January 05, 2025
The Second Sunday after Christmas
The portions of God’s Word used in this worship flyer have been taken from The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version Copyright 2019, The Wartburg Project, Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission.
Music and lyrics, as needed, are used with permission via OneLicense.net #A712831
Pre-Service Prayer
In the name of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
I thank You my Heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your Son, for keeping me through the night from all harm and danger. Keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. Into Your hands I commit my body and soul and all things. Let your holy angel be with me, that the Devil may have no power over me. Amen.
Living in Faith Every Day;
Looking Ahead to Faith’s Goal
By tradition and custom, the story of Simeon and Anna (today’s Gospel Lesson /Sermon Text) has been regularly used for nearly 16 centuries in worship on one of the Sundays after Christmas….and for good reason. Simeon and Anna (Hebrew: Hannah) belong to the same class of people as the shepherds of Bethlehem – true believers waiting for the Messiah at a time when there were few true believers. These were godly people who were waiting faithfully for the “Consolation of Israel” (the promised Messiah). Additionally, all of them eagerly shared with others the Good News that to them and to all….us, included…..the Savior had been born Who is Christ, the Lord.
Technically, the commemoration of Mary’s purification following childbirth (required in Leviticus 12) should probably take place 40 days after Christmas….on February 2. That occasion has an interesting name: “Candlemas.” It’s drawn from Simeon’s words about Jesus being “a Light to lighten the Gentiles.” As a part of the Candlemas service, real candles were dedicated to the Lord through prayer, after which they were carried about in a procession symbolic of the Christian’s dual resolution to walk in the light of Christ and to bring the light of God’s Word to a sin-darkened world.
This morning, focusing on the faithful example of Simeon and how the Lord kept His promises to him (as well as to another faithful believer, Anna) by allowing them to see and celebrate their salvation with their own eyes as they beheld and worshiped the infant Messiah in the temple’s courtyard.
Simeon responded to this momentous occasion with a beautiful hymn of praise – commonly known by the Latin name “the Nunc Dimittis” (“Now let us depart”) – which we periodically sing as a concluding part both of the communion portion of our worship services, and of our evening worship services. In it, Simeon confessed that he was ready to die, a contented man, confident in the assurance that his salvation was certain in the Messiah.
Anna, likewise, praised God for His faithfulness not only in keeping the promise made to her that she would not die before she saw the promised Savior, but especially for sending the Messiah into the world to be her and all mankind’s sin-Deliverer. Upon encountering Christ, Anna also provides us with an excellent “evangelist example” insofar as she promptly told everyone she could about the Messiah’s arrival.
Among the other lessons that we can draw from this portion of Scripture is our recognizing the significance of Jesus’ “Active Obedience” to the Law (His faithful activity of fulfilling – as our Substitute – of all that the OT Law required of us….see Galatians 4:4,5). We see it in this reading in connection with Jesus’ being circumcised on the eighth day (v. 21) and in His being devoted to the Lord as His mother’s firstborn and then “redeemed” for the offering-price of five shekels (which occurred as a separate occasion, 40 days after His birth). Both of these acts satisfied requirements of God’s Law for His OT believers. Our Savior’s “Passive Obedience” (His willing suffering and death as our Substitute for sin) is also seen in this reading in the shedding of His blood as part of the circumcision rite, and the culmination of that Passive Obedience is anticipated by Simeon when the latter speaks about Jesus’ crucifixion with the words “this Child is appointed for the falling and rising of many in Israel and for a Sign that is spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” Guided by the Holy Spirit, Simeon was able to look at the Christ Child and, in faith, praise God by exclaiming: “My eyes have [at last] have seen Your Salvation!”
In today’s Epistle Lesson the writer to the Hebrews sets the tone for his letter – one filled with a variety of comparisons between Christ and angels (included in our reading), Moses the Lawgiver, the OT priesthood, and the OT required sacrifices. In each comparison, the superiority and supremacy of Christ is upheld. In our particular reading, the inspired writer makes the point that Christ is, in every way, superior to the angels that He created and which serve Him (as well as us). In addition (and in keeping with today’s “worship focus”), we want to listen to the writer’s exhortation about how important it is for us to avoid neglecting (or taking for granted) the saving faith we possess and its eternal benefits which are ours through Jesus Christ.
