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THE FIRST SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS

E T D

L ,A 28, 2025

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 Sunday morning worship services. If you receive a citation by mistake, please let our office staff know so it can be cleared. OUR WORSHIP SERIES—CHRIST THE SAVIOR IS BORN “Silent Night” was written originally in German by Joseph Mohr, with music composed by Franz Gruber. The carol was first performed on Christmas Eve in 1818 at St. Nicholas Church in Oberndorf, Austria. Legend says the church organ was broken, prompting Gruber to compose a simple guitar accompaniment. Subsequently accompanied by many instruments and translated into many languages, the text paints the picture of the incarnation. The last phrase is repeated, so in the second stanza we hear it twice: “Christ the Savior is born!” Every word of that phrase is significant, and every line of the Christmas carol describes a bible truth. We use the beloved hymn to ponder the profound message of the Twelve Days of Christmas. Our worship will follow this path: Christmas Eve Christmas Day First Sunday after Christmas (Dec. 28) Epiphany of Our Lord (Jan. 4)

Heavenly Hosts Sing Alleluia Holy Infant So Tender and Mild Son of God Love’s Pure Light Beams from Thy Holy Face

OUR THEME FOR THIS MORNING—SON OF GOD Christmas holidays mean family time, often with extended family travel and visits. Meals are prepared, gifts are given, memories are made. But the memories might not all be good. Sometimes there are Christmas hurts or even tragedies. We live in a world still aﬀected by sin. The sinfulness of the world cannot rob us of the peace God intends to bring through his Son. Christ the Savior is born, and through his life, God brings us into the family. He gives us the rights of redeemed sons and daughters, the privileges of inheritance. 1

+ ORDER OF WORSHIP + WELCOME

PRESERVICE MUSIC:

O Jesus Christ, Your Manger Is Zach Unke Go, Tell It on the Mountain Zach Unke

OPENING HYMN—Go, Tell It on the Mountain

Christian Worship 361

For Unto Us a Child Is Born Zach Unke

Please stand

INVOCATION Minister: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit. Congregation: Amen.

The words of the invocation remind us that the God we meet and worship is the true and triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

CONFESSION If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.

1 John 1:8-9

If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. Let us confess our sins to the Lord. Holy God, gracious Father, I am sinful by nature and have sinned against you in my thoughts, words, and actions. I have not loved you with my whole heart; I have not loved others as I should. I deserve your punishment both now and forever. But Jesus, my Savior, paid for my sins with his innocent suﬀering and death. Trusting in him, I pray: God, have mercy on me, a sinner.

“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” James 5:16

Silence for meditation and reﬂection

ABSOLUTION Christ gave the authority to forgive the sins of penitent sinners to his church: “Whenever you forgive people’s sins, they are forgiven.” John 20:23

Mark 10:47

Kyrie is the Greek word for Lord. The expression “Lord, have mercy” is one of the oldest worship responses in the Christian Church.

Our gracious Father in heaven has been merciful to us. He sent his only Son, Jesus Christ, who gave his life as the atoning sacriﬁce for the sins of the whole world. Therefore, as a called servant of Christ and by his authority, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the (+) Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

LORD, HAVE MERCY

Kyrie

In peace let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy. For the peace from above and for our salvation, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy. For the peace of the whole world, for the well-being of the Church of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy. For this holy house and for all who oﬀer here their worship and praise, let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy. Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord. Amen.

SUNG RESPONSE—A Glory Fills the Midnight Sky

Christian Worship 357

+ THE WORD + PRAYER OF THE DAY The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us pray. Almighty God, the martyred innocents of Bethlehem showed forth your praise not by speaking but by dying. Put to death in us all that is in conﬂict with your will that our lives may bear witness to the faith we profess with our lips; 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

The kindness of the Lord is seen in sending a Savior to redeem those who turn away from him.

