THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT December 12, 2021

THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT Joy December 12, 2021 AS WE GATHER Some Advent wreaths have a pink candle for this Third Sunday in Advent. The festive, joyful pink candle reflects today’s readings, which begin to anticipate the unbridled joy that Jesus’ birth brings. We do many joyful things during Advent. We sing Christmas carols, bake cookies, decorate our homes inside and out, and travel far and wide to visit those we love. Yet all these joyful things point to an even greater joy—the joy that comes by the Creator of the universe, the Lord almighty, who loves you, forgives you in Jesus, and cares about you beyond human measure! “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!” ********************************************************************* 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 or Vicar Jake. If you are without a church home, we invite you to join us here at St. Paul. If you are viewing our Youtube channel for the first time, please visit www.inunionwithchrist.org to find out more about us. ORDER OF WORSHIP DIVINE SERVICE 3 Opening Hymn #354 Invocation p184 Confession/Absolution p184 †The Service of the Word † Introit Kyrie p186 Salutation p189 Old Testament p790 Zephaniah 3:14-20 Psalm 85 Epistle Reading p982 Philippians 4:4-7 Alleluia/Verse p190 Holy Gospel p863 Luke 7:18-35 Hymn of the Day #345 Sermon Apostles’ Creed p192 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 #628,341,350,346 Post-Communion Thanksgiving p200 Benediction p202 Hymn to Depart #343 Website www.inunionwithchrist.org