Christ the Servant Lutheran Church

Putting Jesus’ Way of Life into Practice by...

Encountering God, Loving One Another, & Reaching the World

Third Sunday in Advent Children’s Christmas Service

“Together At Christmas” December 13, 2020

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Welcome to Christ the Servant Lutheran Church

(Congregational responses are in bold print.)

P “A B I B B ” P S : W S

W C T

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT

THE CANDLE OF JOY

Leader: In a world of despair, where depression rates run high,

where there has been so much sadness and loss, God, we call upon you to come.

Congregation: In a world where joy is a distant memory, we call upon you, Great God of Joy, to come. Leader: In this season of Advent, we wait for the coming of Joy

into our world. We await the birth of the Anointed One, the Promised Child, who comes into our lives in a new way.

Congregation: Come, Messiah, Come and Save Us.

Light the third blue candle. W S : Light three candles to watch for Messiah:

let the light banish darkness. Lift your heads and lift high the gateway for the King of glory.

Congregation: Dear God, we pray for the hope that is found

in Jesus, that those who seek it may truly find it. May we celebrate the joy found in You. Amen

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R : Look around. Those gathered for worship today have various

backgrounds, different traditions and assorted things on their Christmas “to-do lists.” Yet we have one thing in common. As Christians, we are part of one family with one mission: To be Jesus’ witnesses in the world. Pray for the family today, that together this Christmas, we will find opportunities to connect others to Jesus.

P H “O C , A Y F ”

O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant! O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem; Come and behold him, born the king of angels: O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord! The highest, most holy, light of light eternal, born of a virgin, a mortal he comes; Son of the Father now in flesh appearing! O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord! Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born this happy morning; Jesus, to thee be glory giv'n! Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing: O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord!

Text: attr. John Francis Wade, 1711-1786; tr. Frederick Oakeley, 1802-1880, sts. 1, 3-4; tr. unknown, st. 2

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T I L 1: In the name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. L 1: Praise the Lord! L 2: Praise him all his angels; praise him all his hosts! L 1: Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers of the earth! L 2: Young men and maidens together, old men and children! L 1: Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted. L 2: Together at Christmas, let all the people praise the name of Jesus! Amen!

P D Holy Father, thank you for sending us your Son Jesus to redeem us and claim us as children of God. Bless the children here this day who give glory to Jesus through their message, and may all who hear it take it to heart. Amen

A M

A F : What are your favorite Christmas traditions? Exchanging gifts or family gatherings; decorating the house or going to parties; children’s Christmas services, perhaps? Whatever they may be, your favorite traditions are probably not done in isolation, but experienced together with family or friends. We value being together in community. It’s something God values too. In Jesus, we have been brought together as children of God, created to work, serve and worship together. Certainly, Christmas is a great time for us to celebrate the birth of Jesus, the One who reconciled us to God. But, what about some of those seemingly frivolous traditions we enjoy? Don’t they distract us from the true meaning of Christmas? Shouldn’t we give them up? Now before you take down those Christmas lights or return any presents to the store, consider this:

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Colossians 3:17 says, “Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” As God’s family, we have traits that look a lot like Jesus. So, no matter what activities we engage in, at Christmas or any time, we can find ways to demonstrate his character. We can take another step, from buying presents to being “present”; from sending cards to extending the peace of Christ; from sharing cookies to sharing our joy in the Lord; from wrapping presents to wrapping someone in love. After this hymn of rejoicing, listen as the children share with us ways to leverage our traditions to be witnesses for Jesus together at Christmas.

S B C “H T G S ”

1 Hark, the glad sound! The Savior comes, the Savior promised long; let ev'ry heart prepare a throne and ev'ry voice a song. 2 He comes the pris'ners to release, in Satan's bondage held. The gates of brass before him burst, the iron fetters yield. 3 He comes the broken heart to bind, the bleeding soul to cure, and with the treasures of his grace to enrich the humble poor. 4 Our glad hosannas, Prince of peace, your welcome shall proclaim, and heav'n's eternal arches ring with your beloved name.

Text: Philip Doddridge, 1702-1751 M D #1 “F B P B P ”

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S B C “O C , O C E ”

1 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.

2 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

5 O come, O Key of David, come, and open wide our heav'nly home; make safe the way that leads on high, and close the path to misery. Refrain

6 O come, O Dayspring, come and cheer; O Sun of justice, now draw near. Disperse the gloomy clouds of night, and death's dark shadow put to flight. Refrain

7 O come, O King of nations, come, O Cornerstone that binds in one: refresh the hearts that long for you; restore the broken, make us new. Refrain

Text: Psalteriolum Cantionum Catholicarum, Köln, 1710; tr. composite

Text sts. 2, 6, 7 © 1997 Augsburg Fortress.

M D #1 “F B P B P ” (C )

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S B C “G R Y M G ” G L R C S W C D T S ' ' W

C O C O I B , I I T B A U T H M D (C ) N L A A E T C A (C ) CCLI S # 39441 © W /M : P D CCLI L # 1049557

M D #2 “F S C S P ”

S B C “A I A M ” L J M

1 Away in a manger, no crib for his bed, the little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head; the stars in the sky looked down where he lay; the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.

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2 The cattle are lowing; the poor baby wakes, but little Lord Jesus no crying he makes. I love you, Lord Jesus; look down from the sky and stay by my cradle till morning is nigh. 3 Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask you to stay close by me forever and love me, I pray. Bless all the dear children in your tender care and fit us for heaven, to live with you there.

Text: North American, anonymous, 19th cent. M D #2 “F S C S P ”

(C )

S B C “O L T B ” O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie! Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by; yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light. The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight. How silently, how silently the wondrous gift is giv'n! So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of his heav'n. No ear may hear his coming; but, in this world of sin, where meek souls will receive him, still the dear Christ enters in. O holy child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray; cast out our sin, and enter in, be born in us today. We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell; oh, come to us, abide with us, our Lord Immanuel! Text: Phillips Brooks, 1835-1893 M D #3 “F S C S J ”

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S B C “A W H H O H ”

Angels we have heard on high, sweetly singing o'er the plains, and the mountains in reply, echoing their joyous strains.

Refrain Gloria in excelsis Deo; gloria in excelsis Deo. Shepherds, why this jubilee? Why your joyous strains prolong? What the gladsome tidings be which inspire your heav'nly song? Refrain Come to Bethlehem and see him whose birth the angels sing; come, adore on bended knee Christ the Lord, the newborn king. Refrain Text: French carol; tr. H. F. Hemy, The Crown of Jesus Music, 1864

M D #3 “F S C S J ”

(C )

S B C “I’ G T J , J , J ”

I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy, down in my heart, down in my heart, down in my heart; I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy, down in my heart, down in my heart to stay. I’ve got the peace that passes understanding, down in my heart, down in my heart, down in my heart; I’ve got the peace that passes understanding, down in my heart, down in my heart to stay. I’ve got the love of Jesus, love of Jesus, down in my heart, down in my heart, down in my heart; I’ve got the love of Jesus, love of Jesus, down in my heart, down in my heart to stay. Text: George W. Cooke

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M D #4 “W P W S L ”

S : “H B , J ” M P

God gave us the best gift of all in sending Jesus. We offer now our gifts and tithes to say thank you to God

and help wrap the whole world up in God’s love. .

O

Ways to give: Online Contribution: www.cslcvh.org/titheOnline Contribution: www.cslcvh.org/tithe

Text to Give: Text amount (without dollar sign) to Text to Give: Text amount (without dollar sign) to 651651--409409--51335133

Mail to: Christ the Servant Lutheran Church, Mail to: Christ the Servant Lutheran Church, 3676 Centerville Road, Vadnais Heights, MN 551273676 Centerville Road, Vadnais Heights, MN 55127

S M “M D Y K ” J M C P

Father in heaven, thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus, who saved us from our sin and made us a family. Help us to reflect the character of Jesus, that many people will meet him by our witness and testimony, this Christmas and every day. Amen

B

Now may the presence of Jesus keep you in his peace, send you forth in joy, wrap you in his love and unite you as the fami-ly of God, that together, you may share his good gifts and make his name known throughout the world Amen

+ + +

C P R For those who are in need of healing:

Those ill with the Coronavirus. For those who are grieving...the family of …

Ardella (Dell) Hultman Jim Brasuhn (Jerry & Marilyn Auge's brother-in-law)

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Sunday, December 13 - The Third Sunday in Advent 9:00 AM - Worship (Online) Children’s Christmas Program 10:15 AM - Fellowship Time (Zoom) Monday, December 14 6:00 PM - CRT Team Mtg. (Zoom) Tuesday, December 15 8:00 AM - Free Bread Distribution 8:15 AM - Prayer Team (Zoom) Cross & Cradle January Newsletter Articles Reminder Wednesday, December 16 10:00 AM - Wednesday Bible Study (Zoom) 6:00 PM - Youth Missional Community (Zoom) 7:00 PM - Waiting: Advent Contemplations (Zoom) Thursday, December 17 6:45 PM - Church Council Open Forum (Zoom) 7:00 PM - Church Council Mtg (Zoom) Friday, December 18 Saturday, December 19 Sunday, December 20 - The Fourth Sunday in Advent 9:00 AM - Worship - Holy Communion (Online) 10:15 AM - Fellowship Time (Zoom) 10:30 AM - Radical Hospitality Team Mtg (Zoom)

+ + + Y S P : Adah Langston, Miriam Langston, Samantha Ellerman, Logan Grimm, Payton Grimm, Alice Farm, Asher Steubing, Ameya Steubing, Sarah Songster, Gus Lauer, Nate Tepley, Landon Peterson, T.J. Torres, Mia Padjen

Waiting: Advent Contemplations This is a time of waiting—for the light to return, for the pandemic to end, for God to show up in the midst of all our worries. It's difficult, but we don't have to wait alone. This Advent season will

be unlike any other, so join us Wednesday evenings at 7:00 on Zoom for poetry, prayer, and contemplative practice.

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CHRISTMAS GIVING TREE As the Christmas season approaches, we are called to help those in our community who are less fortunate. Our Christmas Giving Tree will have a different look this year. Instead of gift tags requesting specific items, the school psychologist has suggested gift cards from Target, Walmart or Cub Foods. She realizes that many people are struggling and will be grateful for any donation given. She will distribute the gift cards to families as needed. Deadline: Tuesday, Dec, 15, 12 noon!

SO....... Anyone willing and able to donate may do so by purchasing gift cards and: ___ Bringing them to church on Tuesday mornings 8-noon during bread distribution, or ___ Leave message at church (651-429-6595) to arrange delivery, or ___ Email lois@cslcvh.org, to arrange delivery.

OR... the team will purchase gift cards... ___ Donate $$ on our Website (click "Donate", under com munity assistance, indicate "Christmas" . ___ Donate cash/check which will be used to purchase gift cards.

The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Thank you and God Bless. Lois McKeag (lois@cslcvh.org)

3676 Centerville Road, Vadnais Heights, MN 55127 Phone 651-429-6595

Email office@cslcvh.org Website-www.cslcvh.org Rev. Chris Steubing, Pastor; pastorchris@cslcvh.org; 651-335-0256

Intern Katie Langston - internkatie@cslcvh.org Deacon Sandy Hammerlind, Ministry Coordinator; office@cslcvh.org