Third Sunday of Advent 12-14-2025 10:00AM Worship (in person and online)
Third Sunday of Advent
12-14-2025 10:00AM Worship (in person and online)
+ Gathering +
INTRODUCTORY WORDS TO TODAY’S WORSHIP:
Brothers and sisters, welcome in the mighty name of God, the saving name of (+) Jesus, and the strong name of the Spirit. Even John the Baptist, the great prophet and bold preparer of the way for Jesus, did not fully understand God’s plan. What was John looking for? Did he want a great display of power? Did he expect Jesus to unleash judgment and weapons and suffering upon a sinful world? And what are we looking for in Jesus? Are we satisfied with healing and liberation, justice and joy? What kind of Messiah do we need? CHRIST IS COMING!
OPENING SONG: “It’s About Time for His Coming”
(1) It’s about time for his coming, it’s about time for his coming,
It’s about time for his coming – the coming of the Lord!
It’s about time for his coming, it’s about time for his coming,
It’s about time for his coming – the coming of the Lord!
(2) It’s about time, are you ready?
(3) It’s about time, yes I’m ready!
(4) It’s about time, HALLELUJAH!
OPENING VERSES, LIGHTING THE ADVENT WREATH, AND PRAYER:
L Even in the dry desert there is life, even in the wilderness of our soul there is hope.
C We will strengthen the weak hands and make firm our weak knees.
L Say to those of a fearful heart, “Be strong! The hour of the Lord is near.”
C Captives will be released, the distressed relieved, and those who are dead raised up.
L Be patient, be encouraged; it won’t be too much longer.
C There is no need to fear, for God is coming to save!
L Leap and sing for joy! God’s promises are true.
C Even now springs of living water rise up to quench our thirsting souls!
[Three candles are lit on the Advent wreath.]
L Today we remember the Candle of Hope and the Candle of Peace as we add the Candle of Joy.
Let us pray together…
C O Lord, bless us as we light three candles of this Advent wreath.
Open our eyes and ears to see, to hear, and to REJOICE in your saving presence.
Open our hearts to REPENT from our sins and to turn to lives of joyful faith and service.
We renounce evil; we claim your love; we choose to be set free and made whole.
Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly! Hallelujah!
+ Holy Word +
FIRST READING: Isaiah 35:1-10
[A vision during exile – the desert in bloom, a road back to joy!]
SONG SELECTION ALL SAINTS CHOIR
SECOND READING: James 5:7-10
[Patience in the time of trouble – don’t lose hope in God!]
GOSPEL VERSE: “We need to hear from You, we need a word from You.
If we don’t hear from You, what will we do?
Wanting You more each day, show us Your perfect way.
There is no other way that we can live.”
GOSPEL READING: Matthew 11:2-11
[The unexpected Messiah – love and mercy, not terror!]
THE SERMON: Pastor Gwen or Pastor Neil
SONG RESPONSE: “Steal Away” Brown #175
THE PRAYERS… May the world to be redeemed, the Church reformed, and all people restored!
(sung at beginning and end) “Oh… hear us. Oh, hear us. Oh… hear us, Lord. Hear us, Lord… hear us.”
(sung after each intercession) “Hear us, Lord… hear us.”
+ Holy Meal +
OFFERING OF TITHES (10% giving) AND GIFTS… We bring our gifts each week, we offer our lives each day!
Those in the Sanctuary can put their offering in the offering plate to share their gratitude and their generosity in response to Christ’s love. Those who are farther away might: mail a check or money
order to St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2169 74th Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19138… contribute online through bit.ly/stpetersgiving and set up a one-time donation or a
recurring weekly gift to selected categories… or text Give+ at 833-914-0896 and follow the instructions to register and record your contribution. God has blessed us to be a blessing!
SONG SELECTION: ALL SAINTS CHOIR
OFFERTORY: “Come by here, my Lord, come by here; come by here, my Lord, come by here;
Come by here, my Lord, come by here. O LORD, COME BY HERE!
(2) Someone needs You, Lord, come by here…
(3) Send a blessing, Lord, come by here… ”
OFFERING PRAYER by the Communion Assistant:
O Lord, we open our hearts and our lives to your presence and your promises! Give us the spirit and the patience, we pray, to bear your light to all who sit in the shadows of despair and darkness. Amen.
THE PREFACE:
L Sisters and brothers, the Lord be with you! C AND ALSO WITH YOU!
L Lift up your hearts! C WE LIFT THEM UP IN LOVE FOR GOD!
L Let us give thanks to the Lord our God! C IT IS RIGHT TO GIVE GOD OUR THANKS AND PRAISE!
THE EUCHARISTIC WORDS by the Celebrant, who recalls and re-enacts Jesus’ Holy Meal.
THE LORD’S PRAYER (spoken)
COMMUNION AND BLESSINGS… All believers in Christ are welcome at the Lord’s Table! The wine may be received from the pouring chalice; we also have grape juice on the tray. During the ADVENT SEASON we will not have any Communion Songs. Instead, we invite you to spend the time in quiet reflection and prayer. Without God our lives and world are filled with anxiety and chaos. No God, no peace. Know God, know peace.
THE COMMUNION BLESSING by the Celebrant after all have communed.
POST-COMMUNION PRAYER by the Communion Assistant.
+ Sending +
BENEDICTION by the Pastor… God sends us TO SHINE with the Light of Jesus Christ in a shadowy world!
CLOSING SONG: “OH, I Woke Up This Morning” Brown #166