The Second Sunday in Advent - Online Worship - December 7, 2025
The Second Sunday in Advent
Join us next Sunday as
we celebrate The Third Sunday in Advent!
The Third Sunday In Advent
Announce New Tidings!
December 14th, 2025 - 9:30AM
Faith Quest Sunday School shares their Children’s Christmas Program
”Twas the Evening of Christmas”
Advent Devotions
Devotions are posted daily throughout Advent on our website and facebook page!
All are welcome, encouraged to visit the Prayer Cross as moved to do so.
Song of Promised Return
Jesus, Messiah
Tomlin
vs. 1
He became sin
Who knew no sin
That we might become
His righteousness
He humbled Himself
And carried the cross
Love so amazing
Love so amazing
refrain:
Jesus Messiah
Name above all names
Blessed Redeemer
Emmanuel
The Rescue for sinners
The Ransom from heaven
Jesus Messiah
Lord of all
bridge:
All our hope is in You
All our hope is in You
All the glory to You God
The Light of the world
(refrain)
Jesus Messiah
Lord of all
The Lord of all
The Lord of all
Litany Preparing For Christ’s Promised Return
BASED ON PSALM 51
Today we trust anew in every tiding of comfort and joy in the hope we have in the arrival and in the promised advent of Jesus Messiah, The Lord of all, so we prepare and we worship in the name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit.
Amen. Have mercy on me, O Lord, according to your steadfast love and mercy. Against you, and you alone have I sinned. Wash me thoroughly and cleanse my sin.
People of God: As we prepare for our Lord to renew our hearts and to break into our world and lives again, let us take a moment of silence to confess our sins and those times we have failed to place our hope in The Christ, or to trust his presence and promised return.
(silence)
Friends in Christ: Jesus who was born in a manger, who died and rose for you, and who will come again, gives you comfort and joy in the grace of these words: Jesus saves, Jesus, forgives you all your sins. You have been washed and made white as snow. One day, God’s grace will be complete, for one day, the King shall come again!
Song of Grace Anew
The King Shall Come
Brownlie/DeBruyn
vs. 1
The King shall come when morning dawns
And light triumphant breaks
When beauty gilds the eastern hills
And life to joy awakes
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me; fill me with comfort and joy. Cast me not away from your presence, and do not take your Holy Spirit from me.
Friends in Christ: Jesus has restored the joy of our salvation in his birth, death and resurrection, and in his promised return. Truly, tidings of comfort and joy are ready for us! A new and right spirit is born! Jesus is making us ready, for the day is coming when Jesus will come again, and we shall see his face!
Song of Grace Anew
The King Shall Come
Brownlie/DeBruyn
vs. 4
Oh brighter than that glorious morn
Shall dawn upon our race
The day when Christ in splendor comes
And we shall see his face
Stir up your power, O Lord. Come, prepare the way for your Son, and get us ready for your comfort and joy. Shine your light on us, as you alone banish the darkness. Increase our faith to trust anew your mercy, this Advent and Christmas. On this Second Sunday in Advent, as we light The Bethlehem candle, prepare us like never before to receive you into our hearts and everyday lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Song Lighting The Advent Wreath
Light One Candle
Wold
vs. 2
Light two candles to watch for Messiah
Let the light banish darkness
He shall feed the flock like a shepherd
Gently lead them homeward
Lighting of The Advent Wreath – The Prophecy & Bethlehem Candles
Faith Quest Meets Today!
Faith Quest takes place during the 9:30 am worship service, September through May. Each week, kids will be dismissed from worship to continue the journey together. New friends are always welcome, and enrollment is open all year long!
The Old Testament
ISAIAH 11:1–10
A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. His delight shall be in the fear of the Lord. He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide by what his ears hear; but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked. Righteousness shall be the belt around his waist, and faithfulness the belt around his loins. The wolf shall live with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall graze, their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder's den. They will not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain; for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. On that day the root of Jesse shall stand as a signal to the peoples; the nations shall inquire of him, and his dwelling shall be glorious.
