The message of the angel to Joseph that his pregnant wife's child had been given to her by the gifting of the Holy Spirit was as perplexing to him as it is to contemporary westerners. How can such a thing that never happens, happen? But if God is God, and if he wants to interact with his human creatures in space and time, this is just the sort of thing one would expect him to do. The question then for Joseph is… will he side with God, Jesus, and with his child's mother? Or will he do the safe thing and side with conventional morality, received wisdom, and safety?
Readings and sermon were delivered by Pastor Aaron Mueller.
Order of service:
Readings:
- Reflection on God's Forgiveness is from Romans 8:35-39
- Psalm reading is from Psalm 24
- Old Testament reading is from Isaiah 7:10-17
- Epistle reading is from Romans 1:1–7
- Holy Gospel is from Matthew 1:18–25
Hymns:
- The King Shall Come When Morning Dawns
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Text: John Brownlie, 1859–1925, alt.
Tune: Repository of Sacred Music, Part Second, 1813, Harrisburg, ed. John Wyeth
Text and tune: Public domain - The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came
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Text and tune: Basque, 18th century
Public domain - Silent Night, Holy Night
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Text: Franz Gruber
Tune: Franz Joseph Mohr
Public domain - Of the Father’s Love Begotten
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Text: Aurelius Prudentius Clemens, 348-c. 413
Tr. John Mason Neale, 1818-66, sts. 1-4; tr. Henry W. Baker, 1821-77, st. 5
Tune: Plainsong, 13th cent., mode V
Public domain - Go Tell It on the Mountain
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Text: African American spiritual, ref. John W. Work II, 1873-1925, sts. alt
Tune: African American spiritual; setting: Hugh Porter, 1897-1960
Public domain - See amid the Winter’s Snow
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Text: Edward Caswall
Tune: John Goss
Public domain
Liturgies:
- Gloria in Excelsis
- Text: Stephen P. Starke
- Sanctus
- Text: Stephen P. Starke
- Agnus Dei
- Text: Stephen P. Starke
- Nunc Dimittis
Recording:
- Video:
- Watch on YouTube
Announcements:
- Sunday, Dec 18:
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- Family Christmas Breakfast: 10:30 AM
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Downstairs following worship service.
- Tuesday, Dec 20:
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- Youth Group: 6:30 PM to 8 PM
- Wednesday, Dec 21:
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- Men’s Bible Study: 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM
- Midweek Advent Worship Service: 7 PM
- Saturday, Dec 24:
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- Women’s Bible Study: 9 AM
- Christmas Eve Worship Service: 11:30 PM
- Does God Want Me to Be Happy?
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Loneliness and depression are increasingly pervasive challenges in our culture. So many people are unhappy. So, the question is, does God want you to be happy? Does he care if you’re struggling with sadness? That’s the subject of Episode 54 of Craving Answers, Craving God. It’s now available at cacg.stjamesglencarbon.org and on your favorite podcasting platform. Give it a listen and let us know what you think.
- 2023 Member Giving Envelopes
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2023 Member Giving Envelopes are available on the credenza in the narthex. If you have any questions, please contact Cheryl in the church office 618-288-6120 or cheryl@stjamesglencarbon.org.
- New Member Class
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If you are interested in learning more about Christianity or are interested in joining St. James Lutheran Church, or maybe you just want to hang out and talk about the Story of the Bible, please see Pastor Aaron or contact the church office about joining the new member class beginning January 15th. Babysitting is available upon request.
- Youth Confirmation Class
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Youth confirmation classes begin January 15th. They will be held on Sundays following Sunday school/Bible study. Please contact Pastor Mueller if your child will be attending.
- Save the Date for the "Art of Marriage" Retreat
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Save the date for the “Art of Marriage” retreat March 10-11 to be held at the Four Points by Sheridan in Fairview Heights. Whether you’ve been married 3 weeks or 30 years, this is a great opportunity to relax, reconnect and discover or rediscover God’s plan for your marriage. If you’d like to be a part of the planning team for this exciting ministry, please contact Cheryl in the church office.
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