December 1, 2024: 1st Sunday of Advent
Jeremiah 33:14-16 (The righteous branch of David will spring up)
Psalm 25:1-10 (Be mindful of your mercy, instruct sinners in your way, do not let enemies exult)
1 Thessalonians 3:8-13 (The Lord make you abound in love, and strengthen hearts in holiness
that you may be blameless at the coming of Jesus)
Luke 21:25-36 (The Son of Man comes; heaven and earth will pass away, but not my words)
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Opening Hymn: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel: LBW #34, ELW #257, LSB #357
OR When Morning Gilds the Skies: LBW #546, ELW #853, LSB #807
Hymn of the Day: Jesus, Your/Thy Blood and Righteousness (Trust me on this, it works. Play it as a lively lilt, not a tiresome dirge!): LBW #302, LSB #563
OR Savior of the Nations, Come: LBW #28, ELW #263, LSB #332
Communion Hymn #1: LBW#22, The Advent of Our God (LSB #331, The Advent of Our King)
OR Where Charity and Love Prevail (goes with Epistle): LBW #126, ELW #359, LSB #845
Communion Hymn #2: People, Look East: WOV #626, ELW #248
OR Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah: WOV #630, ELW #240
Closing Hymn: The Clouds of Judgment Gather: LBW #322, LSB #513 (a much more upbeat hymn than the first line indicates. If the tune is tough, sing it to “Aurelia,” aka “The Church’s One Foundation.” Or use what LSB uses- “Llangloffan,” a sturdy Welsh tune.)
OR The King Shall Come When Morning Dawns: LBW #33, ELW #260, LSB #348
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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
How precious is your love, dear Father, and how vast your mercy! You made promises to Israel, and through them, to the world. In Jesus, your promises find their Yes. Prepare our hearts for his threefold coming among us: As the Babe of Bethlehem, veiled in human flesh. As Head of the Church, veiled in word and sacrament. And as King of the universe, veiled only in robes of light and love, the glorious Yes who fulfills your ancient promises, and our heart’s desire.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Fill your Church with your Holy Spirit, so it may instruct sinners in your way. Strengthen it in holiness. Give it boldness to proclaim your eternal Word. Make it abound in love, especially when persecuted, so that its enemies do not exult, but instead repent and believe in the Good News.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for the Jews, the flesh and blood kindred of Jesus and our elder brothers and sisters in faith. Banish hatred of them from every heart. Unite us with them in faith toward you and fervent love for one another, under the glorious and gentle rule of the Messiah.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Adorn this congregation with faith, love, mercy, generosity, and holiness. Turn our hearts and hands to adorn with these gifts all who are suffering.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Teach us to live at peace with each other. Help seek your will, not our own. Let us use whatever power and authority we have for the common good. Give wisdom, integrity, and common sense to our elected and appointed leaders, and to all who risk their lives in defense of liberty, justice, health, and peace.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We plead on behalf of everyone who needs your merciful care and glorious deliverance – especially: {List}. Gladden their hearts, heal their bodies, and uphold their spirits with your own Holy Spirit. Surround them with the love and care of all who hold them dear.
Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Merciful Father, we entrust into your care our beloved dead. Comfort those whose grief runs deep. Revive our spirits, direct our days and our deeds in your peace, and make us abound in love and in every good work. Strengthen our hearts with the gift of your Spirit, so that we may be blameless at the coming of Jesus. And gather us, with all the redeemed, into your eternal Kingdom, where we shall rejoice in your goodness and righteousness forever.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
For all these things; for all we lift before you in the silence of our hearts; and for everything that you know we need, we pray in the name and power of our Lord Jesus Christ, and commend into your mighty and merciful hands.
Amen.
