ORDER OF WORSHIP
Second Sunday of Advent
December 7, 2025
At the heart of our Advent preparation stands John the Baptist, who calls us to repent and make a new beginning. As the darkness increases we turn toward the approaching light of Christ. For Christians he is the root of Jesse, the righteous judge who welcomes all, especially the poor and meek of the earth. We wait with hope for that day when the wolf will dwell with the lamb, and there will be no more hurt or destruction. From the Lord’s table we are sent in the spirit of John the Baptist to proclaim that in Christ the kingdom of God has come near.
+ GATHERING +
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
LIGHTING THE ADVENT WREATH
The prophet Isaiah shared a word with the fearful world, a vision of gentleness and peace. “The wolf shall live with the lamb," he said, and "the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them."
Animals we would never trust together will eat right next to each other! And their children will be safe with each other.
Animals who like meat will eat plants!
Tiny children will be safe even in the places we would expect danger.
God's mountain will be a peaceful place for all people because all will know how God wants things to be.
As we wait faithfully for God’s time, we light the candles of Hope and Peace.
Our peace comes from God, who became one of us in Jesus.
Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah
ELW 240, v. 2
Light one candle to watch for Messiah:
let the light banish darkness.
He shall feed the flock like a shepherd,
Gently lead them homeward.
Blessed are you, God of peace, for you promise to bring forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse who will bring justice to the poor deliver the needy and crush the oppressor, who will bring peace to all people. As we light these candles, turn our wills to bear the fruit of repentance, transform our hearts to live in justice and harmony with one another and fix our eyes on the root of Jesse, who is Jesus Christ, the peace of all nations.
O people of peace, come.
Let us rejoice in the peace of the world, the one who was and is and is to come. Amen.
PRELUDE
Comfort, Comfort Now My People
arr. Charles Callahan
CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
+ All may make the sign of the cross, the sign that is marked at baptism, as the presiding minister begins.
Blessed be the holy Trinity, + one God,
who forgives all our sin, whose mercy endures forever.
Amen.
Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another.
Silence is kept for reflection.
Long-expected God,
we confess that we look to ourselves for the peace and security
only you can provide. We reach for swords and spears,
reluctant to release our grip on the ways of war.
We become impatient while waiting, and weary of keeping awake.
Free us from self-reliance, and teach us to live in harmony
with our neighbors. Increase our trust in your timing,
and awaken us to your presence among us,
that we may abound in the hope
you have promised. Amen.
God judges us not as we deserve,
but according to God’s own righteousness.
You are freed and forgiven, saved by grace,
and ready to welcome the Savior.
Amen.
GATHERING HYMN
Comfort, Comfort Now My People
ELW 256
"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 reign of God is here.
Oh, that warning cry obey!
Now prepare for God a way.
Valleys, rise to greet the Savior;
hills, bow down in humble favor.
Straight shall be what long was crooked,
and the rougher places plain.
Let your hearts be true and humble,
as befits God's 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.
APOSTOLIC 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.
KYRIE (page 193)
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.
GLORIA
Glory to God in the highest,
and peace to God’s people on earth.
Lord God, heav’nly King,
almighty God and Father,
we worship you,
we give you thanks,
we praise you for your glory.
Glory to God in the highest,
and peace to God’s people on earth.
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.
Glory to God in the highest,
and peace to God’s people on earth.
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, amen.
PRAYER OF THE DAY.
Let us pray together.
Almighty and everlasting God, whose will it is to restore all things in your well-beloved Son, the King of kings and Lord of lords: Mercifully grant that the peoples of the earth, divided and enslaved by sin, may be freed and brought together under his most gracious rule; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
+ WORD +
FIRST READING: Isaiah 11:1-10
1 A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse,
and a branch shall grow out of his roots.
2 The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him,
the spirit of wisdom and understanding,
the spirit of counsel and might,
the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.
3 His delight shall be in the fear of the Lord.
He shall not judge by what his eyes see
or decide by what his ears hear,
4 but with righteousness he shall judge for the poor
and decide with equity for the oppressed of the earth;
he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth,
and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked.
