St. Matthew Lutheran Church

Sunday, December 6, 2020 – recording

Second Sunday of Advent

Prelude: Meditation on Divinum Mysterium  

Welcome and Announcements

Gathering Hymn: “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus” LBW # 30, vs 1 - 2

Confession & Forgiveness

Greeting & Kyrie

Canticle of Praise: “Glory to God…”

Prayer of the Day

First Reading, Isaiah 40:1-11

Psalm # 85

Second Reading, 2 Peter 3:8-14

Holy Gospel, Mark 1:1-8

Sermon

Hymn of the Day: “My Faith Looks Up to Thee” – LBW # 479, vs 1 - 4

Nicene Creed

Prayers of the Church

The Lord’s Prayer

Blessing

Dismissal

Sending Hymn: “Comfort, Comfort, Now My People” - LBW # 29, vs 1 – 3

Postlude: Voluntary on Freu Dich Sehr”

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Service Supplement

(Congregational responses are in bold print)

The community of faith comes together in worship to praise God and be nurtured by His Word and Sacrament. As the prelude begins, prepare to worship, use opportunities during the service to practice silence, to focus upon God, and to offer prayer.

 

Prelude                                              Meditation on Divinum Mysterium

 

Welcome and Announcements           Pastor John

 

Gathering Hymn “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus” LBW # 30, vs 1 - 2

Come, thou long-expected Jesus, Born to set thy people free; From our fears and sins release us; Let us find our rest in thee. Israel's strength and consolation, Hope of all the earth thou art, Dear desire of ev'ry nation, Joy of ev'ry longing heart.

 

Born thy people to deliver, Born a child, and yet a king; Born to reign in us forever, Now thy gracious kingdom bring. By thine own eternal Spirit Rule in all our hearts alone; By thine all-sufficient merit Raise us to thy glorious throne.

 

Confession & Forgiveness                 (Pastor)      

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

 

Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you and worthily magnify your holy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. But if we confess our sins, God who is faithful and just will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

 

Most merciful God, we confess that we are in bondage to sin and cannot free ourselves. We have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. For the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us, so that we may delight in your will and walk in your ways, to the glory of your holy name. Amen.

 

Almighty God, in his mercy, has given his Son to die for us and, for his sake, forgives us all our sins. As a called and ordained minister of the Church of Christ, and by his authority, I therefore declare to you the entire forgiveness of all your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

 

Greeting                                            (Pastor)               

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. And also with you.

 

Kyrie                                                (Worship Assistant)

In peace, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy. For the peace from above, and for our salvation, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy. For the peace of the whole world, for the well-being of the church of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy. For this holy house, and for all who offer here their worship and praise, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy. Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord. Amen.

 

Canticle of Praise  “Glory to God…” (Worship Assistant)        

Glory to God in the highest, and peace to God’s people on earth. Lord God, heavenly King, almighty God and Father, we worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory. Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world: have mercy on us; you are seated at the right hand of the Father: receive our prayer. For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

 

Prayer of the Day                               (Pastor)

Let us pray…Stir up our hearts, O Lord, to make ready the way of your only-begotten Son, that by his coming we may be enabled to serve you with pure minds; through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

 

First Reading:   Isaiah 40:1-11                 (Worship Assistant)        

The Lord called to the prophet to comfort his people who were to be exiled far from home. Though they strayed from the Lord’s fold and angered him greatly, God would not forsake them or leave them without a source of comfort and hope.

 

1Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. 2Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins. 3A voice cries: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. 4Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. 5And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” 6A voice says, “Cry!” And I said, “What shall I cry?” All flesh is grass, and all its beauty is like the flower of the field. 7The grass withers, the flower fades when the breath of the Lord blows on it; surely the people are grass. 8The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever. 9Go on up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good news; lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good news; lift it up, fear not; say to the cities of Judah, “Behold your God!” 10Behold, the Lord God comes with might, and his arm rules for him; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him. 11He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young. This is the word of the Lord, thanks be to God.

 

Psalm: Psalm # 85 - read responsively     (Worship Assistant)

The psalmist spoke about God’s change of heart in regard to his adulterous and faithless people saying, “You withdrew all your wrath; you turned from your hot anger.” Confidently the psalmist proclaimed that God’s faithfulness would prevail to save the people from their sins as righteousness would come together with peace.

 

You have been gracious to your land, O Lord, you have restored the good fortune of Jacob.

You have forgiven the iniquity of your people and blotted out all their sins.

You have withdrawn all your fury and turned yourself from your wrathful indignation.

Restore us then, O God our Savior; let your anger depart from us.

Will you be displeased with us forever? will you prolong your anger from age to age?

Will you not give us life again, that your people may rejoice in you?

Show us your mercy, O Lord, and grant us your salvation.

I will listen to what the Lord God is saying, for he is speaking peace to his faithful people and to those who turn their hearts to him.

