The First Sunday After Christmas - Online Worship - December 28, 2025
The First Sunday After Christmas
Upcoming Events:
All are welcome, encouraged to visit the Prayer Cross as moved to do so.
Carol of Joy Anew
Angels, From the Realms of Glory
Smart
vs. 1
Angels from the realms of glory
Wing your flight o’er all the earth
Once you sang creation’s story
Now proclaim Messiah’s birth
refrain:
Come and worship
Come and worship
Worship Christ
The newborn King
vs. 2
Shepherds in the fields abiding
Watching o’er your flocks by night
God with us is now residing
Yonder shines the infant light
(refrain)
vs. 3
Sages leave your contemplations
Brighter visions beam afar
Seek the great desire of nations
You have seen his natal star
(refrain)
Litany of Comfort and & Joy, in Hope & Light
BASED ON PSALM 98:1-4
The wonders of God’s love and comfort and joy are alive and continue to come to us, to meet us and to captivate us so we worship in the name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit.
Amen.
In the spirit of Christmas and as we prepare to meet the year 2026, let us take a moment of silence to confess our sins, and those times we have failed to adore Christ the Lord, the newborn King. (silence) Friends of Emmanuel: God is with us, The Messiah has come to us with tidings of comfort and joy; indeed, Jesus saves; truly, Jesus forgives you all your sins. Sing a new song unto the Lord! He has done marvelous things!
Through his birth and his faithful presence, his right hand and his holy arm have gotten him the victory. Let us break into joyful song and sing praises! Jesus the Christ brings joy to the world!
Carol of Greatest Joy
Joy to the World
Handel & Watts
Joy to the world the Lord is come
Let earth receive its King
Let ev’ry heart prepare him room
And heav’n and nature sing
And heav’n and nature sing
And heav’n and heav’n
And nature sing
Through his bright light the Lord is alive, making known his victory.
He is comfort and joy in the Word made flesh, and he has revealed his vindication in the sight of all the nations.
God has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness. This is his Christmas gift to you and to the world, as he comes to you.
All the ends of the earth have seen and received the gift of life in the victory of our God.
Make a joyful noise to the Lord all the earth!
Let us search no longer for comfort and joy! Let us break forth into joyful song and sing praises! Jesus Christ rules the world!
Carol of Greatest Joy
Joy to the World
Handel & Watts
He rules the world with truth and grace
And makes the nations prove
The glories of his righteousness
And wonders of his love
And wonders of his love
And wonders wonders
Of his love
Almighty and loving God, you wonderfully created and more wonderfully restored the gift of human nature. Through your mercy, come anew, now to us, and keep alive in us, your comfort and joy. In the new year to come, each and every day, keep Christmas coming to us, keep Christ coming anew to us, let heaven and nature forever sing of your saving grace. All praise to you, Emmanuel, for you took on flesh to live among us, to bring joy to our world, to bring light to our darkness. In the glory of the newborn King, we sing and we pray. Amen.
Carol of Priceless Tidings
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
Old Testament Lesson
ISAIAH 63:7–9
I will recount the gracious deeds of the Lord, the praiseworthy acts of the Lord, because of all that the Lord has done for us, and the great favor to the house of Israel that he has shown them according to his mercy, according to the abundance of his steadfast love. For he said, “Surely they are my people, children who will not deal falsely”; and he became their savior in all their distress. It was no messenger or angel but his presence that saved them; in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.
(New Revised Standard Version)
New Testament Lesson
HEBREWS 2:10–18
It was fitting that God, for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many children to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For the one who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one Father. For this reason, Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters, saying, “I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters, in the midst of the congregation I will praise you.” And again, “I will put my trust in him.” And again, “Here am I and the children whom God has given me.” Since, therefore, the children share flesh and blood, he himself likewise shared the same things, so that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by fear of death. For it is clear that he did not come to help angels, but the descendants of Abraham. Therefore, he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.
(New Revised Standard Version)
Carol of New Hope
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
vs. 3
So bring him incense gold and myrrh
Come peasant king to own him
The King of kings salvation brings
Let loving hearts enthrone him
Raise raise the song on high
The virgin sings her lullaby
Joy joy for Christ is born
The babe the son of Mary
Gospel
MATTHEW 2:13–23
Now after the wise men had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet, “Out of Egypt I have called my son.” When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, he was infuriated, and he sent and killed all the children in and around Bethlehem who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had learned from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what had been spoken through the prophet Jeremiah: “A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled, because they are no more.” When Herod died, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who were seeking the child’s life are dead.” Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And after being warned in a dream, he went away to the district of Galilee. There he made his home in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled, “He will be called a Nazorean.” (New Revised Standard Version)
(New Revised Standard Version)
Stating Our Faith in God
BASED ON REVELATION 21:5–7
God’s Son who was born in a manger, who went forward to make us all one through his death and resurrection will come again. Trusting every gift of comfort and joy anew in Emmanuel, we boldly share our faith, for his light has come and the darkness will not overcome it.
