The Fourth Sunday in Advent - Online Worship - December 21, 2025
The Fourth Sunday in Advent
Join us next Wednesday for our Christmas Eve Service!
Festive Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship
Christ is Comfort & Joy!
Wednesday, December 24th, 2025 - 4:00PM
Carols, Children’s Sermon, Communion, Candlelight, “One Solitary Life”
Advent Devotions
Check back daily on our website and facebook page for daily Advent devotions!
All are welcome, encouraged to visit the Prayer Cross as moved to do so.
Song of Hope & Joy
He Came Down
Cameroon Traditional
vs. 1
He came down
That we may have love
He came down
That we may have love
He came down
That we may have love
Hallelujah forevermore
vs. 2
He came down
That we may have light
He came down
That we may have light
He came down
That we may have light
Hallelujah forevermore
vs. 3
He came down
That we may have peace
He came down
That we may have peace
He came down
That we may have peace
Hallelujah forevermore
vs. 4
He came down
That we may have joy
He came down
That we may have joy
He came down
That we may have joy
Hallelujah forevermore
(repeat verse 1)
Litany of Hope in The Christ’s Promised Return
BASED ON PSALM 89
Today we celebrate one day the wait will be over! The angels on high will sing even more! For now we hold fast; comfort and joy have come down, and will come again, in the arrival and promised return of The Christ, so we worship in the name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit.
Amen. I will sing of your steadfast love, O Lord, forever; with my mouth I will proclaim your faithfulness to all generations. Your Word is as firm as the heavens.
People of God: The Lord has established us and our descendants forever. Let us take a moment of silence to confess our sins and those times we have failed to trust in and to tell others, the comfort and joy we have in The Christ.
(silence for reflection)
Friends in Christ: Jesus who was born in a manger, who died for you, who rose again, who will come again, gives us comfort and joy and grace in these words; Jesus saves; Jesus forgives you all your sins. You are his chosen ones and he has made a new covenant with you. Let us go like the angels, lift our voices, and sing, tidings of comfort and joy!
Carol Echoing True Joy
Angels We Have Heard On High
French Traditional
vs. 1
Angels we have heard on high
Sweetly singing o’er the plains
And the mountains in reply
Echoing their joyous strains
refrain:
Gloria
In excelsis Deo
Gloria
In excelsis Deo
Let the heavens praise you! You have found your servant. You have anointed him. Who can equal your comfort and joy? Who in the skies can be compared to you, Lord, and your faithfulness?
Friends in Christ: The Lord is great and awesome. All of heaven and earth belong to him. In these days, let us love the Lord and trust in his promised return. Together, let us take hold of our Rock and salvation, our comfort and joy, let us lift our voice and rejoice!
Carol Echoing True Joy
Angels We Have Heard On High
French Traditional
vs. 2
Shepherds why this jubilee
Why your joyous strains prolong
What the gladsome tidings be
Which inspire your heav’nly song
refrain:
Gloria
In excelsis Deo
Gloria
In excelsis Deo
Stir up your power, O Lord, and come. In these final days of preparation and anticipation for Christmas this year, as we wait for Christ’s promised return, give us your comfort and joy to give to others. On this Fourth Sunday in Advent, as angels pointed Mary and Joseph and the shepherds, as the star pointed the wise men, use us in these hours and days and always, to point others to your comfort and joy and light that forever shines in the darkness. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Song Lighting The Advent Wreath
Light One Candle
Wold
vs. 4
Light four candles to watch for Messiah
Let the light banish darkness
He is coming tell the glad tidings
Let your lights be shining
Lighting of The Advent Wreath – The Angel Candle
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 7:10–16
Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, saying, Ask a sign of the Lord your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven. But Ahaz said, I will not ask, and I will not put the Lord to the test. Then Isaiah said: “Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary mortals, that you weary my God also? Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel. He shall eat curds and honey by the time he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good. For before the child knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land before whose two kings you are in dread will be deserted.
(New Revised Standard Version)
True Joy
What Child is This?
Dix
vs. 1
What child is this who laid to rest
On Mary’s lap is sleeping
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
While shepherds watch are keeping
This this is Christ the King
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing
Haste haste to bring him laud
The babe the son of Mary
Gospel
MATTHEW 1:18–25
Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophets: “Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.” When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.
(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.
Gifts of Comfort & Joy!
