December 31, 2023: 1^st Sunday after Christmas (White or gold)

Isaiah 61:10—62:3 (I will exult in God, who has clothed me with salvation;

Zion will shine with the vindication of God, and all nations will see it!)

Psalm 111 (God has sent redemption; the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom)

                (ELW: Psalm 148)

Galatians 4:4-7 (God sent his Son under the law, adopts us as children so we may say Abba)

Luke 2:22-40 (The Holy Family in the temple)

Opening hymn: Good Christian Friends, Rejoice: LBW #55, ELW #288

OR LSB #386, Now Sing We, Now Rejoice: (same tune as above, different lyrics)

OR O Sing of Christ: LSB #362 (easy English folk tune)

OR Cold December Flies Away: LBW #53, ELW #299

Hymn of Praise: Let All Together Praise Our God: LBW #47, ELW #287, LSB #389

Hymn of the Day: In His Temple Now Behold Him: LBW #184, ELW #417, LSB #519 (if LBW tune is unfamiliar sing this to Regent Square, #50, Angels from the Realms of Glory, which is the tune ELW uses. The LSB tune, “Westminster,” is a wonderful English melody used in WOV for “Christ is Made the Sure Foundation.” 3 nice choices.)     

Communion Hymn #1: What Child is This: LBW #40, LSB #370, ELW #296

Communion Hymn #2: Infant Holy, Infant Lowly: LBW #44, ELW #276, LSB #393

Closing Hymn: O Lord, Now Let Your Servant: LBW #339, ELW #313

OR Lord, Bid Your Servant Go In Peace: LSB #937

OR my hymn paraphrase of the Nunc Dimitis

(can be sung to “The Bells of Christmas Chime Once More” or to “From Heaven Above to Earth I Come”)

Lord, let your servant go in peace, your faithful Word you have fulfilled.

This Word made flesh I now embrace: the sure salvation you have willed!

With my own eyes I see the lamp of glory giv’n to Israel,

The light for nations lost; the peace that makes your wounded people well.

Glory and praise, blest Trinity, dear Father, Holy Spirit, Son,

Your light no darkness overtakes, while endless ages ever run!

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The Prayers

O come, let us adore Christ our Lord, and kneel before him with our prayers and supplications.

A brief silence

Father, we praise you for your Word made flesh, Jesus Christ our Savior. Let Jesus fill us with grace and truth, so that our joy may be complete.

Provide the Church with pastors, bishops, and theologians who teach and admonish your people in all wisdom. ^*17By the gift of your Spirit, let the Church’s every word and deed be in the name of the Lord Jesus, to your glory and for the good of all whom he came to save.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We pray for those who are persecuted for Jesus’ sake. They are your chosen ones, holy and beloved. Adorn them with compassion, meekness, and patience. Let the peace of Christ rule their hearts, so that their tormentors repent, and flee to the Savior for forgiveness.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Make this congregation a company of the upright. Help us to proclaim your mighty works of salvation. ^2Bind Bind us together in love and peace. Let our lives display your redeeming power. Use us to draw our neighbors, friends, and families to faith in your dear Son.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bless grandparents, parents, and all who share with our children the joy of knowing you. Let them cradle little ones in your love and goodness.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Give our earthly leaders the holy fear that is the beginning of wisdom. Help them to study your works and perform your precepts. Let faithfulness and uprightness, graciousness and mercy, guide those who take counsel for the nations. Bestow upon all peoples the blessings of food, shelter, health, honest work, justice, and peace.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Angels proclaimed peace and good will at Jesus’ birth. But many evils still trouble us. Shield and guide all who risk their lives on behalf of others. Prosper all they do that conforms to your will. Give their loved ones hope and patience. Bring healing and comfort to the wounded, and redemption to the fallen. Establish your peace among us all, so weapons of war may be shaped into instruments of your peace.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Be gracious and merciful to all whose lives are shadowed by suffering in this season of light, including: {List}. Let them see your salvation,³¹ dwell in your love, and glorify you, surrounded by all who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Dear Father, you have bestowed on our beloved dead the fullness of your salvation, and we commend them into your care. While we walk the pilgrim-path of life, let your dear Son’s Spirit dwell in us richly, filling us with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. For these are the gifts of Christmas that shall last forever.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Receive our prayers, dear Father, for the sake of your dear Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

THE PRAYERS, 

Christmas Eve, Cycle B (December 24, 2023)

Christmas Day (December 25, 2023)

The petitions are drawn from verses of several carols.

O come, let us adore Christ our Lord, and kneel before him with our prayers.

A brief silence

Jesus, Brother, we welcome you. Jesus, Friend, we delight in you. Jesus, King, we bow before you. Jesus, Savior, we thank you. Jesus, Lord, we adore you. Jesus, God, we worship you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing: enflesh yourself in your Church. Let its words “speak you,” the Living Word. Let its teaching be a star of hope, burning in the world’s darkness. Let its deeds of mercy draw many to kneel in awe and wonder before you, and there find life.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O loveliest blooming rose, adorn the suffering of your persecuted followers with the beauty of your goodness. Be their refuge and Lord. Gladden their hearts. Shine so brightly in their lives that their enemies turn to you in repentance and faith.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

O mighty king and gentle friend, draw near to this congregation. Let us love you as heaven’s gift and treasure. Caress us with your blessing. Let all we do help others to trust and worship you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O Jesus, our Emmanuel, you lay your glory aside “to raise each child of earth.” Bring light and life to those who do not know you or believe that you are God, veiled in human flesh. Give them eyes to see your divine love, and hearts to enthrone you as Lord, God, and King.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O Heaven-born Prince of Peace, reconcile all peoples, nations, races, and tribes under your glorious and gentle rule. Lift up all whose forms bend low beneath life’s crushing load. Free them from all that afflicts them. Make us all, from greatest to least, children of your light, and partakers of your peace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O Savior of our fallen race, bestow a measure of your peace to all who stand in harm’s way, protecting others, in this death-shadowed world. Renew their courage and purify their hearts. Use their labors to bring hope and healing in communities fractured by hatred and violence.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O Savior, child of Mary, you felt our human woe. Bring healing, peace, and hope to all who suffer and to all who mourn, even on this holy and joyful night. O Sun of Righteousness, rise upon them with healing in your wings!

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O Savior, King of Glory, you have triumphed over our ancient foes: sin, evil, and death. Thank you for your love, which guarded, guided, and kept our loved ones in your care until their life’s end. And now, Lord Jesus, dearest friend: Bring us at length to heaven and into your endless day. With all whom you have redeemed, let us praise, adore, and delight in you; for with your Father and the Holy Spirit, you live and reign forever and ever and unto the ages of ages.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Be near us, Lord Jesus; and hear when we pray. Stay by us forever and love us always. Bless all your dear children in your tender care. And fit us for heaven, to dwell with you there. AMEN.

December 24, 2023: Advent 4 (Blue or purple)

2 Samuel 7:1-11,16 (David won’t build God’s house; God promises David’s house will endure)

Luke 1:46b-55 (Magnificat) (ELW alternate: Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26)

Romans 16:25-27 (Mysteries long hidden now revealed; final blessing)

Luke 1:26-38 (Annunciation of Gabriel to Mary)

Opening hymn: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel: LBW #34, ELW #257, LSB #357

(if you didn’t use this the 1^st Sunday in Advent. Or, heck, even if you did!)

Hymn of the Day: My Soul Now Magnifies the Lord: LBW #180, ELW #573, LSB #934

OR I Will Greatly Rejoice in the Lord: LSB #929, Chanted Canticle

OR The Angel Gabriel From Heaven Came: WOV #632, ELW #265, LSB #356

Communion Hymn #1:, O Jesus So Sweet, O Jesus So Mild: LSB #546

OR O Little Town of Bethlehem: LBW #41, LSB #361, ELW #279

Communion Hymn #2:, Lo, How A Rose E’er Growing/Blooming: LBW #58, ELW #272, LSB #359 (ELW and LSB use the familiar words and harmonization)

Closing Hymn: Let Our Gladness Have No End: LBW #57, ELW #291, LSB #381

OR My Soul Proclaims Your Greatness: ELW #251

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THE PRAYERS

Based on the Great O-Antiphons, which are paraphrased in “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”

Let us come before the throne of grace with our prayers and petitions.

A brief silence

O come, O come, Emmanuel, that the Church, your people Israel, and the whole world may rejoice in the splendor of your appearing.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

O Wisdom, proceeding from the mouth of the Most High, fill the Church with your Spirit. Sustain and order its proclamation and its works of charity, especially in the presence of its enemies, according to your most holy will. Come, and teach us prudence.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

O Emmanuel, the ransom of your people Israel: deliver also your persecuted Church from torment. Keep it patient, faithful, and steadfast. Help us to honor their witness and provide for their needs. Turn their tormentors from their evil ways. Come; and teach them courage.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

O Adonai, ruler of the House of Israel, rule also in the hearts and lives of your people in this congregation. Give us your Word and show us your glory. Come; and make our hearts glad.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

O Bright and Morning Star, you gladden the hearts of those who sit in darkness. Shine upon all who are overwhelmed by grief, despair, doubt, anger, confusion, hatred, or unbelief. Come; and lead them into the brightness of your holy love.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

O King of the nations, the ruler they long for, unite all people under your glorious and gentle reign. Teach us those things that make for peace. Come and save us all, whom you formed out of clay.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

O Root of Jesse, you stand as an ensign before the peoples. Guard and guide all who stand in harm’s way in defense of justice and freedom. Come quickly, and deliver them.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

O Key of David, you open what no one can close; you close what no one can open. Free those imprisoned by the powers of sin, evil, and death, including {LIST}. Come, and close the path to misery.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

O Dayspring, splendor of life everlasting, keep safe in your mighty arms all those who died trusting in your promises. Come and enlighten us, who still sit in the shadow of death; and open wide our heavenly home.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Graciously answer our prayers for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit reigns, one God, now and forever. Amen.

December 17, 2023: Advent 3 (Blue, purple – or rose, if you can)

Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 (God has anointed me with his Spirit; clothed me with joy of his salvation)

Psalm 126 (God restored fortunes of Jerusalem; those who go out weeping come back rejoicing)

                (ELW: this, or Luke 1:46b-55, the Magnificat)

1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 (Rejoice; don’t quench Spirit; be holy)

John 1:6-8, 19-28 (John says who he isn’t, there’s one greater than he)

Opening hymn: Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers: LBW #25, ELW #244, LSB #515

Hymn of the Day: Hark! A Thrilling Voice is Sounding: LBW #37, ELW #246, LSB #345.  (The tune used in ELW and LSB is much superior to the LBW tune. Since the tune “Merton” isn’t in LBW, use “Omni Dei,” used for For the Bread Which You Have Broken)

Communion Hymn #1: Soul, Adorn Yourself with Gladness: LBW #224, LSB #636

Communion Hymn #2: Hail to the Lord’s Anointed: LBW #87, LSB #398

(Can also sing this hymn to tune of LBW #369, “The Church’s One Foundation. In fact, if you use it during communion, or have a congregation unfamiliar with the hymn, I’d recommend it.)

Closing Hymn: People, Look East: WOV #626, ELW #248

OR There’s a Voice in the Wilderness: ELW #255

OR, Hark, the Glad Sound!: LBW #35, LSB #349, ELW #239

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THE PRAYERS

Let us come before the throne of grace with our prayers and petitions.

A brief silence

O Lord, we long for your salvation; make haste and help us. Come quickly with blessing and comfort for your people, O strong Deliverer of Israel and the Redeemer of the world.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Clothe your Church with the joy of your salvation. Cover it with the righteousness of Christ. Adorn it with the jewels of your Word and Sacraments. Through it, let the poor hear the Good News, the sorrowful find comfort, and captives to sin and death experience your salvation.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Restore the fortunes of Christians who are persecuted for confessing Jesus as Lord. Turn their weeping into rejoicing. Cause those who hate them to repent and believe in the Good News.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Give this congregation faithful hearts; ears attentive to your Word; eyes which see the needs of others; hands skilled in building up the body of Christ; and lips swift to pray, forgive, and encourage.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Guide and strengthen our seminarians and all considering your call to serve the Church. Make them faithful, true, and bold. Let them find joy in your service.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Fill our earthly rulers with your Spirit. Make them love justice and hate evil. Use them to repair lives and cities ruined by violence. Direct their words and their deeds in your truth. Establish your peace among the nations. Make each of us into trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, bearing fruit to your glory, and for the building up of your people.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Until  the coming of your great and acceptable day, please direct and protect the good people who risk their lives for the sake of justice, liberty, and safety. Help them do your will even in dire circumstances. Heal and raise them when they falter. Reunite them with loved ones when their task is done.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Grant your healing to the brokenhearted and to all who suffer in body, mind, or spirit, including {LIST}. Give them beauty instead of ashes; the oil of joy instead of mourning; and the garment of praise instead of the spirit of heaviness. Strengthen all who care for them. Give them, and us, your everlasting love.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Most holy Father, we entrust to your care our beloved dead. Thank you for their lives. Thank you for making them, and us, into a royal priesthood and holy nation, your children, and the portion whom you have blessed. Bring us into holy Zion, where with all the redeemed, we shall be adorned as a bride for our Bridegroom, your Lamb who takes away the sins of the whole world, Jesus our Lord.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Graciously answer our prayers for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit reigns, one God, now and forever. Amen.

