John the Baptist, in prison and about to die, struggles to reconcile his current experience with his prior beliefs about Jesus the Messiah and the imminent arrival of his kingdom. Jesus, however, reminds John of who he is and what he does, encouraging John to trust him for his own timing and plan for making the reign of God a reality. He then praises John – in spite of, or maybe even because of his doubts! – for being the greatest of all the prophets.
Readings and sermon were delivered by Pastor Aaron Mueller.
Order of service:
Readings:
- Reflection on God's Forgiveness is from Psalm 86:3-5
- Psalm reading is from Psalm 146
- Old Testament reading is from Isaiah 35
- Epistle reading is from James 5:7–11
- Holy Gospel is from Matthew 11:2–15
Hymns:
- O Come, All Ye Faithful
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Text and tune: John F. Wade
Public domain - Prepare the Royal Highway
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Text: Franz Mikael Franzen, tr. from Lutheran Book of Worship
© 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship, used with permission: LSB Hymn License no. 110001220
Tune: Swedish, public domain - He Will Come And Save You
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Bob Fitts, Gary Sadler
© 1995 Integrity’s Hosanna! Music
Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740 - Lamb of God
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Text and tune by Twila Paris
© 1985 Straightway Music, admin. EMI
Used with permission, CCLI license # 20286740 - What Child Is This
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Text: by William C. Dix
Tune: English, 16th century
Public domain - Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
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Text: Charles Wesley
Tune: Felix Mendelssohn
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 11:
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- Adult Bible Study and Sunday School: 10:30 AM
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Downstairs.
- Congregational Meeting: 11:45 AM
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We will have a congregational meeting in the church sanctuary today, December 11th following Bible Study. We will address the following:
- 2023 Budget — drafts may be found in the narthex or may be requested from the church office.
- 2023 Elders and Deacons
- MELHS Christmas Concert: 3 PM
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Metro-East Lutheran High School’s music department will present its annual Christmas concert at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 11. All are invited to join us to enjoy festive and worshipful selections from our band, choir, strings ensemble and choirchimes ensemble.
- Tuesday, Dec 13:
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- Youth Group: 6:30 PM to 8 PM
- Wednesday, Dec 14:
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- Men’s Bible Study: 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM
- Midweek Advent Worship Service: 7 PM
- Friday, Dec 16:
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- Christmas Caroling – with the Youth Group: 6:30 PM to 9 PM
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Youth Group Caroling followed by hot chocolate, cookies and a movie at the church.
- Saturday, Dec 17:
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- Women’s Bible Study: 9 AM
- Christmas Caroling – at Yanda Cabin: 5:30 PM to 7 PM
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We will be caroling at the Yanda Cabin and we need you! Let Debbie Rathert know if you would like to join in the fun.
- Sunday, Dec 18:
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- Mark your calendars for the Christmas breakfast!
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Join us for breakfast and fellowship after church next Sunday, December 18th.
- 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.