FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT December 22, 2024
Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church
Wisconsin Synod
Pastor Rev. Christopher Oehlke Pastor’s Phone: 1-262-909-7827
Organist Karen Davis, Mindy Kane, Church Telephone 763-682-4573
Lorraine Roush Email pastor@myimmanuel.org
WELCOME, VISITORS: We are glad you could be with us and we welcome you back any time. Please sign our “Welcome” card found in the pew holders or sign the guest book in the narthex/entry.
Prayer Before Worship
Speak, Lord, because your servant is listening. I am your servant. Give me understanding that I may know your testimonies. Incline my heart to the words of your mouth. Speak, Lord, for you have the words of eternal life. Speak to me, to comfort my soul and to purify my life. Speak, that you may receive praise, glory and everlasting honor! Amen.
SERVICE OF THE WORD
M: The grace of our Lord (+) Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you.
C: And also with you.
Advent 4
M: We light four Advent candles remembering Jesus, the Son of God and Son of Mary. He came to share our humanity.
C: We remember Jesus, whose name means Savior. He came to save his people from their sins.
M: We hear his call to give him a place in our hearts.
C: We light four Advent candles as a sign of our joy and hope.
M: Come, Lord Jesus, be our guest.
C: Through your Word and Spirit may our souls be blessed.
Four Advent candles are lit.
–
HYMN (#295, v. 1-4) “Dearest Jesus, We Are Here”
M: Our Lord Jesus Christ gave his Church the command to baptize when he said: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
Scripture makes plain the universal need for Baptism. As children of Adam, we belong to a fallen race. From our parents we inherit a sinful nature and would be lost forever unless delivered by our Lord Jesus Christ. He willingly took on himself the curse of sin and by his death on the cross redeemed us and all people.
Christ’s almighty Word gives Baptism its power to save. The apostle Peter declares, “Baptism now saves you.” Scripture also clearly teaches that the power and promise of Baptism is intended for young and old alike. On the day of Pentecost the apostle testified, “The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” By water and the Spirit, we are born again and united with Christ and his people as members of the Church.
In bringing Thomas to Baptism, you are doing what is
God-pleasing. Jesus himself invited little children to become a part of his kingdom when he said: “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them, and blessed them.
Receive the sign of the cross on the head and heart † to mark you as a redeemed child of Christ.
prayer
M: Let us pray.
Holy God, mighty Lord, gracious Father, through your stern judgment the unbelieving world was destroyed by the flood, but
according to your great mercy, you saved Noah and his family. You engulfed stubborn Pharaoh and his army in the waters of the
Red Sea but led your people through those same waters to safety on dry land. In the waters of the Jordan your own Son was baptized and anointed with the Spirit. By these signs you foreshadowed the precious, cleansing bath which you give us in Holy Baptism.
Clinging to your command and promise, we ask that you would look with favor on Thomas. Through this water of Baptism, drown in him all sin inherited from Adam and any other evil he may do. Set him apart from the unbelieving world and hold him safe and secure in the holy ark of the Church. Keep him always fervent in spirit and joyful in hope so that he may honor your holy name and at last receive, together with all your people, the promised inheritance of eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
C: Amen.
The minister says to the parents:
M: Do you desire to have Thomas baptized into this Christian faith?
R: Yes.
The minister applies water to the one being baptized as he says:
M: Thomas Patrick Albert Kane, I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
The Almighty God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—has forgiven all your sins. By your baptism, you are born again and made a dear child of your Father in heaven.
May God strengthen you to live in your baptismal grace all the days of your life. Peace be with you.
EXHORTATION TO PARENTS
M: Dear parents, our Lord Jesus Christ, in instituting Baptism, not only commanded that children should be baptized, but that they should be taught to obey everything he has commanded us. I therefore ask you:
Do you sincerely intend to bring up Thomas in the way of the Lord and to instruct him in the truths of God’s saving Word so that he may grow in faith, serve God with a Christian life, and
remain in his baptismal grace unto the end? If so, answer: Yes, and we ask God to help us.