God who sits upon the throne says, “Behold, I make all things new. Write these words for they are trustworthy and true. It is done! I am the alpha and the omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the fountain the water of life without payment. They who conquer shall have their heritage, and I will be their God, and they will be my children.” Amen.
No Faith Quest This Sunday!
There will be no Faith Quest this Sunday. Faith Quest will resume on January 4.
Activity worksheets and coloring pages will be available in the Narthex, and our Nursery will be open for younger children. Families are warmly invited to remain together in worship this week.
Still Searching for Comfort & Joy!
ISAIAH 63:7-9; HEBREWS 2:10-18; MATTHEW 2:13-23
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.
Carol Living in True Faith
Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful
Wade
vs. 1
Oh come all ye faithful
Joyful and triumphant
Oh come ye oh come ye
To Bethlehem
Come and behold him
Born the King of angels
(refrain)
refrain:
Oh come let us adore him
Oh come let us adore him
Oh come let us adore him
Christ the Lord
vs. 3
Sing choirs of angels
Sing in exultation
Sing all ye citizens
Of heaven above
Glory to God
In the highest
(refrain)
vs. 4
Yea Lord we greet thee
Born this happy morning
Jesus to thee be
Glory giv’n
Word of the Father
Now in flesh appearing
(refrain)
...as we pray to you, Jesus,
We trust anew every gift of your comfort and joy, light 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
The Little Drummer Boy
Davis
vs. 1
Come they told me
Pa-rum pum pum pum
Our new born 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
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
vs. 3
Caroling caroling near and far
Christmas bells are ringing
Following following yonder star
Christmas bells are ringing
Sing we all the happy morn
Lo the King of heav’n is born
Ding dong ding dong
Christmas bells are ringing
The body and blood of our living Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, come to you, be born anew in you, strengthen you and keep you in his grace this day, through this blessed and holy season, and on into life everlasting.
Amen.
Let us pray.
Faithful God, on that first silent night, you sent Emmanuel, you came to us, giving your Son as a sacrifice for sin and a model of the godly life. Enable us to receive your every gift of grace always with thanksgiving, and to conform our lives to his, through Jesus Christ, the Lord of life. Amen.
The Lord come to you and bless you, and give you His light. The Lord bless you with His presence and fill you with the warmth and quiet of the manger. The Lord bless you, for Christ is salvation and hope, life and grace, love and peace, comfort and joy. In the name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Let us go in the peace of Christ, in the presence of Emmanuel, celebrating the love of God, and serving the Lord of life.
Thanks be to God! Peace on earth! Good will to all!
Going Going in Faith & Light
Go Tell It on the Mountain
Work, Jr.
refrain:
Go tell it on the mountain
Over the hills and everywhere
Go tell it on the mountain
That Jesus Christ is born
vs. 1
While shepherds kept their watching
O’er silent flocks by night
Behold throughout the heavens
There shone a holy light
(refrain)
vs. 2
The shepherds feared and trembled
When lo above the earth
Rang out the angel chorus
That hailed our Savior’s birth
(refrain)
vs. 3
Down in a lonely manger
The humble Christ was born
And God sent us salvation
That blessed Christmas morn
(refrain)
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Today we celebrate The First Sunday After Christmas, “Still Searching For Comfort And Joy!”
Our service today includes a blessing on God’s beloved as a new year begins! Faith Quest, Sunday School resumes next Sunday, January 4!
Next Sunday, we celebrate The Second Sunday After Christmas, January 4, 9:30 a.m. “Comfort And Joy, Here, Now!”
Faith Quest, Sunday School resumes January 4!
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 Comfort & Joy, In Hope & Light, written based on Psalm 98:1-4. “Angels From The Realms Of Glory” “Joy To The World” “What Child Is This,” “The Little Drummer Boy,” “Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful” “Go Tell It On the Mountain” © 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,” “Lord’s Prayer,” “Post-Communion Blessing, Prayer, & Benediction,” based on the LBW “Jesus Loves Me” © Words and Music Public Domain, CCLI #4771887 “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” © 1980 Beam Me Up Music, CCLI #39441 “Caroling, Caroling,” © 1954, renewed 1957 Hollis Music, Inc. All rights reserved. All songs used with permission. CCLI License #1380826 & OneLicense #A-724016.