ORDER OF WORSHIP
First Sunday of Advent
November 30, 2025
The new church year begins with a wake-up call: Christ is coming soon! In today’s readings, both Paul and Jesus challenge us to wake from sleep, for we know neither the day nor hour of the Lord’s coming. Isaiah points toward the day when God will gather all people on God’s holy mountain and there will be no more war or suffering. Though we vigilantly watch for the promised day of salvation, we wait for what we already have: Christ comes among us this day as the word and meal that strengthens our faith in the promises of God. .
+ GATHERING +
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
LIGHTING THE ADVENT WREATH
The prophet Isaiah shared a word with the weary world, a vision of the day when God will bring our conflicts to an end. God's house will be on top of the highest mountain, and people from all over will come to it.
God will judge all countries and settle our disputes.
Weapons will be turned into tools for growth.
Wars will come to an end.
As we wait faithfully for God’s time, we light the candle of Hope.
Our hope is in God, who will bring all nations together.
Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah
ELW 240, v. 1
Light one candle to watch for Messiah:
let the light banish darkness.
He shall bring salvation to Israel,
God fulfills the promise.
Blessed are you, God of Jacob, for you promise that the day will come when your salvation dawns and the night of our sin is gone. May the hope of that coming sustain us in these days, wake us from our sleep, and wrap us in your light.
O house of Jacob, come,
Let us walk in the hope of the Lord. Amen.
PRELUDE
Lo! He Comes, with Clouds Descending
arr. Paul Fey
CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
+ All may make the sign of the cross, the sign that is marked at baptism, as the presiding minister begins.
Blessed be the holy Trinity, + one God,
who forgives all our sin, whose mercy endures forever.
Amen.
Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another.
Silence is kept for reflection.
Long-expected God,
we confess that we look to ourselves for the peace and security
only you can provide. We reach for swords and spears,
reluctant to release our grip on the ways of war.
We become impatient while waiting, and weary of keeping awake.
Free us from self-reliance, and teach us to live in harmony
with our neighbors. Increase our trust in your timing,
and awaken us to your presence among us,
that we may abound in the hope
you have promised. Amen.
God judges us not as we deserve,
but according to God’s own righteousness.
You are freed and forgiven, saved by grace,
and ready to welcome the Savior.
Amen.
GATHERING HYMN
O Come, O Come Emmanuel
ELW 257
O come, O 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.
O come, O Wisdom from on high,
embracing all things far and nigh:
in strength and beauty come and stay;
teach us your will and guide our way. Refrain
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. Refrain
O come, O Branch of Jesse, free
your own from Satan's tyranny;
from depths of hell your people save,
and give them vict'ry o'er the grave. Refrain
INTRODUCING ADVENT
APOSTOLIC GREETING
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
And also with you.
KYRIE (page 193)
In peace, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the peace from above,
and for our salvation,
let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the peace of the whole world,
for the well-being of the Church of God,
and for the unity of all,
let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For this holy house,
and for all who offer here their worship and praise,
let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord.
Amen.
GLORIA
Glory to God in the highest,
and peace to God’s people on earth.
Lord God, heav’nly King,
almighty God and Father,
we worship you,
we give you thanks,
we praise you for your glory.
Glory to God in the highest,
and peace to God’s people on earth.
Lord Jesus Christ,
only Son of the Father,
Lord God, Lamb of God;
you take away the sin of the world:
have mercy on us;
you are seated at the right hand of the Father:
receive our prayer.
Glory to God in the highest,
and peace to God’s people on earth.
For you alone are the Holy One,
you alone are the Lord,
you alone are the Most High,
Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit,
in the glory of God the Father. Amen, amen.
PRAYER OF THE DAY.
Let us pray together.
Almighty and everlasting God, whose will it is to restore all things in your well-beloved Son, the King of kings and Lord of lords: Mercifully grant that the peoples of the earth, divided and enslaved by sin, may be freed and brought together under his most gracious rule; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
+ WORD +
FIRST READING: Isaiah 2:1-5
1 The word that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.
2 In days to come
the mountain of the Lord’s house
shall be established as the highest of the mountains
and shall be raised above the hills;
all the nations shall stream to it.
