| Greeting and Welcome
Prelude – Joy to the World (arr. Diane Bush)
Lighting of the Candles
Hymn of Invocation – O Come, All Ye Faithful (LSB 379)
O come, all ye faithful, Joyful and triumphant! O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem; Come and behold Him Born the king of angels! Refrain
Refrain: O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!
Highest, most holy, Light of Light eternal, Born of a virgin, a mortal He comes; Son of the Father Now in flesh appearing! Refrain
Sing, choirs of angels, Sing in exultation, Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above! Glory to God In the highest! Refrain
Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, Born this happy morning; Jesus, to Thee be glory giv’n! Word of the Father Now in flesh appearing! Refrain
+ Preparation +
Invocation P: In the name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. C: Amen.
Opening Sentences - Isaiah 60:1; 9:2; 2 Corinthians 4:6 P: Arise, shine, for your light has come, C: and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. P: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; C: those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined. P: For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” C: has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
Confession and Absolution P: Let us come before our loving Father, confident of His forgiveness for Jesus’ sake.
Silence for reflection on God’s Word and for self-examination
P: Let us confess our sins to God, our heavenly Father. C: Almighty God, heavenly Father, we poor sinners plead guilty before You of all sins. We are by nature sinful people. Time and again, we have lived as if You did not matter and as if we mattered most. We have not honored the name of the Lord Jesus, the newborn King whose birth we celebrate this day, as we should. We have not walked in the brightness of Your light. Our thoughts and desires have been stained by sin. We are sorry for all of these our transgressions, and we ask for Your grace. It is our sincere desire to do better in our lives. P: God be merciful to you and strengthen your faith. In the stead and by the command of my Lord Jesus Christ, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. C: Amen.
+ Word +
Introit – Psalm 98:1-4; antiphon: Isaiah 9:6 P: For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, C: and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. P: Oh sing to the LORD a new song, for He has done marvelous things! His right hand and His holy arm have worked salvation for Him. C: The LORD has made known His salvation; He has revealed His righteousness in the sight of the nations. P: He has remembered His steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. C: Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises! Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Hymn – Angels from the Realms of Glory (LSB 367)
Angels from the realms of glory, Wing your flight o’er all the earth; Ye who sang creation’s story, Now proclaim Messiah’s birth. Refrain
Refrain: Come and worship, come and worship; Worship Christ, the newborn King.
Shepherds in the field abiding, Watching o’er your flocks by night, God with us is now residing, Yonder shines the Infant Light. Refrain
Sages, leave your contemplations, Brighter visions beam afar; Seek the great Desire of nations, Ye have seen His natal star. Refrain
Saints before the altar bending, Watching long in hope and fear, Suddenly the Lord, descending, In His temple shall appear. Refrain
All creation, join in praising God the Father, Spirit, Son, Evermore your voices raising To the_eternal Three in One. Refrain
Salutation and Prayer of the Day. P: The Lord be with you. C: And also with you. P: Let us pray. Almighty God, grant that the birth of Your only-begotten Son in the flesh may set us free from the bondage of sin; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. C: Amen.
First Reading – Isaiah 52:7–10 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.” The voice of your watchmen—they lift up their voice; together they sing for joy; for eye to eye they see the return of the LORD to Zion. Break forth together into singing, you waste places of Jerusalem, for the LORD has comforted his people; he has redeemed Jerusalem. The LORD has bared his holy arm before the eyes of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.
P: This is the Word of the Lord. C: Thanks be to God.
Second Reading – Hebrews 1:1–6 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”? Or again, “I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son”? And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.”
P: This is the Word of the Lord. C: Thanks be to God.
Holy Gospel – Luke 2:8-21 P: The Holy Gospel according to St. Luke, the second chapter. C: Glory to You, O Lord.
And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
P: This is the Gospel of the Lord. C: Praise to You, O Christ.
Hymn of the Day – Gentle Mary Laid Her Child (LSB 374)
Gentle Mary laid her child Lowly in a manger; There He lay, the Undefiled, To the world a stranger. Such a babe in such a place, Can He be the Savior? Ask the saved of all the race Who have found His favor.
Angels sang about His birth, Wise Men sought and found Him; Heaven’s star shone brightly forth Glory all around Him. Shepherds saw the wondrous sight, Heard the angels singing; All the plains were lit that night, All the hills were ringing.
Gentle Mary laid her child Lowly in a manger; He is still the Undefiled But no more a stranger. Son of God of humble birth, Beautiful the story; Praise His name in all the earth; Hail the King of glory!
Sermon
Nicene Creed I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth and of all things visible and invisible.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of His Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made; who for us and for our salvation came down from heaven and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate. He suffered and was buried. And the third day He rose again according to the Scriptures and ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of the Father. And He will come again with glory to judge both the living and the dead, whose kingdom will have no end. And I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified, who spoke by the prophets. And I believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church, I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins, and I look for the resurrection of the dead and the life + of the world to come. Amen.
