Christmas Eve 2020

St. Luke Evangelical Lutheran Church

Chambersburg, Pennsylvania

Merry Christmas!

Fourth Sunday of Advent

St. Luke Evangelical Lutheran Church
Chambersburg, Pennylvania

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with us all.
Amen

Advent Kyrie (for whole season)

Restore us, O God of hosts. 

Come, Lord Jesus.

 

Give us peace and strength in our days.  

Come, Christ Jesus.

 

Be present with us, and we shall be saved.  

Come, Lord Jesus, and do not be slow.

Let us pray.
A brief silence is kept before the prayer.

Stir up your power, Lord Christ, and come. With your abundant grace and might, free us from the sin that would obstruct your mercy, that willingly we may bear your redeeming love to all the world, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

First Reading:  2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16  

Psalmody: Luke 1:46b-55

Second Reading: Romans 16:25-27

Gospel:  Luke 1:26-38 

Sermon

Creed and Confession

Apostles’ Creed

Living together in trust and hope, we confess our faith.

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

Confession and Forgiveness

The Lord of Advent tells us to be watchful for his coming, keeping our lamps lighted, and our hearts clean. Therefore let us confess to the Lord.

 

Silence for reflection.

 

God and Father of all:

We prepare our hearts for the coming of your Son, confessing our sins, confessing our attraction to a godless world that does not know Christ.  Forgive our sins, cleanse our hearts, and keep us faithful for the promised coming of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen

Almighty God have mercy on you,

forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ,

strengthen you in all goodness,

and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life.  Amen

Prayers  

Offertory

Let us pray.
A brief silence is kept before the prayer.

Holy God,
the Beginning and the Ending, our Hope as we wait,
we praise you for joining us to your people of old.
We bless you for your prophets who call us to righteousness
and promise a new earth with peace for all.
For the Word of your covenant, we thank you, O God.
We thank you, O God.

We praise you for the coming of Jesus our Lord,
who lifts up the lowly, heals the suffering world,
and proclaims your way of mercy and truth.
For your Word who is Christ, we magnify you, O God.
We magnify you, O God.

Send your Spirit on all who receive your Word.
Nurture our faith with your grace,
accompany us with your might,
and empower our zeal for your justice and joy.
For your Word through the church, we praise you, O God.
We praise you, O God.

All praise to you, holy God,
today, tomorrow, and forever.  Amen
Amen

Lord, remember us in your kingdom, and teach us to pray. 

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

Almighty God, Father, ☩ Son, and Holy Spirit, bless us now and forever.  Amen

Be at Peace, Christ is with you.  Thanks be to God! 

Daily Prayer Resources are available, including simple forms of Morning, Evening, and Night Prayer; Responsive Prayer; and prayers for mealtimes and other occasions.

Portions from Evangelical Lutheran Worship and sundaysandseasons.com, © 2020 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress.

Third Sunday of Advent

St. Luke Evangelical Lutheran Church

Chambersburg, Pennsylvania

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with us all.  Amen

Advent Kyrie 

Restore us, O God of hosts. 

Come, Lord Jesus.

 

Give us peace and strength in our days.  

Come, Christ Jesus.

 

Be present with us, and we shall be saved.  

Come, Lord Jesus, and do not be slow.

Let us pray.
A brief silence is kept before the prayer.

Stir up our hearts, Lord God, to prepare the way of your only Son. By his coming strengthen us to serve you with purified lives; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen

First Reading:  Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11

Psalm: Psalm 126

Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24  

Gospel: John 1:6-8, 19-28

Sermon

Creed and Confession

Apostles’ Creed

Living together in trust and hope, we confess our faith.

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

Advent Confession and Forgiveness

The Lord of Advent tells us to be watchful for his coming, keeping our lamps lighted, and our hearts clean. Therefore let us confess to the Lord.

 

Silence for reflection.

 

God and Father of all:

We prepare our hearts for the coming of your Son, confessing our sins, confessing our attraction to a godless world that does not know Christ.  Forgive our sins, cleanse our hearts, and keep us faithful for the promised coming of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen

Almighty God have mercy on you,

forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ,

strengthen you in all goodness,

and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life.  Amen

Prayers  

Offertory

Let us pray.


A brief silence is kept before the prayer.

We praise you, O God, for your creating Word!
 You set the foundations of the world
and gave breath to every living thing. There is no Rock like you.
 Blessed be God, forevermore;
 our hearts sing of your mercy and might!

We praise you, O God, for your liberating Word!
In your steadfast love you led the people whom you redeemed,
you guided them by your strength to the land of promise.
Y ou have lifted up the lowly.
Blessed be God, forevermore;
 our hearts sing of your mercy and might!

We praise you, O God, for your life-giving Word!
Your Word became flesh and lived among us,
full of grace and truth.
You have looked with favor on the lowliness of your servants.
Blessed be God, forevermore;
 our hearts sing of your mercy and might!

Blessed be God, from this time on and forevermore,
from the rising of the sun to its setting.
With Miriam, Hannah, and Mary,
we give you thanks and praise for your
creating, liberating, and life-giving Word!
Send us forth in the power of your Spirit
to sing of your greatness and serve all people, following Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
 Amen

Let us pray.
A brief silence is kept before the prayer.

