Third Sunday of Advent – December 14, 2025
The Order of Worship at 11:00 am
Lutheran Church of the Redeemer’s Statement of Welcome
We serve a God of abundant grace and generosity. Our worship is centered on the invitation that Christ offers at the communion table: all are welcome in this place. That welcome flows through all we do and say. We open our arms to everyone who comes to share our love of God and all God’s people. We affirm and value the lives of everyone, including all who have been marginalized by ability, age, gender, gender identity and expression, mental or physical health, poverty, race, sexual orientation, or any other circumstance. Let our message be clear: all are welcome to participate fully in the life of our congregation.
PRELUDE
Hymn from "Little Suite" arr. Martha Lynn Thompson Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence John C Dare The Redeemer Ringers
WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS
GATHERING
The Holy Spirit gathers us in unity on the first day of the week, the day of Christ’s resurrection.
Standing
HYMN 242
CONFESSION
Awake! Awake, and Greet the New Morn
In the name of the Father, and of the ☩ Son, and of the Holy Spirit. | Amen. 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 inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you and worthily magnify your holy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. | Amen.
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. But if we confess our sins, God who is faithful and just will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Kneeling or seated
Most merciful God, | we confess that we are captive to sin and cannot free ourselves. We have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. For the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us, so that we may delight in your will and walk in your ways, to the glory of your holy name. Amen.
In the mercy of almighty God, Jesus Christ was given to die for us, and for his sake God forgives us all our sins. As a called and ordained minister of the church of Christ, and by his authority, I therefore declare to you the entire forgiveness of all your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the ☩ Son, and of the Holy Spirit. | Amen
Standing GREETING
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. | And also with you.
BLESSING AND LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH
At every beginning there is a yearning for the one who is coming. O Emmanuel, Open us up to your coming.
We gather together to allow our deeply held hopes to be reshaped by God’s promises.
O Emmanuel, Open us up to your coming.
We wait for the day when God will make for us a future that is no longer predicated on our fear. O Emmanuel, Open us up to your coming.
We find a new receptivity within us that desires God’s will over our own will and relies on God’s justice and mercy to accomplish it. O Emmanuel, Open us up to your coming.
Jesus, we welcome your presence now with the lighting of these candles, whose flames bring warmth to winter and fill this place with the glow of hope.
Amen.
Light three candles.
Sung
O come, O Branch of Jesse, free your own from Satan's tyranny; from depths of hell your people save, and give them vict'ry o'er the grave. Refrain
PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you. | And also with you.
WORD
God speaks to us in scriptures read, sung and preached.
Seated
LESSON Isaiah 60:1-3, 19-20
LESSONS AND CAROLS
Thomas Herold I will wait for the Lord, | and I will hope in God who saves us.
CAROL Arise, Shine
The Seraphim and J.O.Y. Choirs
Robert Lau
LESSON: Isaiah 11:1-9
Brigitte Merkel I will wait for the Lord, | and I will hope in God who saves us.
CAROL A Little Child Shall Lead Them Marilyn Biery
Lars Peterson, Thomas Herold, Charlotte Spady, and Ella Kim, soloists
LESSON: Isaiah 40:1-5
Charlotte Spady I will wait for the Lord, | and I will hope in God who saves us.
CAROL Prepare the Way, O Zion
The Seraphim and J.O.Y. Choirs
Carol McClure
LESSON: Isaiah 40:9-11 Ella Kim I will wait for the Lord, | and I will hope in God who saves us.
CAROL
LESSON: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11
Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus
The Seraphim and J.O.Y. Choirs
Jeff Reeves
Matthew Roth I will wait for the Lord, | and I will hope in God who saves us.
CAROL
He Came Down arr. Phil Kadidlo The Seraphim and J.O.Y. Choirs
LESSON: Luke 1:26-38 Charlotte Herold I will wait for the Lord, | and I will hope in God who saves us.
CAROL
The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came Hymn 265 Please join the choirs in singing the hymn as indicated. Stanza 1 – all Stanza 2 – all Stanza 3 – Redeemer Choir Stanza 4 - all
LESSON: Luke 1:68-79
David Miller I will wait for the Lord, | and I will hope in God who saves us.
CAROL Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers arr. Evelyn R. Larter
The combined choirs
RESPONSIVE PRAYER
O Lord our God, be gracious to us; | we wait for you. Dispel the darkness, | that all nations may come to your light. Establish your peace on the earth; | join our voices to sing your praise. Comfort the sick and weary; | renew their strength and power. O Lord our God, come to us, | that the earth may behold your glory. Amen. From sundaysandseasons.com. Copyright © 2025 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.
