Sunday Dec 15 2025 - Order of worship at 11 am - Lutheran Church of the Redeemer Atlanta GA USA by redeemeratl

Third Sunday of Advent – December 15, 2024

The Order of Worship at 11:00 am

ADVENT LESSONS AND CAROLS

Based on the O Antiphons

The O Antiphons are a set of medieval refrains originally used before and after the singing of the Magnificat. They were in use already in the eighth century. Each invokes the Messiah under a different title derived from the Old Testament. This title is then amplified, and followed by an appeal to “come” and save us in a particular way. Around the twelfth century, they were collected into a Latin verse hymn, which was later translated by John Mason Neale, finally becoming the beloved Advent hymn “O come, O come, Emmanuel” These antiphons form the structure of this service. They are sung by a cantor this morning. The congregation sings the corresponding stanza of “O come, O come, Emmanuel” after each antiphon.

PRELUDE

Rorate Coeli Melissa Dunphy (Gregorian Chant based on Isaiah 45:8) (born 1980)

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Standing HYMN 242 Awake, Awake, and Greet the New Morn

CONFESSION

In the name of the Father, and of the ☩ Son, and of the Holy Spirit. | Amen. Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you and worthily magnify your holy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. | Amen.

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. But if we confess our sins, God who is faithful and just will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Kneeling or seated

Most merciful God, | we confess that we are captive to sin and cannot free ourselves. We have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. For the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us, so that we may delight in your will and walk in your ways, to the glory of your holy name. Amen.

In the mercy of almighty God, Jesus Christ was given to die for us, and for his sake God forgives us all our sins. As a called and ordained minister of the church of Christ, and by his authority, I therefore declare to you the entire forgiveness of all your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the ☩ Son, and of the Holy Spirit. | Amen.

Standing GREETING

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. | And also with you.

DIALOGUE

Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord. Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest heaven! I will hear what the Lord God has to say— A voice that speaks for peace. Peace for all faithful people and those who turn to him in their hearts. God’s help is near for those who fear him, that his glory may dwell in our land.

Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord. Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest heaven!

Please be seated.

ANTIPHON

O Wisdom

O Wisdom, you came forth from the mouth of the Holy One. Mighty and sweet your ordering of life: Teach us prudence.

All sing

O come, O Wisdom from on high, | embracing all things far and nigh: in strength and beauty come and stay; | teach us your will and guide our way. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel | shall come to you, O Israel.

LESSON

Isaiah 40:3-5

read by Fiona Peterson

I will wait for the Lord, | and I will hope in God who saves us.

CAROL

Prepare the Way of the Lord Darian Krimm Seraphim and J.O.Y. Choirs arr. Stacey Nordmeyer

“Prepare the way of the Lord!” A voice cries out in the wilderness, “Prepare the way of the Lord!” | O come, little children, and light the candle of Hope, for Jesus is coming, as prophets foretold. | O come, little children, and light the candle of Love, for Jesus is coming from heaven above. | Make straight in the desert a highway for our God. | O come, little children, and light the candle of Peace, for Jesus is coming, so have faith and believe. | Make straight the crooked, the mountains made low, the rough places plain. | Prepare the way of the Lord! O come, O come, Emmanuel!

O Adonai

ANTIPHON

O Adonai and Israel’s God, your flame brought Moses to his knees. Your mountain brought forth law and life: Come and redeem us.

All sing

O come, O come, O Lord of might, | as to your tribes on Sinai's height in ancient times you gave the law | in cloud, and majesty, and awe. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel | shall come to you, O Israel.

LESSON

Exodus 6:2-7a read by David Miller

I will wait for the Lord, | and I will hope in God who saves us.

CAROL

Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus

Mark A. Miller J.O.Y. Choir

Come, thou long-expected Jesus, born to set thy people free; | from our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in thee. | Israel’s strength and consolation, hope of all the earth thou art, | dear desire of ev’ry nation, joy of ev’ry longing heart.

Born to save, born to heal, come, O Savior, come. | While we wait, while we pray, come, Savior, come. | Hope of all heaven and earth, come, Jesus, come.

Born thy people to deliver, born a child and yet a King, | born to reign in us forever, now thy gracious kingdom bring. | By thine own eternal Spirit rule in all our heart alone, | by thine all-sufficient merit raise us to thy glorious throne.

