you have not read the book! Come and join us for good conversation and fellowship! Upcoming books we will discuss: February 2019 Titanic Love Story By June McCash March 2009 The Serpent King By jeff Zentner Partners in Ministry: Here are just some of Advent s community partners: Are there more??? Murfreesboro Cold Patrol Murfreesboro Loves Boro Pride For more information about Advent Lutheran Church please visit our website: TheAdventChurch.com

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23 The Poinsettias gracing the sanctuary are given to the glory of God in memory, in honor or in joy of the following David & Konnie Anderson Catherine Burnette Jessica & Austin Carter Allen & Shirley Cruea Karen & Eric Diring Gary, Amy, Brenna & Hagen Ellis Jonathan & Eva Evans Pati Ferrie Amy Richardson & Frank Giannitti Bob & Angie Haston Donald & Anna Dean Heiney Chris & Heinz Kokemueller The Lively Family Leigh Ann Maxwell Theresa Molgren Jerry & Regina Neitzel Jack Nelson The Olsen Family Ernie & Pauline Perefege Jeff Pulford Barbara Silk Gladys Sneed Inge Troster Given in Joy of our Grandchildren: Brooke & Sophia Ison, and Nehemiah, Judson, Caedmon, Luke, Boaz & Adie Anderson Given in Memory of Logan & Audrey Brothers, Larry Brothers and Frances Burnette Given in Memory of Arlen Carter Given in Memory of Mr & Mrs Helmer Carlson; Mr & Mrs LeRoy Cruea Sr.; Ken Fletcher; Michael Cruea; Bonnie Church and Eriest Jordan, and in Honor of our Daughter & Son-In-Law Heather & Scott and Grandchildren Jeffrey Scott, Hope Marie, Andrew, Carson & Edward Given in Memory of John W. Bergmann Given in Memory of Judy Elllis, our Mother and Grandmother Given in Memory of our Loved Ones who have passed and in Joy of our Children, Glen & Zoe Given in Joy of Melanee & Max Given to the Glory of God, in Memory of Family & Friends and in Joy of Grandchildren Given in Memory of our Parents and in Joy of our Children Given in Memory of our Parents, Ruby & Kenneth Morton and Beryl & Edward Heiney and in Honor of Children & Grandchildren, Karen & Chris; Aubrey & Aiden; Kenneth & Heather; Jeffrey, Hope & Ace Given in Honor of our Children & Grandchildren Given in Memory of Marilyn Cichalewski and in Joy of our Daughters Given in Memory of Robert & June Lawwell, Parents Given in Memory of Jerry Molgren and Russell Deloney Given in Honor of our Grandkids - Zach, Grant, Anniston, Morgan, Emily & Cohen and our Kids - Tiffani, Scott, Rhonda, Elisha, Melissa & Eric Given in Memory of Willard & Willa Nelson Given in Memory of Grandpa Alvin Olsen Given in Memory of Loved Ones Given in Memory of Julie Pulford (Mom), Tom Pulford (Grandpa) and in Honor of Military & Law in Enforcement Given in Memory of Cynthia Silk Wich Given in Memory of Lavy and Loved ones and in Joy of Family Given in Memory of Neika Troster 23

24 24 WORSHIP ASSISTANTS ASSISTING MINISTER Christmas Eve - December 24 5:30pm 7:30pm 10:30pm Ali Clark Judy Williams READER Ali Clark Lynn Andrews Lynn Andrews COMMUNION ASSISTANTS USHERS GREETERS ACOLYTE ALTAR CARE Gregg Killian Bob & Angie Haston Rodriguez Family & Amanda Nowlin Gregg Killian Lynn Andrews Lori Sultzer Lori Sultzer Theresa Mulgren Catherine Burnett Leigh Ann Maxwell Leigh Ann Maxwell CANTOR X Ellen Francis Kelly Jannett OFFERING Catherine Burnett X X COUNTERS Leigh Ann Maxwell CHURCH STAFF Pastor Michael Jannett ~ Lead Pastor ~ Pastor@TheAdventChurch.com Debra Boland ~ Office Administrator ~ Office@TheAdventChurch.com Kelly Jannett ~ Choir Director ~ Kelly@TheAdventChurch.com Troy Yost ~ Band Leader ~ Troy@TheAdventChurch.com Ali Clark ~ Youth Leader ~ Ali@TheAdventChurch.com Gretchen Person ~ Organist ~ GretchenPerson@gmail.com Nikki Spence & Cameron Oldham ~ Nursery Attendants Office Phone: Follow us: Copyright 2018 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #SAS 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. + Revised Common Lectionary, Copyright 1992 Consultation on Common Texts, admin Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission. Psalm tone reproduced from Psalter for Worship Year C 2006 Augsburg Fortress. May be reproduced by permission for local use only.