December 24, 2023

Fourth Sunday in Advent

LBW Setting II Green Hymnal
All are welcome to receive the Lord’s Body and Blood who are baptized in the
name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and believe that Jesus
Christ, crucified and risen, is truly present in, with and under the forms of bread
and wine for the forgiveness of sins, life and salvation.

* Indicates, for those who are able, please stand

Prelude
Announcements
GATHERING

The brief order of Confession and Absolution LBW p.77

P: In the Name of the Father, and of the + Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

P: Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and
from whom no secrets are hid: cleanse the thought of our hearts by the inspira-
tion of Your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love You and worthily magnify
Your holy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

P: 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.

Silence for reflection and self-examination.

P: Most merciful God,

C: We confess that we are in bondage 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.

P: Almighty God, in his mercy, has given his Son to die for us and, for his
sake, 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.
Hymn “Savior of the Nations, Come” LBW 28
Lighting of the Advent Wreath

L: The angel said to Joseph, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for
the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.”

C: Come O come Emmanuel, bring joy to our hearts and shatter the
darkness of our lives.
L: “She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his
people from their sins.”
C: Come O come Emmanuel, bring joy to our hearts and shatter the
darkness of our lives.
L: Show us the light of your countenance and we will be saved.
C: Come O come Emmanuel, bring joy to our hearts and shatter the
darkness of our lives.

L: A reading from 9th Chapter of the Prophet Isaiah:

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who
lived in a land of deep darkness, on them light has shined. For a child has
been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he
is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of
Peace. Here ends the reading.

L: We praise you, O God, for this wheel of time that marks our days of prepa-
ration for Christ’s advent. As we light the candles of this wreath, open our
eyes to see your presence in the lowly ones of this earth. Enlighten us with
your grace, that we may sing of your advent among us in the Word made
flesh. Grant this through Christ our Lord, whose coming is certain and whose
day draws near. Amen.

L: We light the fourth candle. The fourth candle is the Angel Candle. It sym-
bolizes the final coming of the Lord. Christ will claim his own to reign with
Apostolic Greeting LBW p. 78
P: 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.

Kyrie LBW p. 78-79

The Prayer of the Day

P: Let us pray…
Stir up Your power, O Lord, and come. Take away the hindrance of our sins
and make us ready for the celebration of Your birth, that we may receive You
in joy and serve You always, for You live and reign with the Father and the
Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

First Lesson: 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16

The first lesson is from the 7th chapter of 2nd Samuel

Now when the king lived in his house and the Lord had given him rest from
all his surrounding enemies, 2 the king said to Nathan the prophet, “See now, I
dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells in a tent.” 3 And Nathan
said to the king, “Go, do all that is in your heart, for the Lord is with you.”
4
But that same night the word of the Lord came to Nathan, 5 “Go and tell my
servant David, ‘Thus says the Lord: Would you build me a house to dwell
in? 6 I have not lived in a house since the day I brought up the people of Israel
from Egypt to this day, but I have been moving about in a tent for my dwell-
ing. 7 In all places where I have moved with all the people of Israel, did I speak
a word with any of the judges of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd my
people Israel, saying, “Why have you not built me a house of cedar?”’ 8 Now,
therefore, thus you shall say to my servant David, ‘Thus says the Lord of
hosts, I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep, that you should
be prince over my people Israel. 9 And I have been with you wherever you
went and have cut off all your enemies from before you. And I will make for
you a great name, like the name of the great ones of the earth. 10 And I will ap-
point a place for my people Israel and will plant them, so that they may dwell
in their own place and be disturbed no more. And violent men shall afflict them
no more, as formerly, 11 from the time that I appointed judges over my people
Israel. And I will give you rest from all your enemies. Moreover,
the Lord declares to you that the Lord will make you a house.
16
And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before
me. Your throne shall be established forever.’”