(New Revised Standard Version)
Song of Preparation
Prepare the Royal Highway
Franzen & Herran
vs. 1
Prepare the royal highway
The King of kings is near
Let ev’ry hill and valley
A level road appear
Then greet the King of glory
Foretold in sacred story
refrain:
Hosanna to the Lord
For he fulfills God’s Word
Gospel
MATTHEW 3:1–12
In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness; ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.’” Now John wore clothing of camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then the people of Jerusalem and all Judea were going out to him, and all the region along the Jordan, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit worthy of repentance. Do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our ancestor’; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and will gather his wheat into the granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”
(New Revised Standard Version)
Stating Our Faith in God
BASED ON LUKE 1:67–79
Long ago the prophet Zechariah foretold to his son, John the Baptist, tidings of comfort and joy and hope were coming in The Promised One. God is still speaking these words of our Savior, that we might be assured, that we might boldly believe, and tell the story.
Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has looked favorably on his people and redeemed them. He has raised up a mighty savior for us in the house of his servant David, as he spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old, that we would be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us. Thus he has shown the mercy promised to our ancestors, and has remembered his holy covenant, the oath that he swore to our ancestor Abraham, to grant us that we, being rescued from the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people by the forgiveness of their sins. By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. Amen.
Ready for New Tidings
ISAIAH 11:1-10; ROMANS 15:4-13; MATTHEW 3:1-12
Preparation. Getting ready. Making an action plan. Putting things in order. Making a `to do’ list. We all get ready in different ways. For some of us, the way we get ready is good enough for us. For those watching us, they might wonder what we are doing. Would people close to you know what you are getting ready for this Advent, each day of your life? Today we hear John the Baptist, `Prepare the way of the Lord. Get ready!’ As we check our lists this year, let us trust God has his own list as well. As we prepare special gifts this year, let us celebrate God gives the best gifts of all. As we find ourselves worrying about little details, let us surrender to the One who has all the major pieces in place. As God long ago made all things ready in Bethlehem for the birth of the Savior, God has new tidings of comfort and joy ready! Trust anew, in grace, God has made us ready once again for all God has ready for us!
1. How do you get ready for different events and experiences? How do you get ready for Christmas? How do you think God gets ready?
Isaiah 11:1-10; Matthew 3:1-12
A. We make lists to help us get ready. Lists help us in this way:
i. We do not want to have to remember everything.
ii. We need to prioritize what needs doing.
iii. We do not want to miss any detail.
iv. We do not want to leave someone off the list.
v. We want to make sure we get done in time.
vi. We want to make sure we get the final details done.
vii. We want to make sure we leave enough time for what matters most.
B. God makes pretty detailed lists as well, full of comfort and joy:
i. A new branch from Jesse.
ii. Judging with righteousness.
iii. The wolf and the lamb, the leopard and the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling.
iv. A little child shall lead them.
v. A prophet crying out: Prepare the way of the Lord; Make his paths straight.
vi. Another prophet echoing the first: Preaching a baptism of repentance; The Holy Spirit.
2. Do you only get the outside ready? How do you get the inside ready? How do you get your inside ready? Let God get you ready from the inside out!
Isaiah 11:2,6; Matthew 3:4-11
A. We spend time getting the outside in order, what about the inside, the inside of our hearts?
B. Trust God will help us get the inside clean and ready, too. Repentance is God helping you get ready what matters most.
C. Trust God will help us empty ourselves, to fill us with the comfort and joy of God’s grace and goodness.
i. If we try to add the good stuff without emptying ourselves, there will not be room for all of God’s grace.
ii. In this season of gift giving, let God get you ready to receive the greatest gifts of all.
3. God gets things ready. Long ago, God got Bethlehem ready for the birth of our Savior. Trust if God could get Bethlehem ready, God can get you ready, too. God will get you ready for new tidings of comfort and joy, for Christmas, for Christ’s promised return, for God’s grace; for all God has ready for you!
Matthew 3:11
Offering is available for our services. Find a Lord of Life with a volunteer bucket to deposit offering in person as you leave worship today. If you find yourself wanting to offer your gifts to Lord of Life, you can do so online using the link below. You can also drop offering at anytime in our secure mailbox at Lord of Life located in the parking lot.
