“They (the shepherds) were terrified. Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide. A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: A baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger. Luke 2: 9-12 The Message. Christ is born! The angels come to the most unlikely people and tell them not to be afraid. I imagine that this is easier said than done for the shepherds, until they did. As we celebrate the Birth of Our Lord and celebrate the Nativity, we once again hear the story that we must hear. Salvation has come for all people. God loved us so much that he sent his Son so that we might be loved and forgiven. Great love the Father has for us that he would do such a thing! For You! For Me! These days you might need to hear this repeatedly that we are not to fear. I know I do. I thought I had a handle on the Pandemic and chaos of life that this has brought, and add to that anything and everything that each day comes up in the news. It happened Kent was exposed to Covid. We were quarantined. Kent was diagnosed with Covid and is still battling this in the hospital at this writing (he is improving). The unknown and the terrifying fears were front and center for him, my family and myself. Blessed to have a hospital, along with Doctors and nurses, prayers and support and a family that sticks together, we went from terrified to grateful and praising God. What about you? What are you feeling? It is ok to be afraid, terrified, sad and admitting this to someone and say it aloud. Then turn it over to the Savior. Turn it over to God who is with us at all times and in all places. The God of love and peace still reigns. He is in control. As we worship the King, Jesus Christ our Messiah and Savior may his perfect love always bring you peace, no fear. Worshiping the King,

Pastor Brenda Wicklund

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. I John 4:18

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If you would like to stop into the church, we have some candles you may have and/or a Pre-Packaged Holy Communion Packet if you would like.

Prayer Concerns ~ (Names will be on for one month unless requested longer.) John Bassett, Max Tatting, John Shober, Pearl Anderson (niece of Joyce Seegebarth), Kent Wicklund, Gary Wells, Chelsley Exsted and 2 children (granddaughter and great grandchildren of Pat Anderson), Cheryl Eolles (niece of Mary Jabe), Colton Thompson (grandson of Dale and Kathy Thompson), Peter Thorvig, Kay Conway, George and Joan Wells (brother/sister-in-law of Gary and Gail Wells), Eric Mettling (deployed for service), Jessica Lindahl, Carol Bostrom, Leigha Ness (Pastor Brenda’s great-niece), and Barbara Ekberg (sister of Loretta Sprado.)

FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH

Pastor Brenda Wicklund December 24, 2020 Nativity of Our Lord: Christmas Eve

OUR MISSION STATEMENT:

“We are called by God to grow in faith together, sharing Christ’s love

with each other and our community”

In winter’s deepest night, we welcome the light of the Christ child. Isaiah declares that the light of the long-promised king will illumine the world and bring endless peace and justice. Paul reminds us that the grace of God through Jesus Christ brings salvation to all people. The angels declare that Jesus’ birth is good and joyful news for everyone, including lowly shepherds. Filled with the light that shines in our lives, we go forth to share the light of Christ with the whole world.

Prelude

Welcome

Hymn “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” Red Worship Book 257 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. 4 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

Confession and Forgiveness All may make the sign of the cross, the sign marked at baptism, as the presiding minister begins. L: Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God, who was in the beginning, who makes a dwelling among us, who covers us with justice and mercy. C: Amen. L: Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another. Silence is kept for reflection. L: God of goodness and loving kindness, C: we confess that we have sinned against you and our neighbors. We have turned away from your invitation to new life. We have turned away from the lowly and downtrodden. In your abundant mercy, forgive us our sins, those we know and those known only to you, for the sake of the one who came to live among us, Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen. L: Hear the good news of peace and salvation! God forgives us all our sins, not through our own work, but through ☩ Jesus Christ, made known to all people. With all who come to the manger, rejoice in this amazing gift of grace. C: Amen.

Greeting Red Worship Book pg. 203 L: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. C: And also with you.

Hymn “Go Tell It On the Mountain” Red Worship Book 290 Refrain: Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and ev'rywhere; go tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born! 1While shepherds kept their watching o'er silent flocks by night, behold, throughout the heavens there shone a holy light. Refrain 2 The shepherds feared and trembled when, lo, above the earth rang out the angel chorus that hailed our Savior's birth. Refrain

Prayer of the Day L: Almighty God, you made this holy night shine with the brightness of the true Light. Grant that here on earth we may walk in the light of Jesus’ presence and in the last day wake to the brightness of his glory; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. C: Amen.

