CHRISTMAS DAY WORSHIP
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25, 2023
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Welcome to Grace! Our mission at Grace is to teach the inspired and inerrant Word of God, to proclaim that Jesus Christ is the crucified and risen Savior of the world, and to nurture believers for lives of Christian service. Check out the GRACE WEBSITE at GraceLutheranSAZ.org WORSHIP NOTES We are very pleased that you have joined us for worship today! We pray that this time will be a blessing for you as God comes to you with his Word and promises and as you offer him your thanks and praise. The order of worship we will follow is printed in this worship folder for you to follow along and participate. You’ll notice that the service is a dialogue between God and us, his people. The pastor speaks to God along with the congregation and also speaks the Word of God to the people. LARGE PRINT worship folders are available at the entrances for those who desire them. Today we are using elements from the Christian Worship (2021) hymnal. You will find these blue worship books in the hymnal racks in each pew. You will be asked to open the hymnal to participate in parts of the service today. A vocalist will aid in our singing and will be recorded for our audio disks and video live-streaming. There is no cost to park in our parking lot during worship services. If you receive a citation by mistake, please let our office staff know so it can be cleared.
OUR WORSHIP SERIES—GOOD NEWS OF GREAT JOY We live in a world with a 24-hour news cycle. Between the countless cable networks or online sources or social media posts, news is flying at us constantly. Most of it seems awful—bad news after more bad news. Our hearts grow heavy. Our minds grow anxious. The world is starving for good news. And that is exactly what we get at Christmas. On that first Christmas Eve, the angel told the shepherds, “I bring you good news of great joy” (Luke 2:10). News is not advice. The angel had not come to give advice about how to cope in a messed-up world. News is simply a report of facts. The angel reported a fact—the birth of One who would make everything right again. This child would remove all our fears and fill our hearts with joy. Our worship is following this path: Christmas Eve Morning Christmas Eve Candlelight Christmas Day First Sunday after Christmas (Dec. 31) Epiphany of Our Lord (Jan. 7)
God Keeps His Promise A Savior Has Been Born to Us God Became Man Peace on Earth For All People
THEME FOR THIS MORNING—GOD BECAME MAN How can an omnipresent God be held in his mother’s arms? How can an all-powerful God be too weak to walk? This is the mystery of the incarnation—that God took on human flesh. We cannot understand how it can be so. But the Spirit enables us to grasp that this incomprehensible truth is very good news. This is the Savior we need! As true man, he was born under God’s law, subject to all the commandments that we have broken. Where we have failed, Jesus was perfect. As true God, when he laid down his perfect life, it was a sacrifice valuable enough to pay for the sins of the world, so that we might be adopted as God’s children.
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Christmas Day fills us with wonder—that the Creator God could become flesh and dwell among us and that, in his great love for us, he would do such a thing. Let us marvel at the good news of great joy!
+ ORDER OF WORSHIP + WELCOME
OPENING HYMN—Oh Come, All Ye Faithful
PRESERVICE MUSIC:
Joy to the World Lloyd Larson Joy to the World Robert J. Powell
Christian Worship 354
Please stand
Coventry Carol Mark Hayes & Marvin Gaspard Handbells: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing Sandra Eithun Angels from the Realms of Glory Anna Laura Page
CHRISTMAS DIALOGUE Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them.
Luke 1:68
Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.
Luke 2:14
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.
Luke 1:51-53
Our eyes have seen his salvation, which he prepared in the sight of all nations.
Luke 2:30-31
The Spirit of the L will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord,
Isaiah 11:2-3
and he will delight in the fear of the Lord.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6-7
Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. Being in very nature God, he did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!
Philippians 2:6-8
Though he was rich, yet for our sake he became poor, so that we through his poverty might become rich.
2 Corinthians 8:9
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Philippians 2:9-11
God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
1 Timothy 1:17
Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
PRAYER OF THE DAY Almighty God, grant that the birth of your only Son in the flesh may set us free from our old bondage under the yoke of sin; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Please be seated
HYMN—Angels from the Realms of Glory
Christian Worship 347
The choir will sing stanzas 2 and 4. Please join in singing stanzas 1, 3, and 5.
Bethlehem was a little town. Yet, it will be known throughout history as the birthplace of the Godman.
FIRST READING 2
But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, from you, will go out the one who will be the ruler for me in Israel. His goings forth are from the beginning, from the days of eternity.
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Therefore the L will give them up, until the time when the woman who is in labor bears a child. Then the remaining survivors from his brothers will return to the people of Israel.
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He will stand and shepherd with the strength of the L , in the majesty of the name of the L his God. They will dwell securely, for at that time he will be great to the ends of the earth.
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This one will be their peace.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. 3
Micah 5:2-5
PSALM OF THE DAY—All the Ends of the Earth
Please join in singing the refrains and the bolded lines. The minister will sing the lines in italics.
ALL:
Psalm 98
The Church sings Psalm 98 in services that praise God for bringing righteousness and salvation to people across the world. It is traditionally sung on Christmas Day.
Sing to the L a / new song, for he has done / marv’lous things; his right hand and his / holy arm have worked salvation / for him. The L has made his sal- / vation known and revealed his righteousness to the / nations. Refrain (ALL) Shout for joy to the L , / all the earth, burst into jubilant song with / music. Let the rivers / clap their hands, let the mountains sing together / for joy; let them sing be- / fore the L , for he comes to / judge the earth. He will judge the world in / righteousness and the peoples with / equity. Glory be to the Father and / to the Son and to the Holy / Spirit, as it was in the be- / ginning, is now, and will be forever. / Amen. Refrain (ALL) Text and tune (refrain): Marty Haugen; David Hass © 1983 GIA Publications, Inc. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199 Psalm tone: Kermit G. Moldenhauer © 1993 Kermit G. Moldenhauer, admin. Northwestern Publishing House. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199
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The Son of God was born of a woman so that he might redeem us and make us heirs of the heavenly Father.
SECOND READING
Galatians 4:4-7
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But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son to be born of a woman, so that he would be born under the law, 5 in order to redeem those under the law, so that we would be adopted as sons. 6 And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts to shout, “Abba, Father!” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son. And if you are a son, then you are also an heir of God through Christ. The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
This anthem is based on traditional masterwork choruses and carols.
CHOIR ANTHEM—Christmas Classic Celebration Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!...Sing hallelujah!...Amen! For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, unto us a son is given. Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!” Let all hear the songs we raise. (Be joyful!) Christ is born, sing joyful praise! Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!” O come to the manger, give praise to the child, O come, let us adore; (O come, let us adore him) O come to the manger, give praise to the child, O come, let us adore; (O come, let us adore him) O come to the manger, give praise to the child, O come, let us adore him! (O come, let us adore him) Come to the manger, adore the child, the Lord! (Christ the Lord!) Praise the Lord of all creation! Proclaim in joyful celebration: His coming is our salvation. Lo, how a rose e’er blooming from tender stem hath sprung, of Jesse’s lineage coming, as those of old have sung. It came, a flow’ret bright, amid the cold of winter, when half spent was the night. At Christmas time the angels sing to hear the news the angels bring!... Christ is the Lord, sing praise to him forever! Rejoice, his glory evermore proclaim! Rejoice, his glory evermore proclaim! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King! (Hallelujah!) Let ev’ry heart prepare him room, and heav’n and nature sing, and heav’n and nature sing, and heav’n, and heav’n and nature sing. Hallelujah! Sing Hallelujah! Hallelujah!...Amen! Arranged by Patrick M. Liebergen © 1996 Alfred Publishing Company. Used by permission: CCLI no. 3095236.
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Please stand
GOSPEL
John 1:1-18
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In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him everything was made, and without him not one thing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of mankind. 5 The light is shining in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
The mystery of the incarnation—God became man; the Word became flesh.
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There was a man, sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as an eyewitness to testify about the light so that everyone would believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but he came to testify about the light. 9
The real light that shines on everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to what was his own, yet his own people did not accept him. 12 But to all who did receive him, to those who believe in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. 13 They were born, not of blood, or of the desire of the flesh, or of a husband’s will, but born of God. 14
The Word became flesh and dwelled among us. We have seen his glory, the glory he has as the only-begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15
John testified about him. He cried out, “This was the one I spoke about when I said, ‘The one coming after me outranks me because he existed before me.’” 16 For out of his fullness we have all received grace upon grace. 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God. The only-begotten Son, who is close to the Father’s side, has made him known. The Gospel of the Lord. Praise be to you, O Christ.
Please be seated
HYMN—A Great and Mighty Wonder Stanza 1: Stanza 2: Stanza 3: Stanza 4: Stanza 5:
Christian Worship 349
ALL Women ALL Men ALL 6
SERMON
John 1:1-18 God Became Man
Please stand
CONFESSION OF FAITH The Augsburg Confession was presented to an official meeting of the Holy Roman Empire in 1530. In it, the early Lutheran Church drew a distinction between the teachings learned from the Bible and the false teachings within the Roman Catholic Church. Portions of the second and third articles of this confession are being used in our service. These articles testify about our sin and our Savior.
