FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENT December 1, 2024

FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENT December 1, 2024 AS WE GATHER The new Church Year begins by focusing on the humble coming of our Lord. “Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey” (Matt. 21:5). Even as He was born in a lowly manger, so Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a beast of burden. For He bears the sin of the world. He is the Son of David riding to His enthronement on the cross, where He shows Himself to be “The LORD is our Righteousness” (Jer. 23:5–6). Our Lord still comes in great humility to deliver His righteousness to us in the Word and Sacraments. Before receiving Christ’s body and blood, we also sing, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” (Matt. 21:9) And as we receive the Sacrament, we set our hearts on His return in glory, for “our salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed” (Rom. 13:11). St. Paul Lutheran Church A Member Congregation of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod We greet and welcome all guests and visitors worshiping with us today. We hope that the message you hear today will strengthen your understanding and faith in God’s plan to save us from sin and death through Jesus Christ. If you are visiting with us for the first time, please introduce yourself to Pastor Mat. If you are without a church home, we invite you to join us here at St. Paul. ORDER OF WORSHIP DIVINE SERVICE 3 Ringing of the Bell Hymn of Invocation(7:30am) 331 Choir & Bells (10am) Invocation p184 Confession/Absolution p184 †The Service of the Word † Introit p 8 of bulletin Kyrie p186 Salutation/Collect p189 Old Testament Reading p650 Jeremiah 23:5-8 Psalm 24 Front of Hymnal Epistle Reading p948 Romans 13:11-14 Holy Gospel p830 Matthew 25:1–9 Apostles Creed p192 Hymn of the Day 332 Sermon Offertory 338 Offering (please sign attendance book in pew) Prayer of the Church † Service of the Sacrament † Preface p194 Sanctus p195 Lord’s Prayer p196 The Words of our Lord p197 Pax Domini p197 Agnus Dei p198 Distribution Hymns 628, 344,354,348 Nunc Dimittis p199 Thanksgiving p200 Salutation and Benedicamus p201 Benediction p202 Hymn to Depart(10am) 357 Choir & Bells (7:30am)