Special Music Deanna Gorsegner and Diane Ausmus

This poem promises deliverance from Assyrian oppression, a hope based on the birth of a royal child with a name full of promise. While Judah’s king will practice justice and righteousness, the real basis for faith lies in God’s passion for the people: The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this! First Reading: Isaiah 9:2-7 2The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness— on them light has shined. 3You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. 4For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. 5For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. 6For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.

Psalm 96 L: Sing to the LORD a new song; C: sing to the LORD, all the earth. L: Sing to the LORD, bless the name of the LORD; C: proclaim God’s salvation from day to day. L: Declare God’s glory among the nations C: and God’s wonders among all peoples. L: For great is the LORD and greatly to be praised, C: more to be feared than all gods. L: As for all the gods of the nations, they are but idols; C: but you, O LORD, have made the heavens. L: Majesty and magnificence are in your presence; C: power and splendor are in your sanctuary. L: Ascribe to the LORD, you families of the peoples, C: ascribe to the LORD honor and power. L: Ascribe to the LORD the honor due the holy name; C: bring offerings and enter the courts of the LORD. L: Worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness; C: tremble before the LORD, all the earth. L: Tell it out among the nations: “The LORD is king! C: The one who made the world so firm that it cannot be moved will judge the peoples with equity.” L: Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; C: let the sea thunder and all that is in it; let the field be joyful and all that is therein. L: Then shall all the trees of the wood shout for joy at your coming, O LORD, C: for you come to judge the earth. L: You will judge the world with righteousness C: and the peoples with your truth.

Hymn “Angel We Have Heard On High” Red Worship Book 289 1 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. 2 Shepherds, why this jubilee? Why your joyous strains prolong? What the gladsome tidings be which inspire your heav'nly song? Refrain

The appearance of God’s grace in Jesus Christ brings salvation for all humanity. Consequently, in the present we live wisely and justly while also anticipating the hope of our Savior’s final appearance. Second Reading: Titus 2:11-14 11The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, 12training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly, 13while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. 14He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds.

The Holy Gospel according to St. Luke C: Glory to you, O Lord. (spoken) Red Worship Book pg. 206 God’s greatest gift comes as a baby in a manger. Angels announce the “good news of great joy” and proclaim God’s blessing of peace. Gospel: Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) 1In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3All went to their own towns to be registered. 4Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. 5He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 7And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. 8In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, 14“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!” [ 15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. 17When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. 19But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.] ”The Gospel of Our Lord C: Praise to you, O Christ. (spoken) Red Worship Book pg. 206