December 10, 2023: Advent 2 (Blue or purple)

Isaiah 40:1-11 (Comfort my people; prepare way of the Lord; here is your God,

                who feeds his flock like a shepherd)

Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 (righteousness and peace kiss)

2 Peter 3:8-15a (1000 years like a day; end comes suddenly; live in righteousness, peace until He comes)

Mark 1:1-8 (John the Baptist announces One who is greater than he)

Opening hymn: Comfort, Comfort Now My People: LBW #29, ELW #256, LSB #347

Hymn of the Day:, On Jordan’s Banks the Baptist’s Cry: LBW #26, ELW #249, LSB #344

Communion Hymn #1:, O God, Our Help in Ages Past: LBW #320, ELW #632, LSB #733

OR Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah: WOV #630, ELW #240

Communion Hymn #2: The Advent of Our God/King: LBW #22, LSB #331

OR Come Now, O Prince of Peace: ELW #247

Closing Hymn: Prepare the Royal Highway: LBW #26, ELW #264, LSB #343

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THE PRAYERS

Let us come before the throne of grace with our prayers and petitions.

A brief silence

O Lord, we long for your salvation; make haste and help us. Come quickly with blessing and comfort for your people, O strong Deliverer of Israel and the Redeemer of the world.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Prepare your Church for the coming of your Son. From valleys of lukewarm worship and half-hearted service, raise it to heights of praise and love. Level mountains of false teaching and self-importance. Lead it along level pathways of faithfulness and humility, so that many come to faith in Jesus.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Be merciful to our persecuted brothers and sisters who confess Christ in the presence of their enemies. Make their witness shine in the world’s darkest places. Prepare the hearts of their tormentors to receive the truth of the Gospel.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Prepare the people of this congregation for the coming of our Savior. Help us to lift up the humble, bring low our self-centered ways, and make level paths for leading people to Jesus. Bless everyone learning discipleship, discerning a call to ministry, or teaching and mentoring the faithful.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Prepare the hearts of our children for the coming of their dear Savior. Protect and bless them. Help us teach them to love Jesus and to trust him always.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Prepare the world for the coming of its King. Equip our earthly leaders to raise our eyes beyond all that divides and discourages us. Level the mountains of prejudice and hatred throughout the world. And guide all people in pathways of righteousness and peace.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Prepare the hearts of first responders and military personnel for the coming of the King of Peace. Raise up every righteous deed. Level mountains of suspicion and misunderstanding. Lead those we pray for along level pathways to safety and loved ones.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Prepare the hearts of those who suffer for the coming of Christ, the Great Physician. We lift before you the needs of: {LIST}. Raise them up from sickness and sorrow. Lay low the mountains of pain. By your Son’s gentle hand, lead them and their loved ones along level pathways into health and hope.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the lives of all who died trusting in your promises. Make us trust your Son’s promise to come again as Judge and Redeemer. Come, Lord Jesus, and lift us out of doubt, despair, and death! Come, Lord Jesus, and lay low the mountain of our sin! Come, Lord Jesus, and lead us on a level road into your Father’s house!

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Graciously answer our prayers for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit reigns, one God, now and forever. Amen.

December 3, 2023: Advent 1 (Blue or purple)

Isaiah 64:1-9 (tear open heavens and come; we are clay; do not be angry forever)

Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 (stir up your might and come; do not be angry forever)

1 Corinthians 1:3–9 (God strengths you; wait for Christ to be revealed)

Mark 13:24-37 (stay alert; lesson of fig tree; parable: master comes unexpectedly)

                OR Mark 11:1-10 (Jesus enters Jerusalem on a donkey)

Opening hymn: The King Shall Come: LBW #33, ELW #260, LSB #348

Or my “Advent hymn” (sung to the same tune)

With glory bright and heavenly peace, come quickly, Lord, again.