O Root of Jesse

ANTIPHON

O Root of Jesse, tarry not; o’er all your people your banner waves. All rulers and nations worship you: Heal the nations.

All sing

O come, O Branch of Jesse, free | your own from Satan's tyranny; from depths of hell your people save, | and give them vict'ry o'er the grave.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel | shall come to you, O Israel.

LESSON

Isaiah 11:1-10 Matthew Spady

I will wait for the Lord, | and I will hope in God who saves us.

Standing CAROL

Now the Heavens Start to Whisper

O Key of David Seated ANTIPHON

O Key of David, sign of might, you tear down bars that hold us fast. Deliver the captives and free us from death: Burst our prison.

All sing

O come, O Key of David, come, | and open wide our heav'nly home; make safe the way that leads on high, | and close the path to misery. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel | shall come to you, O Israel.

LESSON

Isaiah 42:5-9 read by Charlotte Spady

I will wait for the Lord, | and I will hope in God who saves us.

CAROL Prepare Thyself, Zion J. S. Bach Seraphim Choir and Alan Boda, violin arr. Michael Burkhardt

Prepare thyself, Zion, with tender affection, the purest, the fairest, this day to receive.

O Dayspring

ANTIPHON

O Morning Star of righteousness, your light shines brightly in the night. Dispel our shadows and bring us light: Illumine our darkness.

All sing

O come, O Dayspring, come and cheer; | O Sun of justice, now draw near. Disperse the gloomy clouds of night, | and death's dark shadow put to flight. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel | shall come to you, O Israel.

LESSON

Luke 1:68-79 read by David Miller

I will wait for the Lord, | and I will hope in God who saves us.

CAROL

ANTHEM

As the Dark Awaits the Dawn Carl F. Schalk The Redeemer Choir

As the Dark Awaits the Dawn Carl Schalk

As the dark awaits the dawn, | so we await your light. | O Star of promise, scatter night, | loving bright, loving bright, | till shades of fear are gone.

As the blue expectant hour | before the silv'ring skies, | we long to see your day arise, | whole and wise, whole and wise, | unto your holy dawn.

As the moon reflects the sun | until the night's decrease, | may we your healing light release, | living peace, living peace, | unto your holy dawn.

Shine your future on this place, | enlighten ev'ry guest, | that through us stream your holiness, | bright and blest, bright and blest; | come dawn, O Sun of grace.

O King of the Nations

ANTIPHON

O Ruler of the nations, Desire and longing for wholeness, come. We are your creatures, you formed us of earth: Save your people.

All sing

O come, O King of nations, come, | O Cornerstone that binds in one: refresh the hearts that long for you; | restore the broken, make us new. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel | shall come to you, O Israel.

LESSON

Isaiah 35:4-7a read by Lars Peterson

I will wait for the Lord, | and I will hope in God who saves us.

CAROL Children, Get Ready!

Lynn Shaw Bailey

The Seraphim choir and Becki Slagle Mayo

Children, get ready, for the King is coming. Coming in glory! Coming to reign! Coming to save! | The King is coming. He will make things right. | It may be tomorrow. It may be tonight. | The King is coming from God’s throne above to bring us peace and endless love. | He’s our Messiah, our coming Prince of Peace. | He’s our Emmanuel. His kingdoms will not cease. | He’ll be our Savior. He’ll be our Lord and King. Our God is with us, and that is why we sing.

O Emmanuel

ANTIPHON

O God in our midst, Emmanuel, in you our salvation comes to earth. Come, rule our lives and make us whole: Come and save us.

All sing O come, O come, Emmanuel, | and ransom captive Israel, that mourns in lonely exile here | until the Son of God appear. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel | shall come to you, O Israel.

LESSON Isaiah 7:14 read by Fiona Peterson

I will wait for the Lord, | and I will hope in God who saves us.

CAROL Prepare!

J.O.Y. Choir

Allen Pote

Prepare ye the way of the Lord. For God has chosen to come to earth, joining the human race. | Born a child in holy birth, taking a human face. His name shall be Emmanuel, the baby born in the night. | God will be revealed in us. Piercing the darkness with light.

RESPONSIVE PRAYER

Our world stumbles blindly toward chaos come, source of wisdom, and reveal yourself to us. What we imagine to be strength is really weakness come, mighty Lord, and fill us with your true strength. We long for a standard to look up to come, Root of Jesse, claim us as your own. We languish in prisons of mind and spirit come, Key of David, and set us free. The darkness grows thick around us come, Light of light, and dawn upon us. We are scattered, lacking a sure leader

come, Prince of peace, and lead us.

