Advent 4 Year 1

Color: Blue
Closest RCL Sunday(s): Advent 4A
Readings: Jesus as Immanuel Sermon text – Matthew 1:18-25 Companion text – Psalm 23:1-4
Prayer of the Day (WorkingPreacher): God of promise, you made a commitment to Joseph that you would make Jesus a savior to all. Renew your commitment with us, so that all may know the saving grace of your son, Jesus. We pray these things in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Suggested hymns based on the Sermon text:

ELW #266. All Earth Is Hopeful (Toda la tierra)
ELW #275. Angels, from the Realms of Glory
ELW #289. Angels We Have Heard on High
ELW #242. Awake! Awake, and Greet the New Morn
ELW #277/8. Away in a Manger
ELW #283. O Come, All Ye Faithful
ELW #257. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
ELW #254. Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus
ELW #259. Fling Wide the Door
ELW #268. From Heaven Above
ELW #288. Good Christian Friends, Rejoice
ELW #290. Go Tell It on the Mountain
ELW #239. Hark, the Glad Sound!
ELW #270. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
ELW #620. How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds
ELW #282. It Came upon the Midnight Clear
ELW #267. Joy to the World
ELW #279. O Little Town of Bethlehem
ELW #272. Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming
ELW #292. Love Has Come
ELW #295. Of the Father’s Love Begotten
ELW #274. On Christmas Night
ELW #269. Once in Royal David’s City
ELW #285. Peace Came to Earth
ELW #281. Silent Night, Holy Night!
ELW #293. That Boy-Child of Mary
ELW #265. The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came
ELW #300. The First Noel
ELW #342. There in God’s Garden
ELW #296. What Child Is This
WOV #638. Holy Child Within the Manger (Carol at the Manger)
Various Hymnals Emmanuel, Emmanuel
Various Hymnals Jesus, Name Above All Names
Various Hymnals The Hands That First Held Mary’s Child
Various Hymnals The name of Jesus
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship)

Suggested hymns based on the companion text(s):

ELW #629. Abide with Me
ELW #883. All People That on Earth Do Dwell
ELW #526. God Is Here!
ELW #733. Great Is Thy Faithfulness
ELW #699. In Deepest Night
ELW #325. I Want Jesus to Walk with Me
ELW #336. Lamb of God (Your Only Son)
ELW #768. Lead Me, Guide Me
ELW #782. My Shepherd, You Supply My Need
ELW #789. Savior, like a Shepherd Lead Us
ELW #780. Shepherd Me, O God
ELW #502. The King of Love My Shepherd Is
ELW #778. The Lord’s My Shepherd
ELW #785. When Peace like a River (It Is Well with My Soul)
Various Hymnals God Leads Us Along
Various Hymnals He Leadeth Me
Various Hymnals I Will Sing the Wondrous Story
Various Hymnals Surely Goodness and Mercy
(ELW=Evangelical Lutheran Worship)

Other (mostly contemporary) options based on both:

“Blessed Be Your Name” By Matt Redman, Beth Redman.
“Born That We May Have Life” By Chris Tomlin, Ed Cash, et al.
“Mighty to Save” By Ben Fielding, Reuben Morgan.
More contemporary suggestions here.

Prayers of Intercession:

(Introduction and Conclusion from Revised Common Lectionary Prayers, copyright © 2002)

We seek the mighty God in the most unlikely places as a child in a stable, and in an empty tomb. May God hear these prayers, which come from the unlikely corners of our lives.

A brief silence.

God with the church, guide us in your right paths and work through us that your will be done in this world. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

God with creation, guide us in your right paths and bless all that lives with your sustaining power. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

God with the nations, guide us in your right paths and send forth your just and peaceful spirit upon the earth. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

God with us, guide us in your right paths and stir in us all a desire for relationship and reconciliation. Lord, in your mercy,hear our prayer.

God with the suffering, guide us in your right paths and work your healing power in the lives of in need (especially,…). Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

God with this congregation, guide us in your right paths and bless our ministries that they might reflect your desires for this time and this place. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Here other intercessions may be offered.

God with the saints, guide us in your right paths and bring us all to our heavenly home. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Give us ears to hear, O God, and eyes to watch, that we may know your presence in our midst during this holy season of joy as we anticipate the coming of Jesus Christ. Amen.