Third Sunday of Advent

December 13, 2020
9:30 a.m.

Holy Spirit Lutheran Church
Lancaster, PA

Welcome to Advent! This season is necessary and important for us as we take this time to remind ourselves of our need of a Savior. Our worship during Advent also helps us look forward to our Savior’s second coming even as we prepare to celebrate his first coming at Christmas. The prayerful, thoughtful attitude of Advent makes our celebration of the birth of Christ a true time of happiness. Welcome into this time of preparation and hope.

Having worship in the narthex presents challenges that are unique. The most noticeable challenge is the one of spacing. While families may sit close together, the effort to maintain distance with others must be attempted as much as possible. That includes, if necessary sitting in the entrance area between the sets of doors.

Within the liturgy, we will maintain the following practices for the sharing of the peace and the distribution of the sacrament of Holy Communion.

When sharing the peace of Christ, remain at your seat, make eye contact with someone and wave and say “peace.” Your smile is visible beneath your mask.

As regards the Holy Communion, the Pastor and Assisting Ministers will bring the sacrament to you. The pastor will drop the host into your hand, followed by the assisting minister with the chalice of wine, followed by the other assisting minister with the receptible for your used cup. Those persons not receiving communion are welcome to receive a blessing.

At the conclusion of the service, if you took a paper bulletin, keep your bulletin with you, and exit the building by way of the designated exit doors. The pastor will greet you outside. Because of the spacing requirements if you wish to have a conversation with someone, do so outside.

Thank you for your attendance and consideration as we all work to keep each other healthy.. As the weeks go by you may notice some other changes in order to make our Sunday experience both worshipful and as safe as possible.

Stay well.

Welcome and Announcements

Silence in preparation for worship.

The Prelude

The Brief Order for Confession and Forgiveness

P
In the name of the Father and of the + Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
C
Amen

P
Together let us honestly and humbly confess our sin before God.

Silence is kept for reflection.
C
Loving and forgiving God, we confess to you our sins, known and unknown. In spite of our best efforts, we have gone astray. Restore us, O God. Forgive us. Wake us up and renew us each day in the light of Christ. Amen.

P
People of God, hear this glad news: by God’s endless grace you are free- free from all that holds you back and free to live in the peaceable kingdom of God. Your sins are forgiven in the name of the Father and of the + Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
C
Amen.

The Apostolic Greeting

P
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
C
And also with you.

The Prayer of the Day

P
The Lord be with you.
C
And also with you.

P
Let us pray. Stir up the wills of your faithful people, Lord God, and open our ears to the words of your prophets, that, anointed by your Spirit, we may testify to your light; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
C
Amen.

Children’s Message

The children remain at their seat as the pastor share a message with them.

Lighting of the Advent Candle

A
John came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him.
C
He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light.

A
I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness.
C Make straight the way of the Lord.

A John said, I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, the one who is coming after me.
C I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal.

A We praise you, O God, for this victory wreath that marks our days of preparation for Christ’s advent. As we light the candles on this wreath, strengthen our hearts as we await the Lord’s coming in glory. Enlighten us with your grace, that we may serve our neighbors in need. Grant this through Christ our Lord, whose coming is certain and whose day draws near.
C Amen.

Hymn

Read in unison
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
O come, O come, O Lord of might,
as to your tribes on Sinai’s height
in ancient times you gave the law
in cloud, and majesty, and awe.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
shall come to you, O Israel.

The Reading

Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11
A reading from Isaiah: The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to provide for those who mourn in Zion— to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit. They will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, to display his glory. They shall build up the ancient ruins, they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations.
For I the Lord love justice, I hate robbery and wrongdoing; I will faithfully give them their recompense, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. Their descendants shall be known among the nations, and their offspring among the peoples; all who see them shall acknowledge that they are a people whom the Lord has blessed. I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my whole being shall exult in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. For as the earth brings forth its shoots, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations.

A
The word of the Lord
C
Thanks be to God.

Gospel

John 1:6-8, 19-28
P
The Holy Gospel according to Saint John, the first chapter.
C
Glory to you, O Lord
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light.
This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, “I am not the Messiah.” And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the prophet?” He answered, “No.” Then they said to him, “Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ ” as the prophet Isaiah said.
Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. They asked him, “Why then are you baptizing if you are neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?” John answered them, “I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal.” This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing.
P
The Gospel of the Lord.
C
Praise to you, O Christ.

