“The soil produces crops by itself; first the blade, then the head, then the mature grain in the head.  But when the crop permits, he immediately puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come” (Mark 4:28-29).

The Lord is growing in each one of us what He is growing.  In our hurried world filled with the expectation of instant results, we often think in terms of instant fixes.  The Lord is growing in us the image of the Son.  He will plant the necessary seeds and take us through this season growing and maturing us.  The Lord is the author and finisher of our faith.  It is the Lord alone who does this.

Lord, You know the anxiety I have in this age.   Guide me away from this anxiety to rest in You.  You will grow in me what You will grow.  It will take the time You have allotted.  It will go the way it goes.  Help me to learn how to trust You above all of the circumstances of this age so that I do not become anxious or sinfully think that You have abandoned me.  Be the One who leads me all the days of this life.

Lord Jesus, You have spoken these words, which give clear understanding for all who are willing to take in Your wisdom.  Help me to not get in Your way with my own ideas or feelings.  Instead, lead me into the life which You have given me.  Guide me on the narrow path which leads to salvation.  Help me to understand that You are and must be the One who grows the seeds You have planted in me, for You alone are and must be the author and finisher of my faith.  Amen.

“And He was saying, “The kingdom of God is like a man who casts seed upon the soil; and he goes to bed at night and gets up by day, and the seed sprouts and grows – how, he himself does not know” (Mark 4:26-27).

Who grows all things?  We say we do, but it is the Lord who causes every seed to sprout or not sprout.  He has created all things, even the smallest seed.  He has written the code into our DNA.  He has ordered all things.  We think we’re smart, but we know very little.  The Lord of all offers His hand of salvation that we, who look at the world dimly, may come to the place where we see clearly as we have always clearly been seen by Him.

Lord, like Job, I argue about my circumstances and believe the garbage that others tell me about my situation and circumstances.  You have promised that there is purpose for all things.  You are constantly planting the seed of Your word into my heart.  Guide me so that I humbly walk in the way You would have me walk.  Guide me upon the paths of righteousness according to Your will and for Your name’s sake.

Come, Holy Spirit, and till the soil of my heart.  Remove what is unclean and plant the good seed of Your Word into my heart.  Lead me according to the Father’s purpose in every aspect of my life.  Guide the footsteps ahead of me and my actions to help me now and always to humbly walk in the way of Jesus.  According to Your mercy, lead me forward in the way of salvation in the mystery of faith itself.  Amen.

“For whoever has, to him more shall be given; and whoever does not have, even what he has shall be taken away from him” (Mark 4:25).

We are materialistic in our humanity.  It is tempting to see these things in terms of physical blessing and curse, but do not forget that the only thing we take with us into eternity is our character.  To the one who pursues righteousness, even more will be given.  To the one who rejects salvation, even what they have, it shall be taken.  We either become like Christ, or like the devil, and move into abject poverty of the soul.

Lord, I cling to the things of this world.  Help me to cling to You.  Pour into me the riches of the wealth of Your word.  Guide me to live into the wisdom You offer.  Aid me to see that it is not the blessings of the physical world that matter, but the truth of Your provision.  You created me for a purpose and You alone knows where that will lead.  Lead me on in Your purpose that it may be fulfilled in this life You have given me.

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for making my journey out of the poverty of this age into the riches of eternity possible by Your grace.  Lead me to know more clearly where I am fumbling and stalled by the cares of this world.  Through You alone do I breathe, live, and have my being.  Help me to continue the path You have set before me so that I may grow in Your likeness to become what You are making of me.  Amen.

“If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.”  And He was saying to them, “Take care what you listen to. By your standard of measure it will be measured to you; and more will be given you besides” (Mark 4:23-24).

Know that there are many ideas and thoughts that go around.  Be careful what you receive and take care with what you reject.  The Holy Spirit will guide you, but you must be willing to be led by the Lord of Life in order to know what to take in and what to reject.  As you learn and grow, it will be measured not by your progress, but by your willingness to seek the righteousness of the LORD.

I know that this world is filled with hatred and wickedness, Lord, so help me to know what is right.  Heal my deafness so that I hear what You would have me hear.  Make me deaf to the wickedness of this age so that I understand what it is, knowing that it is contrary to Your word.  Through all things, grant that I live in Your grace, knowing that I too have and will make my share of sinful mistakes.