In our Children’s Lesson we’ll talk about buried treasure, pearls, and other valuable objects like some of our Christmas gifts as we ask ourselves (and answer) the question: “Just How Much Is Your Faith Worth To You?”
Finally, through today’s Old Testament Lesson we’ll look at the dream of Jacob at Bethel. At this time he was literally fleeing for his life from his brother, Esau (who was furious with Jacob because the latter had tricked their father into giving him the firstborn’s blessing – which rightfully belonged to Esau). Jacob’s destination was his uncle Laban’s home in Haran – many miles distant from Esau. Unknown to him at that time, Jacob would stay in Haran as an “exile of sorts” for the next twenty years….during which time the Lord would greatly bless him. Here at Bethel, however, God provides Jacob with a different – and very special – kind of blessing, granting him a faith-encouraging glimpse of heaven through a dream. The LORD reassured Jacob that He would protect the patriarch on his journey and safely bring him back home. He also offered Jacob the same Messianic promise which He had earlier given to Abraham and Isaac…..namely that through their offspring (the Promised Messiah) all nations on earth would be blessed.
The Advent Wreath and Candles
Central to our celebration of the Savior’s birth throughout the pre-Christmas season of Advent has been the “Advent Wreath and Candles” which are found in the front of the sanctuary today. The large white candle in the center, the “Christ Candle,” was lit for the first time on Christmas morning in celebration of Christ’s birth. It symbolizes the fulfillment of Christmas prophesy — the nativity of Jesus Christ, the Savior and Light of the world. In addition, the four smaller candles (formerly 3 purple and one pink throughout the four week preparation season of Advent) have been now replaced – also as of Christmas Day – by four white candles. The color of white is used to symbolize the personal purity of Christ our Savior, as well as to typify the status (of fully forgiven, heaven-bound saints) that Jesus’ substitutionary sacrifice has secured for us. The significance of each of those four smaller candles is explained in what follows:
The First Candle (violet/white) is the Candle of Prophesy, symbolizing the Old Testament prophecies of the Advent, or coming, of the Savior. The Second Advent Candle (violet/white) is the Bethlehem Candle. It symbolizes the coming to earth of Jesus, the Son of God, born of the Virgin Mary. The Third Advent Candle (pink/white) is the Shepherd Candle. Through this candle’s symbolism we recall the coming of the Savior into our hearts and lives through the Means of Grace (the Gospel in Word and Sacrament). The Fourth Candle (violet/white) is the Angel Candle. It represents the final coming of the Savior in glory with all His angels for the final judgement.
Pre-service prayer
Pre-worship music
We Praise Our God
The Greeting and Introduction to Worship
after the greeting, the Congregation will rise for
The Invocation
P: We make our beginning this morning, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The Psalm for Today Psalm 100
P: Make a joyful noise to the LORD all the earth.
C: Serve the LORD with gladness.
P: Come into His presence with singing!
C: Know that the LORD, He is God.
P: It is He Who made us, and we are His;
C: We are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.
P: Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise.
C: Give thanks to Him; + bless His name.
P: For the LORD is good; His steadfast love endures forever.
C: and His faithfulness to all generations.
after which the Congregation will be seated for
The Opening Hymn O Lord, We Welcome You
Caspar Zeigler, 1648; alt, cwh 2014
O Lord, we welcome You. Our hearts for joy are leaping.
O Jesus, dearest Child, Your precious promise keeping,
You’ve come from heav’n to earth To be our Brother dear;
And as our Savior-God You’ve banished all our fear.
Almighty Son of God, Your majesty concealing,
Lived with our sinful race, To give us balm and healing.
You, everlasting Lord, Descended from above —
Embraced our flesh and blood – Revealed Your pard’ning love.
Your sweet and gentle name, Lord Jesus, is astounding.
It pierces hearts of stone And tells of love abounding.
God’s Son, our heav’nly Lord, On You we must rely.
And trusting in Your grace We will live once we die.
To You alone we’ll cling, For You all else forsaking;
On You alone we’ll build Tho’ heav’n and earth be quaking.
For You alone we’ll live, In You alone we’ll die;
O Jesus, dearest Lord, Through You we’ll reign on high. Amen.