L The Word of the Lord C Thanks be to God

RESPONSIVE PSALM: Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26
1
Your love, O LORD, forever will I sing;
from age to age my mouth will proclaim your faithfulness.
2
For I am persuaded that your love is established forever;
you have set your faithfulness firmly in the heavens.
3
"I have made a covenant with my chosen one;
I have sworn an oath to David my servant:
4
'I will establish your line forever,
and preserve your throne for all generations.'"
19
You spoke once in a vision and said to your faithful people:
"I have set the crown upon a warrior and have exalted
one chosen out of the people.
20
I have found David my servant;
with my holy oil have I anointed him.
21
My hand will hold him fast
and my arm will make him strong.
22
No enemy shall deceive him,
nor any wicked man bring him down.
23
I will crush his foes before him
and strike down those who hate him.
24
My faithfulness and love shall be with him,
and he shall be victorious through my name.
25
I shall make his dominion extend
from the great sea to the river.
26
He will say to me, 'You are my Father,
my God, and the rock of my salvation.

SECOND LESSON: Romans 16:25-27

The second lesson is from the 16th chapter of Romans

25
Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the
preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was
kept secret for long ages 26 but has now been disclosed and through the pro-
phetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the com-
mand of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— 27 to the only
wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.

L The Word of the Lord C Thanks be to God

Stand
Gospel Acclamation “Alleluia. Lord, to whom…” LBW p. 83

The Holy Gospel according to St. Luke the 1st chapter:

The Gospel Luke 1:26-38

26
In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee
named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of
the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. 28 And he came to her
and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” 29 But she was
greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this
might be. 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have
found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and
bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be
called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne
of his father David, 33 and he will reign ,over the house of Jacob forever, and of
his kingdom there will be no end.”
34
And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”
35
And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the
power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be
born will be called holy—the Son of God. 36 And behold, your relative Eliza-
beth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with
her who was called barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with
God.” 38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me
according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

The Gospel of the Lord

Sit

The Children’s Sermon

The Sermon

Stand
Hymn of the Day “My Soul Proclaims Your Greatness” WOV 730
Nicene Creed

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten
of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, be-
gotten, not made, of one Being with the Father. Through him all things were
made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven; by the power
of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the virgin Mary, and was made
man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death
and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scrip-
tures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom
will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from
the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glo-
rified. He has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic
and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one Baptism for the forgiveness of
sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to
come. Amen.

The Prayers of the Church

Let us pray for the whole people of God in Christ Jesus, and for all peo-

ple according to their needs.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Into your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting
in your mercy; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Peace is shared

The peace of the Lord be with you always
And also with you.
The Offertory LBW p. 86

Offertory Prayer LBW p. 88

A: Merciful Father,

C: We offer with joy and thanksgiving what you have first given us – our-
selves, our time, and our possessions, signs of your gracious love. Receive them
for the sake of him who offered himself for us, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Great Thanksgiving LBW p. 88

Sanctus LBW p. 89

Words of Institution

P: With a living as He comes to us in His holy supper….

C: Amen. Come, Lord Jesus

Lord Remember us in your Kingdom and teach us to pray.

Our Father,
who art in heaven,
hollowed 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

L: Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who takes away the sin of the
world. Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb.

C: Lord, I am not worthy to receive you but only say the word and I shall be
healed.

Agnus Dei LBW p. 92

Distribution of Holy Communion

Post Communion Blessing

The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you

in his grace.

Amen
Post Communion Canticle “Lord, now you let…”
Post Communion Prayer LBW p. 94
A: We give you thanks, almighty God, that you have refreshed us through the
healing power of this gift of life; and we pray that in your mercy you would
strengthen us, through this gift, in faith toward you and in fervent love toward
one another; for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Benediction LBW p. 95

Sending Hymn “Hark, the Glad Sound!” LBW 35
The Dismissal LBW p. 95
Go in peace and serve the Lord. Thanks be to God.

This Week’s Church Calendar: December 24th-December 31st

Today 12/24 4:30 PM Christmas Eve Service
Monday 12/25 Merry Christmas!