Lord Jesus, only You are able to navigate through all of the lies of this age.  Grow in me Your Spirit so that I am able to discern truth.  I cannot remove myself from this world – although You will eventually when it is my time to sleep – so grant me wisdom and hearing so that I hear Your word of truth and reject all of the lies that swirl around me.  Grant me a gracious heart that see things for what they are and the truth that You love everyone, even those who are spewing lies.  Amen.

“And He was saying to them, “A lamp is not brought to be put under a basket, is it, or under a bed? Is it not brought to be put on the lampstand?  For nothing is hidden, except to be revealed; nor has anything been secret, but that it would come to light” (Mark 4:21-22).

We live in a world of shadows.  The wicked scheme and think that their deeds are hidden.  The Light of the world shines and we hear that there is nothing that will not be revealed.  How much wickedness of the past, once hidden, has been revealed so that we might understand what has happened?  We are told that, in the end, none of the wickedness will remain hidden.  Live knowing that all is transparent.

Lord, help me to understand.  Help me to live life such that I know all things are visible to You.  Guide me to not plot, as the wicked do, but to seek to do Your will.  Guide me, Lord Jesus, so that I am not afraid, but also that I do not try to hide things.  Lead me to have a heart that reaches out to others in order to show the light of Your love through my life.  Take me from where I am to where I need to be.

Lord Jesus, You have spoken in clear and understandable words.  I can do nothing about those who do wickedness, but I can stand firm in the light of Your revelation and reflect Your word in me to others.  Help me so that I live into the life You have given me in faith.  Lead me to understand these things and reflect them through all that I say and do.  Guide me now and always, knowing that all things are visible to You.  Amen.

“And those are the ones on whom seed was sown on the good soil; and they hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold” (Mark 4:20).

This is a logical and easily understood principle.  Those willing receive the word of the Lord and that seed grows inside to bear fruit.  Sadly, those who do not receive the word do not understand and, hearing the same word, have nothing happen to them.  The word must be received and then it will grow and produce what the Lord intends.  We need to be receptive.  Or to be blunt, surrender.

Lord, just because I sit and listen, and the words fly by, does not mean that I am taking these words in and receiving them.  Help me to resist the evil words of this age and receive Your words of truth.  Too often, I suspect, it is the other way round, and I reject You while being fed by wickedness.  Change is needed.  The good must go in and the evil must be deflected and only You know truly which is which.

Lord Jesus, You have told me that if I abide in You, knowing that You abide in me, I will bear fruit.  Make me good soil so that I am receptive to Your word and watch as it takes root and grows in me that which the Father desires.  Till the ground of my soul and help me to be receptive.  Guard my soul so that I am sensitive to the wickedness that is all around me.  Help me to bear good fruit for Your kingdom.  Amen.

“And others are the ones on whom seed was sown among the thorns; these are the ones who have heard the word, but the worries of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful” (Mark 4:18-19).

We all want what we want.  We are driven by as many motives as there are people in this world.  It is sinful anarchy.  Too many things are able to choke out the faith which we have been given unless we surrender to the Lord knowing that He is who must be the author and finisher of our faith.  The Lord will raise up those who are born in the mire of this world to bear fruit befitting the kingdom of God.

Lord, You know where I fall short.  You know the places where the temptations of this world get in the way of my living the life which You have given me through faith.  I am conditional, but Your love is unconditional.  Guide me so that I do not settle for the things of this world which are perishing.  Lead me instead to live into the life of faith which You have grown in me.

Lord Jesus, I sometimes act as if these are platitudes for others and they do not apply to me.  Lead me out of the doldrums of this life into the new life which You have given me.  Guide me along the narrow path so that Your word of truth grows in me, bearing fruit for Your kingdom.  Lord, let me not watch what is growing, or even how much anything grows, but look to You, the Word made flesh, knowing that You will guide me into all truth.  Amen.

