| Greeting and Welcome
Prelude – Hark! The Herald Angels Sing!
Lighting of the Candles
Hymn of Invocation – Let All Together Praise Our God (LSB 389)
Let all together praise our God Before His glorious throne; Today He opens heav’n again To give us His own Son, To give us His own Son.
He leaves His heav’nly Father’s throne, Is born an infant small, And in a manger, poor and lone, Lies in a humble stall, Lies in a humble stall.
Within an earthborn form He hides His all-creating light; To serve us all He humbly cloaks The splendor of His might, The splendor of His might.
He undertakes a great exchange, Puts on our human frame, And in return gives us His realm, His glory, and His name, His glory, and His name.
He is a servant, I a lord: How great a mystery! How strong the tender Christ Child’s love! No truer friend than He, No truer friend than He.
He is the key and He the door To blessèd paradise; The angel bars the way no more. To God our praises rise, To God our praises rise.
Your grace in lowliness revealed, Lord Jesus, we adore And praise to God the Father yield And Spirit evermore; We praise You evermore.
+ Preparation +
Invocation P: In the name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. C: Amen.
Opening Sentences P: The Word becomes incarnate and yet remains on high, C: and cherubim sing anthems to shepherds from the sky. P: Proclaim the Savior’s birth: C: “To God on high be glory and peace to all the earth!”
Confession and Absolution P: The infant Christ—the radiance of the glory of God—came to make purification for the sins of the world, to swallow up death forever, and to be the light of life for those who walked in darkness. In praise of God’s mighty deliverance, we humble ourselves before Him in repentant prayer. C: Lord God, heavenly Father, we bow before You and confess that we indeed have walked in darkness; in the blindness of sin, we have neglected You, lost by our own fault. But we have seen the great light in the gift of Your only Son. Enlighten our hearts, our minds, and our lives by the forgiveness of our sins and the great promises of Your heavenly grace and mercy; for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. P: God has spoken His promises by the prophets, and now in these last days has spoken to us by His Son. By the command of my Lord Jesus Christ, upon this your confession, I, by virtue of my office, announce the grace of God to all of you and speak His own absolution: I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the X 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.
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 – Matthew 1:18-25 P: The Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, the first chapter. C: Glory to You, O Lord.
Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.
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
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
Apostles' Creed I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And 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 sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence 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.
Prayer of the Church P: Let us pray. Almighty and everlasting God, we give thanks to You for our creation, our life, and all Your gifts. But we especially give Your thanks that, in many and various ways, You spoke Your Word of grace, comfort, and truth, first through Your holy prophets, but now in these last days by Your very own Son, whose coming into our flesh we celebrate this day. By His coming, He has brought us forgiveness and new, eternal life. Help us to live in Him even as He lives in us. Lord, in Your mercy, C: hear our prayer. P: Cause the joyous message of Your angels—of Your glory and peace to all—to resound in our country and throughout the world. Bless, guard, and guide all in the authority of government in our land. Prosper the preaching of the Gospel by Your church, keeping all pastors and teachers steadfast in Your word of salvation. Lord, in Your mercy, C: hear our prayer. P: Renew our hearts and those of all Your people in the joy and peace of Your salvation and help us to reflect Your love for all in all that we say and do. Lord, in Your mercy, C: hear our prayer. P: For all who are in any need in these days, for the lonely and abandoned, for the wayward and the hopeless, for those in trouble or despair, and for the sick and dying, bring Your saving Word of mercy, forgiveness, health, healing, and hope by faith in Your Son, the Savior of the world. Lord, in Your mercy, C: hear our prayer. P: Grant Your blessing to rest upon our families—husbands, wives, children, grandparents, and other relatives. Bind our hearts together by Your own gifts of love. Remembering those whom You have called into Your nearer presence, we give You thanks. Keep us in the same saving faith that we may be numbered among those You have redeemed for eternal life in the day of resurrection. Lord, in Your mercy, C: hear our prayer. P: Graciously receive our prayers, deliver and preserve us; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever C: Amen.
Offering
Solo – Holy Is Thy Name
(Lyrics provided for reflection)
Holy is Thy name! Holy is Thy name; There's no other name with a healing touch, no other name that love as much as Jesus, Holy is Thy name! Mary first heard it spoken, So sacred it was introduced by angels; But she did not know that hour just what majesty and power Was contained in your name, sweet precious Lord! But she knew that
Holy is Thy name! Holy is Thy name; There's no other name with a healing touch, no other name that love as much as Jesus, Holy is Thy name!
In no other name is there salvation, Given whereby we might be saved; So in everything I do or say I'll do all in Your sweet name, For those who dared to trust You, Lord They have never been the same!
And they'll tell you Holy is Thy name! Holy is Thy name; There's no other name with a healing touch, no other name that love as much as Jesus, Holy is Thy name!
+ Sacrament +
Preface 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 Holy, holy, holy Lord God of Sabaoth adored; Heav'n and earth with full acclaim shout the glory of Your name. Sing hosanna in the highest, sing hosanna to the Lord; Truly blest is He who comes in the name of the Lord! 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 – Oh, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing (LSB 528)
Oh, for a thousand tongues to sing My great Redeemer’s praise, The glories of my God and King, The triumphs of His grace!
My gracious Master and my God, Assist me to proclaim, To spread through all the earth abroad, The honors of Thy name.
Jesus! The name that charms our fears, That bids our sorrows cease; ’Tis music in the sinner’s ears, ’Tis life and health and peace.
He breaks the pow’r of canceled sin; He sets the pris’ner free. His blood can make the foulest clean; His blood avails for me.
Look unto Him, ye nations; own Your God, ye fallen race. Look and be saved through faith alone, Be justified by grace.
See all your sins on Jesus laid; The Lamb of God was slain. His soul was once an off’ring made For ev’ry soul of man.
To God all glory, praise, and love Be now and ever giv’n By saints below and saints above, The Church in earth and heav’n.
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 – Joy to the World (LSB 387)
Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King; Let ev’ry heart prepare Him room And heav’n and nature sing, And heav’n and nature sing, And heav’n, and heav’n and nature sing.
Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns! Let men their songs employ, While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains Repeat the sounding joy, Repeat the sounding joy, Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.
No more let sins and sorrows grow Nor thorns infest the ground; He comes to make His blessings flow Far as the curse is found, Far as the curse is found, Far as, far as the curse is found.
He rules the world with truth and grace And makes the nations prove The glories of His righteousness And wonders of His love, And wonders of His love, And wonders, wonders of His love.
Postlude
+ WORSHIP LEADERS + Preacher/Liturgist/Celebrant – Pastor Scott Jonas Organist/Pianist/Soloist – Seth Carruthers Communion Assistant – John Steele and Seminary Student Lector – Miriam Lee Sound/Video – Ken Clark Ushers – Jeanne Lipinski, Lisa Grossenheider, Judy George, Becci Sasser Greeters – Jack & Norma Bentzinger
Many thanks to Glendale members who have donated poinsettias to decorate our sanctuary this Christmas season. To the Glory of God - Jack & Norma Bentzinger In memory of Kim and Herb Dixson - Beverly Dixson In memory of Betty Jane Grimm - Al Grimm & family Thanks to God for blessings received - Jean Peterson In memory of loved ones - Steve & Phyllis Phelps Thanks be to God! - The Ryan family To the Glory of God - Judy Sowers | 