After which the Congregation will rise
We Make Confession Of Our Sins To God
Pastor God, our Heavenly Father, invites us to come into His presence and to worship Him with humble and penitent hearts. Therefore, let us now turn to Him, acknowledging our sinfulness and seeking His forgiveness for all our sins.
Congregation Holy and merciful Father, I confess that I am by nature sinful and that I have disobeyed You in my thoughts, words, and actions; I have done what is evil in Your sight and have failed to do what is good. For this I know that I deserve Your punishment, both now and for eternity. But I am truly sorry for all my sins and trusting in the perfect life and innocent death of my Savior, Jesus Christ, I plead: God have mercy on me, a sinner.
(Sung) Lord have mercy on us;
Christ have mercy on us;
Lord, have mercy on us.
Pastor Our gracious Lord and Master has shown us His mercy: He has given His one and only Son to save us from all our sins. And now, having humbly and sincerely confessed your sins before Almighty God, be strengthened in your faith, mindful that our Lord is not willing that anyone should perish eternally, but that everyone should come to repentance, turning from their evil ways and receiving from Him everlasting life. God has commanded His ministers to declare His forgiveness of sins to all who are penitent. Therefore, addressing you as a called servant of Christ, and according to His command and under His authority, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. May the peace of God rest upon all of you. Amen.
(Sung) Glory be to God on high
and on earth peace good will to men.
We praise You, we bless You, we worship You.
We glorify You, we give thanks to You for Your great glory.
O Lord God heavenly King, God the Father almighty.
O Lord, the only begotten Son, Jesus Christ,
O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father,
You take away the sin of the world. Have mercy on us.
You take away the sin of the world. Receive our prayer.
You sit at the right hand of God the Father.
Have mercy on us.
For You only are holy. You only are the Lord.
You only, O Christ, with the Holy Spirit.
Are most high in the glory of God the Father. Amen
The Prayer for the Morning
Almighty God, + grant to Your Church Your Holy Spirit, + and the wisdom which comes down from above. + Let nothing hinder Your Word + from being freely proclaimed + to the joy and edification of Christ’s holy people, + so that we may serve You in steadfast faith + and confess Your name as long as we live. + We ask all this in the name of Jesus Christ, + Your Son, our Savior, + Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, + One God, for ever and ever. + Amen
After which the Congregation may be seated
Feed Us, Lord
The Old Testament Lesson Genesis 28:10-22
10 Jacob set out from Beersheba and traveled toward Haran. 11 He came to a certain place and decided to spend the night there, because the sun had set. He took one of the stones from that place, put it under his head, and lay down to sleep in that place. 12 He had a dream in which he saw a stairway set up on the earth with its top reaching to heaven. There were angels of God ascending and descending on it. 13 There at the top stood the Lord, who said, “I am the Lord, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. The land on which you are lying, I give to you and to your descendants. 14 Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south. In you and in your seed all the families of the earth will be blessed. 15 Now, I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back again into this land. Indeed, I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised to you.”
16 Jacob woke up from his sleep, and he said, “Certainly the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it.” 17 He was afraid and he said, “How awe- inspiring is this place! This is nothing other than the house of God, and this is the gate to heaven.”
18 Jacob got up early in the morning. He took the stone that he had put under his head and set it up as a sacred memorial stone and poured oil on top of it. 19 He named that place Bethel. (Before this, the name of the city had been Luz.) 20 Jacob took a vow, “If God will be with me to keep me safe on this journey I am making, and if He gives me food to eat and clothing to put on, 21 and I come back to my father’s house in safety, the Lord will be my God, 22 and this stone that I have set up as a memorial stone will be God’s house, and I will certainly give You a tenth of everything that You give me.”
The Epistle Lesson Hebrews 1:1-2:4
In the past, God spoke to our forefathers by the prophets at many times and in many ways. 2 In these last days, He has spoken to us by His Son, Whom He appointed Heir of all things, and through Whom He made the universe. 3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact imprint of the divine nature. He sustains all things by His powerful word. After He had provided purification for sins, He took His seat at the right hand of the Majesty on high.
4 The Son became as much superior to the angels as the name He has inherited is more excellent than theirs. 5 For to which of the angels did God ever say: “You are My Son. Today I have begotten You?” And again: “I will be His Father, and He will be My Son.” 6 And again, when He brought His Firstborn into the world, He said: “Let all God’s angels worship Him.”