Prayers and Hymns, December 25, 2025: Christmas Day, the Nativity of Our Lord

ALL: Isaiah 52:7-10 (How beautiful the feet of messengers who announce, ‘Your God reigns;’ the

            ends of the earth shall see his salvation)

SOLA/LSB: Psalm 2 (You are my Son; today have I begotten you; you shall rule the nations)

            RCL/ELW: Psalm 98

ALL: Hebrews 1:1-12 (The Son, the perfect image of God, far higher than angels)

SOLA/LSB: John 1:1-18 (In the beginning was the Word…)

            RCL/ELW: John 1:1-14 (Omits “law came through Moses, grace, truth through Jesus”)

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Opening Hymn: Angels, From the Realms of Glory: LBW #50, ELW #275, LSB #367

Hymn of Praise: Hark, the Herald Angels Sing: LBW #60, ELW #270, LSB #380

Gradual Hymn: Rejoice, Rejoice, This Happy Morn: LBW #43, LSB #391

OR From Heaven Above to Earth I Come, selected verses (use a couple for each end of Gospel procession!): LBW #51, ELW #268, LSB #358

Hymn of the Day: Of the Father’s Love Begotten: LBW #42, ELW #295, LSB #384

Offertory Hymn: In the Bleak Midwinter: ELW #294

OR What Child is This: LBW #40, ELW #296, LSB #370

Communion Hymn #1: ‘Twas in the Moon of Wintertime: LBW #72, ELW #284

Communion Hymn #2: The First Noel: LBW #56, ELW #300

Closing Hymn: Go Tell it on the Mountain: LBW #70, ELW #290, LSB #388

*******

Let us pray that Jesus brings light, salvation, and peace to the church, the world, and all people.

A brief silence

O Word made flesh, who dwells among us, bless the Church with a glimpse of your glory. Let it worship with the angels’ adoration, the bliss of Mother Mary, the quiet goodness of Joseph, and the reverence of the shepherds. Give it words to proclaim your glory and love, especially to those who do not know you. Through its witness, unite the world in the song first sung at your birth: “Glory to God in the highest, and peace to his people on earth!”

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

You are higher than every angel, and yet you are pleased to dwell in our midst. Bless this congregation with joyful hearts, fervent worship, eager witness, loving service, and kindly fellowship. In all we say and do, let us bear witness to you, our Savior and our God.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

O Prince of Peace, protect and bless your persecuted servants, especially during this holy season. Turn their suffering for the sake of your Name into great joy. Transform their tormentors into heralds of your undeserved mercy.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Even the feet of your servants are beautiful when they run to announce your love to those who don’t know or trust your existence, power, or goodness. Bless, therefore, all missionaries of the Gospel of Peace; all Christian relief organizations; every soup kitchen, homeless shelter, assisted living facility, and hospice; and every herald of your Kingdom who gladdens the hearts of those who sit in darkness and sorrow.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Born a Child, you are the King of all nations, and their Lord. Conform the rulers of this world to your glorious and gentle rule. Teach them to do your will, love justice and mercy, walk humbly with you and be a blessing to the people entrusted to their care.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

You are the heaven-born Prince of Peace. But in this sinful world, violence troubles your people even on Christmas morning. Let your holy angels shield and direct the words and actions of everyone whose work is difficult and dangerous. Give their loved ones “tidings of comfort and joy,” and homecomings that are filled with solace, healing, and peace.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

O Sun of Righteousness, arise with healing in your wings and bestow the glorious light of your salvation upon all who sit in the darkness of suffering and the shadow of death. Restore them to life and hope. Encourage all who care for them. Let the great good news of your birth among us adorn their suffering with unconquerable joy.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

In you, dear Jesus, we see the eternal love of your Father’s heart, and the eternal glory of his Kingdom. And so we pray: Be near us, Lord Jesus, we ask you to stay close by us forever, and love us always. Bless all the dear children in your tender care, and fit us for heaven, to live with you there.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Hear and mercifully grant us, dear Lord, all that we ask that conforms to your good and perfect will for us, for your Name’s sake. AMEN.

“In a similar way these are the ones on whom seed was sown on the rocky places, who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy; and they have no firm root in themselves, but are only temporary; then, when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately they fall away” (Mark 4:16-17).

All you or I need to do is look around and this is what we see.  Many have gone to church, and now no longer go to church.  The game is becoming more apparent.  As long as I get what I want, I’ll be a part of it, but as soon as things change, I’m out of here.  We see a great deal of this in our day.  People are not bonded to one another, let alone the Lord.  It is a free-for-all in our world.  Give and take but take more than you give: this is the world’s message.

I love Your word, O Lord.  Then I go into the world and forget what You have said.  Much of Your word has fallen off of me.  Or maybe I do not love Your word.  Create in me a new and clean heart.  What I am able to do in this world begins with You.  The comfort of habit is easily shattered.  Your word rooted in me may be cut to the ground, but the roots are still there.