Standing PEACE
The peace of Christ be with you always. | And also with you. Please share a sign of blessing with your fellow worshipers in whatever way is comfortable for you.
Seated GATHERING OF GIFTS
ANTHEM
THANKSGIVING
The Hills are Bare at Bethlehem American shape-note hymn Arrangement by Aaron David Miller
The hills are bare at Bethlehem, no future for the world they show; yet here new life begins to grow, from earth’s old dust a greenwood stem.
The stars are cold at Bethlehem, no warmth for those beneath the sky; yet here the radiant angels fly, and joy burns new, a fi’ry gem.
The heart is tired at Bethlehem, no human dream unbroken stands; yet here God comes to mortal hands, and hope renewed cries out: “Amen!” Royce Scherf
Standing
Text: Georg Weissel, 1590-1635; tr. Gracia Grindal, b. 1943
Text © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship, admin. Augsburg Fortress
OFFERING PRAYER
GREAT THANKSGIVING
The Lord be with you. | And also with you. Lift up your hearts! | We lift them to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. | It is right to give our thanks and praise.
It is indeed right, unending hymn:
EUCHARISTIC PRAYER
Holy One, … now and forever. | Amen.
Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray…
LORD’S PRAYER
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, forever and ever. Amen.
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
Seated
All who seek to meet the Risen Christ in the bread and wine are welcome to the feast. Those who are worshiping online can join the pastors on Zoom for communion following the postlude. Link
We Are Waiting for Jesus
HYMN 266
Standing
All Earth Is Hopeful
The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace. | Amen
Let us pray. | God our host, at this table you have fed us with joy and gladness. Send us forth, eager to share the feast, welcome the stranger, and bear good fruit in the name of Jesus. Amen.
SENDING
God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world.
BLESSING
HYMN 248
Seated CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
SENDING
People, Look East
Go in peace. Keep awake. | Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE
Besançon: Carillon Rebecca Groom te Velde (born 1956)
LAST WEEK AT REDEEMER Attendance for 12/07/25: In person 197, Online 127
NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER Fourth Sunday of Advent
The Altar flowers are given to the glory of God on this Gaudete Sunday by Carol and Mike Bell in honor of the Worship Ministry Team.
From sundaysandseasons.com. Copyright © 2021 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.
LAST WEEK AT REDEEMER Attendance for 12/07/25: In person 197, Online 127
Official Notice of CONGREGATIONAL MEETING:
Today following 9:00 am and 11:00 am worship services with an online option at 10:15 am
The purpose of the meeting is the approval of the 2026 Proposed Budget.
It’s time to pre-order poinsettias in honor/memory of family or friends to visually enhance our Christmas worship. In addition, professional brass quartet and timpani will be here at 8:00 and 11 pm on Christmas Eve, so you are also encouraged to make donations to the special musician’s fund which will also be listed in the Christmas Eve bulletin in honor/memory of family or friends along with the flowers.
To order online click HERE or you can use an envelope that is available in the pew racks. Please drop envelopes at the Welcome desk in the Sims atrium. All donations are due by Friday, December 19.
Rejoicing Spirits- Sunday, December 14
Christmas Extravaganza!! Rejoicing Spirits gets to have a ‘Christmas preview’ in the middle of Advent, since this is our only December worship service. Come get your fix of carols and Christmas joy a little early.
This special worship service is designed to be accessible to people of all abilities- yes, that means you! We are all beloved children of God with strengths and weaknesses. People with disabilities and their caregivers need the support of their faith community. We all need to be reminded that whatever our abilities, we are enough. Come to be a friend and make some amazing new friends! Meet in Rudisill Hall from 10:15 - 10:45 (before or after attending your usual service!) on December 14, January 25, February 22, March 22, and April 19. Mark your calendars!
Growing in Grace
We are asking every family to return their pledge of support to Redeemer’s ministries through our website, email, or by returning your pledge card in the mail or in-person.
Printed stewardship materials have been mailed; hopefully, you have received your packet. If you have not, a limited number of packets will be available at the Welcome Desk in the Sims Atrium.