R: Yes, and we ask God to help us.
prayer
M: Let us pray.
Merciful Father in heaven, we thank you for the gift of Baptism by which you wash away sin and give us a new and eternal life. Help us each day to remember that through Baptism you clothe us with Christ that we may stand holy and righteous before you. Look with favor on Thomas that he may be kept safe by the gift of your Spirit, grow daily in your grace, and live forever by the power of the risen Christ. Make us willing to carry out our responsibilities to all the baptized, so that all may finally come to the blessed joys of heaven, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
C: Amen.
M: Almighty God, the Father of our Lord † Jesus Christ, strengthen you by his Spirit, that Christ, dwelling in your hearts by faith, may fill you with all spiritual blessings.
Go in peace.
HYMN (#295, v. 5) “Dearest Jesus, We Are Here”
PRAYER OF THE DAY
M: Let us pray. Stir up your power, O Lord, and come. Take away the burden of our sins, and make us ready for the celebration of your birth, that we may receive you in joy and serve you always; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
C: (Sung) Amen.
THE WORD
FIRST LESSON Micah 5:2-5a
2 But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, from you, will go out the one who will be the ruler for me in Israel. His goings forth are from the beginning, from the days of eternity. 3 Therefore the Lord will give them up, until the time when the woman who is in labor bears a child. Then the remaining survivors from his brothers will return to the people of Israel. 4 He will stand and shepherd with the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. They will dwell securely, for at that time he will be great to the ends of the earth. 5 This one will be their peace.
(EHV)
M: The Word of the Lord.
C: Thanks be to God.
PSALM OF THE DAY (Sung) Psalm 85 (page 97)
SECOND LESSON Hebrews 10:5-10
5 Therefore when he entered the world, Christ said: Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but you prepared a body for me. 6 You were not pleased with burnt offerings and sin offerings. 7 Then I said, “Here I am. I have come to do your will, God. In the scroll of the book it is written about me.” 8 First he said: Sacrifices and offerings that were offered according to the law, both burnt offerings and sin offerings, you did not desire, and you were not pleased with them. 9 Then he said: Here I am. I have come to do your will. He does away with the first in order to establish the second. 10 By this will, we have been sanctified once and for all, through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ. (EHV)
M: The Word of the Lord.
C: Thanks be to God.
VERSE OF THE DAY
M: Alleluia. The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel. Alleluia. (Matthew 1:23)
C: (Sung) Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
These words are written that we may believe
that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
GOSPEL Luke 1:39-55
39 In those days Mary got up and hurried to the hill country, to a town of Judah. 40 She entered the home of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 Just as Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 She called out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 But why am I so favored that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 In fact, just now, as soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy! 45 Blessed is she who believed, because the promises spoken to her from the Lord will be fulfilled!”
46 Then Mary said, My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
47 and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior, 48 because he has looked with favor on the humble state of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed, 49 because the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. 50 His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. 51 He has shown strength with his arm. He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their hearts. 52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones. He has lifted up the lowly. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things, but the rich he has sent away empty. 54 He has come to the aid of his servant Israel, remembering his mercy, 55 as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and his offspring forever. (EHV)
M: The Gospel of the Lord.
C: (Sung) Praise be to you, O Christ!
HYMN OF THE DAY (#23) “Oh, Come, Oh, Come, Emmanuel”
SERMON TEXT Micah 5:2-5a
SERMON THEME “God Lifts Up the Lowly”
APOSTLES’ CREED
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
maker of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his 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 into hell.
The third day he rose again from the dead.
He ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty.
From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy Christian Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
THANKSGIVING
OFFERING – Please leave offering in the plate as you depart.