Sunday 12/31 8:30 AM Worship Service

9:45 AM Sunday School

Prayer List: Irene Brosius, Bob Bullers, Earl Cravener, Jerry Elgin, Blaine Fair,
Dan Hussion, Gail Kinnard, Logan Kline, Rob Moore, Dave Schall, Dorothy
Sipe, Nancy Stewart, Dana Waterson

Family and friends of our church (Stays on the prayer list for two weeks)*:
Alex Bealles, Diann Flick, Pam Flickenger, Pat Fiorina, Brenda Geidel, Judy
Harringer, John Heilbling, Dave Hipchen, Eli Kinnard, Maggie Kinnard, Judd
McCullough, Adam McGinnis, Tim Reedy, Bob Reeseman, Linda Rice, Kevin
Rupert, Tim Sedgwick, Peter Sipe, Michelle Vinesky, Arlene Wingard,, Dawn
Zellefrow

Shut-ins & Homebound: Irene Brosius

In Care Facilities: : Earl Cravener, Indian Haven,1675 Saltsburg Ave., Indiana,

PA 15701. Virginia Heckman, Quality of Life Services, 109 Personal Care Lane,
Worthington, Pa 16262

*Please note all family and friend prayer requests stay on for two weeks and then
are removed and must be resubmitted if needed.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

If You are in Need of Pastor Matthew: Please call/text 724-954-9334. The

parsonage phone number is 724-793-7980.

Loose Offering: The loose offering is designated to the Current Fund.

Bulletin Deadline: Please have all bulletin info and announcements submit-
ted by Wednesday at 12 PM.
Pastor Matthew’s Schedule: Pastor Matthew’s schedule is as follows:
Tuesday: 9:30 am-12:30 pm @ St. Mark’s
Wednesday: 9:30 am-12:30 pm @ Christ Rupp
Thursday: 1:00pm-5:00pm @ Christ Rupp
Friday: 2:00 pm-6:00 pm @ St. Mark’s/Parsonage
Be aware that he may be called out on an emergency, so please call before
you come. If at all possible please call for an appointment.

Bible Study: will be cancelled the rest of the year and will resume on Thursday,
January 4, 2024 at 1:00 P.M.

Adult Sunday School: The Adult Sunday School Class will be meeting in the
upstairs Sunday School Room at 9:45 A.M. We are studying Disciples of the
Cross, Part 2: What We Do.

Primary Sunday School Classes: The Sunday School classes downstairs have
resumed meeting. Why not join them?

Today’s Reader: Pastor Matthew, Morgan, and Hannah Vatalare

Happy Birthday: James Buck, Jr. (24th), Bradley Reddinger (25th), Tammy Ki-
jowski (27th), Nolan Heilman (28th-)

Advent Envelope: The special Advent Envelope this year has been designated
for the Needy Fund. If you didn’t get an envelope, you will find them on the
back table. Please give generously.

Installation of Council Persons: All Council people for 2024 will be installed
on Sunday, December 31st during the worship service.

2024 Newsletter Sponsors: The 2024 newsletter sponsor form is now on the back
table. Please sign up for your special month.

Attention Thrivent Members: It is time to designate your Choice Dollars for

2023 . This is free money from Thrivent. All you have to do is call 1-800-847-
4836 and say “Thrivent Choice” or go to Thrivent.com/thriventchoice. Please
designate your money to Christ Rupp Lutheran Church and the money will be put
in the Capital Improvement Fund for our next project. Thank you.

Offering Envelopes for 2024 can be found on the back table today. If you would
like envelopes and cannot find yours, please see Peggy Bowser.

Inclement Weather Notice: If the weather affects any calendar event or worship
service, notices will be posted on WPXI, Channel 11 and KDKA, Channel 2 on
their on-screen announcements and website notifications. It will read: Christ
Rupp Lutheran Church, Kittanning Township.

Our Christmas Eve Service will be held at 4:30 P.M. today. Please join us.