SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT December 7, 2025
Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church
Wisconsin Synod
Pastor Rev. Christopher Oehlke Pastor’s Phone: 1-262-909-7827
Organist Mindy Kane, Karen Davis, 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 Communion
We do not presume to come to your table, O merciful Lord, trusting in our own righteousness, but in your manifold and great mercies. We are not worthy to gather up the crumbs under your table. But you are the Lord who desires always to have mercy. Grant us, therefore, gracious Lord, so to eat the body of your dear Son Jesus Christ and to drink his blood, that we may evermore dwell in him and he in us. Amen.
THE COMMON SERVICE
Beginning on Page 15 in the Hymnal.
HYMN (#15) “Hark! A Thrilling Voice Is Sounding”
M: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
C: (Sung) Amen.
CONFESSION OF SINS
M: Beloved in the Lord: let us draw near with a true heart and confess our sins to God our Father, asking him in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to grant us forgiveness.
C: Holy and merciful Father, I confess that I am by nature sinful and that I have disobeyed you in my thoughts, words, and
actions. I have done what is evil and failed to do what is good.
For this I deserve your punishment both now and in eternity.
But I am truly sorry for my sins, and trusting in my Savior
Jesus Christ, I pray: Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner.
LORD, HAVE MERCY
C: (Sung) Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
M: God, our heavenly Father, has been merciful to us and has given his only Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Therefore, as a called servant of Christ and by his authority, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
C: (Sung) Amen.
Advent 2
M: We light two Advent candles remembering Jesus, who came in history. He came into a world of sin and death.
C: We remember Jesus, who came as the promised Messiah. John the Baptist prepared the way of the Lord.
M: We hear his call to repent.
C: We light two Advent candles as a sign of our repentance and desire for renewal.
M: Come, Lord Jesus, be our guest.
C: Through your Word and Spirit may our souls be blessed.
Two Advent candles are lit.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
M: The Lord be with you.
C: (Sung) And also with you.
M: Let us pray. Stir up our hearts, O Lord, to prepare the way for your only Son. By his coming, give us strength in our conflicts, and shed light on our path through the darkness of this world; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
C: (Sung) Amen.
THE WORD
FIRST LESSON Isaiah 11:1-10
11 A shoot will spring up from the stump of Jesse, and a Branch from his roots will bear fruit. 2 The Spirit of the Lord will 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 He will be delighted with the fear of the Lord. He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, nor will he render decisions based on what he hears with his ears, 4 but with righteousness he will judge the poor, and he will render fair decisions in favor of the oppressed on the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath from his lips he will put the wicked to death. 5 Righteousness will be the belt around his waist, and faithfulness the belt around his hips. 6 The wolf will dwell with the lamb, and the leopard will lie down with the young goat, the calf, the young lion, and the fattened calf together, and a little child will lead them. 7 The cow and the bear will graze together, and their young ones will lie down together. The lion will eat straw like the cattle. 8 The nursing child will play near a cobra’s hole, and the weaned child will put his hand into a viper’s den. 9 They will not hurt or destroy anywhere on my holy mountain, for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea. 10 This is what will
take place on that day. The peoples will seek the Root of Jesse, who will be standing like a banner for the peoples, and his resting place will be glorious. (EHV)
M: The Word of the Lord.
C: Thanks be to God.
PSALM OF THE DAY (Sung) Psalm 130 (page 114)
SECOND LESSON Romans 15:4-13
4 Indeed, whatever was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that, through patient endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we would have hope. 5 And may God, the source of patient endurance and encouragement, grant that you agree with one another in accordance with Christ Jesus, 6 so that with one mind, in one voice, you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 For this reason, accept one another as Christ also accepted you to the glory of God. 8 For I am saying that Christ became a servant of those who are circumcised for the sake of God’s truth, to confirm the promises made to the patriarchs. 9 He also did this so that the Gentiles would glorify God for his mercy, as it is written: For this reason I will praise you among the Gentiles, and I will sing to your name. 10 And again it says: Rejoice, you Gentiles, with his people. 11 And again: Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples give him praise. 12 And again Isaiah says: There will be a Root of Jesse, and he is the one who will rise up to rule the Gentiles; on him the Gentiles will place their hope. 13 Now may the God of hope fill you with complete joy and peace as you continue to believe, so that you overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (EHV)
M: The Word of the Lord.
C: Thanks be to God.
VERSE OF THE DAY
M: Alleluia. Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. All mankind will see God’s salvation. Alleluia. (Luke 3:4,6)
C: (Sung) Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
STAND
GOSPEL Matthew 3:1-12
After the announcement of the Gospel, the congregation sings:
C: (Sung) Glory be to you, O Lord!
3 In those days, John the Baptist appeared, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, 2 “Repent, because the kingdom of heaven is near!” 3 Yes, this is he of whom this was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: A voice of one crying out in the wilderness, “Prepare the way of the Lord. Make his paths straight.” 4 John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. 5 Then Jerusalem, all of Judea, and all the region around the Jordan were going out to him. 6 They were baptized by him in the Jordan River as they confessed their sins. 7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for his baptism, he said to them, “You offspring of vipers, who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8 Therefore produce fruit in keeping with repentance!
9 Do not think of saying to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that God is able to raise up children for Abraham from these stones. 10 Already the ax is ready to strike the root of the trees. So every tree that does not produce good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 11 I baptize you with water for repentance. But the one who comes after me is mightier than I. I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 12 His winnowing shovel is in his hand, and he will thoroughly clean out his threshing floor. He will gather his wheat into the barn, but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” (EHV)
M: The Gospel of the Lord.