HYMN (#65) “O Little Town of Bethlehem”
PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH
O Lord, there is none like You in holiness, constancy and might; yet, You exercise Your power for the salvation of sinners. As we draw near to the celebration of Jesus’ birth, fill our hearts with gratitude that Your Son humbled Himself and became flesh to bear our sin and be our Savior. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Mighty God, You have done great things for us, looking upon our humble estate and exalting us to be Your children for Jesus’ sake. Preserve us by Your Holy Word, that we would properly fear Your name and rejoice in it all our days. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Heavenly Father, Your Son from of old was born of Mary in time to be our peace. Grant us repentant hearts, that for His sake we would be at peace with You. Grant also that, forgiven of our sins, we may forgive and be at peace with those around us. Lord, in Your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Holy God, You sent Your Son to shepherd His flock in strength and to be great to the ends of the earth. Grant wisdom to our leaders and peace among the nations, that we may dwell secure. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
O Lord, our God, uphold all who suffer in mind or body. Give them the knowledge of Christ, their Immanuel, who is with them in their trials. Grant them health and healing in accord with Your perfect will. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord God, heavenly Father, we give You thanks for Your Son, Jesus Christ, who is truly the King of the nations and their desire. He who formed us of clay took on our human nature that He might save us. He came to His own and was rejected by them, yet You established Him as the true cornerstone, tested and precious, that whoever believes in Him will not be put to shame. Grant that, as we recall with thanksgiving His advent in the flesh, we may always confess Him and remain watchful for His advent in glory at the Last Day; for You live and reign, ever one God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.
LORD’S PRAYER
C: 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.
M: O Lord God, our heavenly Father, pour out the Holy Spirit on your faithful people. Keep us strong in your grace and truth, protect and comfort us in all temptation, and bestow on us your
saving peace, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
C: (Sung) Amen.
M: Brothers and sisters, go in peace. Live in harmony with one another. Serve the Lord with gladness.
The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you.
The Lord look on you with favor and (+) give you peace.
C: (Sung) Amen. Amen. Amen.
HYMN (#28) “Let the Earth Now Praise the Lord”
FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT December 22, 2024
THE SCHEDULE
Tues., Dec. 24 7 p.m., Children’s Christmas Eve Service
Wed., Dec. 25 9:30 a.m., Christmas Day Service w/Communion
Next Sunday, Dec. 29, Greeters: Brian and Jenni Weese
OUR FATHER’S BUSINESS
BAPTISM: Thomas Patrick Albert, son of Mindy (Hoffmann) and Ryan Kane, will be baptized this morning in the name of our Triune God. Our Lord says in the last chapter of Mark 16:16, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved.” Thomas was born on Dec. 5, 2024.
ENVELOPES: Offering envelopes for 2025 are available in the narthex. If you don’t see yours, ask Julie Gutknecht or Pastor Oehlke.
CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE:
Tues., Dec. 24, The Children’s Christmas Eve Service, “Joy Has Dawned;
Wed., Dec. 25, The Christmas Day Worship Service will be at 9:30 a.m. with the Lord’s Supper.
AREA NEW YEAR’S EVE SERVICE: Cross-Rockford will be offering a New Year’s Eve Service with Communion at 6 p.m. on Dec. 31.
BLOODMOBILE: The Red Cross has given us a date of Friday, March 7, 2025, and are asking for confirmation of 30 appointments, so please spread the word. You will find a new yellow signup sheet on the island in the narthex (Please register even if you had signed up earlier.)
AREA TEEN CHRISTMAS PARTY: If you are in high school, Anchored in Christ (Cross-Rockford campus) is inviting you to celebrate the real meaning of Christmas with food, fun, holiday games and prizes on Sunday, Dec. 22, 6 p.m. Please RSVP to Mr. Heldman at pheldman@anchordmn.org or call 262-995-3515. See west bulletin board for more details.
ATTENDANCE AT THE LORD’S HOUSE:
Sunday, Dec. 15 68
FOR THE LORD’S WORK: Remember, offerings needed per week are about $2,300. Note the Christmas Day offering is directed for our Mission Fund. Current mission offerings are at $23,000 plus.
Personal Devotions?
Consider using the prayers and readings from each Sunday’s worship bulletin during your daily personal/family devotions—
–“Prayer of the Day”
–“Prayer of the Church”
–Re-read God’s Word and reflect upon it and how it applies to you.
–Review the sermon theme and text and its applications for you.