5 Righteousness shall be the belt around his waist
and faithfulness the belt around his loins.
6 The wolf shall live with the lamb;
the leopard shall lie down with the kid;
the calf and the lion will feed together,
and a little child shall lead them.
7 The cow and the bear shall graze;
their young shall lie down together;
and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.
8 The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp,
and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder’s den.
9 They will not hurt or destroy
on all my holy mountain,
for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord
as the waters cover the sea.
10 On that day the root of Jesse shall stand as a signal to the peoples; the nations shall inquire of him, and his dwelling shall be glorious.
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
PSALM 72:1-7, 18-19 (We will read the Psalm responsively by whole verse)
1 Give the king your justice, O God,
and your righteousness to the king’s son;
2 that he may rule your people righteously
and the poor with justice;
3 that the mountains may bring prosperity to the people,
and the hills, in righteousness.
4 Let him defend the needy among the people,
rescue the poor, and crush the oppressor.
5 May he live as long as the sun and moon endure,
from one generation to another.
6 Let him come down like rain upon the mown field,
like showers that water the earth.
7 In his time may the righteous flourish;
and let there be an abundance of peace till the moon shall be no more.
18 Blessed are you, Lord God, the God of Israel;
you alone do wondrous deeds!
19 And blessed be your glorious name forever,
and may all the earth be filled with your glory. Amen. Amen.
SECOND READING: Romans 15:4-13
4 Whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. 5 May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, 6 so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
7 Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. 8 For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of the truth of God in order that he might confirm the promises given to the ancestors 9 and that the gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written,
“Therefore I will confess you among the gentiles
and sing praises to your name”;
10 and again he says,
“Rejoice, O gentiles, with his people”;
11 and again,
“Praise the Lord, all you gentiles,
and let all the peoples praise him”;
12 and again Isaiah says,
“The root of Jesse shall come,
the one who rises to rule the gentiles;
in him the gentiles shall hope.”
13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (page 198)
Alleluia. alleluia.
Alleluia. alleluia.
Lord, to whom shall we go?
You have the words of eternal life.
Alleluia. alleluia.
Alleluia. alleluia.
GOSPEL: Matthew 3:1-12
The Holy Gospel according to Matthew, the 3rd chapter.
Glory to you, O Lord.
1 In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, 2 “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” 3 This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said,
“The voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord;
make his paths straight.’ ”
4 Now John wore clothing of camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. 5 Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region around the Jordan were going out to him, 6 and they were baptized by him in the River Jordan, confessing their sins.
7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for his baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8 Therefore, bear fruit worthy of repentance, 9 and do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our ancestor,’ for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. 10 Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.
11 “I baptize you with water for repentance, but the one who is coming after me is more powerful than I, and I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 12 His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and will gather his wheat into the granary, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.
SERMON The Rev. Dr. Olga-Maria Cruz
Silence is kept for reflection.
HYMN OF THE DAY
When Our Song Says Peace
ELW 709
When our song says peace and the world says war,
we will sing despite the world.
We will trust the song, for we sing of God,
who breaks the spear and sword
and stills the storm of war.
When our song says free and the world says bound,
we will sing despite the world.
We will trust the song, for we sing of God,
who opens prison doors
and sets the captives free.
When our song says home and the world says lost,
we will sing despite the world.
We will trust the song, for we sing of God,
who brings us home at last,
and gives a song to all.
APOSTLE’S CREED
We now profess the faith we share using the words of the Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.*
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
In our waiting and watching, we come to you in prayer, O God, trusting your promise to renew the church, the nations, and the whole creation.
A brief silence.
With wisdom and understanding, inspire the faithful around the world. Unite hearts and minds in work to address poverty, access to housing, and equity among peoples. God of grace,
hear our prayer.
With counsel and might, move us to care for creation. As we dream of the day when all creatures will flourish alongside one another, guide us in ways humanity and all creation will mutually thrive. God of grace,
hear our prayer.