Excerpts from the Augsburg Confession
It is taught among us that since the fall of Adam, all human beings who are born in the natural way are conceived and born in sin. This means that from birth they are full of evil lust and inclination and cannot by nature possess true fear of God and true faith in God. Moreover, this same innate disease and original sin is truly sin and condemns to God’s eternal wrath all who are not in turn born anew through baptism and the Holy Spirit. Likewise, it is taught that God the Son became a human being, born of the pure Virgin Mary, and that the two natures, the divine and the human, are so inseparably united in one person that there is one Christ. He is true God and true human being who truly “was born, suffered, was crucified, died, and was buried” in order both to be a sacrifice not only for original sin but also for all other sins and to conciliate God’s wrath. Moreover, the same Christ “descended into hell, truly rose from the dead on the third day, ascended into heaven, is sitting at the right hand of God” in order to rule and reign forever over all creatures, so that through the Holy Spirit he may make holy, purify, strengthen, and comfort all who believe in him, also distribute to them life and various gifts and benefits, and shield and protect them against the devil and sin. Finally, the same Lord Christ “will come” in full view of all “to judge the living and the dead.”
Please be seated
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PRAYER OF THE CHURCH Eternal Father, we give you thanks and praise on this holy day for sending your one and only Son to share our humanity, carry our guilt, and become for us the perfect Lamb who takes away the sin of the world.
Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a fitting place.
Lord, we praise you. Keep our faith in your Son alive and strong. Nourish us with your Word and sacraments and by your Holy Spirit give us strength to overcome Satan’s power and empty promises. Help us to withstand the temptations the world and our sinful nature put on our path. Give us faith and courage. Remember ministers of the gospel throughout the world who on this day are proclaiming that a Savior has been born. We especially commend to your care the missionaries we have called as members of the Wisconsin Synod. Since they cannot enjoy the fellowship of their extended families this Christmas, grant to them the inner joy that comes with service in your kingdom. Protect all those who proclaim the gospel in our place. We pray for our city and countryside, for our neighborhoods and subdivisions, and for all who live and work and find delight here. Give to the leaders of government wisdom to make and uphold laws that promote the good of society. Grant our nation peace, health, and prosperity that we may have the opportunity and resources to spread the good news to all people. Govern and prosper your people. Fill us with kindness and arouse us to do good to all people, especially those who are less fortunate than we. Bring your healing to those who are sick or diseased in body or mind and comfort those who are mourning the death of someone they love. We especially pray for brothers and sisters who are setting aside their celebration today to care for the sick and stand at the side of the dying. Sustain those who endure the troubles of life. Be a source of strength to all your people and fill them with your power and peace. If any are among us today who have lost the true meaning of this festival, let them rediscover the joy that comes from Christ alone. Let your peace reign in the hearts of all. Hear us, Lord, as we pray in silence. Silent prayer 8
As you sent your Son to bring peace to all people on earth, so we pray for all people, those known and those unknown to us. We pray through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
OFFERING Members of Grace respond to their Savior’s love with offerings that are given joyfully, generously, regularly, and in a way that is proportionate to how the Lord has blessed them. Their cheerful gifts support the mission and ministry of our congregation. If you are a guest today, please know that we do not expect you to contribute to our congregation’s work. However, if you would like to give an offering to the Lord in response to his love to you, we are happy to receive it and put it to work in God’s kingdom. If you prefer, use your smart phone to give online by scanning this QR code: Please fill out the Friendship Register located in the red folder at the end of the row and pass it along. Thank you!
This 16th century German Christmas hymn was rarely used in modern Christmas worship because of the less-than-cheerful hymn tune. This new tune was written by Grace member Kathy Parra in 2017 and published as a choir anthem this year.
OFFERTORY—All Praise to You, Eternal God
Women’s Choir
All praise to you, eternal God! Now clothed in human flesh and blood, you took a manger for your throne while worlds on worlds are yours alone. Alleluia! Once did the skies before you bow; a virgin’s arms contain you now while angels, who in you rejoice, now listen for your infant voice. Alleluia! O little Child, you were our guest that weary ones in you might rest; forlorn and lowly was your birth that we might rise to heav’n from earth. Alleluia! You came to us in darkest night to make us children of the light; like angels in the realms divine around your throne we, too, will shine. Alleluia!
All this your love for us has done; by this our love for you is won; for this our joyful songs we raise and shout our thanks in ceaseless praise. Alleluia! Text: German hymn, c. 1370, abr. (st. 1); Martin Luther (st. 2-5). Public domain. Music: Kathy Parra © 2023 Northwestern Publishing House. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.
