THE FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT
G E L C S , A D 22, 2024
Welcome to Grace!
Our mission at Grace is to teach the inspired and inerrant Word of God, to proclaim that Jesus Christ is the crucified and risen Savior of the world, and to nurture believers for lives of Christian service.
Check out the GRACE WEBSITE at GraceLutheranSAZ.org
We are very pleased that you have joined us for worship today! We pray that this time will be a blessing for you as God comes to you with his Word and promises and as you offer him your thanks and praise.
The worship service is printed in its entirety in this worship folder for you to follow along and participate. You’ll notice that the service is a dialogue between God and us, his people. The pastor speaks to God along with the congregation and also speaks the Word of God to the people. Those wishing to leave an offering can do so at the exit today or give online at GraceLutheranSAZ.org/give. (You can also scan the QR code to the right to access the online giving page.)
Today we are using elements from the blue Christian Worship hymnal. If you would like to worship out of a hymnal today, you will find these blue worship books in the hymnal racks in each row; however you do not need a hymnal to participate, as everything needed for the service is printed in this folder.
OUR WORSHIP SERIES—A REAL CHRISTMAS
A parent says, “I want to give my kids a real Christmas.” What do you think that parent means? Perhaps they are thinking of trimming a freshly cut tree or finding the perfect presents or spending the holidays with extended family. Perhaps they are thinking about all those things. “Then it will be a real Christmas!” Certainly, all those are wonderful things. However, none of them are what makes Christmas real. The sad truth is Christmas is the most beloved holiday of so many, yet so few know what Christmas is really about.
If you want a real Christmas, then you need to observe Advent. Advent is Latin for “coming.” In the season of Advent, Christians observe the connection between the first time the Son of God came into our world as the Savior and the second time he will come as the Judge. Advent prepares our minds and hearts, so that we might soon celebrate a real Christmas. Our worship in this season of Advent has been following this path:
December 1 A Real Christmas Requires Remembering Why Christ Came
December 8 A Real Christmas Is Rooted in Repentance
December 15 A Real Christmas Results in Great Joy
December 22 A Real Christmas Will Lift Up the Lowly
OUR THEME FOR TODAY A REAL CHRISTMAS WILL LIFT UP THE LOWLY
By this time of the holiday season, people are often weighed down. They feel guilty about presents that are not perfect, parties that did not go as planned, or year-end projects that did not get completed. To top it all off, now is when it dawns on people how little attention they have given to the spiritual preparation Advent invites.
If that is how we feel, perhaps the frenzy of December has done us a favor. We have been stretched to our limits. We have been made painfully aware of our shortcomings. We have been humbled. Perfect! For being made aware of our weakness does not disqualify us from God’s care. It does the opposite. IT is what prepares us for the work he does best. He is a God who lifts up the lowly.
OPENING HYMN O Little Town of Bethlehem Christian Worship 333
Brooks, 1835–1893, abr., alt. Tune: Lewis H.
Please stand
1831–1908. Text and tune: Public domain.
Text: Phillips
Redner,
As our service begins, the minister speaks the words spoken at our baptisms and makes the sign of the cross, marking us anew as redeemed children of God.
INVOCATION
Minister: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit. Congregation: Amen.
CONFESSION
James 4:6, 10
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” James 5:16
God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
Dear friends, the season of Advent is a time of preparation as we await Christ’s second coming on the Last Day. We prepare our hearts to meet him as we humbly seek his forgiveness.
Holy God, gracious Father, I am sinful by nature and have sinned against you in my thoughts, words, and actions. I have not loved you with my whole heart; I have not loved others as I should. I deserve your punishment both now and forever. But Jesus, my Savior, paid for my sins with his innocent suffering and death. Trusting in him, I pray: God have mercy on me, a sinner.
Silence for meditation and reflection
Psalm 130:3-4
If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand?
But with you there is forgiveness; therefore, you are feared.
This hymn uses the words of Mary as recorded in Luke 1:46-55, which serves as our Gospel today.
RESPONSE—My Soul Will Magnify the Lord
This hymn continues on the next page.
ABSOLUTION
God’s promise to Abraham and his descendants was fulfilled in the coming of his Son. Jesus Christ humbled himself by submitting to God’s law. He humbled himself by becoming obedient to death on a cross. God promises to lift up the humble and fill the hungry with good things because of the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Though he was rich, yet for our sakes he became poor, so that we through his poverty might become rich.
Even as we await Christ’s second coming, he comes to us here and now in the words he gives his messengers to speak: I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
2 Corinthians 8:9 Christ gave the authority to forgive the sins of penitent sinners to his church: “Whenever you forgive people’s sins, they are forgiven.”
John 20:23
The lighting of candles in anticipation of Christ’s coming has a long tradition in the Christian Church. On each of the Sundays of Advent, a new candle is lit, dispelling the darkness as the church moves forward to welcoming him who is the true Light of the world.
Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.
LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH
We light four Advent candles remembering Jesus, the Son of God and Son of Mary. He came to share our humanity.
We remember Jesus, whose name means Savior. He came to save his people from their sins.
Text and tune: Stuart Townend Kristyn Getty, Keith Getty © 2005 Thankyou Music, admin. CapitolCMGPublishing,com.
We hear his call to give him a place in our hearts. We light four Advent candles as a sign of our joy and hope.
Come, Lord Jesus, be our guest.
Through your Word and Spirit may our souls be blessed.
Four Advent candles are lit.
HYMN RESPONSE My Soul Will Magnify the Lord Christian Worship 975
+ THE WORD +
PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Let us pray.
Stir up your power, O Lord, and come. Take away the burden of our sins, and make us ready for the celebration of your birth, that we may receive you in joy and serve you always; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
Please be seated
The lowly little town of Bethlehem would be lifted up. There a special son would be born who would bring spiritual peace to the ends of the earth.
This hymn continues on the next page.
2 But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, from you, will go out the one who will be the ruler for me in Israel. His goings forth are from the beginning, from the days of eternity.
3 Therefore the L will give them up, until the time when the woman who is in labor bears a child. Then the remaining survivors from his brothers will return to the people of Israel.
4 He will stand and shepherd with the strength of the L , in the majesty of the name of the L his God. They will dwell securely, for at that time he will be great to the ends of the earth.
5 This one will be their peace.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
SECOND
READING Hebrews 10:5-10
5Therefore when he entered the world, Christ said:
Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but you prepared a body for me.
6 You were not pleased with burnt offerings and sin offerings.
7 Then I said, “Here I am. I have come to do your will, God. In the scroll of the book it is written about me.”
8First he said:
Sacrifices and offerings that were offered according to the law, both burnt offerings and sin offerings, you did not desire, and you were not pleased with them.
9Then he said:
Here I am. I have come to do your will.
He does away with the first in order to establish the second. 10By this will, we have been sanctified once and for all, through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Please stand
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Alleluia. The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son. And they will name him Immanuel. Alleluia.
Matthew 1:23
We could not possibly raise ourselves up to God. So, the Son of God obeyed the law for us and by his sacrifice has made us holy. Christ has lifted up the lowly.
Psalm 40:6-8
A paraphrase of Psalm 40:6
Psalm 40:7
We stand out of respect for the words of Christ, our King.
The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel.
Text: Latin, c. 12th cent., Psalteriolum Cantionum Catholicarum, Köln, 1710; tr. John Mason Neale, 1818–1866, alt. Tune: French, 15th cent., alt Text and tune: Public domain.
In Spirit-wrought humility, Mary knew she needed a Savior. God lifts her up, making her the mother of that Savior.
GOSPEL
39In those days Mary got up and hurried to the hill country, to a town of Judah.
40She entered the home of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41Just as Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42She called out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43But why am I so favored that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44In fact, just now, as soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy! 45Blessed is she who believed, because the promises spoken to her from the Lord will be fulfilled!”
46Then Mary said,
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
47 and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior,
48 because he has looked with favor on the humble state of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed,
49 because the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name.
50 His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.
51 He has shown strength with his arm. He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones. He has lifted up the lowly.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things, but the rich he has sent away empty.
54 He has come to the aid of his servant Israel, remembering his mercy,
55 as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and his offspring forever.
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise be to you, O Christ.
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE & GREETING
While the children are coming forward please greet your neighbor and fill out the Friendship Register located in the red folder in your row and pass it along. Thank you!
Matthew 6 and Luke 11 record how Jesus taught his disciples to pray. We use his example prayer as part of our public worship, trusting that he will hear and answer our prayers.
Please be seated
LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.
HYMN OF THE DAY Holy Is Your Name
Christian Worship 956
The vocalist will sing stanza 1. Please join in singing the remainder of the hymn.
Text: anonymous, alt. Tune: Scottish. Text and tune: Public domain.
During the singing of this hymn, children ages 1-8 are excused to attend Children’s Church in the CLC Building. Parents can pick-up their children there following the service.
This hymn is a version of the Magnificat (or Song of Mary) as recorded in Luke 1:46-55.
Please stand
The Apostles’ Creed developed in the Early Christian Church as a personal confession of faith. It is so named because it confesses the faith taught by the Apostles of Jesus.
CONFESSION OF FAITH
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
I believe 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 is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From there 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.
Please be seated
Apostles’ Creed
PRAYER OF THE CHURCH
Eternal Father, throughout the centuries you repeated and affirmed your promise to send the offspring of the woman to crush the serpent’s head. Through your prophets of old, you continually directed the eyes of your people to the advent of their Savior. We praise you, O Lord, for keeping your promise and sending your Son to destroy the works of the devil.
As we prepare to celebrate the birth of our King, use your mighty Word to shatter our pride and to rouse us from spiritual slumber and apathy.
Move us to take to heart the words of John: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”
You sent your Son to redeem us from sin. Let this good news be our joy and strength. Use it to cheer the lonely, encourage the fearful, and give hope to the despairing. In these days before Christmas, spare us from the stress of deadlines and the frenzy of commercialism.
Fill our lives with the message of your peace and the music of your grace.
Direct our eyes not only to the manger but also to the skies, where we will see your Son coming again, not as a lowly child but as the Lord of lords.
Lift up our hearts in joyful anticipation of that day.
Hold in your care, Lord, those who are experiencing physical and emotional pain and all who are afflicted by disease or facing death. Pour out your compassion on the grieving and comfort the mourners who miss someone they loved.
Move us to pray for these brothers and sisters and to help when we can.
Hear us, Lord, as we pray in silence.
Silent prayer
Come quickly, Lord Jesus, in your grace, in your power, and in your glory. Come, Lord Jesus! Amen.
Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.
Please stand
CLOSING PRAYER
Blessed Lord, you have given us your Holy Scriptures for our learning. May we so hear them, read, learn, and take them to heart that, being strengthened and comforted by your holy Word, we may cling to the blessed hope of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
Text: para. Sabine Baring-Gould, 1834–1924, alt.; Basque, c. 18th cent. Tune: Basque, c. 18th cent. Text and tune: Public domain.
BLESSING
The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look on you with favor and (+) give you peace.
Amen. Please be seated
CLOSING HYMN—Let the Earth Now Praise the Lord Christian Worship 315
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.
The blessing of Aaron has been spoken over God’s people for over 3,500 years. The L said, “In this way they will put my name on [them], and I will bless them.” Numbers 6:27
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Friendship Register
We would like to have a record of both members and guests who are worshiping with us. Please sign the red Friendship Register book located along the center aisle in the hymnal rack.
Children’s Church
Children ages 1-8 will be dismissed from our worship service today during the hymn before the sermon to attend Children’s Church. Parents, following worship, please pick your child up from the gymnasium in the CLC building.
Volunteer Sign-ups
Volunteers are needed for 2025! We could use help in a number of different ways including greeters, ushers, and church cleaning. Please see the sign-up sheets in the church entryway and help out where you can!
Sunday Morning Bible Study
Luther’s Large Catechism is a short summary and epitome of the entire Holy Scriptures. Luther encourages all Christians to daily exercise themselves in the Catechism. With that encouragement, we are looking at the Large Catechism in our Sunday morning Bible study. If you haven’t been to Bible study in a while, now is a great time to start. Please join us in the CLC gymnasium on Sundays at 9:00 AM.
Daily Devotions
Grace Moments and Meditations daily devotional books are on the Welcome Desk in the church entryway. A new Grace Moments book with devotions that begin January 1 is now available. These are great tools to use for your daily Bible study!
Vicar in Mission Setting
Grace is once again requesting a Vicar in Missions to serve under Pastor Heiman here at our Sahuarita location. The congregational cost is $25,000 for the 2025-2026 school year ($15,000 in 2025 and $10,000 in 2026). We are looking to cover this cost with special offerings. You will find envelopes for this purpose on the Welcome Desk.
Those Assisting in Worship This Morning
Preacher
Pastor Ryan Heiman
Worship Leader.....................................................................................................Vicar Noah Nordlie
Accompanist Jane Neujahr
Vocalist
Izzy Kluball Acknowledgements:
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Grace Central Office
During the weeks of Christmas and New Years, the hours in the Grace Central Office at our Tucson site will vary. If you need to come to the office, please call ahead to be sure someone will be there. Phone messages and email will continue to be checked regularly. Our regular office hours of 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM will resume again on Monday, January 6, 2025.
Child Learning Center Closed
Our Child Learning Center will be closed for the Christmas and New Year’s holiday from Monday, December 23, through Wednesday, January 1, 2025. Childcare from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM will resume on Thursday, January 2, 2025.
New Year’s Eve Worship, Dinner, & Fellowship: December 31
Grace’s New Year’s Eve Service will be held at our Tucson location. This all-site service will take place at 5:30 PM and will include a remembrance of departed members and the celebration of Holy Communion. Following worship, join us in the Fellowship Hall and courtyard for dinner and fellowship.
Additional Sunday Worship Service
We will be adding will be adding an additional worship service at 7:45 AM beginning Sunday, January 5, here at Grace-Sahuarita. This additional service will continue through Easter.
Men of His Word Conference
The 4th annual Men of His Word conference is scheduled for Saturday, January 18, 2025 at the Desert Willow Conference Center in Phoenix from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The conference theme is “Forge Ahead in Faith.” This year’s conference will reignite your faith, filling you with the courage and conviction to forge ahead, even in the face of adversity or persecution. The keynote speaker will be Pastor Jon Buchholz. His presentation is titled Where Do We Go From Here? He’ll talk honestly about real challenges we face today, always in the light of the confidence we have in Jesus and his promises to bless his church. There will be eight different breakout sessions of which you may choose three. Details on each session are on the website. This year’s registration fee includes a Men of His Word themed T-shirt. To register, go to menofhisword.org/phoenix registration.html. Discounted registration is available through December 31.
Grow in Grace Class
Would you like to learn more about our risen Savior, about the Bible that tells us about him, and about what Grace Lutheran Church believes and teaches? Our congregation offers a series of Bible-based lessons called Grow in Grace. Grow in Grace also serves as our membership class for those who may be interested in joining the church. If you would be interested in scheduling a Grow in Grace Class, please speak to Pastor Heiman or Vicar Nordlie, or register your interest at GraceLutheranSAZ.org/GIG.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Grace’s Bible-based Counselor
Cinda Drescher is Grace’s Bible-based Counselor. She is on staff at Grace and works in the counseling building located in the Grace-Tucson parking lot. She typically works at the counseling building two days each week. To schedule an appointment, it is easiest to text her at 520-581-4714 or email at Cinda@GraceLutheranSAZ.org. Because she is on staff at Grace and supported by the congregation’s Ministry Spending Plan, there is no charge for anyone who makes an appointment with her. She is happy to meet with anyone whether they are members of Grace/WELS or not. Cinda not only has a WELS Bible-based Therapist certification, she holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Work, a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology, along with certifications in Trauma and Domestic Violence.
Stay Up to Date
The fastest and easiest way to keep Grace members and friends informed about what is happening at our four sites is through our weekly email update. This email is sent every Friday and at other times when special announcements are necessary. If you have not been receiving this email, but would like to, please email the Grace Central Office at office@gracelutheransaz.org and request to be added to our email list.
Please join us this Christmas season as we celebrate the birth of our Savior! There are invitation postcards on the Welcome Desk to use for inviting your friends and family to join you in worship. Tuesday, December 31
Tuesday, December 24
2:00 PM Benson Christmas Worship
4:00 PM Grace-Sahuarita
Children’s Christmas Service
5:30 PM Grace-Tucson
Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship
6:00 PM Grace-Vail
Christmas Candlelight Worship
7:00 PM Grace-Sahuarita
Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship
HOLIDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE
Christmas Day Worship
Wednesday, December 25
10:00 AM Grace-Sahuarita
10:00 AM Grace-Tucson
All-Site New Year’s Eve Worship 5:30 PM Grace-Tucson Followed by dinner & fellowship
SAHUARITA
This schedule is subject to change. Please watch your email for the most up-to-date information or call the Grace Central Office at (520)623-6633 if you have questions.