For the Girls of Wellspring Living : our 14th Angel Tree : Sims Atrium
November 23 through December 14
Once again, we have the opportunity to shop for the girls of Wellspring Living – children (ages 12 – 17) who have been trafficked and who are on a path of restoration. Please take an ornament for your own tree and return a gift card. On each ornament are gift card suggestions. Gift cards in any dollar value will be used for the girls’ school and craft supplies, meals, clothing, or special events. Write the value on your gift cards and place them in the box by the tree. If the tree is not attended by a Redeeming Grace volunteer, please note the special instructions posted. Thank you Kathy Hill and the women of Northside Circle for the creation of the ornaments. Questions? Contact Charissa Schultz or Amy Carpenter via Realm.
Inspiritus Hope Tree
Each year, Inspiritus resettles a significant number of refugees as they begin their journey from surviving to thriving, and our Hope Tree campaign is the opportunity for us to give the gift of warmth to refugee and immigrant families. Our goal is to provide each of the 600+ clients we resettled this year with a warm coat for the winter, and this is made possible by the generosity of those who donate coats and monetary gifts to purchase coats. If you would like to donate a coat, you can do so in the Sims Atrium. If you would like to donate so we can purchase coats, you can do so online at www.weinspirit.org/give-financially (Select Hope Tree from the drop down) Each year, we are humbled and grateful to bring smiles to the faces of those who have faced significant challenges in adjusting to their new lives.
Goshen Valley Giving Tree | November 16 - December 14
Help us create a Merry Christmas for the foster boys and girls living under Goshen Valley's care!
You can donate items in two ways:
• donate gifts using the Amazon list, which will ship items directly to Goshen Valley
• donate household items using tags on the giving tree in Sims Atrium, and bring the items to church with you.
FAITH FORMATION
Sundays 10 am | Rudisill Hall and Zoom | “A Child is Born”
While we associate the Nativity Story with the birth of Jesus, the Bible has numerous chapters that could be titled “A Child is Born.” Join our ministers as we explore the other nativity stories in the Old Testament as we prepare for the celebration of Jesus’ birth this Advent season. Pastor Larson will repeat each session in his Wednesday class at 6 PM.
Sundays 10 am | Room 121 | Mysteries of Faith
Join us for a study of Charles Murray’s 2025 book, ”Taking Religion Seriously”. This is Murray’s autobiographical account of the decades-long evolution in his stance toward the idea of God in general and Christianity in particular. He argues that religion is something that can be approached as an intellectual exercise. His account moves from the improbable physics of the Big Bang to recent discoveries about the nature of consciousness, from evolutionary psychology to hypotheses about a universal Moral Law. His exploration of Christianity delves into the authorship of the Gospels, the reliability of Biblical texts, and the scholarship surrounding the resurrection story. ”Maybe God needs a way to reach over-educated agnostics and that’s what I stumbled into, ” Murray writes. ”It’s a more arid process than divine revelation but it has been rewarding. And, if you’re like me, it’s the only game in town” ALL ARE INVITED.
Sundays 10 am | Room
Leader: Pat Cornwell
Our Advent book for our class has been chosen and it’s “Joy to the World” by Robert Slocum.
Tuesdays 5 pm | Zoom
We will experience Advent in collaboration with our brothers and sisters in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL). This is an opportunity to walk with our siblings in Christ. Let us remember as we join with them in preparing for the birth of Jesus, that their ancestors were likely living where Jesus was born.
Dec. 16: DISPLACMENT with Rev. Rodney Said, pastor ELCJHL
Dec. 23: IMMANUEL with Bishop Azar, ELCJHL
This Advent series is produced by our ELCA. We are the church for the sake of the world. Sumud is ELCA churches response to the occupation and injustice in Palestine and Israel. Sumud means steadfastness, it is resistance in a prayerful and grounded place. If you have any questions, contact Pr Jonathan at jtrapp@redeemer.org
Tuesdays 7 am Breakfast Bible Study | Reception Room and Zoom
Led by David Ott & Don Noland
We are now studying Galatians. Everyone is welcome either 1/ in person in the Reception Room with a full breakfast serving from 7 am, or 2/ via ZOOM link found on the Redeemer website each Tuesday. Our study and discussion is from 7:30 - 8:30 am. Please join us any Tuesday morning!
Wednesdays 4 pm | Early Bird Bible Study | Reception Room
Led by David Ott
Wednesdays 6 pm | Pastors Class | Rudisill Hall/Zoom
Pastor Larson repeats each Sunday session, “A Child is Born” on Wednesday.