Song Ready for New Tidings
O Little Town of Bethlehem
Redner/Brooks
vs. 1
O little town of Bethlehem
How still we see thee lie
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting light
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight
vs. 2
For Christ is born of Mary
And gathered all above
While mortals sleep the angels keep
Their watch of wond’ring love
O morning stars together
Proclaim the holy birth
And praises sing to God the King
And peace to all the earth
vs. 3
How silently how silently
The wondrous gift is giv’n
So God imparts to human hearts
The blessings of his heav’n
No ear may hear his coming
But in this world of sin
Where meek souls will receive him still
The dear Christ enters in
As we prepare to celebrate Christmas, which gives us hope in Jesus’ presence and promised return, we share many traditions that point beyond themselves to the Savior. Earlier today we lit the Advent wreath. As we hang wreaths on our homes and share the Advent wreath, the circle shape reminds us life has no end. The blue candles announce Christ’s royalty, our call to repentance, and sorrow for our sins. The pink candle lit during the third week of Advent proclaims the joy we know and share as we wait for Jesus to come again.
As we look to Christ in Christmas, may we remember and tell of how Jesus forgives us and that life in our Savior goes on and on.
Throughout the Christmas preparation and celebration, people make, buy and share in the giving of gifts. Of course, the first gifts were brought by wise men for Jesus. We share our gifts in this spirit of thanksgiving as we look to Jesus who is God’s special gift to us.
As we share our gifts, may we remember the spirit with which the first gifts were given, and may we give to others trusting in all God has given to us in the birth of Jesus.
The lighting of candles and decorating with lights has its origin in pagan customs of the cold, dark winter months. We who believe in Jesus as our Savior decorate with candles and lights to celebrate that Jesus is the Light of the world who warms us and brightens our path.
As we light our candles and put up our lights, may we remember The Light that has come into our world, a light no darkness can overcome.
The display of holly and poinsettia plants also point us to the Savior. The red berries of the holly plant remind us of Jesus’ blood that is shed to save the world, and the thorns of the holly remind us Jesus was born to wear a crown of thorns. The shape of the red flower of the poinsettia plant reminds us of the star of Bethlehem.
As we display our plants of the season, may we remember we are alive, with color and richness and new life in Christ, for we trust the grace and hope of our Lord’s death and resurrection, and that a star shines so all people will follow and know the Savior.
The nativity scene, or crèche, was started by St. Francis of Assisi. He wanted people to feel the joy and love that the baby Jesus brought at Christmas. By setting out the nativity in our homes we are reminded Jesus comes into our homes and lives to be with us as well.
As we set out the nativity this year, may we remember The Word became flesh to live among us, that you are the One who truly brought joy to Bethlehem, and you bring this same joy into our hearts and homes as well.
The Christmas Tree has its origin in the Paradise Tree, symbolizing Jesus dying for our sins. Popular thought is that Martin Luther adapted the Paradise Tree into the present day, Christmas Tree. A legend shares that as Mary and Joseph and Jesus fled to find safety in Egypt from Herod’s army, they took refuge under an evergreen in that region. The other trees had bare branches because of the season, and so the evergreen protected them while Herod’s army went by. God blessed the tree saying its branches would be forever green. Evergreens continue to be a sign of everlasting life.
As we put up our tree, may we celebrate the lights which point to the Light, may we enjoy the evergreen and know that God protects us and that we will also live forever, and may we remember the tree Jesus died on to forgive our sins and save us.
Through these traditions, we are invited to trust God is actively strengthening our family ties, bringing friends together, and most importantly drawing us closer to Jesus. May the traditions and celebrations we share always point beyond themselves to our Savior.
Thanks be to God, we have ways to celebrate the joy and the life-saving message of the season. May we see God preparing our hearts for his return, as we use our traditions to celebrate our faith in the Savior of the world.
...as we pray to you, Jesus,
Come to us, with your tidings of comfort and joy and grace.
All these things and whatever else you see we need, grant to us we pray, for into your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Holy Communion will take place during our service. For those worshiping with us in person, we receive communion through intinction; that is, you will receive the bread, the host, then dip into the glass of choice, either a red wine in the chalice closest to the host, or in a light colored non-alcoholic grape juice. All are welcome.
We also offer gluten free and pre-packaged options. Please take these options before arriving at the host to receive a blessing.
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.