Lord Jesus, teach me through Your word.  You have given me the words of everlasting life.  This world gives me words of temporary comfort or pleasure.  Take me from where I am to where I need to be so that I may live into the life for which You died.  Help me to see the simple reality of this as I live my daily life in order that I would grow in this faith You have given me to become more like You.  Amen.   

Prayers and Hymns, December 24, 2025: Christmas Eve, the Nativity of Our Lord

ALL: Isaiah 9:2-7 (For Unto us a child is born)

ALL: Psalm 96 (Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name)

ALL: Titus 2:11-14 (God’s salvation has appeared in Jesus, training us to live godly lives)

ALL: Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) (The story of Jesus’ birth)

+++++++++++++++++++++++++

Opening Hymn: O Come, All Ye Faithful: LBW #45, ELW #283, LSB #379

Hymn of Praise: Hark, the Herald Angels Sing: LBW #60, ELW #270, LSB #380

Gradual Hymn: From Heaven Above to Earth I Come, selected verses (use a couple for each end of Gospel procession!)

LBW #51, ELW #268, LSB #358

OR Jesus, What a Wonderful Child: ELW #297

Hymn of the Day: Let All Together Praise Our God: (Break out the trumpets and horns

                and timpani, please!!) LBW #47, ELW #287, LSB #389

OR Good Christian Friends, Rejoice: LBW #55, ELW #288

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

Communion Hymns: Use as many as needed for your circumstance

Communion Hymn #1: I Am So Glad Each Christmas Eve: LBW #69, ELW #271

Communion Hymn #2:  Away in a Manger: LBW #67, ELW #277, 278; LSB #364, 365

Communion Hymn #3: It Came Upon the Midnight Clear: LBW #54, ELW #282; LSB #366

Communion Hymn #4: Angels We Have Heard on High: LBW #71, ELW #289; LSB #368

Communion Hymn #5:  O Little Town of Bethlehem: LBW #41, ELW #279; LSB #361

Candle-Lighting Hymn: Silent Night: LBW #65, ELW #281; LSB #363

Closing Hymn: Joy to the World: LBW #39, ELW #267; LSB #387

*******

Let us pray that Jesus brings light, salvation, and peace to the church, the world, and all people.

A brief silence

Lord Jesus, we come to your cradle with joy and wonder! We adore you for your loving-kindness. We thank you for making yourself small and meek, so we can approach you without fear. Thank you, dear Savior. Accept our hearts as our loving gift.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Make the Church your holy manger. Bless it with your dear presence, your great goodness, and your holy love. Like herald angels, let it always announce your mercy and favor to all who receive you into their hearts and lives.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Make this congregation a Bethlehem stable. Give us joyful souls, eager to adore and announce your precious Name. Give us generous hearts, so that we see and welcome you, hidden in the least of your sisters and brothers. Give us tireless hands and feet, so we may hurry to share your great love with those who need it most.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O Prince of Peace, protect and bless your persecuted servants, especially during this season of light. Turn their suffering for the sake of your Name into great joy. Transform their tormentors into heralds of your undeserved mercy.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Little Lord Jesus, bless all the dear children who most need your tender care. Keep them safe from every danger. Give childlike faith to everyone who doubts your existence or despairs of your forgiveness.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Born a Child, you are the King of the nations, and their Lord. Conform our rulers to your glorious and gentle rule. Teach them to do your will, to love justice and mercy, to walk humbly with you, and to be a blessing to the people entrusted to their care.

Lord, in your mercy, our prayer.

Angels sang of peace and good will at your birth. Yet violence still troubles your people, even on this holy night. Let your angels protect and direct all whose work is difficult and dangerous. Bring justice and mercy to places of discord and chaos, and grant us your peace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O Sun of Righteousness, arise with healing in your wings. Shine the light of your salvation on all who sit in the darkness of suffering and the shadow of death. Restore them to life and hope. Encourage all who care for them. Let the good news of your birth among us adorn their suffering with unconquerable joy.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Be near us, Lord Jesus, we ask you to stay close by us forever, and love us always. Bless all the dear children in your tender care, and fit us for heaven, to live with you there.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear and mercifully answer our prayers, dear Lord, according to the favor you bear for your people. Amen.