December 19, 2021: 4^th Sunday of Advent

Micah 5:2-5a: (From Bethlehem comes the mighty Shepherd who will feed his flock)

Psalm 80:1-7: (Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel! You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine! Stir up your might! Restore us; let your face shine, that we may be saved.

 Hebrews 10:5-10: (Christ comes to do God’s will and sanctify us by his offering)

Luke 1:39-56: (Magnificat!)

 

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For the Church, the world, for one another, and for the sake of all people, let us pray to the Lord.

A brief silence

Dear Father, our hearts yearn for your peace, justice, mercy, and righteousness. Let them shine on our broken world and heal our sad divisions. You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, come quickly to save and heal us! Let us gaze upon the face of Jesus, and see in Him your mercy, salvation, and blessing.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Restore your Church, O God of hosts; let your face shine, that she may be saved. Fill her with your Holy Spirit. Through Word and Sacrament, bring Jesus to many who do not know him. Grant that your persecuted people, who have been fed the bread of tears because they bless the name of Jesus, may be filled with good things. Humble their tormentors, and lead them to repent of their evil.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 Bless our children, O God, and let your face shine, that they may be saved. Help us share with them a childlike wonder and delight in the gifts of peace, mercy and joy that you give us in your Son.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Restore our congregation, O God. Let your face shine, that we may be saved. Grant that through words and deeds, we may cause many hearts to leap with joy at the close approach of their Savior.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Restore your world, O God; let your face shine, that it may be saved. Cast down the haughty from their thrones. Raise up rulers who rejoice in doing your will. Shield from harm everyone who protects us from mayhem and terror. Fill all our hearts with humility and compassion, so that the poor and hungry may be filled with good things. Remember your promise of mercy, and establish your peace among all nations, kindred, families and tribes upon earth.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Restore all who are afflicted by pain, grief, fear or despair, O God. Let your face shine, that they might be saved.  We pray especially for {List}. Remove the cup of tears from their lips, and remember unto them your promise of mercy.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

 You have shone your face upon our beloved dead, O God, and have bestowed on them the fullness of your salvation. With gratitude and affection, we commend them into your care. Grant comfort to those who still eat the bread and drink the cup of tears. Feed them, and all of us, with those good things given by your beloved Son. As we approach the celebration of Jesus’ birth, fill us with heavenly joy and peace. Bring us, with cherubim and seraphim, with the hosts of heaven, with the blessed Mother of our Lord, with the countless throngs of prophets, apostles, martyrs, saints, and with your whole new creation, before your heavenly throne. There let us rejoice in your light and love, shining upon us in the face of your Son Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen.

 

“It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all” (1 Timothy 1:15).

The bottom line: Christ came to save sinners.  We all like sheep have gone astray.  We know that sin brings death.  Therefore, the Good News of the Gospel is that the Savior has come and that all who believe in Him will not perish but have everlasting life.

Lord, this is so simple and rolls off my tongue, yet the truth is that this shatters my illusions of goodness.  I am not good.  Only You are good.  Yet You did not create me evil, nor to remain in sin.  The Savior connects these two concepts so that I would be brought into Your goodness.  Put me on the path that leads to everlasting life, guiding me in Your goodness, mercy, and grace made possible through the salvation in Christ.

Lord Jesus, Lamb of God, Good Shepherd, You have come so that we may have life and have it abundantly.  Guide me, Lord, in the way of life that I may not rest in my own thoughts, but let Your thoughts become my thoughts, and Your ways my ways.  Lead me in the faith You have given me so that I would now and forever be in You and You in me.  Lead me into Your salvation, Lord Jesus!  Amen.