Holy God,
the Beginning and the Ending, our Hope as we wait,
we praise you for joining us to your people of old.
We bless you for your prophets who call us to righteousness
and promise a new earth with peace for all.
For the Word of your covenant, we thank you, O God.
We thank you, O God.

We praise you for the coming of Jesus our Lord,
who lifts up the lowly, heals the suffering world,
and proclaims your way of mercy and truth.
For your Word who is Christ, we magnify you, O God.
We magnify you, O God.

Send your Spirit on all who receive your Word.
Nurture our faith with your grace,
accompany us with your might,
and empower our zeal for your justice and joy.
For your Word through the church, we praise you, O God.
We praise you, O God.

All praise to you, holy God,
today, tomorrow, and forever. Amen.
Amen

Lord, remember us in your kingdom, and teach us to pray. 

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

Almighty God, Father, ☩ Son, and Holy Spirit, bless us now and forever.  Amen

Be at Peace, Christ is with you.  Thanks be to God! 

Daily Prayer Resources are available, including simple forms of Morning, Evening, and Night Prayer; Responsive Prayer; and prayers for mealtimes and other occasions.

Portions from Evangelical Lutheran Worship and sundaysandseasons.com, © 2020 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress.

Second Sunday of Advent

St. Luke Evangelical Lutheran Church

Chambersburg, Pennsylvania

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with us all.  Amen

Advent Kyrie 

Restore us, O God of hosts. 

Come, Lord Jesus.

 

Give us peace and strength in our days.  

Come, Christ Jesus.

 

Be present with us, and we shall be saved.  

Come, Lord Jesus, and do not be slow.

Let us pray.
A brief silence is kept before the prayer.

Stir up our hearts, Lord God, to prepare the way of your only Son. By his coming strengthen us to serve you with purified lives; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen

First Reading:  Isaiah 40:1-11

Psalm: Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13  

Second Reading: 2 Peter 3:8-15a  

Gospel: Mark 1:1-8

Sermon

Creed and Confession

Apostles’ Creed

Living together in trust and hope, we confess our faith.

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

Advent Confession and Forgiveness

The Lord of Advent tells us to be watchful for his coming, keeping our lamps lighted, and our hearts clean. Therefore let us confess to the Lord.

 

Silence for reflection.

 

God and Father of all:

We prepare our hearts for the coming of your Son, confessing our sins, confessing our attraction to a godless world that does not know Christ.  Forgive our sins, cleanse our hearts, and keep us faithful for the promised coming of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen

Almighty God have mercy on you,

forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ,

strengthen you in all goodness,

and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life.  Amen

Prayers  

Offertory

Let us pray.
A brief silence is kept before the prayer.

Holy God,
the Beginning and the Ending, our Hope as we wait,
we praise you for joining us to your people of old.
We bless you for your prophets who call us to righteousness
and promise a new earth with peace for all.
For the Word of your covenant, we thank you, O God.
We thank you, O God.

We praise you for the coming of Jesus our Lord,
who lifts up the lowly, heals the suffering world,
and proclaims your way of mercy and truth.
For your Word who is Christ, we magnify you, O God.
We magnify you, O God.

Send your Spirit on all who receive your Word.
Nurture our faith with your grace,
accompany us with your might,
and empower our zeal for your justice and joy.
For your Word through the church, we praise you, O God.
We praise you, O God.

All praise to you, holy God,
today, tomorrow, and forever. Amen.
Amen

Lord, remember us in your kingdom, and teach us to pray. 

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

Almighty God, Father, ☩ Son, and Holy Spirit, bless us now and forever.  Amen

Be at Peace, Christ is with you.  Thanks be to God! 

Daily Prayer Resources are available, including simple forms of Morning, Evening, and Night Prayer; Responsive Prayer; and prayers for mealtimes and other occasions.

Portions from Evangelical Lutheran Worship and sundaysandseasons.com, © 2020 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress.

First Sunday of Advent

St. Luke Evangelical Lutheran Church

Chambersburg, Pennsylvania

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with us all.
Amen

Advent Kyrie 

Restore us, O God of hosts. 

Come, Lord Jesus.

 

Give us peace and strength in our days.  

Come, Christ Jesus.

 

Be present with us, and we shall be saved.  

Come, Lord Jesus, and do not be slow.

Let us pray.
A brief silence is kept before the prayer.

Stir up your power, Lord Christ, and come. By your merciful protection awaken us to the threatening dangers of our sins, and keep us blameless until the coming of your new day, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen

First Reading:  Isaiah 64:1-9

Psalm: Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:3-9

Gospel: Mark 13:24-37

Sermon

Creed and Confession

Apostles’ Creed

Living together in trust and hope, we confess our faith.

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

Advent Confession and Forgiveness

The Lord of Advent tells us to be watchful for his coming, keeping our lamps lighted, and our hearts clean. Therefore let us confess to the Lord.

 

Silence for reflection.