FIRST READING 7

Isaiah 63:7-9

I will tell about the L ’s mercies, about the praises of the L , about all that the L has done for us, about his great goodness to the house of Israel, which he performed for them according to his abundant compassion, and according to his great mercy. He said, “Surely they are my people, children who will not deal falsely,” so he became their Savior. In all their anguish he felt anguish, and the Angel of his Presence saved them. In his love and in his pity he himself redeemed them, and he took them up and carried them all the days of old.

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

HYMN—God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen

Christian Worship 356

SECOND READING

Galatians 4:4–7

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, 5in order to redeem those under the law, so that we would be adopted as sons. 6And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts to shout, “Abba, Father!” 7So 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.

Redeemed by God’s true Son, we can call God our “Father.”

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

We stand out of respect for the words of Christ, our King.

Please stand

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Refrain (ALL):

Psalm 98:1

The Gospel Acclamation points toward the words of the Gospel.

Vocalist: Sing to the L a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds; his right hand has won the victory for him, his holy arm. Refrain (ALL) Text and music: David Haas, Marty Haugen © 1983 GIA Publications, Inc. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.

God saves his Son from an early death. God’s plan was to save the world by having his Son die on the cross when the time had fully come.

Hosea 1:1

GOSPEL

Matthew 2:13-23

After the Wise Men were gone, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared to Joseph in a dream. He said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and ﬂee to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, because Herod will search for the child in order to kill him.” 14

Joseph got up, took the child and his mother during the night, and left for Egypt. 15He stayed there until the death of Herod. This happened to fulﬁll what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.” 16

When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Wise Men, he was furious. He issued orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and in all the surrounding countryside, from two years old and under. This was in keeping with the exact time he had learned from the Wise Men. 17Then what was spoken through Jeremiah the prophet was fulﬁlled: Jeremiah 31:15

A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and she refused to be comforted, because they are no more.

After Herod died, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt. The angel said, 20“Get up, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to kill the child are dead.” 21

Joseph got up, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. 22But when he heard that Archelaus, Herod’s son, had succeeded his father as ruler in Judea, he was afraid to go there. Since he had been warned in a dream, he went to the region of Galilee. 23When he arrived there, he settled in a city called Nazareth. So what was spoken through the prophets was fulﬁlled: “He will be called a Nazarene.” The Gospel of the Lord. Praise be to you, O Christ.

Please be seated

HYMN OF THE DAY—Let All Together Praise Our God

Christian Worship 355

SERMON

Matthew 2:13-23 The Son of God Meets Our Wicked World

Please stand

CONFESSION OF FAITH I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suﬀered under Pontius Pilate, was cruciﬁed, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.

Apostles’ Creed

The Apostles’ Creed developed in the Early Christian Church as a personal confession of faith. It is so named because it confesses the faith taught by the Apostles of Jesus.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

Please be seated

Brief intercessory prayers may be added in a ﬁtting place.

PRAYER OF THE CHURCH Eternal and gracious Lord, we rejoice with hearts and voices because you sent your one and only Son from his majestic glory to save us from the slavery of sin and the agonies of death. He took on our human flesh that he might reveal your divine glory. He became our brother that we might become your children forever. Give us quiet time during these busy days to reflect on your love and ponder the miracle of our Savior’s incarnation. Help us look beyond our gift-giving and giftreceiving, and discover the greatest gift: the forgiveness of sins and life with you. Put the joys of Christmas into the perspective of our eternal celebration, and let music and art lift our hearts to Christ who is truly the center of the season. Keep in your loving care all whose Christmas joys are diminished by sickness and sadness, by unhappy recollections and uncertain hopes. Comfort those who sense this Christmas may be their last, and raise their eyes to the brilliant lights of heaven. Soothe consciences that are troubled by guilt and regret, and show them the forgiving love of Christ. We commend to your care all who proclaim the message of Christ during these holy days; all who care for people in hospitals, nursing homes, and prisons; and all who put themselves out to bring joy to others, especially children. Let the light of your grace shine through all ministries of mercy. Send us your Holy Spirit, gracious Lord, that the proclamation of the Christmas gospel may lighten the load of guilt and fear and lift our hearts to confident faith and holy living. By the power of your Word, bring your light to hearts struggling to understand you and searching to find you that they may know the joys of this season as we do. Empower us to lead them to your love in our words and deeds. All this we ask in the name of the newborn King, born in Bethlehem and now living and reigning forever in heaven. Amen.