With judgment true the earth renew; the gates of life unpen.

God, Father, glory gilds your name; we worship and adore,

We bless and praise, our thanks we raise; your mercy we implore.

O glorious Sun of righteousness, bring healing on your wing.

By your dear grace, reveal your face, unbar our hearts to sing:

Sing, “Glory be to you, O Lord; to you, O Christ, be praise,

God’s Lamb of love from heav’n above, Redeemer of our race.”

Most glorious Spirit, Holy Lord, conform us to the Son,

To rightly praise through all our days what he for us has done.

O glory to the Father, Son, and Spirit ever be!

God, bring your life amidst our strife; Lord Jesus, come quickly.

Hymn of the Day: O Lord, How Shall I Meet You: LBW #23, ELW #241, LSB #355

(if the tune is unfamiliar, use the tune for “All Glory, Laud and Honor,” especially if the Palm Sunday processional gospel is used today. However, the words are also great for Isaiah text and Psalm)

OR O Come, O Come, Emmanuel: LBW #34, ELW #257, LSB #357

Communion Hymn #1: Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus: LBW #30, ELW #254, LSB #338

Communion Hymn #2: My Lord, What a Morning: WOV #627, ELW #438, LSB #986

Closing Hymn: Savior of the Nations, Come: LBW #28, ELW #263 LSB #332

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THE PRAYERS

Let us come before the throne of grace with our prayers and petitions.

A brief silence

Holy God, we long for your salvation; make haste and help us. Come quickly to your people, O strong Deliverer of Israel and Redeemer of the world.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Tear open the heavens and adorn your Church with holiness, compassion, and faithfulness. Fill it with hope as it awaits the coming of your Son in power and great glory.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Tear open the heavens and grant strength and faith to your persecuted servants. Fill them with steadfast hope. Give the grace of repentance to their enemies, and draw all people to yourself.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Tear open the heavens and anoint this congregation with your Holy Spirit. Make us generous in sharing the grace given to us in Christ. Use us to lift the heads and cheer the hearts of neighbors in need. Help us lead them to the cradle of Jesus their Savior.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Tear open the heavens, O Lord, and grant wisdom and prudence to the leaders of all nations. Make them good stewards of authority and power. Bless this land with peace, prosperity, and justice. Teach us all to care for one another until your Son comes as our great Lord of might.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Tear open the heavens, O Lord, and give courage and prudence to all who stand in harm’s way to protect the innocent. Grant healing to the wounded; patience and hope to their loved ones; and honor to their service and sacrifice.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Tear open the heavens, O Lord, and lift up the hearts of all who suffer, including: {List}. Bring them comfort and healing. Give their caretakers patience and compassion. Bestow on them the presence of your Son, the Dayspring who puts death’s shadows to flight.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Tear open the heavens, O Lord; and visit your people with salvation. We give you thanks for the lives of all whom you have given victory over the grave. Disperse the clouds of gloom and grief that overshadow us. Lead us to our heavenly home, opened to us by the Key of David, your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Graciously answer our prayers for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit reigns, one God, now and forever. Amen.

“And I saw the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies, assembled to make war against Him who sat on the horse, and against His army” (Revelation 19:19).

Even knowing that all is lost, wickedness would rather fight to the end rather than confess the truth.  We have seen this with nations who act wickedly.  They would not stop until all was lost.  This sinful rebellion is in us all.  We would rather be destroyed than to admit that we were wrong.  Many of the troubles in our world, even amongst those who call themselves Christians begins at this point.

Lord, I do have a stubborn streak that runs deep in me.  I do resist simply repenting, confessing, and moving on in the right direction.  Guide me Lord so that I may not live the way of this world but clearly see the Gospel way which leads me in repentance to live as You have directed us to live.  I do not want to be with the armies of the wicked, but on the narrow path that leads to righteousness.

Come, Holy Spirit, and set me to the task of living out my Christianity this day.  You are within me, and I ask that You lead me.  You know where my stubbornness gets in the way.  You know where I need to repent.  Lead me, Lord, so that I may humbly submit to what is right and good.  Guide me to be led by You where You will lead me this day.  Help me to willingly go where You lead and do what You ask.  Amen.