Children’ s Sermon “Happy Birthday to Jesus” Pastor Brenda Wicklund Sermon “Lingering In the Barn” Luke 2: 1-20 Pastor Brenda Wicklund Grace, mercy and peace to you as we celebrate the Birth of our Lord who comes as a child to give us new life. Amen. The Birthday of a King! As we sing this Happy Birthday song, what does it all mean at this time and place? This night we shudder with joy, yet we really shake in our boots a bit. Usually we come with a sanctuary full of people and with our extended families and musicians, yet this year it is very different. Prevented from the traditions of not only our worship, and traditions, may mean our heart is breaking. Many will not be sharing with usual people and family as we celebrate Christmas for safety sake. Some people are suffering from job loss, homelessness, fires or floods, so shuddering with joy is very hard to fathom. Yet, take a step back and breathe, and hear the Good News. We stand on one of the most outrageous and wonderful time of the church year. God is coming to earth as human being in the flesh. We come as Christians to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior and we make an outrageous claim. A scandal really. Why? We believe that God came down to earth in a small baby no less. Consider our claims about God as we look to the manger. Examine the parents. They do not have it easy either as I am sure they wondered, what just happened to our lives? Mary is pregnant and engaged, yet Joseph stands by her. You see, Mary says, “How can this be?” “Nothing is impossible with God!” They believed it. They would have been perfectly happy if they could have stayed home, so why did Caesar need a census so they had to travel? The wider whole world steps in. Why the upset in what could have been a normal life for them? They traveled, and I get it, no room in the inn. All the inns in the world would be full, there is never enough for the homeless back then or even now, yet nothing is impossible with God. While they were there, because babies do not wait for the most opportune times, the child was born. The time was then, and Mary gave birth and they laid him in the manger, in a food trough, as there was no room in the inn. The heavens rejoiced in this not so normal out of the ordinary birth of a Messiah, King, laying as a babe in the manger, needing to be loved, rocked, fed and taken care of. Just as unusual, is the fact the angels started singing and appeared to the shepherds in the fields, how far out in the fields were they that the angels found them? They were scared terrified and amazed; to hear that a child was born that was going to save the world. A savior that would even care for them. They lowly shepherds need not fear anything anymore. Because they are told for you. For them. Not to worry anymore, for to you in the City of David a Savior has been born. He is Christ the Lord. God keeps his promises. Scandalous and outrageous that God would come in this way, the Christ, the Messiah in a barn, in a manger, in the mess of the world at the time, and come to homeless parents, with shepherds coming to worship him. What a story! Rick Warren shared in his first lines of a book the Purpose Driven Life on Mission a few years ago, “It’s not all about you.” In many cases, the Christian life is about helping and doing for others. Yet, when God sent Jesus Christ to earth, he did so, “For you.” For you is born, a Savior who is Christ the King. For you, new life and forgiveness of sins, for you hope for tomorrow, and for all people. God’s love appears through Jesus Christ, for you and for all people. God sent Jesus Christ to the world, for you. Especially you. Last year the Evangelism committee put together an Advent devotional written by church members. This year Mindy Johnson has been taping them and putting them on Facebook. What has astounded me is that they are so prevalent right now. All of them yet especially Judy Petersons intrigued me. Her favorite memory was sitting in the barn quietly with her sheep as they were just settled and chewing their cuds. She often stayed in the barn to enjoy. Sometimes she did not. She compared it to Mary and Joseph in the barn, sometimes noisy, sometimes quiet. Lingering in the barn with Jesus. Spending time with him, yet the lingering and spending time. Certainly, this leads to peace. Rev. Dr. Karoline Lewis says the same thing. “Every single year, the birth of Jesus upends the world as we know it, especially when the world needs it the most and specifically when the world persists in pretending that the status quo can continue. This Christmas will not be normal for any of us. But it just might be like that first Christmas, and we might find ourselves not at the inn, but in the barn, sitting by the manger next to Mary. (Living Lutheran).” This year might look for us much like Mary and Joseph’s did. After the long ride, after the census, after the birth in the barn, after the shock and awe, after the shepherds visited, and people went to sleep around the town, after the baby was fed, Mary and Joseph in the barn, in the stable with Jesus. Peace, beautiful peace given to mom and dad and to the whole world. That beautiful baby bringing peace. What a picture of salvation and grace. It may feel like you are in a “barn” right now, and in a sense we are because our worship of the Savior is different this year. What is normal, anyway? In spite of all these differences, no matter what happens, Emmanuel, God with is, is here. It might even be closer to the real Christmas and birth of Jesus Christ than we care to admit, yet we linger in the barn, we run to the manger, we look for the good in the change and new beginnings that God brings to us through the Son. The real first Christmas in distress and disappointment, yet turning into the greatest story ever! You are not alone as Jesus Christ brings you peace. Your God is here. Your God loves you so much he sent his Son, his one and only in the meekest and most simple and outrageous way. Jesus came to save you. We celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, because we know this out of the ordinary birth of our Lord, this claim of forgiveness of sins and life eternal for all whom he loves is with us not just today but every day. Hope. Joy. Celebration. God with us, no matter what happens. Ahhh, linger in the barn. Amen.

