FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT December 21, 2025

FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT December 21, 2025 AS WE GATHER John the Baptizer Points Everyone to the Messiah The coming of God in all His unveiled power at Mount Sinai was terrifying to the people of Israel. The thundering voice of the Lord puts sinners in fear of death (Deut. 18:15–19). God, therefore, raised up a prophet like Moses—the Messiah, the Christ. God came to His people veiled in human flesh. The skies poured down the Righteous One from heaven; the earth opened her womb and brought forth Salvation (Introit) through the blessed Virgin Mary, the mother of the Lord (Luke 1:39–56). The fruit of her womb is the very Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, the One whose sandal strap John was not worthy to loose (John 1:19–28). In Jesus we are delivered from fear and anxiety. In Him alone we have the peace of God which surpasses all understanding (Phil. 4:4–7). 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 357 stz. 1-4 Invocation p184 Confession/Absolution p184 †The Service of the Word † Introit p12 of bulletin Kyrie p186 Hymn 338 Salutation/Collect p189 Old Testament Reading p161 Deuteronomy 18:15–19 Psalm 85 Front of Hymnal Epistle Reading p982 Philippians 4:4–7 Alleluia and Verse p190 Holy Gospel p856 Luke 1:39-56 Nicene Creed p191 Hymn of the Day 347 Sermon Offertory p357 stz. 5-7 (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 623, 333, 341, 349, 355 Nunc Dimittis p199 Thanksgiving p200 Salutation and Benedicamus p201 Benediction p202 Hymn to Depart 352