St Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church
313 4th St, Manistee, MI 49660-2901
Kieth Bernard Kuschel, pastor
Pastor’s cell phone 262-765-2328
website: stpaulsmanistee.com
facebook.com/SPLCManistee
December 12, 2021 Advent 3 -Rejoice
Prayer Before Worship – Lord, it’s hard to avoid getting caught up in the rejoicing that is going on at this time of the year. Thanks
Hymn 11
Morning Praise, front of hymnal, page 45
Old Testament Lesson: Zephaniah 3:14-17
Our sinfulness may cause us to fear the Lord’s coming, but we rejoice because the Lord our God is with us (Zion, Israel, Jerusalem)to save us. 14 Sing, Daughter Zion; shout aloud, Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, Daughter Jerusalem! 15 The Lord has taken away your punishment, he has turned back your enemy. The Lord, the King of Israel, is with you; never again will you fear any harm.16 On that day they will say to Jerusalem, “Do not fear, Zion; do not let your hands hang limp. 17 The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” .
Hymn 702
Epistle: Philippians 4:4-7
Even though Paul was in prison & had endured many hardships, he could still rejoice & give us the encouragement to do the same. Since God’s forgiveness is constant, our rejoicing will also be constant
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Verse: Alleluia! I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will
prepare your way before you. (Mt 11:10). Alleluia!. (Sing) Alleluia
Gospel: Luke 3:7-18
Judgment is coming. Those who refuse to repent & continue to hold on to their sinful lives will be cut down. But those who repent rejoice in God’s good news of forgiveness. This joy will show itself in lives filled
with good works
7 John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8 Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. 9 The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” 10 “What should we do then?” the crowd asked. 11 John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.” 12 Even tax collectors came to be baptized. “Teacher,” they asked, “what should we do?” 13 “Don’t collect any more than you are required to,” he told them. 14 Then some soldiers asked him, “And what should we do?” He replied, “Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.” 15 The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Messiah. 16 John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 17 His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” 18 And with many other words John exhorted the people and proclaimed the good news to them.
Hymn 9
Sermon Text: Psalm 14:7 (1-7)
1 The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good. 2 The Lord looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. 3 All have turned away, all have become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one. 4 Do all these evildoers know nothing? They devour my people as though eating bread; they never call on the Lord.5 But there they are, overwhelmed with dread, for God is present in the company of the righteous. 6 You evildoers frustrate the plans of the poor, but the Lord is their refuge. 7 Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When the Lord restores his people, let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad!
Theme: Advent Restoration 1. Captivity of Sin
2. Coming of Salvation
3. Joys of the Saints
LORD Jesus, in spite of terrible things done by wicked people in this world, thank You for giving me the joy and gladness of knowing that I am restored to membership in Your family because You came into my world to give me salvation.
Hymn 5
Thankoffering
Continue page 50 front of hymnal
Prayer: Hear our prayers, Lord Jesus Christ,/ & come with the good news of Your mighty deliverance. Drive the darkness from our hearts,/ & fill us with Your light; for You live & reign with the Father & the Holy Spirit,/ one God, now & forever.
Special prayers
Continue page 50 front of hymnal
Hymn 14