C: (Sung) Praise be to you, O Christ!
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 fully 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 in unity with the Father and the Son
is worshiped and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy Christian 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.
HYMN (#16) “On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry””
SERMON TEXT Romans 15:4-13
SERMON THEME “The God of Hope Fill You With Joy and Peace”
After the sermon, the congregation stands and sings:
C: (Sung) 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. Amen.
OFFERING – Please leave offering in the plate as you depart.
PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH
In peace, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.
For God’s covenant people, that He would teach them to remember His wondrous works and to seek His strength and presence, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.
For courage to speak Christ to the nations and to teach those still in darkness and death about His gift of light and life; and that God would keep us from being ashamed of His Gospel or intimidated by the opinions of others, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.
For those who grow in the faith, that God’s Word of encouragement and instruction in endurance would cause them to abound in hope, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.
For those afflicted in body or mind, that they would receive the riches of God’s grace, healing according to His will, and grace to carry them through the day of trouble, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.
For all who commune this day, that their hearts would be stirred up to make ready the way of the Lord Jesus, who comes in His body and blood, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.
O Lord God, heavenly Father, grant us all things needful and keep from us all things harmful to us and to our salvation, that with confidence in Your will, we may say “amen” to our prayers and live in contentment and peace; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, 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.
THE SACRAMENT
PREFACE
M: The Lord be with you.
C: (Sung) And also with you.
M: Lift up your hearts.
C: (Sung) We lift them up unto the Lord.
M: Let us give thanks to the Lord, our God.
C: (Sung) It is good and right so to do.
M: It is truly good and right that we should at all times and in all places give you thanks, O Lord, holy Father, almighty and
everlasting God, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, whose way John the Baptist prepared when he called people to repentance and pointed to Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Therefore, with all the saints on earth and hosts of heaven, we praise your holy name and join their glorious song:
HOLY, HOLY, HOLY
C: (Sung) Holy, holy, holy Lord God of heavenly hosts:
heav’n and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he, blessed is he, blessed is he
who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna in the highest.
WORDS OF INSTITUTION
M: Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night he was betrayed, took bread; and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
Then he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; this is my blood of the new covenant,
which is poured out for you for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”
M: The peace of the Lord be with you always.
C: (Sung) Amen
O CHRIST, LAMB OF GOD
C: (Sung) O Christ, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world;
have mercy on us.
O Christ, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world;
have mercy on us.
O Christ, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world;
grant us your peace. Amen.
DISTRIBUTION
DISTRIBUTION HYMN (#14) “Arise, O Christian People” (#11) “Comfort, Comfort All My People”
STAND
THANKSGIVING
SONG OF SIMEON
C: (Sung) Lord, now you let your servant depart in peace according to your word. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared before the face of all people, a light to lighten the Gentiles and the glory of your people Israel.
M: O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
C: (Sung) And his mercy endures forever.
M: We give thanks, almighty God, that you have refreshed us with this holy supper. We pray that through it you will strengthen our faith in you and increase our love for one another. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
C: (Sung) Amen.
M: 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 (#769S) “Lord of All Hopefulness”
Prayer after Communion
O blessed Savior Jesus Christ, who has given yourself to me in this holy sacrament, keep me in your faith and favor. As you live in me, may I also live in you. May your body and blood preserve me in the true faith to everlasting life. Amen.
SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT December 7, 2025
Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church
THE SCHEDULE
Tues., Dec. 9 7 p.m., Choir Practice
Wed., Dec. 10 6:30 p.m., Catechism
Fri., Dec. 12 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Immanuel’s
Volunteer Day at Wise Penny- work as much as you’d like
Sat., Dec. 13 9-11 a.m., Christmas Eve Program Practice
Next Sunday, Dec. 14, Greeters: Jenni & Brian Weese
OUR FATHER’S BUSINESS
CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE: Wednesday, Dec. 24, 7 p.m., Children’s Christmas Eve Service, “Tell Me Again About Bethlehem;” Thursday, Dec. 25, 9:30 a.m., Christmas Day Song Service with Communion.
CHRISTIAN AID & RELIEF: The Plate Offering of $90 will be sent to WELS Christian Aid and Relief. Thank you to all who participated.
ADVENT DEVOTIONS, “All Things New,” are provided for us by Martin Luther College and available on the table in the narthex.
TOYS FOR TOTS: Collection box available near the front door. Toys should be new, unwrapped and preferably in the $10 or above price range. Deadline—Tuesday, Dec. 16.
LMSG THANK YOU: We received a sincere thank you from the Lutheran Military Support Group who said in part, “We appreciate you and are thankful for you! Your contribution (of $356) makes a meaningful difference!” It is posted on the west bulletin board.
MEDITATIONS entitled “Great Gain!” with daily devotions for Nov. 30 through Feb. 28 are available on the table in the narthex. Large print editions are also available. Feel free to take additional copies of either version to share.
WEST CHRISTMAS CONCERT: “Christmas at West” will be performed at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 14.
FOOD SHELF: The most recent donations made to benefit the Buffalo Food Shelf totaled 19 pounds plus $25 in cash/checks. Silver-labeled buckets are located in the coat racks in both the upper and lower narthex for this on-going service project with deliveries made monthly.
ATTENDANCE AT THE LORD’S HOUSE:
Sunday, Nov. 30 56
FOR THE LORD’S WORK: Nov. 30: General Fund-$675; West-$50. (Note to consider: General Fund needs about $2,600 per week.)
Mission Report: Nov. 23-$45; Nov. 26 (Thanksgiving Eve)-$465 (Year to Date-$19,930.
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.