This Week at Grace December 22 - December 29
Today Adult Bible Study: Large Catechism 9:00a Children’s Sunday School 9:00a Worship Service 10:00a Fellowship following worship...................................................
Choir Rehearsal following worship
The Child Learning Center is closed this week. It will reopen on Thursday, January 2. Tuesday
Christmas Service 4:00p
Eve Candlelight Service................................7:00p
Day Worship 10:00a
Sunday, December 29
Adult Bible Study: Large Catechism 9:00a Children’s Sunday School 9:00a Worship Service 10:00a Fellowship following worship...................................................
BENSON
Worship Service 7:30a
Bible Study: Hebrews............................................8:45a
Eve Service 2:00p Sunday, December 29
Service 7:30a Adult Bible Study: Hebrews 8:45a Fellowship following worship...................................................
ONLINE Today Adult Bible Study (Tucson).............................................9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) 10:00a
Children’s Christmas Service (live only, not recorded) 4:00p Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship (Tucson) ...............5:30p Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship (Sahuarita) 7:00p
VAIL Today
Adult Bible Study: Timely Topics 9:00a Worship Service 10:00a Fellowship following worship Tuesday Christmas Eve Candlelight Service 6:00p
Sunday, December 29
Adult Bible Study: Timely Topics.................................... 9:00a Worship Service 10:00a Fellowship following worship
TUCSON
............................................7:45a & 10:00a
(High School) Bible Study: Big Questions 9:00a
Bible Study............................................................ 9:00a Fellowship following worship...................................................
Office hours will vary this week. Please call ahead before stopping in.
Eve Candlelight Service 5:30p
Day Worship................................................ 10:00a
December 29
Services 7:45a & 10:00a
Bible Hour...................................................... 8:45a
Bible Study 9:00a
(High School) Bible Study: Big Questions 9:00a Fellowship following worship
Bible Study (Tucson) 9:00a
Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) 10:00a
One Church. Four Locations.
Proclaiming the love of Jesus in Southern Arizona since 1911.
Grace-Tucson and Central Office
830 N. 1st Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85719 (520)623-6633 office@gracelutheransaz.org
Pastor Ronald G. Koehler III revrgk3@gracelutheransaz.org
Pastor Nathan P. Kassulke revnpk@gracelutheransaz.org
Administrative Assistant—Debbie Koehler assistant@gracelutheransaz.org
Worship Coordinator—Beth Kassulke music@gracelutheransaz.org
Grace-Benson and Grace-Vail
Benson 451 W. Duane St., Benson, AZ 85602
Vail
Worshipping at Esmond Station Elementary 9400 S. Atterbury Wash Way, Tucson, AZ 85747
Pastor Seth A. Scheuerlein revsas@gracelutheransaz.org
Office at Civano 10501 E. Seven Generations Way, Tucson, AZ 85747 (520)848-4631
Prayer Group Laura Hodgson prayergroup@gracelutheransaz.org
Grace-Sahuarita
75 W. Sahuarita Rd, Sahuarita, AZ 85629 (520)578-3538
Pastor Ryan A. Heiman revrah@gracelutheransaz.org
Vicar Noah Nordlie vicnpn@gracelutheransaz.org
Child Learning Center (520)848-4630 receptionist@gracelutheransaz.org GraceLutheranSahuaritaCLC.com
Director Laura Heiman director@gracelutheransaz.org
Assistant Director—Jen Rickling jrickling@gracelutheransaz.org
Child Learning Center Mission Teachers
Maddie Nordlie, Toddlers mnordlie@gracelutheransaz.org
Vicki Smith, 3-Year Olds vsmith@gracelutheransaz.org
Theresa Pratt, Preschool tpratt@gracelutheransaz.org
Chris Leathers, Toddler/After School Care cleathers@gracelutheransaz.org
Bible-Based Counselor—Cinda Drescher Office Assistant—Cora Stuhr cinda@gracelutheransaz.org office@gracelutheransaz.org (520)581-4714
Grace Lutheran Church is a member of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS), a group of nearly 400,000 men, women, and children in nearly 1,300 congregations across the United States and Canada united by a common faith in Christ's saving love. We are committed to a common calling encouraging each other in our faith and sharing God's gift of a Savior with the rest of the world. wels.net