We need to know that God is with us come, Emmanuel, and dwell in our hearts. Amen.

WELCOMING NEW MEMBERS TO THE CONGREGATION

People of God, do you promise to support and pray for these new members in their life in Christ? We do, and we ask God to help and guide us.

In this promise I ask you, do you believe in God the Father?

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

Do you believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son?

I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of thevirgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead.

On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right ha nd of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead.

Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?

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

Let us welcome our siblings in Christ to this community of faith. We rejoice with you in the life of baptism. Together we will give thanks and praise to God and proclaim the good news to all the world.

Let us pray. We give you thanks, O God, for our new members, whom you have drawn to ourself by the love of Jesus Christ and whom we have welcomed into this household of faith. Keep us close together in your Spirit, in the breaking of bread and the prayers, and in service to others. May we together grow faithfully and serve boldly. | Amen.

THANKSGIVING

Seated

GATHERING OF GIFTS

OFFERING

Standing OFFERTORY HYMN

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel arr. Sarah Hawbecker The Redeemer Ringers

OFFERING PRAYER

Creator God, you made the whole world, even the farthest stars, and you draw near to feed us. We praise you for these gifts of bread and wine. Strengthen us with this food that we may live in expectation for the advent of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. | Amen

GREAT THANKSGIVING

The Lord be with you. | And also with you. Lift up your hearts! | We lift them to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. | It is right to give our thanks and praise.

It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God, through our Savior Jesus Christ. You comforted your people with the promise of the Redeemer, through whom you will also make all things new in the day when he comes to judge the world in righteousness. And so, with all the choirs of angels, with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:

We praise you, living and loving God, that you have sent your Son to this world. Christ is your Wisdom, sweetly ordering all creation, our Lawgiver, burning with justice, the Branch from Jesse’s tree, sprouting flowers from old roots, the Key of David, opening our prison doors.

And let the people cry, O come and save us: O come and save us.

We praise you, serving and saving God, that you send your Son also to this table, who on the night before he died took bread, and gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying:

Take and eat; this is my body, given for you.

Do this for the remembrance of me.

Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it for all to drink, saying: This cup is the new covenant in my blood, shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin.

Do this for the remembrance of me.

And let the people cry, O come and save us: O come and save us.

We beg you, mighty and merciful God: send us the Spirit of your Son.

Dwell in this food and in all who share it, that the earth may rejoice in your presence. In Christ, the dawn from on high, enlighten your people, reign as Sovereign to unite all, and live among us, Emmanuel, our deepest desire now and forever.

And let the people cry, O come and save us: O come and save us.

Even so, come, Lord Jesus, with your Father and your Spirit, to the church, and receive our praises, now and forever. Amen.

Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray…

LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.

INVITATION TO COMMUNION

God feeds us with tender mercy. Come to the table.

Seated

All who seek to meet the Risen Christ in the bread and wine are welcome to the feast.

Those who are worshiping online can join the pastors on Zoom for communion following the postlude. Link

HYMN 253 He Came Down

HYMN 266 All Earth is Hopeful

Standing

The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace. | Amen

Let us pray. | Generous God, we thank you for the gift of life, for the bread of salvation. We thank you for coming among us, for leading us into peace. We thank you for showering us with mercy, for sending us into the world. Come, Lord Jesus, and go with us as we feed the hungry in your name.

SENDING

God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world.

BLESSING

God of endings and beginnings, God in the darkness and the light, God, our hope for the journey, ☩ bless and keep you now and forever.| Amen.

HYMN 726

Light Dawns on a Weary World

Seated

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING

SENDING

Go in peace. Prepare the way for Emmanuel.| Thanks be to God.

POSTLUDE

Toccata on 'Veni Emmanuel' Andrew Carter

(born 1939)

LAST WEEK AT REDEEMER Attendance for December 8: In person: 200, Online 129 NEXT WEEK AT REDEEMER Fourth Sunday of Advent

Official Notice of CONGREGATIONAL MEETING:

December 15 following 9:00 am and 11:00 am worship services with an online option at 10:15 am, Zoom link provided in the Saturday update announcement. The purpose of the meeting is the approval of the 2025 Proposed Budget.