Sermon

Silence for reflection follows.

The Apostles Creed

C I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.

The Prayers of the Church

A
God of power and might, tear open the heavens and come quickly to this weary world. Hear our prayers for everyone in need.

After each portion of the prayers:
A
Lord, in your mercy,
C
Hear our prayer.

The prayers conclude:
P
Into your hands, Gracious God, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy, through your Son, Jesus Christ our Savior.
C
Amen.

The Sharing of the Peace

P
The peace of Christ be with you always.
C
And also with you.

Without leaving your seat offer a wave to your neighbor, sharing God’s peace, in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Please be seated.

Offering

The Offering is received as the Lord’s table is prepared.

Offertory Prayer

A
Let us pray. Generous God, you have created all that is, and you provide for us in every season. Bless all that we offer, that through these gifts the world will receive your blessing. In the name of Jesus, Emmanuel, we pray.
C
Amen

The Great Thanksgiving

P
The Lord be with you.
C
And also with you.

P
Lift up your hearts.
C
We lift them to the Lord.

P
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
C
It is right to give our thanks and praise.

Eucharistic Prayer

P
Holy One, the beginning and the end, the giver of life:
Blessed are you for the birth of creation.
Blessed are you in the darkness and in the light.
Blessed are you for your promise to your people.
Blessed are you in the prophets’ hopes and dreams.
Blessed are you for Mary’s openness to your will.
Blessed are you for your Son Jesus,
the Word made flesh.

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.

With this bread and cup
we remember your Word dwelling among us,
full of grace and truth.
We remember our new birth in his death and resurrection.
We look with hope for his coming.
C
Come, Lord Jesus.

P
Holy God, we long for your Spirit.
Come among us.
Bless this meal.
May your Word take flesh in us.
Awaken your people.
Fill us with your light.
Bring the gift of peace on earth.
C
Come, Holy Spirit.

P
All praise and glory are yours,
Holy One of Israel,
Word of God incarnate,
Power of the Most High,
one God, now and forever.
C
Amen

The Lord’s Prayer

C
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.

The Fraction

P
Even as we watch and wait, Christ is here. Come, eat and drink.
C
Thanks be to God.
Please be seated.

The Distribution of Holy Communion

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America practices open table hospitality. Baptized communicants of other Christian denominations, of all ages, are welcome to receive the sacrament. Today we will bring the sacrament to you. The pastor will drop the host into your hand, followed by the assisting minister with the chalice of wine, followed by the assisting minister with the receptible for your used cup. Those persons not receiving communion are welcome to receive a blessing.

Post Communion Blessing

P
The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace.
C
Amen.

Post Communion Prayer

A
Let us pray. Gracious and abundant God, in this bread and cup you give us life forever. In your boundless mercy, strengthen us and open our hearts to the world’s needs, for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Lord.
C
Amen.

The Blessing

P
The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord’s face shine on you with grace and mercy. The Lord look upon you with favor, and give you peace. In the name of the Father, and of the + Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
C
Amen.

Sending to Serve

A
Go in peace. Prepare the way of the Lord.
C
Thanks be to God. We will!

Postlude

+++

Hambright School Christmas Gifts

Today is the last day to hand in your gift cards for the kids and families of Hambright School. Please place them in the box located in the breezeway. Thank you for your generous donations!

The Ladies at the Gatehouse

Next Sunday is the last day to give a special gift of warmth in the form of a HAT, PAIR OF GLOVES, or SCARF to the ladies at the Gatehouse. A large white laundry basket is in the breezeway next to the narthex, ready for your donations. Any gently used coat or jacket would also be an appreciated gift for one of the ladies. Thank you for your generous donations.

Christmas Eve Services

Join us at one of the services on Christmas Eve, 4:00 p.m. or 8:00. Please call or email the parish office to register to attend:
717-394-6771 * holyspiritluth@gmail.com

Acknowledgments

Copyright © 2020 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #SAS103416.

New Revised Standard Version Bible, Copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Revised Common Lectionary, Copyright © 1992 Consultation on Common Texts, admin Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission.

Readings for next week: Advent 4
Luke 1:46b-55
Luke 1:26-38