Fourth Sunday in 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.

Our Immanuel and Lord over all creation, strengthen our faith and the faith of your church all over the world, that they may await in fervent hope your coming again in glory. Grant your churches everywhere endurance and a renewed energy to preach the gospel, to tell of your story to everyone, especially among those who do not know you. Grant your people — all those who belong to you — patience, gentleness, and abounding joy as we celebrate together your coming to the world, to offer salvation to all who believe in your holy name. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Everlasting Father, we give you thanks for your word which has been fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Grant us a heartfelt desire to study it often, to be reminded that you keep your covenants and promises forever. Help us so that we would not seek to put you to the test, but to follow and trust you, even in times of great distress and amid confusion. Make us humble and merciful to our neighbor, that you would be glorified in those whom you have called to be your saints. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Almighty God, we lift up all those we hold close in our hearts — our family, our friends, and particularly those currently experiencing hardship, be it emotional distress, mental anguish, or physical ailments. We humbly ask that you surround them in your divine comfort in their time of need. Pour out your grace among them, through visitors, sacrament, and your word, that they would know the nearness of your kingdom and find peace. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, we pray for everyone affected by persecution and daily violence around the world. Help us and guide us to serve those impacted and the most vulnerable, that they may find true peace and security in you. We also pray for all first responders and those you have called to protect and serve your people. Grant them wisdom and patience, but most importantly, keep them safe from harm in all they do. 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

Teaching

Open or download this week's preview of the lessons. We send this to our homebound with a bulletin each week and thought you might like to have a copy as well. You may read it online or print it out. It includes prayers, brief teaching on each of the four lessons for Sunday, an overview, and an additional Word Search based on the Gospel Lesson. 

Vespers Tonight

Join us for Vespers this evening in the parsonage (across the street from the church) at 6:00. We will be eating and laughing, singing and praying, and reading and discussing the readings for the Fourth Sunday of Advent: Genesis 3:8–15; Revelation 12:1–10; John 3:16–21.