7 About the angels He says: “He makes His messengers winds and His ministers flaming fire.” 8 But about the Son He says: “God, Your throne is forever and ever, and the scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom. 9 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness. Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of joy beyond Your companions.”
10 And He says: “In the beginning, Lord, You laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the works of Your hands. 11 They will perish, but You remain. They will all become old like a garment. 12 You will roll them up like a robe, and they will be changed like a garment. But You are the same, and Your years will never end.”
13 To which of the angels has He ever said: “Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool under Your feet?”
14 Are not all angels ministering spirits sent out to serve for the benefit of those who are going to inherit salvation?
2 Therefore, we need to pay even more attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. 2 For if the message that was spoken through angels was valid, and every transgression and disobedient act received a just punishment, 3 how will we escape if we ignore such a great salvation? First the message was spoken by the Lord; then it was confirmed to us by those who heard Him. 4 God also testified to it with signs and wonders, various miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His will.
after which the Congregation will rise out of respect for the reading of
The Gospel Lesson Luke 2:21-40
21 After eight days passed, when the Child was circumcised, He was named Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.
22 When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord. 23 (As it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male will be called holy to the Lord.”) 24 And they came to offer a sacrifice according to what was said in the law of the Lord, “A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”
25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, waiting for the Comfort of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 Moved by the Spirit he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the Child Jesus to do for him what was customary according to the law, 28 Simeon took Him into his arms and praised God. He said, “29 Lord, You now dismiss Your servant in peace, according to Your word, 30 because my eyes have seen Your salvation,
31 which You have prepared before the face of all people, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel.”
33 Joseph and the Child’s mother were amazed at the things that were spoken about Him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, “Listen carefully, this Child is appointed for the falling and rising of many in Israel and for a Sign that is spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
36 Anna, a prophetess, was there. She was a daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old. She had lived with her husband for seven years after her marriage, 37 and then she was a widow of eighty-four years. She did not leave the temple complex, since she was worshiping with fasting and prayers night and day. 38 Standing nearby at that very hour, she gave thanks to the Lord. She kept speaking about the Child to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.
39 When they had accomplished everything according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town, Nazareth. 40 The Child grew and became strong. He was filled with wisdom, and God’s favor was on Him.
The 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 men and for our salvation, came down from heaven And was incarnate by the Holy Ghost 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 sitteth on the right hand of the Father; And he shall come again with glory, to judge both the quick and the dead; Whose Kingdom shall have no end. And I believe in the Holy Ghost, The Lord and Giver of Life, Who proceedeth from the Father and the Son, Who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified, Who spake by the Prophets. And I believe 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.
After which the Congregation may be seated for
The Children’s Lesson Matthew 13:44-46
44 “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid again. In his joy, he goes away and sells all that he has and buys that field. 45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls. 46 When he found one very valuable pearl, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.”
How Much Is Your Faith Worth To You?
The Hymn of the Day Hymn 78 “O Light of Gentile Nations”
1 O Light of Gentile nations,
O Savior from above,
Drawn by your Spirit’s leading,
We come with joy and love
Into your holy temple
And wait with rev’rent mind
As Simeon once had waited
His God and Lord to find.
2 Dear Lord, your servants meet you
In ev’ry holy place
Where your true Word has promised
That we should see your face.
Today you still allow us
Who gather round you here
In arms of faith to hold you
As did that aged seer.
3 Lord, when life’s troubles touch us,
You seem to hide your face,
And through our tears we often
Can scarcely sense your grace.
Then be our joy and brightness,
Our cheer in pain and loss,
Our sun in darkest terror,
The glory round our cross.
4 Let us, O Lord, be faithful
Like Simeon to the end
So that his prayer exultant
May from our hearts ascend:
“O Lord, now let your servant
Depart in peace, I pray,
Since I have seen my Savior
And here beheld his day.”
after which the Congregation will REMAIN SEATED for
The Pre-Sermon Greeting
Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ, our Lord! May the words of my mouth and the meditation of our hearts be pleasing in Your sight, O Lord, our Rock and our Redeemer. Amen.
The Sermon Text based on Luke 2:21-35
Simeon’s Song Is Our Song
after which the Congregation will rise for
The Post-Sermon Blessing
May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God our Father, Who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, now encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word. Amen.
Following which the Congregation will be seated as
We Respond To God’s Word
through our Offering and Prayers
Our Offerings of Love to our Lord
Offerings will be received this morning through offering plates passed among those who have gathered here for worship. However, for those viewing this service online, we offer you the following suggestions for providing God with Your thank-offerings through our ministry:
1) You can mail a check (no cash, please) to our church address
(415 N. 6th Place, Lowell, AR 72745); or
2) You can donate through our website: www.gracelutherannwa.com
after the offerings are brought forward, the Congregation will rise for
The Offering Prayer
Dear Savior, You have taught us: “A man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” Teach us to realize more and more that happiness in life does not depend on the number of things we can call our own. Rather, Jesus, help us to find joy in the uses that we as stewards make of all Your resources which You have graciously placed into our hands. Amen.
Today’s Special Prayers
Included in our prayers this morning are:
Prayers of Intercession for:
Tim Pfortmiller (who will soon begin receiving additional treatments
for his cancer; and
Diane Pfortmiller, who is dealing with heart, and other, health problems
The Prayers for the Church
P: We come to You, Father, with praise and thanksgiving for all Your benefits toward us, and especially during this holy season for the nativity of Your Son in our flesh.
C: We praise You that He came to earth to reconcile us to You, _ and to open the closed doors of paradise + for us and for all who believe in Him. + And we thank You, Lord, + for the comfort, peace and joy + that Immanuel has brought to us all!
P: We also implore You, O Lord, to continue to watch over and guide Your one, holy, Christian Church, blessing that Church on earth with ever-growing faithfulness to You, and a unity of faith that is grounded in a comprehensive commitment to everything in Your Holy Word.
C: We pray especially for all the leaders of the Wisconsin Synod and our South Central District. + We also pray for all the pastors, teachers, and servants of our Church body. + May they remain steadfast in Your Word, + teaching and living the true Christian faith, + so that Your Kingdom will continue to be extended + and so Your name will be glorified through us.
P: Remember, Lord, all those who serve in our government and especially those who serve in our nation’s military services.
C: Grant them wisdom and faithfulness in their service. + Strengthen their families during times of separation. + And guide all nations into the ways of peace and justice.
P: Remember, Lord, all who cry to You in their time of need. Grant them healing and help in all their trials, as You alone know best.
C: Remember, Lord, those which You have made Your own in Holy Baptism, + but who have neglected to hear Your Word + and return thanks to You. + Grant them a spirit of repentance + and restore them to active, regular fellowship with Your saints.
P: Holy Father, with the whole Church in these Christmas days we give thanks for Mary, the virgin mother of Jesus, our Lord and God. We also give thanks for Joseph her husband, for Simeon and Anna, and for all Your saints.
C: Grant us Your grace to follow the pattern of their lives + that we too may hear, keep, and treasure Your Word in our hearts.
P: Graciously receive our prayers, and deliver, and preserve us from our sinful selves and from all other spiritual adversaries.
C: For You live and reign with the Son and the Spirit, + one God forever and ever.
P: Also hear us, dear Father, as we take a few moments to silently offer our personal petitions and praises to You.
A Moment for Silent Prayer
P: And finally, with all our prayers being offered in Jesus’ name, we also join in that special prayer which has been given to us by our Savior:
C: 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 for ever and ever. Amen.
We Celebrate the Lord’s Supper
Pastor – The Lord be with you.
Congregation (Sung) And also with You
Pastor – Lift up your hearts.
Congregation (Sung) We lift them up unto the Lord
Pastor – Let us give thanks unto the Lord, our God.
Congregation (Sung) It is good and right so to do.
Pastor – It is truly good and right that we should at all times and in all places give thanks to You, O Lord, holy Father, almighty, everlasting God, through Jesus Christ our Lord, for in the wonder and mystery of His birth, You have opened our eyes to the glory of Your grace and renewed in our hearts the fervor of Your love. Therefore with angels and archangel, and all the company of heaven, we praise Your holy name and join their glorious song:
(Sung) Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of heavenly hosts.
Heaven and earth are full of Your glory
Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is He, Blessed is He, Blessed is He
Who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna in the highest.
Consecration of the Elements
Pastor – The peace of the Lord be with you always.
Congregation – (Sung) Amen.
(Sung) O Christ, Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world; Have mercy on us.
O Christ, Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world;
Have mercy on us.
O Christ, Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world;
Grant us peace. Amen.
The Exhortation Regarding the Lord’s Supper (Pastor)
(Please read the following if you have not spoken with
our Pastor about taking communion. Thank you.)
TO OUR GUESTS AND FRIENDS
We ask that only “Confirmed, Communicant” members of this congregation, or of one of our Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod congregations come forward to receive the Lord’s Supper at this time.
We believe, according to Scripture, that only those who are “one,” that is, in complete doctrinal agreement, united in a common public confession of faith, are to commune together at the same altar (see I Corinthians 10:17 and I Corinthians 1:10).
To be “in communion” means to share and to hold in common. By eating and drinking at our Lord’s Table, we are not only sharing in, with, and under the bread and wine, Jesus’ very body and blood…we are also publicly declaring that we hold in common a specific confession of faith. In other words, as a result of having comprehensively studied the Scriptures together all of our communicants have agreed to accept and proclaim the same Biblical doctrines and practices.
Through membership in a particular church body (for us, that church body is the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod), each person makes a public statement that he/she is in full agreement with the teachings and practices of that body. Because not every church body or Lutheran Synod teaches and practices the same things, we in the WELS
want to be honest in our recognition of the doctrinal differences that, here on earth, separate us from other church bodies. Please bear in mind that we are not, in any way, judging the legitimacy of your Christian faith. Still, we ask that if you have not (upon study of the Word with us) declared yourself to be in full doctrinal agreement with us, you would respectfully not join us in the Lord’s Supper this morning.
It is our prayer that our Scripture-based practice of “Close Communion” will encourage anyone among us today who is not presently in full fellowship with us to seriously examine the teachings and practices of his/her church in order to determine if those teachings and practices are really in full agreement with God’s Word.
And if you are guest among us today, we want you to know that it is our earnest desire that you might become familiar with the Biblical doctrines our congregation confesses, in order that you might one day join with us at the Lord’s altar in this public expression of full unity of doctrine and practice. Until then, please know that we are most grateful for your participation as a fellow Christian in this worship service, and that we appreciate your understanding and respect of our Communion practice.
The Distribution of the Sacrament
Distribution Hymn Hymn 312 “Lord Jesus Christ, You Have Prepared”
verses 1-4
verses 4-8
After the Sacrament is celebrated, the pastor will invite the Congregation to rise
The Song of Simeon
(Sung) Lord, now You let Your servant depart in peace
According to Your word.
For my eyes have seen Your salvation
Which You have prepared before the face of all people.
A Light to lighten the Gentiles
And the glory of Your people Israel.
We Leave With The Lord’s Blessing
The Closing Prayer
Almighty God, to Whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from Whom no secrets are hid, cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the power of Your Holy Spirit, that we may love You more completely, praise You more joyously, and serve You more faithfully. These requests we make in the name of Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, Who lives and rules with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, both now and forever. Amen.
The Benediction
P: Brothers and sisters, go in peace. Live in harmony with one another. Serve the Lord in gladness.
The LORD bless you and keep you
The LORD make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you.
The LORD look upon you with favor, and grant you His peace. Amen.
The Closing Hymn Hymn 28 “Let The Earth Now Praise The Lord”
1 Let the earth now praise the Lord,
Who has truly kept his word
And at last to us did send
Christ, the sinner’s help and friend.
2 What the fathers most desired,
What the prophets’ heart inspired,
What they longed for many a year
Stands fulfilled in glory here.
3 Abram’s promised great reward,
Zion’s helper, Jacob’s Lord —
Him of twofold race behold —
Truly came, as long foretold.
4 Welcome, O my Savior, now!
Joyful, Lord, to you I bow.
Come into my heart, I pray;
Oh, prepare yourself a way.
5 Crush for me the serpent’s head
That, set free from doubt and dread,
I may cling to you in faith,
Safely kept through life and death,
6 And, when you shall come again
As a glorious king to reign,
I with joy may see your face,
Freely ransomed by your grace.
Silent Prayer, Announcements, Post-service music