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PRAISE LUTHERAN CHURCH CHRISTMAS DAY

DECEMBER 25, 2019 AS WE GATHER In the clarity of Christmas morning we are able to back away from the glow around the manger and contemplate the lengths to which our gracious God went in descending so far as to become one of us. At once we are dealing not only with the almighty Creator-Word of all that exists, but also with a newborn human being (the Word incarnate, in the flesh). It is both overwhelming and cause for unending praise.

(From Creative Worship for the Lutheran Parish, Series A, Part 1. Copyright © 2007 Concordia

Publishing House. All rights reserved. Used by permission.)

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In celebrating Holy Communion, Lutherans believe that when we receive the bread and wine in the Lord’s Supper (also known as Holy Communion, The Sacrament of the Altar, and/or Eucharist) they also receive the true body and blood of Jesus Christ (Matthew 26:26-28; Mark 14:22-24; Luke 22:19-20; and 1 Corinthians 11:23-25). If you: share this belief with us, are an adult or one who has received instruction on the Lord’s Supper, are a baptized Christian seeking to confess your sins to God, believing that Jesus Christ is your Savior, and desiring to live a new life in Jesus Christ, you are welcome to join us as we celebrate this means of God’s grace. We kindly ask that those who have not received education on the Lord’s Supper, both adults and children, take a moment to visit with Pastor Seth prior to learn more about this special gift of the Lord’s Supper. Those who are not receiving the Sacrament are still warmly invited to come forward at that time for a prayer and/or blessing at the altar; we kindly ask that you let Pastor Seth and the Assistant(s) know you do not intend to receive Communion by crossing your arms across your chest as you come forward. The colored glasses in the center of the tray (held by a Communion Assistant) contain a non-alcoholic wine intended for those who, for personal or medical reasons, are unable to use regular wine. Gluten-free wafers are also available for those with dietary/health considerations.

WELCOME SHARING OF THE LORD’S PEACE

INVOCATION AND OPENING SENTENCES

P: In the name of the Father and of the (+) Son and of the Holy Spirit.

C: Amen. P: The light and joy of Jesus Christ be with you all. C: And also with you. P: For to us a child is born, C: to us a Son is given; P: and the government shall be upon His

shoulders, and His name shall be called

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Men: Wonderful Counselor, Women: Mighty God, Men: Everlasting Father, Women: Prince of Peace. P: Oh sing to the LORD a new song, for He has

done marvelous things! C: His right hand and His holy arm have worked

salvation for Him. P: The LORD has made known His salvation; He

has revealed His righteousness in the sight of the nations.

Men: He has remembered His steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel.

Women: All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

P: Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; C: Break forth into joyous song and sing

praises! OPENING SONG

“O Little Town” (The Glory of Christmas) 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 street shineth the everlasting light. The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight. Chorus: And the glory of Christmas is the glory of Christ. And the glory of Christmas is the story of His love. 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, Emmanuel.

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Chorus: And the glory of Christmas is the glory of Christ. And the glory of Christmas is the story of His love. 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 Christ, be welcomed in! Chorus: And the glory of Christmas is the glory of Christ. And the glory of Christmas is the story of His love. Oh, the glory of Christmas is the glory of Christ. Oh, the glory of Christmas is the story of His love, The story of His love, the story of His love. By Matt Redman, Bernie Herms and Jonas Myrin Published under license from Capitol CMG ©2016 sixsteps music//worshiptogether.com songs//said and done music (ascap) CCLI #

874857

CONFESSION & ABSOLUTION (1 John 1:8-9) P: Dear Friends in Christ, as we gather together on this

joyous day to celebrate the birth of the promised Messiah, our Lord Jesus Christ, we remember and proclaim:

C: The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among

us. P: Certainly, Jesus is our Immanuel, C: Our “God with us!” P: In Christ, is the fulfillment of God’s good promises to us- C: Promises of forgiveness, love, and everlasting life! P: And yet, so often we allow other things to overshadow and

inform our decisions, our attitudes, and our outlook, even during this most joyous time of year. Therefore, let us

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come before our Heavenly Father, confessing our sins and seeking His grace, mercy, and forgiveness for our lives, for the sake of His Son, Jesus.

(Silence for reflection upon God’s Word and personal confession)

P: Heavenly Father, C: We confess to You and before each other, we have not allowed Your faithfulness to guide and direct our thoughts, words, and deeds. As a result, we have fallen short of Your will for our lives, and we have sinned against You. We have also neglected to love others as You would have us. For these and all other sins, forgive us we ask, for the sake of Your Son, Jesus. By Your Holy Spirit, guide us in leading lives that reflect the true hope and joy that is ours, through our Savior, Jesus Christ. P: Friends, Jesus Christ, the pure and spotless Lamb of

God has endured the punishment for all of our sins. And by His wounds, we are healed! Therefore receive these words of absolution- That, upon this your confession, I, by virtue of my office, as a called and ordained servant of God’s Word, announce the grace of God unto you all. And in the stead, and by the command of our Lord, Jesus Christ, I forgive you all of your sins in the name of the Father, and of the (+) Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

C: Amen! OLD TESTMENT READING (Isaiah 52:7-10)

“All the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God.”

7 How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” 8 Listen! Your watchmen lift up their voices; together they shout for joy. When the LORD returns to Zion, they will

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see it with their own eyes. 9 Burst into songs of joy together, you ruins of Jerusalem, for the LORD has comforted his people, he has redeemed Jerusalem. 10 The LORD will lay bare his holy arm in the sight of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God.

P: This is the Word of the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God.

EPISTLE READING (Hebrews 1:1-6)

“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory.” In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. 3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. 4 So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs. 5 For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father”? Or again, “I will be his Father, and he will be my Son”? 6 And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.”

P: This is the Word of the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God. SONG “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”

God rest ye merry gentlemen Let nothing you dismay,

Remember Christ our Savior Was born on Christmas Day,

To save us all from Satan's pow'r When we were gone astray,

Oh tidings of comfort and joy, Comfort and joy,

Oh tidings of comfort and joy

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In Bethlehem, in Israel This blessed Babe was born,

And laid within a manger Upon this blessed morn,

The which His Mother Mary Did nothing take in scorn,

Oh tidings of comfort and joy, Comfort and joy,

Oh tidings of comfort and joy

Source: LyricFind Songwriters: Kevin Olusola / Scott Hoying / Avriel Kaplan / Kirstin Maldonado / Mitchell Grassi / Traditional / Ben Bram / God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen lyrics ©

Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

GOSPEL READING (John 1:1-14) “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.”

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. 8 He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. 9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. 14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

P: This is the Gospel of the Lord.

C: Thanks be to God. SERMON SONG

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“God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” Fear not then, said the Angel Let nothing you affright, This day is born a Savior Of a pure Virgin bright, To free all those who trust in Him From Satan's pow'r and might, Oh tidings of comfort and joy, Comfort and joy, Oh tidings of comfort and joy God rest ye merry gentlemen Let nothing you dismay, Remember Christ our Savior Was born on Christmas Day, To save us all from Satan's pow'r When we were gone astray, Oh tidings of comfort and joy, Comfort and joy, Oh tidings of comfort and joy Source: LyricFind Songwriters: Kevin Olusola / Scott Hoying / Avriel Kaplan / Kirstin

Maldonado / Mitchell Grassi / Traditional / Ben Bram / God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

SERMON Dwelling Here Rev. Seth Korte THE STATEMENT OF FAITH "Nicene Creed"

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of His Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made; who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary, and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate. He suffered and was buried. And the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures, and ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of the Father. And He will come again with glory, to judge both the living and the dead, whose kingdom will have no end. And I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified, who spoke by the prophets. And I believe in one holy Christian and apostolic church, I acknowledge one

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Baptism for the remission of sins, and I look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen. GATHERING OF GOD'S GIFTS To our guests, we again thank you for worshiping here with us. We want you to know that, as guests, you are not expected to place a gift in the offering plate. CALLED BY NAME God knows each of us and has called us by name. We, at Praise would like to get to know you as well! During the Gathering of Gifts please take a moment to note your attendance in the Friendship Books as they are passed down the row. Pastor Seth and our leaders would also like to follow-up with you, as well, so please take a moment to let us know how we may contact you. OFFERTORY

“Christmas Offering” Over the skies of Bethlehem appeared a star While angels sang to lowly shepherds. Three wise men seeking truth traveled from afar, Hoping to find the Child from Heaven. Falling on their knees, They bowed before the humble Prince of Peace. Chorus: I bring an offering of worship to my King. No one on earth deserves the praises that I sing. Jesus, may You receive the honor that You’re due; O Lord, I bring an offering to You. (Repeat Chorus) O Lord, I bring an offering to You. (MPW 3-130) Words and Music by Paul Baloche ©2003, 2004 Integrity’s Hosanna! Music CCLI # 874857

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PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH P: Let us pray for the whole people of God in Christ

Jesus and for all people according to their needs. Almighty God, bless the faithful proclamation of

Christ's saving name, that the good news of the incarnation of our Lord Jesus will be heard throughout the world in every land and tongue. Guard and defend the holy Christian Church and all who share in the joy of this day. Lord, in Your mercy,

C: hear our prayer. P: Bless our congregation's leaders and its people, as

well as those of our daycare and school, with a full measure of joy, that we may echo the songs of the angels in our communities and be shining lights in our time and place. Lord, in Your mercy,

C: hear our prayer. P: Watch over, bless, and protect all who serve and

protect us as we worship: our armed forces, police forces, firefighters, medical professionals, and others. Grant them joy in their work, and give them peace. Lord, in Your mercy,

C: hear our prayer. P: As we celebrate joy in the gift of Your Son, O Lord,

we remember before You all those whose hearts are burdened and whose joy is not fulfilled. Comfort the lonely with Your presence. By Your gracious power in keeping with Your will grant healing to the sick. We pray that those whose hearts are burdened with memories of loved ones who are no longer present to celebrate with us this year may find peace and hope in the message of Your love. Lord, in Your mercy,

C: hear our prayer. P: Into Your hands, O Lord, we commend all from whom

we pray, trusting in Your mercy, through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

C: Amen.

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THE LORD'S PRAYER (Matthew 6:9-13)

P: Lord, remember us in Your Kingdom and teach us to pray: 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 SACRAMENT OF THE LORD’S SUPPER†

(As we prepare our hearts and minds for this special means of grace, please take a moment to prayerfully revisit the statement of belief on the top of Page 2, concerning what God's Word says about The Lord's Supper)

WORDS OF CONSECRATION (Matthew 26:26-28, Mark 14:22-24, Luke 22:19-20, 1 Corinthians 11:23-25) P: Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night when He was betrayed, took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to the disciples and said: "Take, eat; this is My () body, which is given for you. This do in remembrance of Me." In the same way also He took the cup after supper, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them, saying: "Drink of it, all of you; this cup is the new testament in My () blood, which is shed for you for the forgiveness of sins. This do as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me."

P: The Peace of the Lord be with you always! C: And also with you.

THE DISTRIBUTION SONGS “Away in a Manger”

Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head. The stars in the bright sky looked down where He lay, The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.

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The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes, But little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes. I love Thee, Lord Jesus! Look down from the sky, And stay by my cradle till morning is nigh. Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask Thee to stay Close by me forever and love me, I pray. Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care, And take us to heaven to live with Thee there. Text and Tune: Public Domain CCLI # 874857

“What Child is This”

What child is this, who, laid to rest, on Mary’s lap is sleeping? Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, while shepherds watch are keeping? Chorus: This, this is Christ the King, Whom shepherds guard and angels sing; Haste, haste to bring him laud, the babe, the son of Mary.

Why lies he in such mean estate where ox and ass are feeding? Good Christian, fear, for sinners here the silent Word is pleading.

Chorus: This, this is Christ the King, Whom shepherds guard and angels sing; Haste, haste to bring him laud, the babe, the son of Mary. William C. Dix, 1837-1898 Greensleeves 87.87. with Refrain 16th Century English Melody Public Domain CCLI # 874857

COMMUNION BLESSING

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BENEDICTION P: May the Lord bless you and keep you, may the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you, may the Lord look upon you with His favor, and give you His peace. C: Amen. CLOSING SONG

“Joy to the World (Unspeakable Joy)”

Joy to the world! The Lord is come. Let earth receive her King. Let ev’ry heart prepare Him room, And heav’n and nature sing, and heav’n and nature sing, And heav’n, and heav’n and nature sing.

Joy to the world! The Savior reigns! Let all their songs employ, While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains Repeat the sounding joy, repeat the sounding joy, Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.

Chorus: Joy, unspeakable joy! An overflowing well, no tongue can tell! Joy, unspeakable joy! It rises in my soul, never lets me go!

He rules the world with truth and grace, And makes the nations prove The glory of His righteousness and wonders of His love, And wonders of His love, and wonders, wonders of His love.

Chorus: Joy, unspeakable joy! An overflowing well, no tongue can tell! Joy, unspeakable joy! It rises in my soul, never lets me go! (MPW 7) Words and Music by Christ Tomlin, Ed Cash, George Frideric Handel, Isaac Watts,

and Matt Gilder ©2009 Worshiptogether.com Songs (ASCAP) CCLI # 874857

DISMISSAL P: Go in peace – Serve the LORD! C: Thanks be to God!

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Given by In Memory of In Honor of Praise to God

Robin Cooper Frank & Barabra Keelan Parents

John Dykhyizel XX

Dan & Maryanne Logan

Harold & Evelyn Pelz Delbert and Pauline Logan

Jack and Lois Gumbert XX

Ruth Bultemeyer X

Andy & Cathy Carr XXX

Joyce Sedam Ralph Sedam Steve & Linda Shoup

Children & Grandchildren

Vic & Diana Kolch Departed Family

Contact Us Praise Lutheran Church 1115 W. Dupont Rd. Fort Wayne, IN 46825 260-490-7729 www.praiselutheran.org Rev. Seth P. Korte, Senior Pastor pastorseth@praiselutheran.org Rebecca Souer, Director of Christian Education rsouer@praiselutheran.org Randi Gross, Administrative Assistant office@praiselutheran.org Josh Gumbert, (Interim) Worship Leader joshuagumbert@gmail.com Roxanne Gerardot, Little Praisers Director lpdirector@praiselutheran.org

Poinsettia Plants (pick-up after church on December 25)

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Sermon Reflections In today's Gospel lesson from John Chapter 1 we hear from one of Jesus' hand-chosen disciples (John, brother of James) who followed Jesus from the cross to the empty tomb and beyond. Here, he shares some interesting statements of truth about Jesus. What does he share? John, through the Holy Spirit's working, reminds us that Jesus has always been here and always will be here. How does this shed new light on Genesis Chapters 1-2 for you? We also learn from John that Jesus drew near to us (verse 14) What does this mean to you that God would draw near and dwell among us? Knowing that He still seeks to be near you, how does this affect your outlook? Your hope? Your day to day activities and relationships? God's gift of a Savior is meant for you too. Remember that! Notes:____________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________

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Thank you for worshiping with us!