THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT December 14, 2025

THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT December 14, 2025 AS WE GATHER John the Baptizer Prepares the Way for the Lord The voice of the Baptizer cried out in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord . . .” (Isa. 40:1). John called the people to be made ready for the Messiah’s coming through repentance, for “all flesh is grass” (Isa. 40:6). Now He asks from prison, “Are you the one who is to come . . .?” (Matt. 11:2). Jesus’ works bear witness that He is. The sick are made well; the dead are raised, and the poor have the Gospel preached to them. Their iniquity is pardoned; they have received from the Lord’s hand double forgiveness for all their sins. The “stewards of the mysteries of God” (1 Cor. 4:1) still deliver Christ’s overflowing forgiveness to the poor in spirit, comforting God’s people with the word of the Gospel which stands forever. This Gospel produces rejoicing among all those who believe. 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 343 Invocation p184 Confession/Absolution p184 †The Service of the Word † Introit p12 of bulletin Kyrie p186 Hymn 338 Salutation/Collect p189 Old Testament Reading p599 Isaiah 40:1-11 Psalm 85 Front of Hymnal Epistle Reading p953 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 Alleluia and Verse p190 Holy Gospel p816 Matthew 11:2-11 Nicene Creed p191 Hymn of the Day 354 Sermon Offertory p338 (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 637, 347, 551, 356, 346 Nunc Dimittis p199 Thanksgiving p200 Salutation and Benedicamus p201 Benediction p202 Hymn to Depart 345