OFFERTORY: Angel We Have Heard on High Carolyne M. Taylor

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!

HYMN—O Jesus Christ, Your Manger Is

Christian Worship 342 stanzas 1-3

Please stand

CLOSING PRAYER Lord Jesus, you are the right hand and holy arm that have worked salvation for our God. In love you reached out to this fallen world, and now your salvation extends to the ends of the earth. Inspire us to join all creatures in heaven and on earth in an unending song of praise, for you have done marvelous things! Amen.

LORD’S PRAYER Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

Matthew 6 and Luke 11 record how Jesus taught his disciples to pray. We use his example prayer as part of our public worship, trusting that he will hear and answer our prayers.

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.

Please be seated

ANNOUNCEMENTS POSTLUDE MUSIC:

CLOSING HYMN—Let Us All with Gladsome Voice

Christian Worship 332

Angels We Have Heard on High Jeﬀrey Blersch

TODAY Welcome Guests!

Are you a guest with us today? We invite you to pick up a Guest Packet at either church door. The packets include information about our congregation and what we believe. We’re so thankful you are here for worship today!

Altar Flowers If you would like to provide flowers for the altar, please call (520-623-6633) or email (office@gracelutheransaz.org) the Grace Central Office to reserve a Sunday. The next available dates are January 11 & 25 and all the Sundays in February. The cost for the 2 bouquets is $32.50. After the 10:00 AM service you may take the flowers home or leave them to be dropped off to one of our homebound members if a visit is being made.

Fellowship

Following the 10:00 AM service this morning, you are invited to join us in the courtyard and Fellowship Hall for drinks and snacks. Thank you to Audrey Nessinger and Rick & Molly Street for hosting this morning. The next available dates are January 18 & 25 and all the Sundays in February. Please sign up on the sheet in the Fellowship Hall.

Christmas Cookie Fellowship

Do you have plenty of Christmas cookies still waiting to be eaten? For our after-service Cookie Fellowship next Sunday, January 4, you are invited to share your cookies from home (whether just a few or a few dozen), and we’ll have an assortment as we welcome our guests and enjoy fellowship together. Drop off your contribution before the 10:00 service in the church kitchen!

Sunday Morning Bible Study

Join us this morning for a look at Idols We Never Knew We Had. We’ll answer the question “Are we really idolaters?” and explore some common idols within our society and perhaps our own experience. Please join us, and invite a friend! We meet at 9:00 AM in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall.

Those Assisting in Worship This Morning Minister ......................................................................................................... Pastor Nathan Kassulke Accompanist.............................................................................................................. Naomi Kassulke Vocalist ......................................................................................................................... Beth Kassulke Offering ........................................................................................................................ Anna Kassulke Greeters .................................................................................................. Jenn & DJ Miller (10:00 AM) Ushers ......................................................................................... Rusty King, Vic Thornton (7:45 AM) Justin Harris, Sam Kassulke, Zach Miller, Rick Street (10:00 AM) Sound and Recording Techs........................................................... Jeremy Snavely, Sam Kassulke 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 © 2025 Concordia Publishing House. Software distributed in partnership with Northwestern Publishing House.

ANNOUNCEMENTS Grace Central Office

During this week, the hours in the Grace Central Office will vary. If you need to come to the office, please call ahead to be sure someone will be there. Phone messages and email will continue to be checked regularly. Our normal office hours of 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM will resume again on Monday, January 5, 2026.

New Year’s Eve Worship, Dinner, & Fellowship: Wednesday

Grace’s New Year’s Eve Service will be held at our Sahuarita location. This all-site service will take place at 5:30 PM and will include a remembrance of departed members and the celebration of Holy Communion. Following worship, join us in the CLC gymnasium for dinner and fellowship.