3 Many peoples shall come and say,
“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,
to the house of the God of Jacob,
that he may teach us his ways
and that we may walk in his paths.”
For out of Zion shall go forth instruction
and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
4 He shall judge between the nations
and shall arbitrate for many peoples;
they shall beat their swords into plowshares
and their spears into pruning hooks;
nation shall not lift up sword against nation;
neither shall they learn war any more.
5 O house of Jacob,
come, let us walk
in the light of the Lord!
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
PSALM 122 (We will read the Psalm responsively by whole verse)
1 I was glad when they said to me,
“Let us go to the house of the Lord.”
2 Now our feet are standing
within your gates, O Jerusalem.
3 Jerusalem is built as a city
that is at unity with itself;
4 to which the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord,
the assembly of Israel, to praise the name of the Lord.
5 For there are the thrones of judgment,
the thrones of the house of David.
6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
“May they prosper who love you.
7 Peace be within your walls
and quietness within your towers.
8 For the sake of my kindred and companions,
I pray for your prosperity.
9 Because of the house of the Lord our God,
I will seek to do you good.”
SECOND READING: Romans 13:11-14
11 Besides this, you know what time it is, how it is already the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; 12 the night is far gone; the day is near. Let us then throw off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; 13 let us walk decently as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in illicit sex and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. 14 Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (page 198)
Alleluia. alleluia.
Alleluia. alleluia.
Lord, to whom shall we go?
You have the words of eternal life.
Alleluia. alleluia.
Alleluia. alleluia.
GOSPEL: Matthew 24:3, 36-44
The Holy Gospel according to Matthew.
Glory to you, O Lord.
[Jesus told them,] 36 “About that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 37 For as the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 38 For as in the days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, 39 and they knew nothing until the flood came and swept them all away, so, too, will be the coming of the Son of Man. 40 Then two will be in the field; one will be taken, and one will be left. 41 Two women will be grinding meal together; one will be taken, and one will be left. 42 Keep awake, therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. 43 But understand this: if the owner of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.
SERMON The Rev. Dr. Olga-Maria Cruz
Silence is kept for reflection.
HYMN OF THE DAY
Light Dawns on a Weary World
ELW 726
Light dawns on a weary world
when eyes begin to see
all people's dignity.
Light dawns on a weary world:
the promised day of justice comes.
Refrain
The trees shall clap their hands;
the dry lands, gush with springs;
the hills and mountains shall break forth with singing!
We shall go out in joy,
and be led forth in peace,
as all the world in wonder echoes shalom.
Love grows in a weary world
when hungry hearts find bread
and children's dreams are fed.
Love grows in a weary world:
the promised feast of plenty comes. Refrain
Hope blooms in a weary world
when creatures, once forlorn,
find wilderness reborn.
Hope blooms in a weary world:
the promised green of Eden comes. Refrain
APOSTLE’S CREED
We now profess the faith we share using the words of the Apostles’ Creed:
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.
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 the people, we come seeking wisdom and instruction. Uphold and strengthen lay leaders, teachers, deacons, pastors, and bishops. Teach us your ways and lead us in your paths. God of grace,
hear our prayer.
God of the earth, we seek your goodness in the grandeur of creation. Empower us to care for forests and oceans, as we see you in the world around us. God of grace,
hear our prayer.
God of the nations, we seek wisdom for our leaders, judges, and mediators. Cast out words of hate and transform them into words for building up community. Remake implements and policies of war to sow the seeds of peace. God of grace,
hear our prayer.
God of healing, we come seeking comfort and strength. We pray for our kindred and companions who are struggling with physical and mental illness of any kind, , especially Mary, Wyatt, Mabel, Doris, June, Ann, Julie, Rita, Carol, Anne, Judy, Tom, Lydia, Brian, James & Grace, Wil, Amy, Bob & Jane, Barbara, Scott, Lynda, Ron & Flo, Mac, Monica, Avery, Doris, John, Abby, Mike, Tim, Arleen, Betty, Linda, Jeff, Henry, Gary, Greg, Helen & Ron, and Max & Michelle. Surround all with care and consolation. Nurture therapists, counselors, and sponsors in their care for others. God of grace,
hear our prayer.