Song During Holy Communion
In the Bleak Midwinter
Holst & Darke
vs. 1
In the bleak midwinter
Frosty wind made moan
Earth stood hard as iron
Water like a stone
Snow had fallen snow on snow
Snow on snow
In the bleak midwinter
Long ago
vs. 2
Heaven cannot hold him
Nor earth sustain
Heav’n and earth shall flee away
When he comes to reign
In the bleak midwinter
A stable place sufficed
The Lord God almighty
Jesus Christ
vs. 3
What can I give him
Poor as I am
If I were a shepherd
I would bring a lamb
If I were a wise man
I would do my part
Yet what I can I give him
Give my heart
On Jordan’s Banks the Baptis’s Cry
Coffin
vs. 1
On Jordan's banks the Baptist’s cry
Announces that the Lord is nigh
Awake and hearken for he brings
Glad tidings of the King of kings
vs. 2
Then cleansed be ev’ry life from sin
Make straight the way for God within
And let us all our hearts prepare
For Christ to come and enter there
vs. 5
All praise to you eternal Son
Whose advent has our freedom won
Whom with the Father we adore
And Holy Spirit evermore
The body and blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, strengthen you and keep you in his grace, this day, and on into life everlasting.
Amen.
Let us pray.
Almighty God, you gave your Son both as a sacrifice for sin and a model of the godly life. Enable us to receive him always with thanksgiving, and to conform our lives to his, through Jesus Christ, the Lord of life. Amen.
The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look upon you with favor and give you peace; as you hold fast to every tiding of comfort and joy, in the grace of Jesus Christ! In the name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Let us go in the peace of Christ, celebrating the love of God, and serving the Lord of life.
Thanks be to God!
Going Trusting Anew True Tidings
God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
Unknown
vs. 1
God rest ye merry gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay
Remember Christ our Savior
Was born on Christmas Day
To save us all from Satan’s pow’r
When we were gone astray
O - tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
O - tidings of comfort and joy
vs. 2
From God our heav’nly
Father a blessed angel came
And unto certain shepherds
Brought tidings of the same
How that in Bethlehem was born
The Son of God by name
O - tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
O - tidings of comfort and joy
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Today, Sunday, December 7th, we celebrate, The Second Sunday In Advent, “Tidings Of Comfort And Joy … Ready For New Tidings!”
Today our Faith Quest Sunday School ministry meets! Worship today includes, The Presenting Of The Greens!
Next Sunday, December 14th, we celebrate, The Third Sunday In Advent, “Tidings Of Comfort And Joy … Announce New Tidings!”
Next Sunday, December 14th, our Faith Quest children share their Children’s Christmas Program, “`Twas The Evening Of Christmas”
For those sharing their generosity today, we thank you for your faithful giving!
Offering is collected in a basket as you exit the building.
From everyone on every level of leadership and service, we continue to pray for you and to give thanks to God for each of you! Please contact Pastor Jamie if he can serve you in any way: jamie.thompson@lordoflifemn.org
Friends, today as always, all who proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, are welcome to God’s table of grace as we share Holy Communion.
For those sharing their generosity today, we thank you for your faithful giving! Offering is collected in a basket as you exit the building.
Acknowledgments for today’s service include:
Litany Preparing For Christ’s Promised Return, written based on Psalm 51. “Prayer of The Day,” “Lord’s Prayer,” “Post-Communion Blessing, Prayer, & Benediction,” “The King Shall Come,” “Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah,” “Prepare the Royal Highway,” “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” “In The Bleak Midwinter,” based on the LBW. © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship (LBW) and With One Voice Hymnal Supplement © 1995 Augsburg Publishing House, Mpls & Board of Publication, Lutheran Church In America, Philadelphia; & Evangelical Lutheran Worship © 2006 Augsburg Fortress, Mpls, MN. Used w/permission. Words & Music Public Domain: “Jesus Messiah” © 2008 sixsteps Music CCLI #5183443 “Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah” © 2002 Birnamwood Publications CCLI # “Jesus Loves Me” © Words and Music Public Domain, CCLI #4771887 “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen,” © 1980 Beam Me Up Music, CCLI #39441 All rights reserved. All songs used w/permission. CCLI License #1380826 & OneLicense #A-724016.