New Year’s Eve Combined Choir

Choir members, please remember we will have a joint rehearsal at 4:30 PM on December 31 at Grace-Sahuarita. Children are welcome to join us.

Memorial Services

Our Lord called home to heaven the soul of Grace member Pat Messer on December 6. He also called to his side Grace member Terry Kosanke on December 8. Memorial services for each of them will be held in January at Grace-Tucson. Pat’s service will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 10, and Terry’s will be on Saturday, January 17, also at 11:00 AM. A meal will follow each service in the Fellowship Hall. Please keep the family and friends of Pat and Terry in your prayers.

Grace Night with the Tucson Roadrunners: January 9

Join us for a fun night with the Tucson Roadrunners hockey team! We’ll attend the game together on Friday, January 9, at 7:00 PM. This is also Faith & Family Night and tickets are $25 each. Tickets can be purchased by using the QR code on the right or by contacting Eric Hanson (520-664-6626 or hansonee2@yahoo.com). We hope to see you there!

Ladies’ Fellowship Group: January 15

The Ladies’ Fellowship Group will meet at 10:15 AM on Thursday, January 15, in the Grace-Tucson Fellowship Hall to watch the movie “God Bless the Broken Road.” Please bring a salad to share. Hot tea will be provided. Contact Lois Thornton at (520)449-7552 or vthornto2@gmail.com with any questions. Ladies from all Grace sites are welcome to attend.

ANNOUNCEMENTS Men of His Word Conference: January 31

Men of His Word equips Christian men to take a leadership role within their family, within their congregation, and in the community. The 5th annual Men of His Word conference is scheduled for Saturday, January 31, 2026 at the Desert Willow Conference Center in Phoenix from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. This year’s Men of His Word Conference will equip you to stand with “Courage Under Fire.” Through presentations grounded in God’s unchanging Word, you’ll be strengthened to lead your family, confess your faith boldly, resist temptation, and serve faithfully, even when the culture pushes back. There will be eight different breakout sessions of which you may choose three. Details on each session are on the website. To register go to https://www.menofhisword.org/phoenix--registration.html. Early bird registration is available until December 31. Registration forms are also available in the Grace Central Office.

ACSTO Donations for Grace Members

As you begin to work on your income taxes, please consider making use of the Arizona Tuition Tax Credit Program. Many Grace families and students who attend our Lutheran Schools (Redeemer and Arizona Lutheran Academy) appreciate your support in this way. Our schools partner with the Arizona Christian School Tuition Organization (ACSTO) to participate in this program. Through the tax credit, you can use money that you would otherwise spend on taxes to support Lutheran education. You can find more information and even make a donation online through the ACSTO website, ACSTO.org. Remember that this option is available to all those who have state tax liability in Arizona. Grace member Jeff Weinstein (520-909-7649, JWeinstein@ACSTO.org) is also an employee of ACSTO. He is able to help answer questions you may have. Even if you have never made use of tuition tax credits before, we would be happy to help you figure it out!

Save the date for the AZ Lutheran 2026 Gala

Arizona Lutheran Academy’s 2026 “Game Show” Gala is a festive evening that includes dinner, games, and both silent and live auctions. The event benefits our students from across the state of Arizona, two Apache reservations, and four foreign countries. Our goal for this event is to raise $100,000 for our campus branding and improvements. Your investment will make a visible difference as we grow and expand! We hope you can join us on Saturday, March 28. Learn more at ALAcoyotes.org/gala.

This schedule is subject to change. Please watch your email for the most up-to-date information or call the Grace Central Office at (520)623-6633 if you have questions.

This Week at Grace December 28 - January 4 TUCSON Today Worship Services ............................................ 7:45a & 10:00a Children’s Bible Hour ...................................................... 8:45a Adult Bible Study: Idols We Never Knew We Had .......... 9:00a Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study: 1 Peter .................. 9:00a Fellowship following worship ................................................... Tuesday NO Pastors’ Staff Meeting Wednesday NO Midweek Bible Study (resumes January 14) Thursday—New Year’s Day NO Women’s Bible Study (resumes January 15) NO Handbell Choir (resumes January 15) NO Worship Choir (resumes January 15)

Sunday, January 4 Worship Services with communion ................. 7:45a & 10:00a Children’s Bible Hour ...................................................... 8:45a Adult Bible Study: Idols We Never Knew We Had .......... 9:00a Lifeliners (High School) Bible Study: 1 Peter .................. 9:00a Fellowship following worship ...................................................

BENSON Today Worship Service ..............................................................7:30a Adult Bible Study: Romans .............................................8:45a Fellowship following worship .................................................... Wednesday NO Midweek Bible Study (resumes January 7) Sunday, January 4 Worship Service with communion ...................................7:30a Adult Bible Study: Romans .............................................8:45a Fellowship following worship ....................................................

SAHUARITA Today Adult Bible Study: Forgiveness for the Unforgivable ...... 9:00a Children’s Sunday School .............................................. 9:00a Worship Service............................................................ 10:00a Fellowship following worship ................................................... Wednesday NO Oasis Group ........................................................... 10:00a Combined Choir Rehearsal ............................................ 4:30p All-Site New Year’s Eve Service & Meal ........................ 5:30p Sunday, January 4 Adult Bible Study: Forgiveness for the Unforgivable ...... 9:00a Children’s Sunday School .............................................. 9:00a Worship Service with communion ................................ 10:00a Fellowship following worship ................................................... Grow in Grace Class..................................................... 11:30a VAIL Today Worship Service............................................................ 10:00a Fellowship following worship ................................................... Adult Bible Study: Prayer .............................................. 11:15a Sunday, January 4 Worship Service with communion ................................ 10:00a Fellowship following worship ................................................... Adult Bible Study: Prayer .............................................. 11:15a Grow in Grace Class....................................................... 1:30p ONLINE Today Adult Bible Study (Tucson) ............................................. 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) ...................... 10:00a Sunday, January 4 Adult Bible Study (Tucson) ............................................. 9:00a Worship Services (Sahuarita & Tucson) ...................... 10:00a

Stay Up to Date

The fastest and easiest way to keep Grace members and friends informed about what is happening at our four sites is through our weekly email update. This email is sent every Friday and at other times when special announcements are necessary. If you have not been receiving this email, but would like to, please email the Grace Central Office at office@gracelutheransaz.org and request to be added to our email list. 14

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

Administrative Assistant—Debbie Koehler assistant@gracelutheransaz.org

Pastor Ryan A. Heiman

revrah@gracelutheransaz.org

Child Learning Center

(520)848-4630 receptionist@gracelutheransaz.org GraceLutheranSahuaritaCLC.com

Director—Laura Heiman

director@gracelutheransaz.org

Assistant Director—Jen Rickling jrickling@gracelutheransaz.org

Worship Coordinator—Beth Kassulke music@gracelutheransaz.org

Grace-Benson and Grace-Vail Benson

451 W. Duane St., Benson, AZ 85602

Vail

Child Learning Center Mission Teachers Caitlin Broehm, Toddlers

cbroehm@gracelutheransaz.org

Worshipping at Esmond Station Elementary 9400 S. Atterbury Wash Way, Tucson, AZ 85747

Vicki Smith, 3-Year Olds

Pastor Seth A. Scheuerlein

Theresa Pratt, Preschool

revsas@gracelutheransaz.org

tpratt@gracelutheransaz.org

Office at Civano

Chris Leathers, After School Care

10501 E. Seven Generations Way, Tucson, AZ 85747 (520)848-4631

vsmith@gracelutheransaz.org

cleathers@gracelutheransaz.org

Prayer Group—Laura Hodgson prayergroup@gracelutheransaz.org

Bible-Based Counselor—Cinda Drescher

Office Assistant—Cora Stuhr

cinda@gracelutheransaz.org (520)581-4714

office@gracelutheransaz.org

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.