Prayer of the Church P: Gathered as God’s people and as heirs of an eternal inheritance, let us pray for the whole Church and for all people according to their needs, confidently bringing our prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, who is our light and our salvation. Adoration, praise, and thanksgiving be to You, O Lord God Almighty, that when darkness covered the earth, and gross darkness the people, You provided a Savior, able to help, and strong to deliver. C: Praise to You, O God! P: Adoration, praise, and thanksgiving be to You, that You gave Your eternal Son to become incarnate, that through Him light and pardon, power and peace, life and eternal salvation, might come to the fallen and lost children of men. C: Praise to You, O God! P: Adoration, praise, and thanksgiving be unto You, that by the holy nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ we, who by sin were driven out of the earthly paradise, are begotten again to a new Kingdom and to an endless paradise in heaven. C: Praise to You, O God! P: God of all mercy, as You have given Your Son to be our Redeemer, pour out upon us Your Holy Spirit, that with pure hearts we may celebrate His birth, and with joyful devotion welcome Him. Grant O Lord that the good tidings of great joy in which we rejoice this day may everywhere be known. Bless the Church throughout the world that it may faithfully prosper in all things. Guide the rulers of nations that pathways of peace may be found. Lord, in Your mercy, C: hear our prayer! P: Grant the needs of all people be met according to Your good and gracious will. Grant that the ill and those burdened by many cares find respite from their challenges. Grant that those who sorrow this day look up to Your throne and find abundant consolation in Him who came to ransom us from every fear and every foe. Send the joy of Your salvation into all penitent and burdened souls, that they may rejoice and give glory to God that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. Lord, in Your mercy, C: hear our prayer! P: Help, defend, and keep us all, through Him who was born at Bethlehem, so that when He comes in glorious majesty to complete our redemption we may have fulfillment and joy in His eternal kingdom; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, in whose name we make all of our prayers. C: Amen.
Offering
Solo – At the Right Time
(Lyrics provided for reflection)
At a time of God's own choosing, He came. When we the fight were losing, He came. Long before we knew Him, when we were lost in sin, At the right time, at the best time, He came.
When the night was cold and dreary, He came. To His children worn and weary, He came. To bring us out of darkness, to make us His again, At the right time, at the best time, He came.
To the great and to the lowly, He came. To the wicked, to the holy, He came. That we might know the Father, that Heaven we might gain. At the right time, at the best time, He came. At the right time, at the best time, He came.
+ Sacrament +
Preface – 2 Timothy 4:22 P: The Lord be with you. C: And also with you. P: Lift up your hearts. C: We lift them to the Lord. P: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. C: It is right to give Him thanks and praise.
Proper Preface P: It is truly good, right, and salutary that we should at all times and in all places give thanks to You, holy Lord, almighty Father, through Jesus Christ, our Lord; by whose birth in the flesh as the Savior from sin You have manifested the fullness of Your glory. Therefore with angels and archangels and with all the company of heaven we laud and magnify Your holy name, evermore praising You and saying:
Sanctus The Words of Our Lord P: Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night when He was betrayed, took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to the disciples and said: “Take, eat; this is My + body, which is given for you. This do in remembrance of Me.” In the same way also He took the cup after supper, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them, saying: “Drink of it, all of you; this cup is the new testament in My + blood, which is shed for you for the forgiveness of sins. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”
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.
Pax Domini P: The peace of the Lord be with you always. C: Amen.
Distribution
Distribution Hymn – Of the Father’s Love Begotten (LSB 384)
Of the Father’s love begotten Ere the worlds began to be, He is Alpha and Omega, He the source, the ending He, Of the things that are, that have been, And that future years shall see Evermore and evermore.
Oh, that birth forever blessèd, When the virgin, full of grace, By the Holy Ghost conceiving, Bore the Savior of our race, And the babe, the world’s Redeemer, First revealed His sacred face Evermore and evermore.
This is He whom seers in old time Chanted of with one accord, Whom the voices of the prophets Promised in their faithful word. Now He shines, the long-expected; Let creation praise its Lord Evermore and evermore.
O ye heights of heav’n, adore Him; Angel hosts, His praises sing. Pow’rs, dominions, bow before Him And extol our God and King. Let no tongue on earth be silent, Ev’ry voice in concert ring Evermore and evermore.
Christ, to Thee, with God the Father, And, O Holy Ghost, to Thee Hymn and chant and high thanksgiving And unending praises be, Honor, glory, and dominion, And eternal victory Evermore and evermore. Amen.
Blessing
Post-Communion Thanksgiving P: Let us pray. We give thanks, heavenly Father, that You have refreshed us through this Sacrament, and we pray that, walking in the true light of Christ, we shall ever put our hope in Jesus, Your Son and our King; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. C: Amen.
Benediction – Isaiah 9:6, adapt.; Numbers 6:24-26 P: Unto us C: a child is born! P: Unto us C: a son is given! P: And the government shall be upon His shoulder. C: And His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. P: The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look upon you with favor and + give you peace. C: Amen.
Closing Hymn – Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (LSB 380)
Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King; Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!” Joyful, all ye nations, rise, Join the triumph of the skies; With the_angelic host proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem!” Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!”
Christ, by highest heav’n adored, Christ, the everlasting Lord, Late in time behold Him come, Offspring of a virgin’s womb. Veiled in flesh the Godhead see, Hail the_incarnate Deity! Pleased as Man with man to dwell, Jesus, our Immanuel! Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!”
Hail, the heav’n-born Prince of Peace! Hail, the Sun of Righteousness! Light and life to all He brings, Ris’n with healing in His wings. Mild He lays His glory by, Born that man no more may die, Born to raise the sons of earth, Born to give them second birth. Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!”
Postlude – Gloria (Jason Payne)
+ WORSHIP LEADERS + Preacher/Liturgist/Celebrant – Pastor Scott Jonas Organist/Pianist/Soloist – Seth Carruthers Communion Assistant – Tony Petzoldt and Seminary Student Lector – Lisa Grossenheider Sound/Video – Ken Clark Ushers – Mike Toney, John Steele, Ron Froesel, Lisa Grossenheider Greeters – Mike & Lisa Grossenheider | 