 

God and Father of all:

We prepare our hearts for the coming of your Son, confessing our sins, confessing our attraction to a godless world that does not know Christ.  Forgive our sins, cleanse our hearts, and keep us faithful for the promised coming of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen

Almighty God have mercy on you,

forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ,

strengthen you in all goodness,

and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life.  Amen

Prayers  

Offertory

Let us pray.
A brief silence is kept before the prayer.

Holy God,
the Beginning and the Ending, our Hope as we wait,
we praise you for joining us to your people of old.
We bless you for your prophets who call us to righteousness
and promise a new earth with peace for all.
For the Word of your covenant, we thank you, O God.
We thank you, O God.

We praise you for the coming of Jesus our Lord,
who lifts up the lowly, heals the suffering world,
and proclaims your way of mercy and truth.
For your Word who is Christ, we magnify you, O God.
We magnify you, O God.

Send your Spirit on all who receive your Word.
Nurture our faith with your grace,
accompany us with your might,
and empower our zeal for your justice and joy.
For your Word through the church, we praise you, O God.
We praise you, O God.

All praise to you, holy God,
today, tomorrow, and forever. Amen.
Amen

Lord, remember us in your kingdom, and teach us to pray. 

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

Almighty God, Father, ☩ Son, and Holy Spirit, bless us now and forever.  Amen

Be at Peace, Christ is with you.  Thanks be to God! 

Daily Prayer Resources are available, including simple forms of Morning, Evening, and Night Prayer; Responsive Prayer; and prayers for mealtimes and other occasions.

Portions from Evangelical Lutheran Worship and sundaysandseasons.com, © 2020 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress.

Title: Awake, Awake and Greet the New Morn

Text & Music Composer Marty Hayden

@1983 GIA Publications, Inc

Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #A-730268

Prelude:

Title: O Come, O Come Emmanuel

Composer - Lani Smith 

@MCMXCIV Lorenz Publushing Co.

All rights reserved.

“Permission to podcast/stream the music in this service obtained from ONE LICENSE, License #A-7030268. 

All rights reserved.” only needs to be included at the end of the podcast.

Christ the King

St. Luke Evangelical Lutheran Church

Chambersburg, Pennsylvania

In the name of the Father, and of the + Son, and of the Holy Spirit,  Amen

Dialog for Christ the King

Behold, the King comes. Alleluia!

O come, let us worship and bow down. Alleluia! Alleluia!

 

Rejoice greatly, for Christ is your King.

Blessing and honor and glory be unto him.

 

Blessed are you, O Lord, King of the universe; you have delivered us from sin and death.

By your blood, you have brought your people into your kingdom.

 

Therefore God has highly exalted him:

And bestowed on him the name which is above every name;

 

That at the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow:

And every tongue confess him the King of glory.

 

Behold, the King comes. Alleluia!

O come, let us worship and bow down. Alleluia! Alleluia!

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with us all.
 Amen

Let us pray.
   A brief silence is kept before the prayer.

O God of power and might, your Son shows us the way of service, and in him we inherit the riches of your grace. Give us the wisdom to know what is right and the strength to serve the world you have made, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
 Amen

 

First Reading:  Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24

Psalm:  Psalm 95:1-7a

Second Reading: Ephesians 1:15-23 

Gospel: Matthew 25:31-46

Sermon

Creed and Confession

In these days that are so difficult, we mine our liturgical tradition to creatively engage practices that build us up. So, for the next weeks, we will say “words of renunciation” together. 

Profession of Faith 

Do you renounce the devil and all the forces that defy God? 

I renounce them. 

Do you renounce the powers of this world that rebel against God? 

I renounce them. 

Do you renounce the ways of sin that draw you from God? 

I renounce them. 

Apostles’ Creed

Living together in trust and hope, we confess our faith.

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

Build yourselves up on your most holy faith;

pray in the Holy Spirit.

(Jude 20)

Keep yourselves in the love of God;

look forward to the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ.

(Jude 21)

If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation:

Everything old has passed away; behold, everything has become new!

(2 Corinthians 5:17)

God has given us the ministry of reconciliation.

Therefore, let us be reconciled to God and to one another.

Silence for reflection and self examination.

Gracious God,

have mercy on us. In your compassion forgive us our sins,

known and unknown, things done and left undone.

Uphold us by your Spirit so that we may live and serve you in newness of life, to the honor and glory of your holy name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Almighty God have mercy on you,

forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ,

strengthen you in all goodness,

and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life.  Amen

Prayers  

Offertory

Then conclude with these prayers:

Let us pray.
  A brief silence is kept before the prayer.

O Holy One of wisdom, throughout human history and today among us here, you call us to walk the paths of justice and peace. We praise you, O God of truth, for your precious words. Grant that sheltered under their richness as under the tree of life, we live in gratitude and faithfulness, through Jesus Christ, your Word and our Wisdom, now and forever. Amen

Lord, remember us in your kingdom, and teach us to pray. 

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

Almighty God, Father, ☩ Son, and Holy Spirit, bless us now and forever.  Amen

Be at Peace, Christ is with you.  Thanks be to God! 

Portions from Evangelical Lutheran Worship and sundaysandseasons.com, © 2020 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress.