DIVINE SERVICE - DECEMBER 13, 2020 ADVENT 3 WORSHIP

SERVICE OVERVIEW: CHRISTMAS CAME ANYWAY So much gets in the way of Christmas, doesn't it? We get so busy. The world and all the upheaval we face. Personal tragedy. But despite all that... Christmas comes anyway. In this series, we'll see the things that tried to stop Jesus from coming the first time, see the things that try to stop him in our life, and see that Jesus wins every time – and that's a good thing for us.

PRAYER UPON ENTERING CHURCH: Lord Jesus, You promised to come for our redemption, and you kept that promise. Lead me to see your glorious victory now, and give me encouragement for each day; AMEN.

CONFESSIONS SELECTION: THE PERSON OF CHRIST 1. The divine and human natures in Christ are personally united. So there are not two Christs, one the Son of God and the other the Son of Man. But one and the same person is the Son of God and Son of Man (Luke 1:35; Romans 9:5). 2. We believe, teach, and confess that the divine and human natures are not mingled into one substance, nor is one changed into the other. Each keeps its own essential properties, which can never become the properties of the other nature. 3. The properties of the divine nature are these: to be almighty, eternal, infinite, and to be everywhere present (according to the property of its nature and its natural essence, of itself), to know everything, and so on. These never become properties of the human nature. 4. The properties of the human nature are to be a bodily creature, to be flesh and blood, to be finite and physically limited, to suffer, to die, to ascend and descend, to move from one place to another, to suffer hunger, thirst, cold, heat, and the like. These never become properties of the divine nature. Formula of Concord, Article 8 (Concordia p. 492)

Pastor Hagen: [email protected] (419) 262-8280 Raised with Jesus podcast @raisedwithjesus www.raisedwithjesus.com 1 of 10 We begin in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit; Amen. We begin with a responsive reading of selected verses from Psalm 24: The earth is the Lord’s and everything that fills it, the world and all who live in it, 2 because he founded it on the seas, and he established it on the rivers. 3 Who may go up to the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? 4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart, whose soul is not set on what is false, who does not swear deceitfully. 5 He will receive blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God who saves him. 6 Such are the people of Jacob who look for the Lord, who seek your face. 7 Lift up your heads, you gates. Lift yourselves up, you ancient doors, and the King of Glory will come in. 8 Who is this King of Glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. 9 Lift up your heads, you gates. Lift up, you ancient doors, and the King of Glory will come in. 10 Who is he, this King of Glory? The Lord of Armies—he is the King of Glory. All: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever – AMEN. We join to confess our sins: Lord of Hosts, I confess to you that I was conceived and born in sin; I confess that I have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed; I confess that I have earned earthly and eternal punishment. For the sake of your dear Son, Jesus Christ, I pray: Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner. Christ has died, Christ has risen, Christ will come again. God demonstrated his own love for us in this: that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Through his life, death, and resurrection, our Lord Jesus Christ has removed your guilt forever. By his command and authority, I forgive you all your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit; Amen. We pray: Hear our prayers, Lord Jesus Christ, and come with the good news of your mighty deliverance. Drive the darkness from our hearts and fill us with your light; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

FIRST READING: ISAIAH 61:1-11 Restoration looked impossible: The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the afflicted. He sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release for those who are bound, 2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance for our God, to comfort all who mourn, 3 to provide for those who mourn in Zion, to give them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, a cloak of praise instead of a faint spirit, so that they will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord to display his beauty. 4 Then they will rebuild ancient ruins. They will raise up what was formerly devastated, and they will renew ruined cities, which have been devastated for generations. 5 Strangers will stand and shepherd your flock, and foreigners will be your farmers and vinedressers. 6 You will be called the Lord’s priests. You will be named ministers of our God. You will eat the wealth of nations, and you will boast about their riches. . . . continued . . .

Pastor Hagen: [email protected] (419) 262-8280 Raised with Jesus podcast @raisedwithjesus www.raisedwithjesus.com 2 of 10 7 In place of your shame, you will receive a double portion. Instead of dishonor, they will rejoice in their share of the land. In fact, in their land they will inherit a double portion. Everlasting joy will be theirs. 8 Yes, I am the Lord. I love justice. I hate robbery in a burnt offering. I will repay them in faithfulness, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. 9 Their offspring will be known among the nations, and their descendants in the midst of the peoples. All who see them will recognize that they are offspring whom the Lord has blessed. 10 I will rejoice greatly in the Lord. My soul will celebrate because of my God, for he has clothed me in garments of salvation. With a robe of righteousness he covered me, like a bridegroom who wears a beautiful headdress like a priest, and like a bride who adorns herself with her jewelry. 11 For as the earth produces its growth, and as a garden causes what has been sown to sprout up, so God the Lord will cause righteousness and praise to sprout up in the presence of all the nations.

SMALL CATECHISM SELECTION: THE ADDRESS TO THE LORD’S PRAYER Our Father in Heaven. What does this mean? With these words God tenderly invites us to believe that he is our true Father and that we are his true children, so that we may pray to him as boldly and confidently as dear children ask their dear father.

SECOND READING: 1 THESSALONIANS 5:16-24 Given the suffering Paul experienced, one might think his words are impossible. But not with God: 16 Rejoice always. 17 Pray without ceasing. 18 In everything give thanks. For this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 19 Do not extinguish the Spirit. 20 Do not treat prophecies with contempt. 21 But test everything. Hold on to the good. 22 Keep away from every kind of evil. 23 May the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.

HYMN OF RESPONSE: O COME, O COME, EMMANUEL (LSB 357) 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 thee, O Israel!

2 O come, Thou Wisdom from on high, Who ord'rest all things mightily; To us the path of knowledge show, And teach us in her ways to go. [Refrain]

4 O come, Thou Branch of Jesse's tree, Free them from Satan's tyranny That trust Thy mighty pow'r to save, And give them vict'ry o'er the grave. [Refrain]

5 O come, Thou 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]

7 O come, Desire of nations, bind In one the hearts of all mankind; Bid Thou our sad divisions cease, And be Thyself our King of Peace. [Refrain]

Pastor Hagen: [email protected] (419) 262-8280 Raised with Jesus podcast @raisedwithjesus www.raisedwithjesus.com 3 of 10 THEME VERSE: MATTHEW 11:10 Alleluia. I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you. Alleluia.

GOSPEL READING: LUKE 1:26-38 The impossibility of the Incarnation, announced by the angel: 26 In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin pledged in marriage to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women.” 29 But she was greatly troubled by the statement and was wondering what kind of greeting this could be. 30 The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, because you have found favor with God. 31 Listen, you will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to name him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David. 33 He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and his kingdom will never end.” 34 Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Listen, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age even though she was called barren, and this is her sixth month. 37 For nothing will be impossible for God.” 38 Then Mary said, “See, I am the Lord’s servant. May it happen to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her.

CONFESSION OF FAITH: NICENE CREED We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation, he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary, and became fully human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate. He suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who in unity with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.

HYMN OF THE DAY: MY SOUL IN STILLNESS WAITS (NEXT PAGE - CWS 703)

SERMON: CHRISTMAS CAME ANYWAY – EVEN WHEN IT LOOKED IMPOSSIBLE

Pastor Hagen: [email protected] (419) 262-8280 Raised with Jesus podcast @raisedwithjesus www.raisedwithjesus.com 4 of 10 Pastor Hagen: [email protected] (419) 262-8280 Raised with Jesus podcast @raisedwithjesus www.raisedwithjesus.com 5 of 10 OFFERING: Option 1: Basket at the door of the sanctuary Option 2: bit.ly/raisedwithjesus1 (Vanco online giving) Option 3: Mail a check to church - the mailbox is checked daily. 2250 S Holland Sylvania Rd Maumee OH 43537

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH Almighty God, give to our congregation and all congregations an increase of hope that we may share the hope of Jesus with our neighbors and community; give our congregation and all congregations a love for your Word, that we may be refreshed by the Word of Life; above all, lead us to see new opportunities to speak of your grace – in every change, every challenge, and each new day. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer. Holy Lord, preserve Your gift of marriage against the ravages of sin, the schemes of the devil and the raging of the world. Bless the couples and families of our congregation. Bless the parents as they make use of our Sunday school materials & catechism studies. Strengthen them in love and care for one another, and establish them on the foundation of Your Word. Lord, in Your mercy, Hear our prayer. God of all comfort, Your Word alone endures forever. The nations of the world come and go before You. Even kings and rulers are like grass before Your breath. Preserve us from placing our trust in princes and mortal men. Give us leaders who will rule after Your good pleasure, keeping order and protecting life, that we may live in godly quietness and honesty, worshiping you in peace and joy. Lord, in Your mercy, Hear our prayer. Compassionate Lord, behold in mercy all who are in any danger, trouble, sickness or need. Hear our prayers for the sick and suffering, especially Glenn Gutierrez, recovering at home after surgery; Joy Laursen, recovering at home after a brief hospital stay; Kellen McGuire, recovering after tonsil surgery; Pamela Blaklee & her mother Bebe, during Bebe’s hospice stay; and Tom & Dawn’s newest granddaughter. Give health to our world and bring the pandemic to an end. Comfort all who mourn, and sustain them with a confident hope in the resurrection. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer. Lord of the Church, we ask your blessing upon our fellow believers at Zion Lutheran Church, who will be meeting later today to discuss & vote upon the next stage of ministry for their congregation. We ask your blessing upon our churches in the greater Toledo area, that under your grace we may make wise decisions as we seek to steward your blessings. Strengthen us in all things, that we may be faithful in our use of your Word & Sacraments, for the building of your kingdom and comfort to your people. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer. We join in the Lord’s Prayer: 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.

Pastor Hagen: [email protected] (419) 262-8280 Raised with Jesus podcast @raisedwithjesus www.raisedwithjesus.com 6 of 10 THE LORD’S SUPPER The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord, our God. It is good and right so to do. It is truly good and right that we should at all times and in all places give you thanks, O Lord, holy Father, Almighty and everlasting God, through Jesus Christ our Lord, whose way John the Baptist prepared when he called the people to repentance and pointed to Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Therefore, with all the saints on earth and hosts of heaven, we praise your holy name:

Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night he was betrayed, took bread; and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” Then he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; this is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for you for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” The peace of the Lord be with you always. O Christ, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us and grant us your peace. Amen. Pastor Hagen: [email protected] (419) 262-8280 Raised with Jesus podcast @raisedwithjesus www.raisedwithjesus.com 7 of 10 DISTRIBUTION

NUNC DIMITTIS, CLOSING PRAYER, AND BLESSING: Lord, now you let your servant depart in peace according to your Word – for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared before the face of all people; a light to lighten the Gentiles and the glory of your people Israel. O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; And his mercy endures forever. We give thanks, O Lord, for your body and blood in this Sacrament. You have clothed us again with the righteousness of Jesus. By your Spirit help us to live as your holy people, until that day when we feast with you in heaven; Give us unity within your Church, that we may encourage one another in faith, in hope, in love, and in life. The LORD blesses you and keeps you; The LORD makes His face shine upon you and is gracious to you; The LORD looks upon you with His favor and gives you peace. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen. (Rev 22:20-21)

CLOSING HYMN: Sing We the Song of Emmanuel (Getty/Boswell) 1.Sing we the song of Emmanuel This the Christ who was long foretold Lo in the shadows of Bethlehem Promise of dawn now our eyes behold. God Most High in a manger laid Lift your voices and now proclaim Great and glorious, Love has come to us Join now with the hosts of heaven

2.Come we to welcome Emmanuel King who came with no crown or throne Helpless He lay, the Invincible Maker of Mary, now Mary’s son O what wisdom to save us all Shepherds, sages, before Him fall Grace and majesty, what humility Come on bended knee, adore Him

3.Go spread the news of Emmanuel Joy and peace for the weary heart Lift up your heads, for your King has come Sing for the Light overwhelms the dark Glory shining for all to see Hope alive, let the gospel ring God has made a way, He will have the praise Tell the world His name is Jesus

ANNOUNCEMENTS: 1) Wednesday Evening Advent worship continues Dec 16 at 7 PM. You are welcome to attend worship here or join the Youtube livestream through our website & Youtube channel. 2) Sunday school & Bible class are available all week through our website: www.resurrectionmaumee.com 3) Children of the congregation are encouraged to read, recite, or “repeat after me” however much of the Luke 2 Christmas account as they can. Send the video or audio to Pastor Hagen ([email protected]) – the audio will be used in a Christmas video. Submissions are due by this Tuesday.

Pastor Hagen: [email protected] (419) 262-8280 Raised with Jesus podcast @raisedwithjesus www.raisedwithjesus.com 8 of 10 Sermon Notes 13 December 2020 - Luke 1:26-38 Introduction: This part of the sermon introduces the main idea or the major problem under consideration.

Tension: As the sermon progresses, we recognize the tension between what God wants & what we see in our own lives. What is the problem, and how do we make it worse?

Text: This section looks at today’s reading in order to resolve the tension. How does Jesus solve the problem?

Visual: The visual vividly illustrates the gospel reality found in the text.

Application: Specific application to congregational life or individual Christian emotion / action. How does this text change my life?

The specific point of God’s law today, showing my sin:

______The specific point of God’s gospel today, demonstrating my forgiveness:

______

Pastor Hagen: [email protected] (419) 262-8280 Raised with Jesus podcast @raisedwithjesus www.raisedwithjesus.com 9 of 10 Sermon Discussion Guide (for use at home this week)

Opening prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for doing the impossible at Christmas - so that I would enjoy eternity in Heaven. About Me Describe an episode in your life ,when life seemed particularly difficult or even impossible. What were the circumstances? What were your emotions at the time? How did it turn out?

Into the Bible: Read Isaiah 61:1-11 Who are four groups that the Servant will preach to? (Bonus: Which one/s do you most identify with?) Verses 3: What impossible restoration is promised to these dejected peoples? Verses 6-7: How complete will God’s restoration be? Verse 10: Describe three ways that God portrays the believer’s clothing. Verses 8-9, 11: What characteristics of God do we see in these verses?

Application 23 May the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it. 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

In Sunday’s sermon, Pastor talked about the impossible. What emotions or actions often come to mind when we are facing an impossible task or problem? “But that’s impossible!” Mary rightly proclaimed that it was impossible for her to have a child. Why did Jesus need to be born in this impossible way? Identify the comfort of having a God who graciously did the impossible. Look at the verse above, from 1 Thessalonians 5. After the exhortations to rejoice, pray, and be thankful – Paul shows how this happens. What does God promise to do, and how does he do this? “God tenderly invites us to believe…that we may pray to him boldly and confidently…” List 3 other “impossibilities” about the Christian faith. Why do these things appear so impossible? How can “impossible” truths serve to refine & refocus our faith? “I am the Lord’s servant; may it happen to me as you have said.” Our gospel reading closed with those words. What is worth imitating from Mary’s attitude? How did she move from “impossible” to “servant”? Compare her words of confidence with your own feelings or emotions when you have a sense of “impossibility.” What accounted for the change in Mary’s attitude & actions? Christmas came – even when everything looked impossible. Think of a friend, relative, or acquaintance who is dealing with an impossible, unchanging, or permanent situation. Write or text them with comfort from today’s sermon about our impossibly gracious God. Prayer: Hear our prayers, Lord Jesus Christ, and come with the good news of your mighty deliverance. Drive the darkness from our hearts and fill us with your light; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever; AMEN.

Bible Reading This Week: Luke 1, Luke 2, Luke 3, Philippians 1-2, Philippians 3-4, Psalm 30-34

Pastor Hagen: [email protected] (419) 262-8280 Raised with Jesus podcast @raisedwithjesus www.raisedwithjesus.com 10 of 10