Here other intercessions may be offered.
God of holiness, we seek your power to rebuild up our world in the image of your grace. At the last, bring us with all the saints to your holy city where peace and goodness make a home. God of grace,
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.
SHARING OF THE PEACE
The peace of Christ be with you always.
And also with you.
GRATITUDE
+ MEAL +
OFFERING
You may place your offerings in the offering plate as it is passed during the service. Alternatively, some are using Tithe.ly for online giving or are using their bank’s online banking option. Whichever way you choose to give, we are grateful for your stewardship and generosity.
OFFERTORY
Light a Candle in the Night
Larson
OFFERING SONG
Create In Me a Clean Heart
ELW 188
Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from your presence,
and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore unto me the joy of your salvation,
and uphold me with your free Spirit.
OFFERING PRAYER
Nourishing God,
you are water in the wilderness and streams in the desert.
Through this meal, satisfy our parched places,
that we may rejoice and be for the world
signs of your kingdom come.
Amen.
HOLY COMMUNION
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
DIALOGUE (page 199)
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
PREFACE
It is indeed right, our duty and our joy,
that we should at all times and in all places
give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God,
through our Savior Jesus Christ.
You comforted your people with the promise of the Redeemer,
through whom you will also make all things new
in the day when he comes to judge the world in righteousness.
And so, with all the choirs of angels,
with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven,
we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
SANCTUS (page 200)
Holy, holy, holy Lord,
God of power and might;
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest, hosanna in the highest
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest, hosanna in the highest.
THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE
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 handed over,
our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks.
He 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.
Let us proclaim the mystery of faith:
Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.
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.
Come, Lord Jesus.
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.
Come, Holy Spirit.
All praise and glory are yours, Holy One of Israel,
Word of God incarnate, Power of the Most High,
one God, now and forever.
Amen.
LORD'S PRAYER
Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us:
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.
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
Here is life. God is with us.
Come, receive what God has promised.
Thanks be to God.
DISTRIBUTION
The baptized children of God are invited by the Lord to the Lord’s Table where we receive Jesus’ very body and blood in, with, and under the bread and wine. We commune at the communion rail where we receive the Body and Blood of Christ. Gluten free bread and grape juice are available. If you wish to commune, but cannot come forward, let an usher know and Pastor will come to you. If you do not wish to commune, you are welcome to come forward to receive a blessing. You may wish to remain at the rail for a time of personal prayer following which you may return to your pew down the side aisle.
LAMB OF GOD (page 201)
Lamb of God,
you take away the sin of the world:
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God,
you take away the sin of the world:
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God,
you take away the sins of the world:
grant us peace, grant us peace.
COMMUNION HYMNS
I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light
ELW 815
I want to walk as a child of the light.
I want to follow Jesus.
God set the stars to give light to the world.
The star of my life is Jesus.
Refrain
In him there is no darkness at all.
The night and the day are both alike.
The Lamb is the light of the city of God.
Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus.
I want to see the brightness of God.
I want to look at Jesus.
Clear Sun of righteousness, shine on my path,
and show me the way to the Father. Refrain
I'm looking for the coming of Christ.
I want to be with Jesus.
When we have run with patience the race,
we shall know the joy of Jesus. Refrain
Christ, Be Our Light
ELW 715
Longing for light, we wait in darkness.
Longing for truth, we turn to you.
Make us your own, your holy people,
light for the world to see.
Refrain
Christ, be our light!
Shine in our hearts.
Shine through the darkness.
Christ, be our light!
Shine in your church gathered today.
Longing for peace, our world is troubled.
Longing for hope, many despair.
Your word alone has pow'r to save us.
Make us your living voice. Refrain
Longing for food, many are hungry.
