ORDER OF WORSHIP
First Sunday of Christmas
January 1, 2023
+ GATHERING +
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
PRELUDE
CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
All may make the sign of the cross, the sign that is marked at baptism, as the presiding minister begins.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
God of all mercy and consolation, come to the help of your people, turning us from our sin to live for you alone. Give us the power of your Holy Spirit that we may confess our sin, receive your forgiveness, and grow into the fullness of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Amen.
Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another.
Most merciful God,
We confess that we are captive 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.
In the mercy of almighty God, Jesus Christ was given to die for us, and for his sake God 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.
GATHERING HYMN
Love Has Come
ELW 292
Love has come—a light in the darkness!
Love shines forth in the Bethlehem skies.
See, all heaven has come to proclaim it;
hear how their song of joy arises:
Love! Love! Born unto you, a Savior!
Love! Love! Glory to God on high.
Love is born! Come, share in the wonder.
Love is God now asleep in the hay.
See the glow in the eyes of his mother;
what is the name her heart is saying?
Love! Love! Love is the name she whispers;
Love! Love! Jesus, Immanuel.
Love has come and never will leave us!
Love is life everlasting and free.
Love is Jesus within and among us.
Love is the peace our hearts are seeking.
Love! Love! Love is the gift of Christmas;
Love! Love! Praise to you, God on high!
GREETING
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.
HYMN OF PRAISE
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 upon us;
you are seated at the right hand of the Father,
receive our prayer.
For you alone are the Holy oOne,
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
Let us pray.
O Lord God, you know that we cannot place our trust in our own powers. As you protected the infant Jesus, so defend us and all the needy from harm and adversity, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever
Amen.
+ WORD +
FIRST READING: Isaiah 63:7--9
God does not delegate divine intervention to a messenger or angel. God’s own presence brings salvation. The prophet and all who read these words join in celebrating God’s gracious deeds. God trusts that God’s people will not act falsely.
7I will recount the gracious deeds of the LORD,
the praiseworthy acts of the LORD,
because of all that the LORD has done for us,
and the great favor to the house of Israel
that he has shown them according to his mercy,
according to the abundance of his steadfast love.
8For he said, "Surely they are my people,
children who will not deal falsely";
and he became their savior
9in all their distress.
It was no messenger or angel
but his presence that saved them;
in his love and in his pity he redeemed them;
he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Psalm 148 (sung responsively by whole verse)
1Hallelujah! Praise the Lord| from the heavens;
praise God | in the heights.
2Praise the Lord, | all you angels;
sing praise, all you | hosts of heaven.
Praise the Lord, | sun and moon;
sing praise, all you | shining stars.
Praise the Lord, heav- | en of heavens,
and you waters a- | bove the heavens.
Let them praise the name | of the Lord,
who commanded, and they | were created,
who made them stand fast forev- | er and ever,
giving them a law that shall not | pass away.
Praise the Lord| from the earth,
you sea monsters | and all deeps;
fire and hail, | snow and fog,
tempestuous wind, do- | ing God’s will;
mountains | and all hills,
fruit trees | and all cedars;
wild beasts | and all cattle,
creeping things and | flying birds;
sovereigns of the earth | and all peoples,
princes and all rulers | of the world;
young | men and maidens,
old and | young together.
Let them praise the name | of the Lord,
whose name only is exalted, whose splendor is over | earth and heaven.
The Lord has raised up strength for the people and praise for
all | faithful servants,
the children of Israel, a people who are near the Lord. | Hallelujah!
SECOND READING: Hebrews 2:10-18
Through Jesus’ suffering and death, the trail to eternal salvation has been blazed for us. We do not fear death, because he has conquered the power of death. Thus Christ, our merciful and faithful high priest, has the final say over the destiny of our lives.
"I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters,
in the midst of the congregation I will praise you."
13And again,
"I will put my trust in him."
And again,
"Here am I and the children whom God has given me."
14Since, therefore, the children share flesh and blood, he himself likewise shared the same things, so that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by the fear of death. 16For it is clear that he did not come to help angels, but the descendants of Abraham. 17Therefore he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people. 18Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.
Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION ELW 289
Angels, we have heard on high,
sweetly singing o’er the plains,
and the mountains in reply,
echoing their joyous strains.
GOSPEL: Matthew 2:13-23
In a dream, Joseph is warned to flee to Egypt to protect the infant Jesus from the jealousy of Herod.
The holy gospel according to Matthew.
Glory to you, O Lord.
13Now after [the wise men] had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him." 14Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt, 15and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet, "Out of Egypt I have called my son."
16When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, he was infuriated, and he sent and killed all the children in and around Bethlehem who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had learned from the wise men. 17Then was fulfilled what had been spoken through the prophet Jeremiah:
18"A voice was heard in Ramah,
wailing and loud lamentation,
Rachel weeping for her children;
she refused to be consoled, because they are no more."
19When Herod died, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, 20Get up, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who were seeking the child's life are dead. 21Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. 22But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And after being warned in a dream, he went away to the district of Galilee. 23There he made his home in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled, "He will be called a Nazorean."
The gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.
GOSPEL RESPONSE
Come to Bethlehem and see
him whose birth the angels sing;
come, adore on bended knee
Christ the Lord, the newborn king.
SERMON
HYMN OF THE DAY
Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming
ELW 272
Lo, how a rose e'er blooming
from tender stem hath sprung!
Of Jesse's lineage coming
as seers of old have sung,
it came, a flow'r so bright,
amid the cold of winter,
when half-spent was the night.
Isaiah had foretold it,
the rose I have in mind;
with Mary we behold it,
the virgin mother kind.
to show God's love aright,
she bore to us a Savior,
when half-spent was the night.
This flow'r, whose fragrance tender
with sweetness fills the air,
dispels with glorious splendor
the darkness everywhere.
True man, yet very God,
from sin and death he saves us
and lightens ev'ry load.
O Savior, child of Mary,
who felt our human woe;
O Savior, king of glory,
who dost our weakness know:
bring us at length, we pray,
to the bright courts of heaven
and into endless day.
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,
was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary
and became truly human.
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,
who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified,
who 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 PEOPLE
With wonder and thanksgiving for Christ’s coming into the world, we pray for the church, the life of the earth, and the whole human family.
A brief silence.
Merciful God, broaden the church’s hospitality and welcome. Open our hearts to any in need of refuge and help, especially those who are persecuted. Prosper the work of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services. God of grace,
hear our prayer.
Life-giving God, restore the health of the soil, the seas, and the air. Increase the joy and praise of all living things. In the coming year strengthen local, national, and international efforts to prevent further harm to the environment. God of grace,
hear our prayer.
Liberating God, deliver your people from cruel oppression. Increase justice in every nation and keep the dream of freedom alive. In this new year bring the blessing of peace and put an end to violent conflict throughout the world. God of grace,
hear our prayer.
Uplifting God, raise all who are bowed down by trouble and need, especially individuals and families living in poverty. Protect and nurture all children. Sustain those who parent, teach, and care for the young. Heal those suffering from illness, particularly Arlene, Timmy, Mike, Anna Mae, Julie, Wendy, Carol, Anne, Lydia, Paul, John, Betty, Marian L., Ron, Flo, Doris, Dottie, Theresa, Marian P., Ian, Tim, Julie, Ruth, Ed, Henry Mary, Greg, and Max. God of grace,
hear our prayer.
Abiding God, accompany this community in the coming year. Increase our love for one another and the neighbors we serve. Enrich our worship and deepen our faith. Sustain our pastor and all who minister in your name. God of grace,
hear our prayer.
(Other petitions may be offered).
Loving God, the holy innocents who perish in every generation are safe in your keeping. We give you thanks and praise for the all the faithful who have gone before us into everlasting life with you. God of grace,
hear our prayer.
Pondering the mystery of eternal love made flesh in Christ Jesus, we commend all for whom we pray to the mercy of God.
Amen.
EXCHANGE OF PEACE
Peace of Christ be with you all.
And also with you.
We prepare now to receive our offerings as we return to God a portion of what God has entrusted to us.
+ MEAL +
OFFERING
You may place your offerings in the offering plate as it is passed during the service. Alternatively, some are using Tithe.ly for online giving or are using their bank’s online banking option. Whichever way you choose to give, we are grateful for your stewardship and generosity.
MUSIC DURING OFFERING
OFFERING SONG
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow
ELW 885
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
praise God, all creatures here below;
praise God above, ye heav'nly host;
praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
OFFERING PRAYER
Let us pray.
Eternal God, you make the desert bloom and send springs of water to thirsty ground. Receive these simple gifts of bread, wine, and money, and make us messengers of your mercy and love for all in need of your healing and justice. We ask this through Christ our Savior.
Amen.
HOLY COMMUNION
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
DIALOGUE
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
PREFACE
It is right and it is good to praise you, God who reigns in Majesty. You are with us now as you have always been with us and as you were before time began. You made us and everything that is and you revealed the truth about Yourself to your chosen people. And as you had always planned to do, you sent Jesus, Your very Word made flesh, to dwell among us. Mary carried Jesus in her body, and on this holy night he was born, true God of true God, and fully human like us. In awe of you and of this tiny Child who has come among us, we join with the angels and all the hosts of heaven singing:
SANCTUS ELW page 108
Holy, holy, holy Lord,
God of pow'r and might,
Heav'n and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord
Hosanna in the highest.
THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE
In this great gift that reverberated forward and backward throughout time, you saved us, God, and you saved all of Your beloved creation. We gave you all of our humanity and you gave to us your Son, fully human and fully divine, so that we might become more like you.
And then, many years later, on the night before he died for us, our Savior Jesus Christ took bread, and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his friends, and said, “Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.”
As supper was ending, Jesus took the cup of wine, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, “Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is poured out for you and for all for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.”
Loving God, remembering now the suffering and death and also proclaiming the resurrection and ascension of Jesus our Redeemer, we bring you these gifts. Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for us, your people, the Body and Blood of Christ. And send your Holy Spirit to renew us, to assure us of the gifts of Jesus, and to draw us into life with you Three who are One, the Holy Trinity.
Through Christ and with Christ and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all honor and glory is yours, Almighty God, now and forever. Amen!
Amen.
LORD’S PRAYER
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.
DISTRIBUTION
This holy meal is for all the baptized children of God. We commune at the altar rail. The ushers will direct you down the center aisle. Please go to an open spot at the altar rail. After you have received the host, the first chalice is for intinction and the second chalice is for drinking. A third chalice of grape juice is also offered. Please let the Pastor know if you wish to receive gluten-free wafers. You may wish to remain at the rail for a time of personal prayer following which you may return to your pew down the side aisle.
LAMB OF GOD ELW page 112
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world;
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world;
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world;
grant us peace. Amen.
HYMNS DURING COMMUNION
The First Noel
ELW 300
The first Noel the angel did say
was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay;
in fields where they lay, keeping their sheep,
on a cold winter's night that was so deep.
Refrain
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel!
Born is the King of Israel.
They looked up and saw a star
shining in the east beyond them far;
and to the earth it gave great light,
and so it continued both day and night. Refrain
And by the light of that same star
three wise men came from country far;
to seek for a king was their intent,
and to follow the star wherever it went. Refrain
This star drew near to the northwest,
o'er Bethlehem it took its rest;
and there it did both stop and stay
right over the place where Jesus lay. Refrain
Then entered in those wise men three,
full rev'rently upon their knee,
and offered there in his presence
their gold, and myrrh, and frankincense. Refrain
BLESSING AFTER COMMUNION
And now may the Body and Blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ preserve us on to life everlasting.
Amen.
NOW LORD ELW page 113
Now, Lord, you let your servant go in peace: your word has been fulfilled. My own eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared in the sight of ev'ry people: a light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel. NOw, Lord, you let your servant go in peace.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
God of the abundant table, you have refreshed our hearts in this meal with bread for the journey. Give us your grace on the road that we might serve our neighbors with joy; for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen.
+ SENDING +
SENDING HYMN
Hark! A Thrilling Voice is Sounding!
ELW 246
BENEDICTION
DISMISSAL
Go in peace. Christ is near.
Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE
Liturgical Text and Music from Evangelical Lutheran Worship, © 2006, 2020, 2022 Augsburg Fortress. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies License #SAS016761. All rights reserved.
Love Has Come, Text: Ken Bible, b. 1950 Text © 1996 Integrity's Hosanna! Text reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved. Music:F. Seguin, Recueil de noels composes en langue provencale, 1856. Public domain.
Angels We Have Heard On High, Text: French carol; tr. H. F. Hemy, The Crown of Jesus Music, 1864 Music: French carol, arr. Edward S. Barnes, 1887-1958. Public domain.
Lo, How a Rose E're Blooming, Text: German carol, 15th cent.; tr. Theodore Baker, 1851-1934, sts. 1-2; Harriet R. Krauth, 1845-1925, st. 3; John C. Mattes, 1876-1948, st. 4, Music: Alte catholische geistliche Kirchengesänge, Köln, 1599; arr. Michael Praetorius, 1571-1621. Public domain.
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow. Text: Thomas Ken, 1637-1711, alt.. Music: Louis Bourgeois, 1510-1561, attr., Genevan Psalter, 1551. Public domain.
The First Noel, Text: English traditional Music: English traditional, arr. John Stainer, 1840-1901. Public domain.
Let All Together Praise Our God, Text: Nikolaus Herman, 1480-1561; tr. hymnal version Text © 2006 Augsburg Fortress. Text Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved. Music: Nikolaus Herman, . Public domain.