Advent Lessons and Carols

The 11:00 am service today will be a service of Advent Lessons and Carols led by Redeemer’s children, youth, and adult choirs. Forming the structure for the service are the “O Antiphons,” ancient sung refrains which eventually became the beloved Advent hymn “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.” There will not be a sermon, but there will be Holy Communion. Join us in this beautiful service in which we hear hope proclaimed through scripture and music.

Blue Christmas | Wednesday, December 18

"Service of Lament, Hope, and Healing" | 6 pm | Sanctuary

In a season of great cheer, come before God as you are: raw, lonely, sad, angry, whatever you're feeling come. Come and draw near to God and the hope we have in Jesus.

Kringle sales are officially done! We’re so incredibly grateful for the generous display of support we received and are looking forward to delivering the 192 Kringles you all ordered on Dec. 8 and Dec. 15! If you missed out, we did order a couple extra that can be purchased day-of, while supplies last.

Created to Be...Generous

We are asking every family to return their pledge of support to Redeemer’s ministries through our website, email, or by returning your pledge card in the mail or in-person.

Stewardship packets are available at the Welcome Desk in the Sims Atrium.

CHILDREN & FAMILY

Family Christmas Eve Service

At 3:00 pm on Christmas Eve we will hold our annual Family Christmas Eve service! We love to have our kids help out and lead this special service for their friends, families, and our visitors. Please fill out this short form to express interest if you would like to help. Deacon Mary will then work with you to find the right role for your child (you can also work as a team if your child needs help with the role).

YOUTH

Confirmation at 9:45 AM | Fireside for 6-7th graders | 2nd floor office for 8th graders

For more information, please contact Pastor Jonathan.

YOUNG ADULTS

Join us for lunch after the 11:00 service for our monthly lunch today! (Location TBD, will be within walking distance)

We’re having a winter bonfire Jan. 9 at 7:00 for a time of fellowship, recovery from the holidays, and looking forward into the new year! Invite friends or come make new ones! For location, contact Nate (nhumpherys@redeemer.org).

GERMAN CHURCH

Mindfulness in a mind blowing time. Every advent Sunday, the German Church will offer American German friendship gatherings where we will practice mindfulness with each other through deep breathing and meditation. Americans and Germans are invited to gather at 10 AM until 10:45 AM in the small chapel at redeemer Lutheran Church the meditations will be in English so that everyone will be included. Please join us and bring your friends. Practicing friendship, breathing and mindfulness has proven to be one of the most effective remedies to stress. And we are living in stressful times- there is no question!

FAITH FORMATION

“The Difficult Words of Jesus” – Meanings and Contexts – through Dec. 22

Led by Ed Scherlacher with Don Noland | Sundays 10 AM | Room 121

Inspired by Amy-Jill Levine’s book “The Difficult Words of Jesus,” this class will review sayings of Jesus that have been misinterpreted and used to marginalize “others” in history.

Be Still and Journey, Open to anyone interested

Led by Pat Cornwell | Sundays 10 AM | Room 119

“Light from Afar” An Advent Devotional From Around the World.

Tuesday Morning Bible Study

Led by David Ott & Don Noland | Tuesdays | 7 AM | Reception Room and Zoom

Currently studying 1st & 2nd Samuel. A full breakfast is served from 7 am.

Book Study with Pastor Jonathan Tuesdays | 5 PM

Join Pr Jonathan on Zoom as the group discusses “Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer Reading is always encouraged but not required, your presence is enough!

Early Bird Bible Study led by David Ott Wednesdays | 4 PM | Reception room | Study on 1 and 2 Chronicles

Pastor’s Class led by Pastor Mark Wednesdays | 6 PM | In-person and online

“Seeing Salvation” The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus has shaped Western art for nearly two thousand years. Not only were they beautiful to look at, these images reflected and shaped the faith of both artist and viewer. Join us as we trace the life of Christ in image and art and discover how the greatest story ever told also became the framework for some of the greatest art ever seen.

For the Girls of Wellspring Living: Sunday, December 15 is the final day for the Angel Tree!

December 15 is the last day to contribute to the Angel Tree for the girls of Wellspring Living –children (ages 12 – 17) who have been trafficked and who are on a path of restoration. Our

collected gift cards will be used for the girls’ school and craft supplies, meals, clothing, special outings, or for stocking the boutique where the girls can “shop” for special items as rewards for scholastic achievement. Thank you for your participation! We will report the final total in upcoming weeks! Questions? Contact Charissa Schultz or Amy Carpenter via Realm.