CHILDREN
& FAMILY
Family Christmas Eve Service
At 3:00 pm on Christmas Eve we will hold our annual Family Christmas Eve service! We love to have our kids help out and lead this special service for their friends, families, and our visitors. Please fill out this short form to express interest if you would like to help. Deacon Mary will then work with you to find the right role for your child (you can also work as a team if your child needs help with the role).
YOUTH
Acolyte training Dec. 21 at 10:00. This is for all high school and middle school youth to get training (or a refresher!). Come if you are able, especially if you will be helping with a Christmas Eve service.
Summer Service Trip: We are planning to do our summer service trip with Appalachian Service Project the week of July 12. See the link in the e-newsletter to let us know if you will be coming. For adults, we will be needing extra chaperones this year because of the type of work involved, so also please let Pepper know you would like to join us!
Upcoming Events:
• Our all-youth Christmas party is Today after the 11:00 service. Come and join for food and fun! (And RSVP so we know how much food to order!)”
COMMUNITY
Nordic Lodge 708 will host its annual Sankta Lucia (Saint Lucia) celebration on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at 6:00 PM at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer. This free, candlelit event features traditional and modern Swedish Christmas music performed in both Swedish and English by a community choir directed by Mia Peters.
The celebration highlights the Swedish Saint Lucia tradition, including a procession led by a young woman dressed as Lucia, followed by handmaidens and star boys. After the program, guests are invited to a reception with coffee and sweets. Admission is free; donations are welcome.
CHRISTMAS EVE SCHEDULE
11:00 am German Church Atlanta Service
Traditional worship in the German language with Holy Communion.
1:00 pm Worship
Worship includes traditional carols with Holy Communion.
3:00 pm Family and Children’s Service
A Christmas message with lessons and carols for children with Holy Communion.
*6:00 pm Jazz Service
Worship begins with the prelude featuring the Redeemer Jazz Trio with Holy Communion.
*8:00 and *11:00 pm Christmas Services
The celebration begins with a musical prelude of instrumental and choir music. Services include traditional carols with Holy Communion.
*Prelude begins 30 minutes prior to service. Sunday, December 28: One service at 10 am
Calendar for December 14 – December 19, 2025
Visit https://www.redeemer.org/blog/this-week/ for Zoom Links Sunday, December 14, 2025
Event Time Location
Worship
J.O.Y. choir
Confirmation
Be Still & Journey
Adult Advent Class
HS Faith Formation
Mysteries of Faith
Rejoicing Spirits
St Lucia Celebration
Monday, December 15
The Seekers
Carillon Ringers
9:00 AM Jazz & 11:00 AM
9:00 AM – 9:30 AM
9:45 AM – 10:45 AM
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
6:00 PM – 7:45 PM
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
In-person/ On-Line Room 211 Room 107
Room 119
Rudisill Hall
Youth Lounge Room 121
Sanctuary
Reception Room Hinely Music Hall
Tuesday, December 16
Morning Bible Study
Advent Class 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday, December 17
Early Birds Bible Study
Wednesday Night Dinner
Seraphim Choir
Pastors Class
Worship
Thursday, December 18
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
6:00 PM -7:00 PM
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Reception Room Zoom
Reception/Zoom
Sims Atrium Room 204
Rudisill Hall/ Zoom Sanctuary
Lectionary Study 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM Zoom
Friday, December 19 - - -
Saturday, December 20 - -
THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER
731 Peachtree Street, NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30308 www.redeemer.org | 404.874.8664 | Emergency Line: 404.874.9759
The Rev. Mark H. Larson Senior Pastor, ext. 201
The Rev. Dr. Jonathan Trapp .......................................... Pastor for Faith Formation, ext. 233
The Rev. Timothy Lloyd ............................................................................................................ ..................................... Associate Pastor for Evangelism & Mission Development, ext. 224
STAFF
Seth Brown................................................................... Facilities and Media Director, ext. 218
Brandon Davis ................................................... Director of Operations and Finance, ext. 232
Robin Durdin ............................................................ Office Administration Director, ext. 204
David Hansen ........................................................................... Adult Choral Director, ext. 236
Sarah Hawbecker Organist & Children’s Music Director, ext. 206
Deacon Mary Houck Children & Family Ministries Director, ext. 227
Pepper Humpherys Youth Director, ext. 230
Deacon Allison Lizdas Director of Congregational Care, ext. 203
Stacey Williams Head of Security