With righteousness and faithfulness, encourage nations to live in harmony with one another. We pray for international student and teacher exchanges, for our partner churches, and for the shared mission of Lutheran World Relief and Lutheran Disaster Response. God of grace,
hear our prayer.
With steadfastness and encouragement, strengthen those who have lost hope in the face of grief, depression, or disease, especially Mary, Wyatt, Mabel, Doris, June, Ann, Julie, Carol, Anne, Judy, Jeff, Gloria, Tom, Lydia, Brian, James & Grace, Wil, Amy, Bob & Jane, Scott, Lynda, Ron & Flo, Mac, Monica, Avery, Doris, John, Abby, Mike, Tim, Arleen, Betty, Linda, Jeff, Natalie, Henry, Glenn, Gary, Connie, Greg, Helen & Ron, and Max. Renew the spirits of those recovering from surgery and medical procedures. God of grace,
hear our prayer.
With welcome and hospitality, embolden us in our shared ministry to overcome all that divides. In acts of repentance, reconciliation, and reparation, may we serve in the way of Christ. God of grace,
hear our prayer.
Here other intercessions may be offered.
With joy and peace, we remember our ancestors in the faith. Fill us with the hope of the Holy Spirit now and into the ages of ages. God of grace,
hear our prayer.
Draw near to us, O God, as we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy through Jesus Christ, Emmanuel.
Amen.
SHARING OF THE PEACE
The peace of Christ be with you always.
And also with you.
GRATITUDE
+ 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.
OFFERTORY
Wild and Lone the Prophet’s Voice
Larkin
OFFERING SONG
Create In Me a Clean Heart
ELW 188
Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from your presence,
and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore unto me the joy of your salvation,
and uphold me with your free Spirit.
OFFERING PRAYER
Nourishing God,
you are water in the wilderness and streams in the desert.
Through this meal, satisfy our parched places,
that we may rejoice and be for the world
signs of your kingdom come.
Amen.
HOLY COMMUNION
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
DIALOGUE (page 199)
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 indeed right, our duty and our joy,
that we should at all times and in all places
give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God,
through our Savior Jesus Christ.
You comforted your people with the promise of the Redeemer,
through whom you will also make all things new
in the day when he comes to judge the world in righteousness.
And so, with all the choirs of angels,
with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven,
we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
SANCTUS (page 200)
Holy, holy, holy Lord,
God of power and might;
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest, hosanna in the highest
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest, hosanna in the highest.
THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE
Holy One, the beginning and the end, the giver of life:
Blessed are you for the birth of creation.
Blessed are you in the darkness and in the light.
Blessed are you for your promise to your people.
Blessed are you in the prophets’ hopes and dreams.
Blessed are you for Mary’s openness to your will.
Blessed are you for your Son Jesus,
the Word made flesh.
In the night in which he was handed over,
our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks.
He broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying:
Take and eat; this is my body, given for you.
Do this for the remembrance of me.
Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks,
and gave it for all to drink, saying:
This cup is the new covenant in my blood,
shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin.
Do this for the remembrance of me.
Let us proclaim the mystery of faith:
Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.
With this bread and cup, we remember your Word
dwelling among us, full of grace and truth.
We remember our new birth in his death and resurrection.
We look with hope for his coming.
Come, Lord Jesus.
Holy God, we long for your Spirit.
Come among us. Bless this meal.
May your Word take flesh in us.
Awaken your people. Fill us with your light.
Bring the gift of peace on earth.
Come, Holy Spirit.
All praise and glory are yours, Holy One of Israel,
Word of God incarnate, Power of the Most High,
one God, now and forever.
Amen.
LORD'S PRAYER
Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus 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.
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
Here is life. God is with us.
Come, receive what God has promised.
Thanks be to God.
