Luke 3:15-17, 21-22

Script:

Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! Welcome! Let’s say good morning to our friend Sammy. Ready? One, two, three: Good morning, Sammy!

Sammy: Good morning everyone! Pastor, the Gospel from Luke today talked about a winnowing fork and a granary. I know what those are, and I can tell the boys and girls.

Pastor: That would be great, Sammy. I am sure you know all about winnowing forks and granary because you live on a farm.

Sammy: That’s right!

Pastor: Let’s start with winnowing fork. What is that?

Sammy: A winnowing fork is a tool that farmers use to separate the grain of wheat from the chaff.

Pastor: What do you mean?

Sammy: Well, when farmers harvest wheat, they keep the grain of the wheat and turn that into bread, rolls, cake, cookies, pie…

Pastor: Okay, Sammy. We get the idea. We can use the grain of wheat to make lots of yummy baked goods. But what about the chaff?

Sammy: Well, the winnowing fork allows the chaff to blow away in the wind. That’s what farmers want because people do not eat the chaff.

Pastor: Sammy, would you like to also tell us about a granary?

Sammy: Yes! So after the farmers separate the wheat from the chaff, they collect all of the wheat and store it in a granary. It’s basically a big room just for the grain of the wheat. And when they need to sell or use the wheat, they can take what they need from the granary.

Pastor: Sammy, you did a great job of explaining these farming tools and techniques to the boys and girls.

Sammy: Thank you, Pastor.

Pastor: Boys and girls, when we are baptized, we become a part of God’s family. Jesus invites us into his family, and we are sealed by the Holy Spirit when we are baptized. In the Gospel today, John talks about how Jesus knows who belongs to him and who is a part of his family. He keeps us, his children, in his granary forever. We are so loved by God, and he wants us to be a part of his kingdom.

Sammy: That’s a great comparison, Pastor!

Pastor: John did a great job of sharing the message of Jesus and preparing the people to hear the Gospel.

Sammy: Yes he did. Boys and girls, would you please fold your hands and bow your heads in prayer with me? Dear Jesus, thank you for baptism. Thank you for inviting us into your granary and for including us in the promise of your coming kingdom. We love you. Amen. Bye everyone!

Pastor: Bye, Sammy!

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, Cycle C: March 2: The Transfiguration of Our Lord

Deuteronomy 34:1-12: (The death of Moses after God shows him the Promised Land; no one has arisen like Moses, whom God spoke to as a friend, face to face)

RCL/ELW: Exodus 34:29-35: (The shining face of Moses)

Psalm 99: (Extol the Lord, who spoke to his servants Moses and Aaron in a pillar of cloud. You, Lord, love justice and establish equity; you forgive sin and avenge wrongdoing)

Hebrews 3:1-6: (Moses was faithful as a servant in God’s house. Jesus is faithful as the Son)

RCL/ELW: 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2: (We look upon the Lord with unveiled faces. Being transfigured from glory unto glory, we put aside shameful practices, commend selves to everyone in the sight of God)

Luke 9:28-36: (The Transfiguration of our Lord)

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Opening Hymn:  O God Beyond All Praising (Tune is almost the “English national hymn.” It’s stately, majestic, and – hint, hint, the intercessory prayers for today just might echo phrases of it. Highly recommended!): WOV #797, ELW #880

                OR Blessing and Honor: LBW #525, ELW #854

Hymn of the Day:  O Wondrous Type/! O Vision Fair!: LBW #80, LSB #413

O Wondrous Image, Vision Fair: ELW #316

OR Swiftly Pass the Clouds of Glory (can sing to “Lord, Whose Love in Humble Service”): LSB #416