ISAIAH 7:10-16; ROMANS 1:1-7; MATTHEW 1:18-25
There is little doubt, now. The clock is ticking. Christmas Eve is here in six days. The day is approaching too quickly. Once again, there is likely a gap between what we wanted to do and get done and have ready, and what is done. Once again, there might be a gap between what we wanted to give and what we are giving. Thanks be to God, once again there will be a gap between what we are expecting and hoping for, and the comfort and joy and all that God is giving us in the grace of Christ. Long ago, the angels gave Mary and Joseph comfort and joy as they received unbelievable news that would soon be believed. Long ago, the angels gave the shepherds comfort and joy as they received Good News of the greatest joy while keeping watch over their flocks by night. Long ago, the star pointed the wise men to the comfort and joy of a Savior when a simple king was sought. There is still time to close the gap, to give the best this year! This Christmas, all your days, receive what God gives you in Christ, point others to and tell one and all, who you have been pointed to, give what was first given to you in Jesus Christ
1. What are you giving this year? What is God giving this year?
Romans 1:2-5; Matthew 1:18-25
A. We want so badly to get what we want. We want so badly to give what we want to give. We run out of time.
B. God in grace is longing for what he wants, too! God in grace has enough time to give you what God is longing to give you!
C. Trust God will bless you with time to give what we are so blessed to give, the Good News of comfort and the greatest joy!
2. God in grace has been giving comfort and joy for a long, long time.
Romans 1:2-5; Matthew 1:18-25
A. The angels gave Mary and Joseph a new and trusted comfort and joy as they spoke God’s faithfulness.
B. The angels gave the shepherds a new and trusted comfort and joy while they were out in their fields, `not to be afraid’ and to hear, `Good News of the greatest joy.’
C. The star gave the wise men a new and trusted comfort and joy as the star pointed the wise men to God’s faithful fulfillment of the Savior, not simply an expected king.
D. Why would God give any thing else to you?
i. God has enough comfort and joy to give you.
ii. God has time to give you comfort and joy.
iii. God makes comfort and joy believable!
3. By God’s grace and the power of the Holy Spirit and the presence of the promised Christ, believe the unbelievable, trust there is still time to give the very best, be like the angels and the star and give others what they are longing for, give Jesus the gift that would make His Christmas - go and make known all that has been made known to you, give what was first given to you, the comfort and joy of The Christ!
Romans 1:2-5; Matthew 1:22-24
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 of Promise, Joy & Hope
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Mendelssohn
vs. 1
Hark The herald angels sing
Glory to the newborn king
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled
Joyful all you nations rise
Join the triumph of the skies
With angelic hosts proclaim
Christ is born in Bethlehem
refrain:
Hark The herald angels sing
Glory to the newborn king
vs. 3
Hail the heav’n-born Prince of Peace
Hail the sun of righteousness
Light and life to all he brings
Ris’n with healing in his wings
Mild he lays his glory by
Born that we no more may die
Born to raise each child of earth
Born to give us second birth
(refrain)
...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
It Came Upon the Midnight Clear
Willis
vs. 1
It came upon the midnight clear
That glorious song of old
From angels bending near the earth
To touch their harps of gold
Peace on the earth good will to all
From heav’n’s all-gracious king
The world in solemn stillness lay
To hear the angels sing
vs. 2
Still through the cloven skies they come
With peaceful wings unfurled
An still their heavn’ly music floats
O’er all the weary world
Above its sad and lowly plains
They bend on hov’ring wing
And ever o’er its babel sounds
The blessed angels sing
vs. 3
And you beneath life’s crushing load
Whose forms are bending low
And toil along the climbing way
With painful steps and slow
Look now for glad and golden hours
Come swiftly on the wing
Oh rest beside the weary road
And hear the angels sing
vs. 4
For lo The days are hast’ning on
By prophets seen of old
When with the ever-circling years
Shall come the time foretold
When peace shall over all the earth
Its ancient splendors fling
And all the world give back the song
Which now the angels sing
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 in Joy & Promise
God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
Author 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 to 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
Comfort and joy have come to us
In God’s amazing grace
Comfort and joy have come to us
In this and every place
Comfort and joy will be fulfilled
The day we see God’s face
O - tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
O - tidings of comfort and joy
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Today, Sunday, December 21st, we celebrate, The Fourth Sunday In Advent, “Tidings Of Comfort And Joy … Gifts Of Comfort And Joy!”
Today our Faith Quest Sunday School meets and shares in a special Christmas Party!
Join us for our Festive Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship, this Wednesday, December 24, 4 p.m. “Christ Is Comfort And Joy!”
Carols, Children’s Sermon, Communion, Candlelight, “One Solitary Life!”
The First Sunday After Christmas, December 28th, 9:30 a.m. “Still Searching For Comfort And Joy!”
This service includes a blessing on God’s beloved as a new year begins! Sunday, January 4th, 9:30 a.m., Faith Quest, Sunday School resumes!
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 of Hope In The Christ’s Promised Return, written based on Psalm 89. “Angels We Have Heard On High” “Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah” “What Child Is This,” “Hark, The Herald Angels Sing,” “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear” © 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. Used with permission. “Prayer of The Day,” “The Lord’s Prayer,” “Post-Communion Blessing, Prayer, & Benediction,” based on the LBW. “He Came Down” © 1999 This Far by Faith; An African American Resource for Worship, Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Used with permission. “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 with permission. CCLI License #1380826 & OneLicense #A-724016.