Longing for water, many still thirst.
Make us your bread, broken for others,
shared until all are fed. Refrain
Longing for shelter, many are homeless.
Longing for warmth, many are cold.
Make us your building, sheltering others,
walls made of living stone. Refrain
Many the gifts, many the people,
many the hearts that yearn to belong.
Let us be servants to one another,
signs of your kingdom come. Refrain
POST-COMMUNION BLESSING
The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace.
Amen.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Let us pray.
God our host,
at this table you have fed us with joy and gladness.
Send us forth, eager to share the feast, welcome the stranger,
and bear good fruit in the name of Jesus.
Amen.
+ SENDING +
SENDING HYMN
Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers
ELW 244
Rejoice, rejoice, believers,
and let your lights appear;
the evening is advancing,
and darker night is near.
The bridegroom is arising
and soon is drawing nigh.
Up, pray and watch and wrestle;
at midnight comes the cry.
The watchers on the mountain
proclaim the bridegroom near;
go forth as he approaches
with alleluias clear.
The marriage feast is waiting;
the gates wide open stand.
Arise, O heirs of glory;
the bridegroom is at hand.
The saints, who here in patience
their cross and suff'rings bore,
shall live and reign forever
when sorrow is no more.
Around the throne of glory
the Lamb they shall behold;
in triumph cast before him
their diadems of gold.
Our hope and expectation,
O Jesus, now appear;
arise, O Sun so longed for,
o'er this benighted sphere.
With hearts and hands uplifted,
we plead, O Lord, to see
the day of earth's redemption
that sets your people free!
BENEDICTION
May God who comes among us,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
grant you patience in waiting, peace in the darkness,
and good news to share today and always.
Amen.
DISMISSAL
Go in peace. Keep awake.
Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE
Savior of the Nations, Come
J.S. Bach
Liturgical Text and Music from Evangelical Lutheran Worship, © 2006, 2020, 2022 Augsburg Fortress. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies License #SAS016761. All rights reserved.
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition. Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
The Book of Common Prayer, 2006, Episcopal Church in North America, Church Publishing Incorporated. Public domain.
Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah, Text: Wayne L. Wold, b. 1954. Text © 1984 Fortress Press. Music: Yiddish folk tune, Arr © Augsburg Fortress. Text and music reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense A-722274. All rights reserved.,
Lo! He Comes, with Clouds Descending, Tune: Thomas Olivers, 1725-1799, Arr. Paul Fey, b. 1998. Arr. © 2021 Paul Fey. All rights reserved.
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, Text: Psalteriolum Cantionum Catholicarum, Köln, 1710; tr. composite. Text sts. 2,6,7 © 1997 Augsburg Fortress. Text reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved. Music: French processional, 15th cent. Public domain.
Light Dawns on a Weary World, Text: Mary Louise Bringle, b. 1953. Text © 2002 GIA Publications, Inc. Music: William P. Rowan, b. 1951. Music © 2000 William P. Rowan, adnin, GIA Publications, Inc.Text and music reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense A-722274. All rights reserved.
Light a Candle in the Night, Text: Lloyd Larsen, b. 1954, and Emily E.S. Elliott, 1836-1897. Music: Lloyd Larson, incorp Margaret by Timothy R. Matthews, 1826-1910. Text and music © 2011 Lorenz Publishing Company. Streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
Create in Me a Clean Heart, Music: J. A. Freylinghausen, 1670-1739. Public domain.
I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light. Text and music: Kathleen Thomerson, b. 1934. Text and music © 1970, 1975 Celebration.. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under CCLI License # 2241477. All rights reserved.
Christ, Be Our Light, Text and music: Bernadette Farrell, b. 1957. Text and music © 1993 Bernadette Farrell. Published by OCP Publications. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under OneLicense #A-722274. All rights reserved.
Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers, Text: Laurentius Laurenti, 1660-1722; tr. Sarah B. Findlater,1823-1907. Swedish folk song. Public domain.
Savior of the Nations, Come, Music: Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750). Public domain.