Inspiritus Hope Tree

Each year, Inspiritus resettles a significant number of refugees as they begin their journey from surviving to thriving, and our Hope Tree campaign is the opportunity for us to give the gift of warmth to refugee and immigrant families. Our goal is to provide each of the 600+ clients we resettled this year with a warm coat for the winter, and this is made possible by the generosity of those who donate coats and monetary gifts to purchase coats. If you would like to donate a coat, you can do so in the Sims Atrium. If you would like to donate so we can purchase coats, you can do so online at www.weinspirit.org/give-financially (Select Hope Tree from the drop down)

Each year, we are humbled and grateful to bring smiles to the faces of those who have faced significant challenges in adjusting to their new lives.

Goshen

Valley Giving Tree | November 24 - December 15

Help us create a Merry Christmas for the foster boys and girls living under Goshen Valley's care!

You can donate items in two ways:

• donate gifts using the Amazon list, which will ship items directly to Goshen Valley. Click on the link in Redeemer weekly emails or scan the QR code here.

• donate household items using tags on the giving tree in Sims Atrium, and bring the items to church with you.

This drive is hosted by the Children and Family Ministries Team. Speak to Dn. Mary with questions.

CHRISTMAS EVE SCHEDULE

11:00 am German Church Atlanta Service

Traditional worship in the German language with Holy Communion.

1:00 pm Worship

Worship includes traditional carols with Holy Communion.

3:00 pm Family and Children’s Service

A Christmas message with lessons and carols for children with Holy Communion.

*6:00 pm Jazz Service

Worship begins with the prelude featuring the Redeemer Jazz Trio with Holy Communion.

*8:00 and *11:00 pm Christmas Services

The celebration begins with a musical prelude of instrumental and choir music. Services include traditional carols with Holy Communion.

*Prelude begins 30 minutes prior to service.

Sunday, December 29: One service at 10 am

Calendar for December 15 – December 21, 2024

Visit https://www.redeemer.org/blog/this-week/ for Zoom Links

Sunday, December 15, 2024

Event Time Location

Worship

J.O.Y. choir

Confirmation

High School

Rejoicing Spirits

Pr. Jonathan Class

Difficult Words of Jesus Be Still & Journey

St. Lucia Celebration

Monday, December 16

Carillon Ringers

Tuesday, December 17

Morning Bible Study

Pr. Jonathan Book Study Council

Wednesday, December 18

Early Birds Bible Study

Wednesday Night Dinner Pastors Class

Blue Christmas Worship

Thursday, December 19

Keystone Cookie Decorating Tolkien Group

Friday, December 20

Saturday, December 21

9:00 AM (Jazz) 11:00 AM Organ & Choir

9:00 AM – 9:30 AM

9:45 AM – 10:50 AM 9:45 AM – 10:45 AM 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM 6:00 PM

In-person/ On-Line

Room 211

Fireside & 2nd floor office

Youth Lounge

Rudisill Hall

Conference Room Room 121

Room 119 Sanctuary

7:00 PM – 8:30 PM Hinely Music Hall

7:30 AM – 8:30 AM

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

5:00 PM – 6:30 PM

6:00 PM -7:00 PM 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM

1:00 PM – 3:00 PM 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM

Reception Room Zoom Rudisill

Reception/Zoom

Sims Atrium Rudisill Hall/ Zoom Sanctuary/Online

Zittrouer Hall Zoom

THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER

731 Peachtree Street, NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30308 www.redeemer.org | 404.874.8664 | Emergency Line: 404.874.9759

The Rev. Mark H. Larson Senior Pastor, ext. 201

The Rev. Dr. Jonathan Trapp Pastor for Faith Formation, ext. 233

STAFF

Seth Brown Facilities and Media Director, ext. 218

Brandon Davis Director of Operations and Finance, ext. 232

Robin Durdin Office Administration Director, ext. 204

David Hansen Adult Choral Director, ext. 236

Sarah Hawbecker........................................... Organist & Children’s Music Director, ext. 206

Deacon Mary Houck .................................... Children & Family Ministries Director, ext. 227

Nate Humpherys ..................................................................................Youth Director, ext. 230

Larry Lowe ....................................................................................................... Security Officer

Stacey Williams ............................................................................................... Head of Security