Holding the baby Jesus, Simeon rejoices at seeing God's salvation in human form, but he also sees the pain that the coming of the Messiah's kingdom will cause. This mixture of glory and pain has always been a hallmark of the reign of Jesus – God's people will have their hearts pierced with a sword as the old order passes away, but they will also experience the glory and light of the new creation order as Christ transforms his world into righteousness.

Readings and sermon were delivered by Pastor Aaron Mueller.

Order of service:

First Sunday after Christmas, Dec 31, 2023

Readings:

Reflection on God's Forgiveness is from Zephaniah 3:14-17
Psalm reading is from Psalm 111
Old Testament reading is from Isaiah 61:10—62:3
Epistle reading is from Galatians 4:4–7
Holy Gospel is from Luke 2:22–40

Songs and Hymns:

O Sing of Christ
Text: Stephen P. Starke, 1955; © 1996 Stephen P. Starke, admin. Concordia Publishing House;
Tune: adapt. Ralph Vaughan Williams, 1872–1958; English; Public domain;
Used with permission: LSB Hymn License #110001220.
Joy to the World
Text: Isaac Watts
Tune: George Frideric Handel
Public domain
Prince Of Heaven
Brooke Ligertwood, Scott Ligertwood;
© 2017 Hillsong Music Publishing Australia;
Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740.
God Loves Me Dearly
Text: August Rische
Tune: German
Public domain
Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming
Text (sts. 1–2): tr. Theodore Baker, 1851–1934, alt.;
(sts. 1–2, 4): German, 16th cent.; (st. 3): Friedrich L. C. Layriz, 1808–59;
(st. 3): tr. Harriet R. K. Spaeth, 1845–1925; (st. 4): tr. John C. Mattes, 1876–1948.
Tune: Alte Catholische Geistliche Kirchengeseng, 1599, Köln.
Text and tune: Public domain.
See amid the Winter’s Snow
Text: Edward Caswall
Tune: John Goss
Public domain

Liturgies:

Kyrie
Text: Jaroslav J. Vajda
Music: Columbian Harmony
Text and music: © 1990 Concordia Publishing House
Used with permission: One License #728607-A
Gloria
Text: Jaroslav J. Vajda, © 1990 Concordia Publishing House,
Used with permission, One License #728607-A;
Tune: Felix Mendelssohn, public domain.
Credo
Text: Jaroslav J. Vajda, © 1990 Concordia Publishing House,
used with permission, One License 728607-A.
Tune: Welsh, pubic domain.
Sanctus
Text: Jaroslav J. Vajda, © 1990 Concordia Publishing House,
used with permission, One License 728607-A.
Tune: John B. Dykes, public domain.
Agnus Dei
Text: Jaroslav J. Vajda, © 1990 Concordia Publishing House,
used with permission, CCLI license #20286740.
Tune: Lowell Mason, 1792-1872, public domain.
Nunc Dimittis

Recording:

Audio:
Video:
Watch on YouTube

Announcements:

Sunday, Dec 31:
Worship Service: 9 AM to 10:15 AM
Sunday School: 10:45 AM to 11:45 AM
Adult Bible Study: 10:45 AM to 11:45 AM
Wednesday, Jan 3:
Men’s Bible Study: 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM

Downstairs.

Youth Group: 6:30 PM to 8 PM
Saturday, Jan 6:
Women’s Bible Study: 9 AM

Downstairs. Matthew 6:9-13; Lesson 12 “Kingdom”

Ministry Spotlight – Life Team

Please watch for the Mosaic Baby Bottle Campaign. This fundraiser will begin on January 14th and end on February 11th. Baby bottles will be available in the narthex on January 14th. For more information, please see Janice Lanto or contact the church office.

New Giving Envelopes Are Available

2024 Member Giving Envelopes are available in the entryway. If you no longer need envelopes, or you prefer to give online through your financial institution or Tithe.ly, please contact Cheryl in the church office.


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