The Third Sunday in Advent - Online Worship - December 14, 2025
The Third Sunday in Advent
Join us next Sunday as
we celebrate The Fourth Sunday in Advent!
The Fourth Sunday In Advent
Give Comfort and Joy!
December 21th, 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
Oh, Come, Oh, Come, Emmanuel
Helmore
vs. 1
Oh come oh come Emmanuel
And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear
refrain:
Rejoice
Rejoice
Emmanuel
Shall come to you O Israel
Rejoice
Rejoice
Emmanuel
Shall come to you O Israel
Litany Preparing For Christ’s Promised Return
BASED ON PSALM 46
Today we rejoice, and we announce tidings of comfort and joy in the presence of Emmanuel, and in the arrival and promised advent and return of The Christ, so we worship in the name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit.
Amen. Praise the Lord, O my soul! I will sing praises to the Lord as long as I live. Like the children today, I will get ready to tell the real story, to share true comfort and joy: Praise the Lord!
People of God: Do not put your trust in princes or mortals in whom there is no help. Let us take a moment of silence to confess our sins and those times we fail to trust and announce the awe of God’s grace in the Prince of Peace.
(silence for reflection)
Friends in Christ: Jesus who was born in a manger, who died for you, who rose again, who will come again, brings us comfort and joy in these words: Jesus saves, Jesus, forgives you all your sins. Trust anew! Like the children today, go, tell others of real comfort and joy; be still, for The Holy One is here!
Song of Hope Made Known
Be Still
Evans
vs. 1
Be still for the presence of the Lord
The Holy One is here
Come bow before Him now
With reverence and fear
In Him no sin is found
We stand on holy ground
Be still for the presence of the Lord
The Holy One is here
Happy are all who know and trust the awe of the Lord who made heaven and earth, the one who keeps the faith forever. May we go tell others, our comfort and joy are in Jesus alone!
Friends in Christ: The Lord sets the prisoners free, lifts up those who bow down, and he loves the righteous. Be still! Come to the One who comes to you first; then go like the children, go in faith and announce comfort and joy, are shining, all around!
Song of Hope Made Known
Be Still
Evans
vs. 2
Be still for the glory of the Lord
Is shining all around
He burns with holy fire
With splendor He is crowned
How awesome is the sight
Our radiant King of light
Be still for the glory of the Lord
Is shining all around
Loving God, as you called John the Baptist, use us to point others to Jesus. On this Third Sunday in Advent, bless us like the shepherds to receive The Good News of the greatest comfort and joy. Like the children, invite us to be ready to go and tell the real story, and to share the grace and the awe of that evening of Christmas. Open our hearts to your gifts and miracles and joy every day. As we wait in hope for your promised return, by your Holy Spirit, give us faith to go and tell others of the salvation we have in Jesus, The One who banishes all darkness, The King of glory. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Song Lighting The Advent Wreath
Light One Candle
Wold
vs. 3
Light three candles to watch for Messiah
Let the light banish darkness
Lift your heads and lift high the gateway
For the King of glory
Lighting of The Advent Wreath – The Prophecy, Bethlehem & Shepherd Candles
Gospel
MATTHEW 11:2–11
When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?” Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me.” As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John, “What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal places. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written, ‘See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’ Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
(New Revised Standard Version)
Stating Our Faith in God
BASED ON LUKE 1:47–55
Long ago God's holy servant Mary was blessed with faith to see, to hear, and to hold the tidings of comfort and joy announced to her in the news of The Child. May we hear, trust, hold and boldly magnify all God is announcing to us in The Christ!
“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made with our ancestors, to Abraham, and to his descendants forever.” Amen.
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!