HYMN—Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
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Christian Worship 350
CLOSING PRAYER Lord Jesus, by your gracious coming into the world you destroyed death and made all things new. Grant that we may never tire of proclaiming your salvation to the ends of the earth; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
The blessing of Aaron has been spoken over God’s people for over 3,500 years. The L said, “In this way they will put my name on [them], and I will bless them.” Numbers 6:27
BLESSING The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look on you with favor and (+) give you peace. Amen.
CLOSING HYMN—Joy to the World
Christian Worship 353
Thank you for joining us for worship today. We pray that God will continue to strengthen you in your faith through his Word, during this blessed season and beyond. If you are a guest with us today and do not have a church home, we would consider it a special privilege to share God’s Word with you on a regular basis. Please take a Guest Packet at the exit to learn more about our congregation. You can also find us online at GraceLutheranSAZ.org.
POSTLUDE MUSIC: Once in Royal David’s City Sandra K. Tucker
THOSE ASSISTING IN WORSHIP THIS MORNING Minister ................................................................................................ Pastor Tim Patoka Organ ................................................................................................................ Jim Bakken Piano ..................................................................... Jim Bakken, Deb Bakken, Kathy Parra Vocalist ........................................................................................................ Jeff Weinstein Flute ................................................................................................................ Katie Patoka Clarinet....................................................................... Beth Kassulke, Missy Wiechmann Trumpet ............................................................. Pastor Nathan Kassulke, Paul Kassulke Timpani ...................................................................................................... Danny Koehler Handbell Director ..................................................................................... Beth Kassulke Choir Directors ...................................................................... Paul Kassulke, Jim Bakken Greeters ....................................................................................................DJ & Jenn Miller Ushers ............................. Dylan Guenther, Danny Koehler, Ferdie Kramm, Chris Stuhr Sound and Recording Techs ............... Jeremy Snavely, Danny Koehler, Sam Kassulke Banner Committee ....................... Nadine Rentschler, Jeanette O’Donald, Sandy Weir Acknowledgements: Scripture readings are taken from The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version® (EHV®) © 2018 The Wartburg Project. All rights reserved. wartburgproject.org. Created by Christian Worship: Service Builder © 2023 Concordia Publishing House. Software distributed in partnership with Northwestern Publishing House.
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One Church. Four Locations. Proclaiming the love of Jesus in Southern Arizona since 1911. Grace-Tucson and Central Office
Grace-Sahuarita
830 N. 1st Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85719 (520)623-6633 office@gracelutheransaz.org
75 W. Sahuarita Rd, Sahuarita, AZ 85629 (520)578-3538
Pastor Ronald G. Koehler III revrgk3@gracelutheransaz.org
Pastor Nathan P. Kassulke revnpk@gracelutheransaz.org
Pastor Timothy L. Patoka (Campus Ministry)
Pastor Ryan A. Heiman
revrah@gracelutheransaz.org
Child Learning Center
(520) 848-4630 receptionist@gracelutheransaz.org www.GraceLutheranSahuaritaCLC.com
Director—Laura Heiman
director@gracelutheransaz.org
revtlp@gracelutheransaz.org
Assistant Director—Jen Rickling
Grace-Benson and Grace-Vail
Child Learning Center Mission Teachers
Benson
451 W. Duane St., Benson, AZ 85602
Vail
jrickling@gracelutheransaz.org
Chris Leathers, 1-Year Olds cleathers@gracelutheransaz.org
Worshipping at Esmond Station Elementary 9400 S. Atterbury Wash Way, Tucson, AZ 85747
Sam Anthon, 2-Year Olds
Pastor Seth A. Scheuerlein
Vicki Smith, 3-Year Olds
revsas@gracelutheransaz.org
vsmith@gracelutheransaz.org
Office at Civano
Theresa Pratt, Preschool
10501 E. Seven Generations Way, Tucson, AZ 85747 (520)848-4631
Prayer Group—Laura Hodgson prayergroup@gracelutheransaz.org
santhon@gracelutheransaz.org
tpratt@gracelutheransaz.org
Katie Patoka, After School Care kpatoka@gracelutheransaz.org
Bible-Based Counselor—Cinda Drescher
Worship Coordinator—Beth Kassulke
cinda@gracelutheransaz.org (520)581-4714
music@gracelutheransaz.org
Administrative Assistant—Debbie Koehler
Office Assistant—Cora Stuhr
assistant@gracelutheransaz.org
office@gracelutheransaz.org
www.wels.net
Grace Lutheran Church is a member of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS), a group of nearly 400,000 men, women, and children in nearly 1,300 congregations across the United States and Canada united by a common faith in Christ's saving love. We are committed to a common calling—encouraging each other in our faith and sharing God's gift of a Savior with the rest of the world.