Communion Hymn #1: How/Tis Good, Lord, to be Here: LBW #89, ELW #315, LSB #414

Communion Hymn #2: Beautiful Savior: LBW #518, ELW #838, LSB #537

Closing Hymn: In Thee is Gladness: LBW #552, ELW #867, LSB #818

                OR Alleluia, Song of Gladness: WOV #654, #318, LSB #417

*******

Let us draw near to the Light of Christ, offering prayer and supplication on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Father, today we kneel in adoration before the majesty your Son, revealed in his Transfiguration. But sometimes, our devotion grows cold. Sometimes our prayers and worship become half-hearted and routine. Sometimes we treat Jesus like a buddy we call on only if we need something from him. Kindle our hearts, minds, and spirits to worship and obey him with holy fear, deep joy, and fervent love.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O God beyond all praising, we worship you and adore your glory, revealed in the face of your beloved Son. Grant that your Church listens to his word and holds fast to him in its heavenly calling. Make it bold to preach Christ alone as the way of salvation. Let it proclaim to the whole world his blessings without number and his mercy without end.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Grant to your persecuted people confidence and hope, established through the steadfast obedience of Christ their Lord. Give them grace to triumph through their sufferings and rise to serve you even in the presence of those who trouble them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Let the radiance of our Beautiful Savior fill the hearts and sanctify the ministries of this congregation. Make our worship into a joyful duty, and our service into a sacrifice of praise. Use us to lead others to Jesus, that with us, they may worship, honor, bless and adore him.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You have appointed your Son as King of creation and Lord of the nations. Teach our leaders to praise your name; to love justice and righteousness; and to seek those things that make for peace. Come to the help of those whose lives are troubled by sorrow and hardship; and draw all people into the glorious and gentle rule of Christ their Savior.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We lift our hearts to you on behalf of all whose lives are clouded by any sort of affliction or sorrow, including: {List}. Let the light of Jesus’ countenance heal and cheer them. Let all who care for them do so with tenderness and compassion; and grant that together we may praise you for your unending mercies.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

O Lord, our Beautiful Savior, those who have died trusting in you now see you face to face. Thank you for that final, best gift! Continue, we pray, to show to us your amazing love. Though we are your unworthy servants, bless us with such good gifts as will sustain us and others in this life. Bring us, in your good time, into the joy you have prepared for all whom you have redeemed. Give us voices there to sing unceasingly, “Glory and honor, praise, adoration, now and forevermore be thine!”

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For all these things, dear Father, and for whatever else you desire for us in your wisdom and compassion, we pray in the name of Jesus, our Savior, Lord, and King. Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, February 23, 2025: Seventh Sunday after Epiphany, Proper 6, Cycle C

Genesis 45:3-15: (Joseph reveals himself to his brothers and forgives them)

Psalm 103:1-13: (Bless the Lord, O my soul! As far as the east is from the west, so far does God remove our sins from us)

1 Corinthians 15:21-26, 30-42: (The consequences of the Resurrection; more than hoping in human power; the resurrection of the faithful, and glorified bodies)

RCL/ELW: 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50: (The resurrection body)

Luke 6:27-38: (Love enemies; be merciful, as Father is. Forgive and give: you will be forgiven and be given much!)

*******

Opening Hymn: God of Our Life, All-Glorious Lord (tune: “Holy God, We Praise Your Name”): LBW #270 

OR Awake, My Soul, and With The Sun: LBW #269, ELW #557, LSB #868

Hymn of the Day: Lord of Glory, You Have Bought Us: LBW #424, ELW #707, LSB # 851

                OR Forgive Our Sins as We Forgive: LBW #307, ELW #605, LSB #843

                OR God, When Human Bonds Are Broken (It’s a familiar tune!): WOV #735, ELW #603

Communion Hymn #1: Lord Jesus Christ, We Humbly Pray: LBW #225, LSB #623

                OR Draw Us In the Spirit’s Tether: WOV #703, ELW #470

Communion Hymn #2: May We Your Precepts, Lord, Fulfil: LBW #353, LSB #698

                OR The Peace of the Lord: ELW #646

Closing Hymn: Forth in Thy Name, O Lord, I Go (Can be sung to the Doxology): LBW #505, LSB #854

                OR Beloved, God’s Chosen:  ELW #648

                OR Christ is Risen, Christ is Living (Nice reflection on 1 Corinthians texts; can also be sung to “Come, Thou Fount of Ev’ry Blessing”): LSB #479 

*******

Let us draw near to the Light of Christ, offering prayer and supplication on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Loving Father, forgiveness is the hardest thing we ever do – but refusing to forgive is worse. Thank you for the forgiveness that you have given us in Jesus. Let it sink in and work deep within us. Although it is hard, teach us how to forgive, and to ask for forgiveness. Restore us to yourself, and to those who are separated from us, whether by their sins or by our own.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Make your Church unflinching in exposing sin, humble in confessing it, and generous in forgiving all who repent of it. Do not let it re-brand sin as virtue, nor reject those who stumble. Make it wise in exhortation and counsel. Make it gracious in restoring and healing all who repent and turn to you.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless counselors, pastors, and others who help repair relationships and restore community. Equip them to listen deeply and speak wisely. Let them seek your will and model your love as they serve others.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Embrace the people of this congregation with your holy and forgiving love. Make us eager to seek out those estranged from us, and patient in the work of reconciliation. Let all we say and do shine with love for Jesus, and with Jesus’ love for everyone we meet.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give rulers of nations, and everyone in positions of authority, a love for justice tempered with mercy. Remind us all that revenge may destroy both parties. “Strict justice” may divide, not build up communities. And two-tiered justice is not truly justice at all. Teach us that mercy and forgiveness, though difficult, can bring healing and reconciliation.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Restore the faith and the health of all who are burdened by suffering of body, mind, or spirit – including {List}. Give them the joy of your saving help; and restore them to fellowship with all who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, we commend our beloved dead into your care, trusting your promise of mercy. Keep us, we pray, in your care as well! Help us bring your mercy to those who are lost, broken, estranged, or despairing. Sustain us with your grace. We know it’s won for us in death and resurrection of Jesus and given to us by the Holy Spirit. Reconcile us to yourself and to each other. Welcome us into your kingdom and reunite us with all your people. There let us praise your goodness forever and ever.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For all these things, dear Father, and for whatever else you desire for us in your wisdom and compassion, we pray in the name of Jesus, our Savior, Lord, and King. Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, February 16, 2025: Sixth Sunday after Epiphany, Proper 5

Jeremiah 17:5-8: (Cursed are those who trust mortals; they are like shrub in desert. Blessed are  those who trust God; they are like tree planted by water)

Psalm 1: (Ditto! The wicked shall not withstand judgment. God preserves the righteous.)

1 Corinthians 15:1-20: (The proofs and witnesses to the Resurrection. Consequences of believing or disbelieving that Christ is raised.)

RCL/ELW: 1 Corinthians 15:12-20: (Did first half last week!)

Luke 6:17-26: (Jesus heals; blessings and woes from Sermon on the Plain)

*******

Opening Hymn: The Man is Ever Blessed (nice paraphrase of Psalm 1 and 1^st lesson!): LSB #705

                OR How Blest are They Who Hear God’s Word (I know, you don’t know the tune and there’s no substitute possible. Try it anyway. It is very easy, from the Danish Psalter.): LBW #227

OR Dearest/ Blessed Jesus, At Your Word: LBW #248, ELW #520, LSB #904

Hymn of the Day: Blest Are They: WOV #764, ELW #728, LSB #982

                OR O Christ, Our Hope: LBW #300, ELW #604, LSB #553

                OR We Know That Christ is Raised (if you did NOT read the 1 Cor. 15 text last Sunday):

LBW #189, ELW #449, LSB #603  

OR If Christ Had Not Been Raised From Death (ditto; great paraphrase!): LSB #486

Communion Hymn #1: I Know That My Redeemer Lives: LBW #352, ELW #619, LSB #461

Communion Hymn #2: you may not need one… 😉

Closing Hymn: O God, My Faithful God: LBW #504, LSB #696

                OR Christ, Be Our Light: ELW #715

*****

Let us draw near to the Light of Christ, offering prayer and supplication on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Heavenly Father, thank you for grafting us to Christ, the Tree of life rich with abundant fruit. Thank you for planting us in the streams of living water: the Spirit flowing from your Son’s pierced side. Thank you for raising us to new life in him.  May we delight in him, meditate on him day and night, and produce the sweet fruit of repentance and righteousness.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Plant your Church amidst those streams of living water. Let its worship, teaching, fellowship, and charity bring life and healing to many people.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Father, we pray, as you have commanded, for our enemies and for everyone hostile to your Word. Soften their hearts and forgive their sins. Heal their souls, and lead them to the foot of your Son’s Cross. Give us the grace to welcome them there as sisters and brothers, fellow debtors to your amazing grace.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Keep this congregation in your care. Cause all we do to conform to your will. Help us share the mercy of Jesus with everyone we encounter, especially the people we don’t much like. Water us daily with the gifts of your Holy Spirit. Let us grow in grace and in fruits that nourish all who hunger for your goodness.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Guide our earthly leaders in pathways of righteousness and integrity. Give them grace to delight in your Law. Help them use their authority to benefit all people, especially the poor. Help us all to never sow seeds of discord and violence. Instead, let us share friendship, respect, and mercy with those who need them most.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bring healing to the bodies, minds, hearts, and relationships of everyone burdened by sin and suffering. Today we plead on behalf of: {List}. Cheer their spirits, renew their hope, and bless their loved ones and caregivers.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Thank you, Father, for the lives of all your faithful people who are now at rest in you. Thank you for their witness, example, and goodness towards us. Nourish us with your Word, Refresh us with your Spirit, and guide us by Jesus’ Cross. Help us grow in faith toward you and in love for one another. Bring us, we pray, into the Resurrection-life he has won for all who love him.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For all these things, dear Father, and for whatever else you desire for us in your wisdom and compassion, we pray in the name of Jesus, our Savior, Lord, and King. Amen.

February 9, 2025: Fifth Sunday after Epiphany, Proper 4

Isaiah 6: 1-13: (Isaiah’s vision of God and commissioning as a prophet of judgment)

Psalm 138: (All shall praise God; he is high, yet regards the lowly. Preserve and save me from my foes, and fulfil your purpose for me!)

1 Corinthians 14:12b-20: (Spiritual gifts; interpretation is greater than tongues)

RCL/ELW: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11: (Proof and witnesses of the Resurrection)

Luke 5:1-11: (Jesus calls his first disciples; “Depart from me for I am a sinful man!”)

*******

Opening Hymn: Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty: LBW #165, ELW #413, LSB #507

Hymn of the Day: How Clear is Our Vocation, Lord: ELW #580, LSB #853

OR Hark, the Voice of Jesus Calling/Crying: LBW #381, LSB #826/827

OR We Know That Christ is Raised (if using 1 Cor. 15 text): LBW #189, ELW #449, LSB #603

OR If Christ Had Not Been Raised From Death (ditto; great paraphrase!): LSB #486

Communion Hymn #1: God Himself is Present: LBW #249, LSB #907

OR Holy, Holy Holy (sing through 3x): ELW #473

Communion Hymn #2: Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence: LBW #198, ELW #490, LSB #621

Closing Hymn: God of Grace and God of Glory: LBW #415, ELW #705, LSB #850

*****

Let us draw near to the Light of Christ, offering prayer and supplication on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Thank you, dear Father, for seeking and sending us, even though, like Peter, we are sinners! Thank you for providing every spiritual gift, so we can follow Jesus and proclaim the Gospel to other sinners.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Do not let your dear Son depart from your Church, though it is sinful and broken. Bless, purify, forgive, and transform it. Teach it to fish for all people who do not know Jesus, and draw them to his Cross. Teach all who gather at that Cross to love Jesus with all their heart.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Bless every missionary and evangelist who boldly speaks your Word to those who have never heard or heeded it. Protect and strengthen all who are persecuted for sharing and living the Gospel. Soften the hearts of unbelievers, so they turn to you and live.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Your Son called Peter, James, and John to follow him. Now he calls this congregation to do likewise. Equip us with faithfulness, boldness, humility, and compassion. Keep us focused on your Word. Use our words and work to bring many to faith in Christ their Savior.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give right judgment to the leaders of nations and captains of industry, to educators and scientists, military and emergency personnel, to medical and social workers, and to all who exercise authority and responsibility for their communities. Teach them to seek your will, and give them strength to do it. Help all of us to give generously of time and treasures when our neighbor’s need is great.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We ask your dearest blessing upon those who suffer in body, mind, or spirit, especially: {LIST}. Free them from bondage to sorrow, sin, and suffering. Raise them to health and wholeness.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We commend into your care our loved ones who have died and are at rest in you. Comfort all who grieve. Help us to be so patient and kind to one another that we all pass safely through the afflictions of this mortal life. Lead us, with all whom you have redeemed by the love revealed in your Son, into your Kingdom, where faith becomes sight, hope becomes joy, and your love is our all in all.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For all these things, dear Father, and for whatever else you desire for us in your wisdom and compassion, we pray in the name of Jesus, our Savior, Lord, and King. Amen

Prayers of the Church, February 2, 2025, Cycle C: Presentation of Our Lord

1 Samuel 1: 21-28: (Boy Samuel promised, dedicated to God in temple)

Psalm 84: (How lovely is your dwelling, how precious to serve in your Temple!)

Hebrews 2:14-18: (Jesus shares our humanity; frees us from slavery to sin, fear of death; is our merciful high priest, tempted yet sinless)

Luke 2:22-40: (Revisit Simeon and Anna in the Temple!)

*****

Note: Yes, you did this Gospel a few weeks ago. I’ve added some other hymns, but yes, you might want to sing some of the “Presentation-y” hymns again!!

Opening Hymn: How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds: LBW #345, ELW #620, LSB #524

OR Let All Together Praise Our God: LBW #47, v. 1-4; ELW #287, v. 1-4; LSB #389, v. 1-4

Hymn of the Day: Speak, O Lord, Your Servant Listens: LSB #589

                OR Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus: LBW#30, ELW #254, LSB#338

Communion Hymn #1: Son of God, Eternal Savior: LBW #364, ELW #655, LSB #842

Communion Hymn #2: Go, My Children, With My Blessing: WOV #721, ELW #543, LSB #922

Closing Hymn: Let All Together Praise Our God: LBW #47, v. 5-7; ELW #287, v. 5-6; LSB #389, v. 5-7

OR O Lord, Now Let Your Servant: LBW #339, ELW #313

                OR my paraphrase of the Nunc Dimittus, “Lord, Let Your Servant Go in Peace.”

Use tune for the Doxology

Lord, let your servant go in peace; your faithful Word you have fulfilled.

This Word made flesh I now embrace: the sure salvation you have willed.

With my own eyes I see the lamp of glory given to Israel,

The Light to nations lost, the peace that makes your wounded people well.

Glory and praise, blest Trinity, dear Father, Holy Spirit, Son!

Your light no darkness overtakes while endless ages ever run.

*******

Let us draw near to the Light of Christ, offering prayer and supplication on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Heavenly Father, thank you for making Jesus the Yes to all your promises. Thank you for fulfilling your promises in him! Thank you for the patient faith of Simeon and Anna, and the obedient faith of Joseph and Mary. Fill us with your Holy Spirit, so we hope, believe, and obey as they did.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

In your Church, you have appointed prophets, martyrs, pastors, bishops, teachers, and ordinary saints to speak your word and to lead all people to new life in Christ. Empower your Church to speak your word boldly, acts fearlessly, and mirror your love, revealed to the world in your beloved Son.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear the prayers of your suffering Church. Rescue your servants from the hand of the wicked and from the grasp of the unjust and the cruel. Fulfil your promise to be their light, salvation, and glory. Fill their mouth with your praise, and drive out the demons of hatred and unbelief from their persecutors.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Let this congregation overflow with words of praise to you, and deeds of love toward others. Give us patience in suffering, hope in times of spiritual waiting, and obedience to your commands to love you and serve others in your name.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for the leaders of the nations, especially our own. Let them heed your words and seek to do your will. Teach them to love justice and hate cruelty. Make them rejoice in truth and reject wrong. Help them wield authority, knowing that they are accountable to you, the Lord of all nations. Give us ears to hear the cries of those afflicted by poverty, injustice, or violence. Give us strength to help them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

You sent your Son to deliver your people from bondage to sin and suffering  In his name, we pray for all in any kind of tribulation, including: {List}. Be their rock, their strong deliverer, and their hope. Strengthen all who care for them. Grant them the joy of your salvation.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

We commend into your care our loved ones who have died and are at rest in you. Comfort those whose grief runs deep. Help us to be gentle, patient, and kind to one another. Give us strength to endure whatever afflicts us in this mortal life. Lead us, with all whom you have redeemed by your Son, into your Kingdom. There let our faith become sight, our hope become joy, and your love become our all in all.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For all these things, dear Father, and for whatever else you desire for us in your wisdom and compassion, we pray in the name of Jesus, our Savior, Lord, and King. Amen.

Prayers of the Church, February 2, 2025: 4^th Sunday after the Epiphany, Proper 3

Jeremiah 1:4-10, 17-19: (God calls Jeremiah to speak his Word)

RCL/ELW: Jeremiah 1:4-10: (Omits “Gird up your loins, tell them everything I speak against them; I make you like a fortified city”)

Psalm 71:1-11: (God, be my rock of refuge; deliver me from enemies, from the cruel and wicked)

RCL/ELW: Psalm 71:1-6: (Eliminates obeisance of the King’s enemies)

1 Corinthians 12:31b-13:13: (In praise of charity; faith, hope and love abide, the greatest is love)

Luke 4:31-44: (Jesus casts out demon in temple; heals Peter’s mother-in-law; tells assorted demons to take a hike and shut up about him)

RCL/ELW: Luke 4:21-30: (The worshippers take offense at Jesus, try to run him off cliff)

*******

Opening Hymn: God, Whose Almighty Word: LBW #400, ELW #673

OR Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness: ELW #843, LSB #849

Hymn of the Day: How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds: LBW #345, ELW #620, LSB #524

OR (If preaching on 1 Cor.) Although I Speak With Angel’s Tongue: ELW #644

Communion Hymn #1: Where Charity and Love Prevail: LBW #126, ELW #359, LSB #845

OR Ubi Caritas et Amor: ELW #642

Communion Hymn #2: Son of God, Eternal Savior: LBW #364, ELW #655, LSB #842

Closing Hymn: Not for Tongues of Heaven’ Angels: LSB #695

OR Love Divine, All Loves Excelling: LBW #315, ELW #631, LSB #700

**************

Let us draw near to the Light of Christ, offering prayer and supplication on behalf of the Church, the world, and one another.

A brief silence

Heavenly Father, sometimes your Word seem hard and stern and offensive. But in Jesus, you assure us that your Word is good. In him, you flesh out your never-failing love for us. Fill us with your Holy Spirit, so we can thank you for every Word you speak to us. Help us to model, however imperfectly, your perfect love for your people.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

In your Church, you have appointed prophets, martyrs, pastors, bishops, teachers, and ordinary saints to speak your word and to lead all people to new life in Christ. Empower your Church to speak your word boldly, acts fearlessly, and mirror your love, revealed to the world in your beloved Son.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Hear the prayers of your suffering Church. Rescue your servants from the hand of the wicked and from the grasp of the unjust and the cruel. Be their rock and their refuge. Fill their mouth with your praise, and drive out the demons of hatred and unbelief from their persecutors.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Let this congregation overflow with words of praise to you, and deeds of love toward others. Help us to be rich in patience and kindness. Let us lack only in resentment, irritability, and self-promotion. Let everyone know we are Christians by Jesus’ love, who touches them through us.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We pray for the leaders of the nations, especially our own. Let them heed your words and seek to do your will. Teach them to love justice and hate cruelty. Make them rejoice in truth and reject wrong. Help them wield authority, knowing that they are accountable to you, the Lord of all nations. Give us ears to hear the cries of those afflicted by poverty, injustice, or violence. Give us strength to help them.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

With authority and power, Jesus forgave and redeemed people held in bondage to sin, evil, and death.  In his name, we pray for all who suffer from any kind of affliction, including: {List}. Be their rock, their strong deliverer, and their hope. Strengthen all who care for them. Grant them the joy of your salvation.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

We commend into your care our loved ones who have died and are at rest in you. Comfort those whose grief runs deep. Help us to be gentle, patient, and kind to one another. Give us strength to endure whatever afflicts us in this mortal life. Lead us, with all whom you have redeemed by your Son, into your Kingdom. There let our faith become sight, our hope become joy, and your love become our all in all.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

For all these things, dear Father, and for whatever else you desire for us in your wisdom and compassion, we pray in the name of Jesus, our Savior, Lord, and King. Amen.

Scripture

John 1:[1-9] 10-18

Script: 

Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! Welcome! Let’s say good morning to our friend Sammy. Ready? One, two, three: Good morning, Sammy!

Sammy: Good morning, boys and girls! Good morning, Pastor.

Pastor: Sammy, did you know that we can find Jesus in the Old Testament?

Sammy: We can? I thought Jesus only appeared in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, and that he only appeared in the New Testament.

Pastor: Many follows of Jesus today think that Jesus is only in the four gospels, but he is in the Old Testament as well.

Sammy: Where? Do the boys and girls know where we can find Jesus?

Pastor: Boys and girls, do you know where we can find Jesus? 

[Allow time for responses]

Pastor: In the Gospel of John today, John declares that Jesus is the Word of God who was in the beginning. Who created the heavens and earth, Sammy?

Sammy: God did. He spoke and creation came into being.

Pastor: That’s right. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit existed from the beginning, before the creation of our world.

Sammy: What is the first thing that God created, Pastor?

Pastor: In the Gospel today, John talks about Jesus as the light of the world, and that’s also the first thing that God created: light.

Sammy: I like the light, Pastor. I like when I can see where I am going.

Pastor: When we follow Jesus, our creator, we will see more clearly than ever before.

Sammy: So where else can we find Jesus in the Old Testament?

Pastor: Jesus walked with Abraham and ate with him. He stood in the furnace with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. When you read stories from the Old Testament, you have to look for him. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are present all throughout scripture, and Jesus walks among his people many times.

Sammy: I love knowing that Jesus walks with us today, too. We have an amazing God.

Pastor: Yes, we do. Boys and girls, let’s fold our hands and bow our heads. Please repeat after me: Dear Jesus, Thank you for creating light and for always being there, even before creation. Help us to search for you daily, especially as we read the scriptures. Thank you for your love. Amen.

Sammy: Bye, everyone!

Pastor: Bye, Sammy!

Sammy: Guess what guess what guess what!

Pastor: What, Sammy? You seem really excited to tell us something.

Sammy: You are never going to believe what I saw!

Pastor: What did you see, Sammy?

Sammy: I was sleeping, okay? I was all curled up next to my maaamaaa and then all of a sudden, someone turned on the sun in the middle of the night.

Pastor: Someone turned on the sun?

Sammy: Yes! The sky was that bright! First there was darkness and little twinkly stars and then boom! A light as bright as the sun filled the sky. So of course I woke up. And you are never going to believe what happened next.

Pastor: Please tell us.

Sammy: I saw angels fill the sky. One angel named Gabriel told all of us: my maaamaaa, my cousins, and aunts and uncles, and even farmers Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John and the shepherds something really special.

Pastor: What did he say?

Sammy: Gabriel said, “Do not be afraid, for see, I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: ¹¹ to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah,^[b] the Lord. ¹² This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” I just stood there with my mouth hanging open.

Pastor: What else happened?

Sammy: Well then the angels started singing! They sounded so good. Just like our choir here at St. Paul’s.

Pastor: Well what happened next?

Sammy: Are you serious, Pastor Jim? Of course I had to go see the baby. I love babies.

Pastor: Who went to go see the baby?

Sammy: My maaamaaa, my cousins, and aunts and uncles, and even farmers Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John and the shepherds, too. We all went.

Pastor: And, what did you think?

Sammy: The baby was so cute. His momma and dada wrapped him up in swaddling clothes just like the shepherds use for lambs and laid him in the manger—just like the manger I eat from. He’s a lamb just like me! But you know, Pastor Jim, I could tell that there is something really special about this baby.

Pastor: What do you mean?

Sammy: This baby is no ordinary baby. This baby shone brighter than all of the angels in the night sky. And I felt such peace when I laid down in front of the manger. And I knew in my heart that even I, a little lamb, am so loved.

Pastor: Sammy, you witnessed the greatest event in the history of man. God is with us. A savior is born to us. Boys and girls, let’s pray: Dear Jesus: Thank you for being with us. Thank you for guiding us. Thank you for coming to earth as a baby. Thank you for your love. Amen.

Sammy: I have a gift for each of the boys and girls here today. I have a little lamb for each of you to adopt into your family to remind you how much Jesus loves you. Pastor Jim, can you give everyone a lamb please?

Pastor Jim: Merry Christmas, Sammy!

Sammy: Merry Christmas, Pastor Jim! Merry Christmas boys and girls!

Scripture:

Luke 1:39-45 [46-55]

Script:

Pastor: Good morning, everyone! Let’s say good morning to our friend

Sammy and see if she is there. 1, 2, 3 GOOD MORNING SAMMY!

Sammy: Good morning, everyone! Pastor! Guess what!

Pastor: Yes Sammy?

Sammy: A ewe on our farm is having an another Lamb! I’m going to have more friends!

Pastor: That’s great Sammy. It’s always great to have another life coming into the world.

Sammy: Your mentioned two babies in our gospel reading today. One of them leaped in his mother’s belly. Why did he do that?

Pastor: Well, the two babies I spoke about today were John the Baptist and Jesus. They were both alive inside the bellies of their mama’s, Mary and Elizabeth.

Sammy: You mean Jesus was a baby just like all of us were? That’s amazing!

Pastor: Yes it is, and you can find him in our church today! Boys and girls where can we find baby Jesus in our church today!

Wait for answers

Sammy: Those are great answers everyone! Pastor Jim. You didn’t answer my question. Why did John leap in his mother’s womb?

Pastor:  John even as a little baby in his mother’s belly recognized the savior to the whole world. That even as a very little person he was already doing what he would as an adult. Point people to Jesus.

Sammy: Wow, if he can point people to Jesus before he is even born, we can do it now even when we are small.

Pastor: Yes, we can. Boys and Girls, can you pray with me today? Fold your hands and bow your heads. Dear Jesus, help us to point to you like John. So others may find you. Thank you, lord Jesus for saving us. Amen