Song Anticipating True Joy
O Come, Little Christmas
Schulz
vs. 1
O come little children O come one and all
To Bethlehem’s stable in Bethlehem’s stall
And see with rejoicing this glorious sight
Our Father in heaven has sent us this night
vs. 2
O see in the manger in hallow-ed light
A star throws its beam on this holiest sight
In clean swaddling clothes lies the heavenly Child
More lovely than angels this Baby so mild
vs. 3
Oh there lies the Christ child on hay and on straw
The shepherds are kneeling before him with awe
And Mary and Joseph smile on him with love
While angels are singing sweet songs from above
Announce New Tidings
ISAIAH 35:1-10; JAMES 5:7-10; MATTHEW 11:2-11
The news comes our way every day. `Now, hear this!’ News businesses spend billions hoping you follow them, or listen to their broadcast. Who do you listen to? What news source do you consider most credible, follow daily? When it comes to your spiritual walk, to your Advent journey, to getting ready for Christmas and for Christ’s return, who do you follow, who do you read daily? What do you think it would have been like to have been in the field keeping watch over your flocks by night, when you received the good news of the greatest joy, the news only the Anchor of your life and your salvation could deliver? Good News, new tidings, are announced every day! As the children of our ministry share their program, their smiles, hearts, faith, and spirit, as our Advent journey and Christmas anticipation continue, `now, hear this,’ announce all that is announced, go, live in comfort and joy!
1. `Now, hear this;’ a shepherd could always use a little more good news.
Matthew 11:2-3
A. The life of a shepherd was often uncertain, looking for safety, lost in the darkness, feeling alone. Good news was rare.
B. John the Baptist had devoted himself to announcing, to proclaiming the Messiah, hope, and good news. Even in prison, he longed to hear comfort and joy confirmed.
C. `Now, hear this;’ even as followers and believers, we can use all the good news we can get.
2. `Now, hear this;’ what was it, is it, like to hear the news announced first hand, loud and clear?
Isaiah 35:1-10; James 5:7-10; Matthew 12:4-6
A. For the shepherds, it was likely surprising, startling, amazing.
B. For John the Baptist, the news, the good news, gave life.
C. What is it like to hear the news announced at work, in the middle of an ordinary day?
i. The shepherds and John The Baptist were at work when life, spirit changing, new tidings were announced!
ii. We may get caught up in our work, too, but we still long for new tidings of comfort and joy to be announced! The Lord is in our midst; keeping watch over those keeping watch over their flocks by night.
D. We all need news of comfort and joy announced in our darkness. Waiting and watching do not come easy when doing it all the time! `Now, hear this;’ comfort and joy, are here, while we wait!
3. `Now, hear this;’ faith is given to believe, to announce, new tidings!
Isaiah 35:10; James 5:7-10; Matthew 11:11
A. It is one thing to hear. It is another to hear, believe, tell, share!
B. `Now, hear this;’ as our children shared their program, The Good News, let us join God’s children and announce comfort and joy!
4. Isaiah 35:10; James 5:7-10; Matthew 5:10 - `Now, hear this;’ consider the Source of the Announcement! How long, how faithful, how consistent, how credible! The Good News of comfort and joy in new tidings is announced to us by the One who is Good News, God’s Good News; from the One who creates Good News, initiates Good News, prepares Good News, anchors Good News, sends Good News!
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
The Little Drummer Boy
Davis
vs. 1
Come they told me
Pa-rum pum pum pum
Our newborn King to see
Pa-rum pum pum pum
Our finest gifts we bring
Pa-rum pum pum pum
To lay before the King
Pa-rum pum pum pum
Rum pum pum pum
Rum pum pum pum
So to honor Him
Pa-rum pum pum pum
When we come
vs. 2
Baby Jesu
Pa-rum pum pum pum
I am a poor boy too
Pa-rum pum pum pum
I have no gift to bring
Pa-rum pum pum pum
That’s fit to give our King
Pa-rum pum pum pum
Rum pum pum pum
Rum pum pum pum
Shall I play for you
Pa-rum pum pum pum
On my drum
vs. 3
Mary nodded
Pa-rum pum pum pum
The ox and lamb kept time
Pa-rum pum pum pum
I played my drum for Him
Pa-rum pum pum pum
I played my best for Him
Pa-rum pum pum pum
Rum pum pum pum
Rum pum pum pum
Then He smiled at me
Pa-rum pum pum pum
Me and my drum
...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
Do You Hear What I Hear?
Regney & Shayne
vs. 1
Said the night wind to the little lamb
Do you see what I see
(Do you see what I see)
Way up in the sky little lamb
Do you see what I see
(Do you see what I see)
A star a star Dancing in the night
With a tail as big as a kite
With a tail as big as a kite
vs. 2
Said the little lamb to the shepherd boy
Do you hear what I hear
(Do you hear what I hear)
Ringing thru the sky shepherd boy
Do you hear what I hear
(Do you hear what I hear)
A song a song High above the tree
With a voice as big as the sea
With a voice as big as the sea
vs. 3
Said the shepherd boy to the mighty king
Do you know what I know
(Do you know what I know)
In your palace warm mighty king
Do you know what I know
(Do you know what I know)
A Child a Child shivers in the cold
Let us bring Him silver & gold
Let us bring Him silver & gold
vs. 4
Said the king to the people everywhere
Listen to what I say
(Listen to what I say)
Pray for peace people everywhere
Listen to what I say
(Listen to what I say)
The Child The Child sleeping in the night
He will bring us goodness and light
He will bring us goodness and light
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
vs. 5
And when they came to Bethlehem
Where our dear Savior lay
They found Him in a manger
Where oxen feed on hay
His mother Mary kneeling down
Unto The Lord did pray
O - tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
O - tidings of comfort and joy
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 Anew In Joy & Promise
Caroling, Caroling
Hutson & Burt
vs. 1
Caroling caroling now we go
Christmas bells are ringing
Caroling caroling thru the snow
Christmas bells are ringing
Joyous voices sweet and clear
Sing the sad of heart to cheer
Ding dong ding dong
Christmas bells are ringing
vs. 2
Caroling caroling thru the town
Christmas bells are ringing
Caroling caroling up and down
Christmas bells are ringing
Mark ye well the song we sing
Gladsome tidings now we bring
Ding dong ding dong
Christmas bells are ringing
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Today, Sunday, December 14th, we celebrate, The Third Sunday In Advent, “Tidings Of Comfort And Joy … Announce New Tidings!”
Today, Sunday, December 14th, our Faith Quest children share their Children’s Christmas Program, “`Twas The Evening Of Christmas”
Next Sunday, December 21st, we celebrate, The Fourth Sunday In Advent, “Tidings Of Comfort And Joy … Give Comfort And Joy!”
Next Sunday our Faith Quest Sunday School meets!
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 Telling The Awe Of Christ’s Promised Return – written based on Psalm 146. “Oh, Come, Oh, Come, Emmanuel,” “Be Still,” “Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah,” “The Little Drummer Boy,” © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship (LBW) and With One Voice Hymnal Supplement © 1995 Augsburg Publishing House, Minneapolis & Board of Publication, Lutheran Church In America, Philadelphia; and Evangelical Lutheran Worship © 2006 Augsburg Fortress, Minneapolis, MN, and Public Domain. Used with permission. “Prayer of The Day,” “The Lord’s Prayer,” “Post-Communion Blessing, Prayer, & Benediction” based on the LBW. “O Come, Little Children” © 1999 PsalmSinger Music, CCLI #2769183 “Do You Hear What I Hear?” © 1962 Regent Music Corp., renewed by Jewel Music Publishing Co., Inc. “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen,” © 1980 Beam Me Up Music, CCLI #39441 “Caroling, Caroling,” © 1954, renewed 1957 Hollis Music, Inc. “Caroling, Caroling,” © 1954, renewed 1957 Hollis Music, Inc. All rights reserved. All songs used with permission. CCLI License #1380826 & OneLicense #A-724016.