Worship and Devotions

Third Sunday of Advent

Sunday, December 14, 2025

A note of joyful expectation marks today’s worship. Isaiah announces that the desert shall rejoice and blossom, and Jesus points to the unexpected and transforming signs of God’s reign. We wait with patience for the coming of the Lord, even as we rejoice at his presence among us this day: in word and holy supper, in church and in our homes, in silent reflection and in works of justice and love. We pray that God would open our eyes and ears to the wonders of Christ’s advent among us.

Lighting the Advent Wreath

We light one candle for joy because the world is broken and the wait is long, but our joy cannot be contained. Like a toddler, toppling the thrones of power with a gleeful swipe, Joy pierces our silence with song, interrupts our sighing with laughter, unshackles our fumbling feet to dance. “My soul magnifies the Lord,” she whispers, “and my Spirit rejoices in God my saviour.” So, we light this candle for joy: Christ with us. (Adapted from Advent Wreath Liturgy IV Rev. Karen Ware Jackson 2020. Permission is granted for home and congregational use. In Eastern Synod Worship Resources for the Seasons of Advent & Christmas 2020)

Music

Light One Candle to Wait for Messiah (Verse 3)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wff3R_cXEdg

Prayer of the Day

Stir up the wills of all who look to you, Lord God, and strengthen our faith in your coming, that, transformed by grace, we may walk in your way; through Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

Music

Joy To The World

ELW 267 Joy To the World

The Angel Gabriel From Heaven Came

The Angel Gabriel From Heaven Came (Tune: Gabriel's Message - 4vv) [with lyrics for congregations] (youtube.com)

Readings

Isaiah 35:1-10; Luke 1:46b-55; James 5:7-10

Gospel - Matthew 11:2-11

Glory to you, O Lord.

John the Baptist expects the Messiah to bring God’s judgment upon the earth (Matt. 3:11-12). From a prison cell, he wonders whether Jesus is the one who will do this. Jesus’ response indicates that God’s reign is indeed being fulfilled already through healing and restoration.

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, those with a skin disease 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 palaces. 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.”

Praise to you, O Christ.

Music

Christ Be Our Light

Christ Be Our Light | B.Farell | SATB Choir with Lyrics & Descant | Sunday 7pm Catholic Church Choir

Sermon

https://youtu.be/2_8DYl6mTZI

Prayers of Intercession

In our waiting and watching, we come to you in prayer, O God, trusting your promise to renew the church, the nations, and the whole creation.

A brief silence.

God of hope, in this Advent of war and famine, we pray for all those facing conflict, despair, displacement and loneliness. May they find comfort and joy. God of joy, hear our prayer. (CLWR “An Advent Prayer for a World in Need”)

God of power and mercy, we praise you for Jesus and his acts of healing and liberation. Lead us to proclaim the good news from generation to generation, that all may place their hope and joy in you. Give wisdom and courage to our leaders, both lay and ordained. God of joy, hear our prayer.

When lands are parched and dry, bring rain and snow; where wilderness is barren, sow seeds of life. Fill the lands with trees that grow, plants that flower, and creatures that thrive, as nature proclaims the wonder of your works. God of joy, hear our prayer.

When there is injustice or corruption among nations and leaders, root it out. Turn their attention to inequity and the cries of the poor. Instill a deeper sense of compassion and care in all who govern. We especially ask you to give wisdom and courage to the leaders of Israel and Hamas, Ukraine and Russia, Cambodia and Thailand, Afghanistan and Pakistan, Sudan, and Nigeria that they may abide by ceasefires, listen to each other and seek peace and pursue it through other means than war. God of joy, hear our prayer.

When our bodies weaken and hearts grow fearful, speak your blessing. When people are imprisoned or held captive, break the chains and offer release. Strengthen the work of the church in restorative justice, breaking cycles of poverty, and welcoming the immigrant. We pray especially for Canadian Lutheran World Relief and KAIROS. God of joy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

As we await your coming, we give thanks for the faithful who have lived and died in faith. May their boldness of faith inspire our witness and work. God of joy, hear our prayer.

Draw near to us, O God, as we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy through Jesus Christ, Emmanuel.

Amen.

Music

There’s A Voice In The Wilderness Crying

There's a voice in the wilderness crying - YouTube

People Look East

People, Look East - YouTube