DISTRIBUTION
The baptized children of God are invited by the Lord to the Lord’s Table where we receive Jesus’ very body and blood in, with, and under the bread and wine. We commune at the communion rail where we receive the Body and Blood of Christ. Gluten free bread and grape juice are available. If you wish to commune, but cannot come forward, let an usher know and Pastor will come to you. If you do not wish to commune, you are welcome to come forward to receive a blessing. 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 (page 201)
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 sins of the world:
grant us peace, grant us peace.
COMMUNION HYMNS
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.
We Are Waiting for Jesus
ACS 905
We are waiting for Jesus; Jesus brings peace.
We are waiting for Jesus; Jesus brings peace.
Sun of justice, shine upon us;
we are trusting in your promise.
We are waiting for Jesus; Jesus brings peace.
We are waiting for Jesus; Jesus brings peace.
We are waiting for Jesus; Jesus brings peace.
Loving Shepherd, walk beside us;
stir our hearts, and gently guide us.
We are waiting for Jesus; Jesus brings peace.
POST-COMMUNION BLESSING
The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace.
Amen.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Let us pray.
God our host,
at this table you have fed us with joy and gladness.
Send us forth, eager to share the feast, welcome the stranger,
and bear good fruit in the name of Jesus.
Amen.
+ SENDING +
SENDING HYMN
O Day of Peace
ELW 711
O day of peace that dimly shines
through all our hopes and prayers and dreams,
guide us to justice, truth, and love,
delivered from our selfish schemes.
May swords of hate fall from our hands,
our hearts from envy find release,
till by God's grace our warring world
shall see Christ's promised reign of peace.
Then shall the wolf dwell with the lamb,
nor shall the fierce devour the small;
as beasts and cattle calmly graze,
a little child shall lead them all.
Then enemies shall learn to love,
all creatures find their true accord;
the hope of peace shall be fulfilled,
for all the earth shall know the Lord.
BENEDICTION
May God who comes among us,
Father, + Son, and Holy Spirit,
grant you patience in waiting, peace in the darkness,
and good news to share today and always.
Amen.
DISMISSAL
Go in peace. Keep awake.
Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE
O Day of Peace
arr. Charles Callahan
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.
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition. Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
The Book of Common Prayer, 2006, Episcopal Church in North America, Church Publishing Incorporated. Public domain.
Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah, Text: Wayne L. Wold, b. 1954. Text © 1984 Fortress Press. Music: Yiddish folk tune, Arr © Augsburg Fortress. Text and music reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense A-722274. All rights reserved.,
Comfort, Comfort Now My People, Tune: Trente quatre pseaumes de David, Geneva, 1551. Arr. Charles Callahan, 1951-2023. Arr. © 1989 Birnamwood Publications, div. MorningStar Music Publishers. Streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
Comfort, Comfort Now My People, Text: Johann G. Olearius, 1635-1711; tr. Catherine Winkworth, 1827-1878, alt. Music: Trente quatre pseaumes de David, Geneva, 1551. Public domain.
When Our Song Says Peace, Text: Richard Leach, b. 1953. Text © 1997 Selah Publishing Co., Inc. Music: Thomas Pavlechko, b. 1962. Music © 2003 Augsburg Fortress. Text and music reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
Wild and Lone the Prophet's Voice, Text: Carl P. Daw, b. 1944. Music: Michael Larkin, b. 1951, Text and music © 2023 Birnamwood Publications, div. MorningStar Music Publishers. Streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
Create in Me a Clean Heart, Music: J. A. Freylinghausen, 1670-1739. Public domain.
Lo How A Rose E’er 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.
We Are Waiting for Jesus, Text and music: John Helgen, b. 1957. Text and music © 2013 Augsburg Fortress. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
O Day of Peace, Text: Carl P. Daw Jr., b. 1944. Text © 1982 Hope Publishing Company. Text reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved. Music: C. Hubert H. Parry, 1848-1918. Public domain.
O Day of Peace, Tune: C. Hubert H. Parry, 1848-1918. Public domain. Arr. Charles Callahan, 1951-2023. Arr. © 2003 Birnamwood Publications, div. MorningStar Music Publishers. Streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
