Midweek Service of Word and Sacrament December 17, 2025
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Standing SERVICE OF LIGHT Jesus Christ, you are the light of the world The light no darkness can overcome; Stay with us now, for it is evening, And the day is almost over Let your light scatter the darkness, And shine within your people here. HYMN: ELW 561
Joyous Light of Heavenly Glory
May God be with you all, And also with you Let us sing our thanks to God, It is right to give our thanks and praise
Seated
Blessed are you, Creator of the universe--from of old you have led your people by night and day. May the light of your Christ make our darkness bright, for your Word and your presence are the light of our pathways, and you are the light and life of all creation.
WORD: 1 Samuel 1:9-18 After they had eaten and drunk at Shiloh, Hannah rose and presented herself before the Lord. Now Eli the priest was sitting on the seat beside the doorpost of the temple of the Lord. She was deeply distressed and prayed to the Lord and wept bitterly. She made this vow: “O Lord of hosts, if only you will look on the misery of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant but will give to your servant a male child, then I will set him before you as a nazirite until the day of his death. He shall drink neither wine nor intoxicants, and no razor shall touch his head.” As she continued praying before the Lord, Eli observed her mouth. Hannah was praying silently; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard; therefore Eli thought she was drunk. So Eli said to her, “How long will you make a drunken spectacle of yourself? Put away your wine.” But Hannah answered, “No, my lord, I am a woman deeply troubled; I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have been pouring out my soul before the Lord. Do not regard your servant as a worthless woman, for I have been speaking out of my great anxiety and vexation all this time.” Then Eli answered, “Go in peace; the God of Israel grant the petition you have made to him.” And she said, “Let your servant find favor in your sight.” Then the woman went her way and ate and drank with her husband, and her countenance was sad no longer. CONVERSATION WITH PASTOR MARK Standing
THE ANNUNCIATION An angel went from God...And Mary said, "I am the servant of my God, I live to do your will."
Kneeling or seated PRAYERS In our waiting and watching, we come to you in prayer, O God, trusting your promise to renew the church, the nations, and the whole creation. In the anticipation of these days, prepare our hearts for your arrival. Stir our spirits through the gifts of artists, musicians, poets, and preachers, as together we proclaim your advent among us. God of grace, hear our prayer. The earth breaks forth in singing as it heralds the Messiah’s coming. Fill our hearts with wonder as we join heaven and nature in announcing this holy birth. God of grace, hear our prayer. You send your saving grace and peace to the nations. Lead us in work for justice and care for the common good. May we meet the Christ-child we seek in the faces of our neighbors. God of grace, hear our prayer. When tears of grief, exhaustion, or loneliness come, or physical or emotional hurt overwhelms us, come to our aid. Uphold all who are anxious, who know the challenges of depression, or who are ill (especially). God of grace, hear our prayer. Surround expectant parents and those suffering from infant loss with communities of support. Bless young children and new parents. Guide us in ways that provide safety for all children and those who care for them. God of grace, hear our prayer. We give thanks for all who have treasured the gospel and lived in faithful service. Strengthen our earthly journeys until, at the last, your face shines upon us and we are held in your in love. God of grace, hear our prayer. Draw near to us, O God, as we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy through Jesus Christ, Emmanuel. Amen. Standing PEACE The peace of Christ be with you always. | And also with you. HOLY COMMUNION 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. Holy, mighty, and merciful Lord, heaven and earth are full of your glory.
In great love you sent to us Jesus, your Son, who reached out to heal the sick and suffering, who preached good news to the poor, and who, on the cross, opened his arms to all. In the night in which he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks; broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take and eat; this is my body, given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me. Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it for all to drink, saying: This cup is the new covenant in my blood, shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin. Do this for the remembrance of me. Remembering, therefore, his death, resurrection, and ascension, we await his coming in glory. Pour out upon us the Spirit of your love, O Lord, and unite the wills of all who share this heavenly food, the body and blood of Jesus Christ our Lord; to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be all glory and honor, now and forever. Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray… THE LORD’S PRAYER Seated INVITATION TO COMMUNION Standing AFTER COMMUNION 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 HYMN: ELW 267
Joy to the World
BLESSING May God who comes among us, Father, ☩ Son, and Holy Spirit, grant you patience in waiting, peace in the darkness, and good news to share today and always. | Amen. Go in peace. Keep Awake. | Thanks be to God.