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 1st 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.