Special Music “Sweet Little Jesus Boy” Diane Ausmus

Prayers of Intercession L: Joining our voices with the song of the angels, let us pray for the church, the world, and all who are in need. A brief silence. L: The shepherds sing, “Jesus Christ is born!” Let your church throughout the world proclaim this good news, over the hills and everywhere. Unite the voices of all your faithful people in songs of praise and rejoicing. Hear us, O God. C: Your mercy is great. L: Heaven and nature sing, “Joy to the world!” Give respite to flocks, fields, and those who tend them. Come near to us in the beauty of nighttime, the shining of the stars, and the hush of a world at rest. May our wonder at your creation rouse our care for all the earth. Hear us, O God. C: Your mercy is great. L: The angels sing, “Peace on earth!” Come quickly to still the strife of this world. Hush the noise of war and violence in places of unrest. Inspire leaders of nations to seek lasting peace and sustainable provision for all in their care. Hear us, O God. C: Your mercy is great. L: Mary sings melodies of comfort to her newborn child. Bring rest and reassurance to those facing struggles this night. Shelter travelers and those without homes. Console those who lie awake due to pain or anxiety. Heal those who are sick or hurting. Hear us, O God. C: Your mercy is great. L: Love sings through the sound of a new baby’s cry. Bless new parents and expectant parents. Comfort those who long for children, especially those running out of hope or options. Surround families of every shape and size with your love and care. Hear us, O God. C: Your mercy is great. L: The heavenly chorus sings, “Glory to God in the highest!” We give you thanks for all the saints who have proclaimed your glory in word and deed. Let us join them this night in joyful praise around your eternal throne . Hear us, O God. C: Your mercy is great. L: God of mercy, come quickly to us with grace upon grace as we lift these and all our prayers to you, in the name of Jesus. C: Amen.

Offering Prayer L: Gracious God, you came to us as one unknown, bringing joy and salvation to the earth. Nourish us at your banquet table, that with all who welcome your birth we may proclaim your peace, revealed in Jesus Christ, our Savior. C: Amen

Hymn “Joy to the World” Red Worship Book 267 1 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. 2 Joy to the earth, 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.

Words of Institution In the night in which he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks; 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.

The Lord’s Prayer Red Worship Book pg. 208 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.

Blessing Red Worship Book pg. 114 L: Almighty God, who sent the Holy Spirit to Mary, proclaimed joy through the angels, sent the shepherds with good news, and led the magi by a star, bless you this day ☩ through the Word made flesh. C: Amen.

John 1:1-14 (Light Candle)

Hymn “Silent Night, Holy Night! Red Worship Book 281 1 Silent night, holy night! All is calm, all is bright round yon virgin mother and child. Holy Infant, so tender and mild, sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace. 2 Silent night, holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight; glories stream from heaven afar, heav'nly hosts sing, alleluia! Christ, the Savior, is born! Christ, the Savior, is born! 3 Silent night, holy night! Son of God, love's pure light radiant beams from your holy face, with the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord, at your birth, Jesus, Lord, at your birth.

Christmas 2020 Poinsettia Memorials and Honorariums.

All our Love, Mom and Dad, Amy, Kent, Sophia, Mya and Luke. The white poinsettias on the altar are given in loving memory of Kristy Bassett.

The Poinsettias at the front of the Sanctuary are given by:

Their children and grandchildren In loving memory of Nino and Alice Anderson.

Elaine and Larry Garaghty. In loving honor of our Lord and Savior Jesus.

Wally Guptill In loving memory of Donna Guptill. In loving memory of Alvin and Agnes Guptill.

Sharol Huggett. In loving memory of my husband Dennis, and parents, Robin and Ken Anderson.

Mary Jabe In loving memory of John Jabe.

Ron and Lana Jensen In loving memory of Shannon Jensen, Paul and LaVonne Jensen, Luella Willert, and Kathy Riley. In loving honor of all Health Care and EMT workers, Police and Fire Fighters.

Tim, Mindy, TJ, Trevor, Brady, Kenna and Lainey Johnson. In loving memory of Kenzie Klar, Harold Kunze and Grandparents. In loving honor of Family, Friends and Church Family.

Linda Libra In loving memory of Frank Libra Jr., husband, father and grandfather In loving honor of Charles and Ann Mans, great friends and neighbors.

Ellie Nelson In loving memory of Harry Nelson. In loving honor of my family.

Judy Oredson In loving memory of Ron Oredson.

Pastor Brenda and Kent Wicklund. In loving memory of our loved ones. In loving honor of our family and friends.

First Lutheran Church Non-Profit Organization 301 Lawler Avenue South U. S. Postage P.O. Box 459 PAID Hinckley, MN 55037 Hinckley, MN 55037 Permit No. 37 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED