Third Sunday of Advent
December 17, 2023
Scripture Texts: Isaiah 61:1–4, 8–11; Psalm 126; 1 Thessalonians 5:16–24; John 1:6–8, 19–28
Sermon: Dreamers
Join us at 10:30am for our service of worship featuring readings from the Holy Scripture, the Lord's Supper, sacred music, a chat with our children, and a message from the Bible about incredible good news.
Online Crossword based on today's readings
Third Sunday of Advent
Order of Worship
Download today's bulletin PDF for the entire order of worship and more.
Let us pray for the whole people of God in Christ Jesus, and for all people according to their needs.
You, Jesus, are the long-awaited Anointed One. You are מָשִׁיחַ, the Χριστός, the Christ who proclaims good news to the poor, who heals the brokenhearted, and frees the imprisoned. Lest we think of these things in merely human and political terms, show us how we are poor in spirit, that in not fearing, loving and trusting you with our whole hearts, these hearts of our are weak and failing , and that you have redeemed us from bondage to sin and death, and have released us from sure imprisonment with the damned. We offer you thanksgiving for clothing us with the garments of salvation and covering us with Christ’s own robe of righteousness. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Like Zechariah, Nicodemus, and even Mary, we ask, “How can these things be?” How can it be that sinners like us can be saved? How is it that we are being brought back from captivity into the promised land? How can this dead flesh be born again? It seems like a dream: too good to be true. Yet, it is true because your word is true. You have done great things for us, Lord—astonishing things. Make us glad for Christ’s sake. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Help us rejoice always with thanksgiving in all circumstances. Help us cling to what is good and refrain from evil. Sanctify us completely, God, that we may be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen! Come quickly, Lord Jesus. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Prepare a royal highway in our hearts, Holy Spirit. Make us ready for this celebration of the Son’s birth. Pave a straight and level way for him, that we might have real hope of salvation and peace. Prepare this same road in the hearts of all who suffer and mourn among us, so that they too may have peace, especially in this coming season. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Into your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy — through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Visitor Info
Though we livestream our services, we invite you to join us for an in-person service if you live in the area or are passing though. St. Paul's features traditional worship and a message grounded in the Scriptures and guided by the Lutheran Confessions — all in a friendly, multigenerational environment. Holy Communion is celebrated each Sunday.
Please notice that we welcome and encourage children to worship with us. Just before the sermon, Pastor Ryman has a chat with the children. You're going to love this part of the service.
Giving
You may give an offering online, using this secure link. If you do not have an account with Tithely, it will take a few minutes to set that up. If you need help, please call the church office at 704-633-0922. Please note that a small, typical percentage is retained by Tithely.
You may also mail offerings to:
St. Paul's Lutheran Church
205 St. Paul's Church Road
Salisbury, NC 28146
License
Streaming License: Licensee: St. Paul's Lutheran Church 205 St Paul Church Rd Salisbury, NC 28146 Term: Dec 22, 2021 - Dec 22, 2022 Average Weekly Attendance: 1 - 199 License #: 14408 URL: stpaulslutheran.church GRANT OF LICENSE. St. Paul's Lutheran Church is granted a non-exclusive, non-transferable license during the term of the agreement to publicly play, perform, and transmit via the website noted above, any musical composition controlled by one or more of the domestic Performing Rights Organizations (ASCAP, BMI and SESAC),as stated in the CCS WORSHIPcast License Terms and Conditions.
Performance License: Licensee: St. Paul's Lutheran Church 205 St Paul Church Rd Salisbury, NC 28146 Term: Dec 22, 2021 - Dec 22, 2022 Average Weekly Attendance: 1 - 199 License #: 14408 GRANT OF LICENSE. St. Paul's Lutheran Church is granted a non-exclusive, non-transferable license during the term of the agreement to publicly play and perform in any of the Licensee’s facilities within the United States any musical composition controlled by one or more of the domestic Performing Rights Organizations (ASCAP,BMI and SESAC), as stated in the CCS PERFORMmusic License Terms and Conditions.
CCLI License # 11395633