Truly, his salvation is very near to those who fear him, that his glory may dwell in our land.

Mercy and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.

Truth shall spring up from the earth, and righteousness shall look down from heaven.

The Lord will indeed grant prosperity, and our land will yield its increase.

Righteousness shall go before him, and peace shall be a pathway for his feet.

 

Second Reading: 2 Peter 3:8-14          (Worship Assistant)  

Peter reminded believers that the end would certainly come, even though it seemed like forever since Christ was with them. To God, the apostle said, a thousand years is just one day, and one day is as a thousand years. Human time and God’s time are two completely different things. Because of that, the faithful are not to fear - we will not be forsaken by the One who transcends time and place.

 

8Do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 10But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. 11Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, 12waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn! 13But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. 14Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace. This is the Word of God, word of life, thanks be to God.

 

Holy Gospel: Mark 1:1-8                    (Pastor)

The Holy Gospel according to St. Mark, the 1st Chapter. Glory to you, O Lord.

 

As the prophet Isaiah foretold, John the Baptist came crying out in the wilderness urging people to prepare the way of the Lord and to make his paths straight. The forerunner to Christ urged the people to repent so their hearts would be ready to receive the Messiah. We, too, are called to turn from sin and turn toward Jesus.

 

1The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 2As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, “Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way, 3the voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,’” 4John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 6Now John was clothed with camel’s hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey. 7And he preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” This is the gospel of the Lord, praise to you, O Christ.

 

Sermon                                             Pastor John

 

Hymn of the Day  “My Faith Looks Up to Thee”  LBW # 479 vs. 1 - 4

My faith looks up to thee, Thou Lamb of Calvary, Savior divine! Now hear me while I pray, Take all my guilt away, Oh, let me from this day Be wholly thine!

 

May thy rich grace impart Strength to my fainting heart, My zeal inspire; As thou hast died for me, Oh, may my love to thee Pure, warm, and changeless be, A living fire!

 

While life’s dark maze I tread And griefs around me spread, Be thou my guide; Bid darkness turn to day, Wipe sorrow’s tears away, Nor let me ever stray From thee aside.

 

When ends life’s transient dream, When death’s cold, sullen stream Shall o'er me roll; Blest Savior, then, in love Fear and distrust remove; Oh, bear me safe above, A ransomed soul!

 

Nicene Creed                                              

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

 

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father; through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven; by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the virgin Mary, and was made man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.

 

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

 

Prayers of the Church                        (Worship Assistant)

(P): Walking in the light of the coming Savior, let us pray for the church, the world, and all who await God’s justice. A brief silence.

          (W): God of all comfort, strengthen all those who are weary and suffering that they might be renewed by your Holy Word. Guide your church to speak words of grace, mercy, and hope into a world wracked with pain and angst. Help us to trust that your Word endures forever and can be relied upon for the truth. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

          (W): Holy Father, as winter months bring colder temperatures in many parts of the world, work through your faithful people to care for those who are without adequate shelter. You are our dwelling place in all generations, and we trust that you will provide shelter for the homeless, warmth for the cold, and food for the hungry. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

          (W): Creator God, all things wither and perish, but you are the source of life even out of death. Remind those who sit in deepest gloom and despair that they are not beyond the reach of your love. Speak your word of hope and reconciliation to those people in your world who abide in dark valleys of division, despair, and tyranny. Bring all people to the light of your joyous peace.  Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

(W): Faithful God, you called John to prepare the way for Jesus, and you call each of us to do the same. Be with all the baptized, that we would continue to be strengthened through Word and Sacrament, attend to our relationship with you, and be bold in our proclamation of your saving love and desire for all people to know you. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

(P): Into your hands, gracious God, we commend all for who we pray, trusting in your steadfast love and faithfulness, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

 

The Lord’s Prayer                   

Let us pray the prayer our Savior taught us…Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.

 

Blessing                                            (Pastor)

The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord’s face shine on you with grace and mercy. The Lord look upon you with favor and give you peace. Amen.

 

Dismissal                                          (Worship Assistant)

Go in peace. Christ is with you. Thanks be to God.

 

Sending Hymn “Comfort, Comfort, Now My People” LBW # 29, vs 1 – 3

“Comfort, comfort now my people; Tell of peace!” So says our God. Comfort those who sit in darkness Mourning under sorrow’s load. To God's people now proclaim That God's pardon waits for them! Tell them that their war is over; God will reign in peace forever!

 

For the herald’s voice is crying In the desert far and near, Calling us to true repentance, Since the Kingdom now is here. Oh, that warning cry obey! Now prepare for God a way! Let the valleys rise to meet him, And the hills bow to greet him!

 

Straight shall be what long was crooked, And the rougher places plain! Let your hearts be true and humble, As befits his holy reign! For the glory of the Lord Now on earth is shed abroad, And all flesh shall see the token That God's word is never broken.  

 

Postlude                                             Voluntary on Freu Dich Sehr”