3rd Sunday in Advent (Gaudete) ~ 2025

 

Today's Service Leader Rev. Brett Cornelius, Pastor, Holy Cross Lutheran Church

 

 

Today's liturgy is the Divine Service, Setting One, LSB pages 151ff.

 

349 Hark the Glad Sound

Text: Philip Doddridge, 1702–51
Tune: Thomas Haweis, 1734–1820
Text and tune: Public domain

 

Stand

 

The sign of the cross may be made by all in remembrance of their Baptism.

 

Invocation

P In the name of the Father and of the T Son and of the Holy Spirit.

C Amen.

 

Exhortation LSB 151

P If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

C But if we confess our sins, God, who is faithful and just, will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

 

Kneel/Stand

 

Silence for reflection on God’s Word and for self-examination.

 

Confession of Sins LSB 151

P Let us then confess our sins to God our Father.

C Most merciful God, we confess that we are by nature sinful and unclean. 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. We justly deserve Your present and eternal punishment. 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.

 

Absolution LSB 151

P Almighty God in His mercy has given His Son to die for you and for His sake forgives you all your sins. As a called and ordained servant of Christ, and by His authority, I therefore forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the T Son and of the Holy Spirit.

C Amen.

 

Stand

 

Introit Psalm 85:1–2, 6, 8; antiphon: Philippians 4:4–5

Rejoice in the Lord | always;*
again I will | say, Rejoice.
Let your reasonableness be known to | everyone.*
The Lord | is at hand.
Lord, you were favorable | to your land;*
you restored the fortunes of | Jacob.
You forgave the iniquity of your | people;*
you covered | all their sin.
Will you not revive | us again,*
that your people may re- | joice in you?
Let me hear what God the | Lord will speak,*
for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints; but let them not turn back to | folly.
Glory be to the Father and | to the Son*
and to the Holy | Spirit;
as it was in the be- | ginning,*
is now, and will be forever. | Amen.
Rejoice in the Lord | always;*
again I will | say, Rejoice.
Let your reasonableness be known to | everyone.*
The Lord | is at hand.

 

Kyrie LSB 152

A In peace let us pray to the Lord. 

A For the peace from above and for our salvation let us pray to the Lord.

A 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.

A For this holy house and for all who offer here their worship and praise let us pray to the Lord.

A Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord.

 

Salutation and Collect of the Day

P The Lord be with you.

P Let us pray.

Lord Jesus Christ, we implore You to hear our prayers and to lighten the darkness of our hearts by Your gracious visitation; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

 

Sit

 

Old Testament Reading Isaiah 40:1–11

¹Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.
²Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,
and cry to her
that her warfare is ended,
that her iniquity is pardoned,
that she has received from the Lord’s hand
double for all her sins.
³A voice cries:
“In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord;
make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
⁴Every valley shall be lifted up,
and every mountain and hill be made low;
the uneven ground shall become level,
and the rough places a plain.
⁵And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed,
and all flesh shall see it together,
for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”

⁶A voice says, “Cry!”
And I said, “What shall I cry?”
All flesh is grass,
and all its beauty is like the flower of the field.
⁷The grass withers, the flower fades
when the breath of the Lord blows on it;
surely the people are grass.
⁸The grass withers, the flower fades,
but the word of our God will stand forever.

⁹Get you up to a high mountain,
O Zion, herald of good news;
lift up your voice with strength,
O Jerusalem, herald of good news;
lift it up, fear not;
say to the cities of Judah,
“Behold your God!”
¹⁰Behold, the Lord God comes with might,
and his arm rules for him;
behold, his reward is with him,
and his recompense before him.
¹¹He will tend his flock like a shepherd;
he will gather the lambs in his arms;
he will carry them in his bosom,
and gently lead those that are with young.

A This is the Word of the Lord.

C Thanks be to God.

 

Gradual Psalm 80:1–2

You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, | shine forth.*
Stir up your might and come to | save us!
Give ear, O Shepherd of | Israel,*
you who lead Joseph | like a flock!

 

Epistle 1 Corinthians 4:1–5

¹This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. ²Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy. ³But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. ⁴I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. ⁵Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God.

A This is the Word of the Lord.

C Thanks be to God.

 

Stand

 

Alleluia and Verse LSB 156

 

Holy Gospel Matthew 11:2–11

P The Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, the eleventh chapter.

²When John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples ³and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” ⁴And Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: ⁵the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. ⁶And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”

⁷As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? ⁸What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. ⁹What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. ¹⁰This is he of whom it is written,

“‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face,
who will prepare your way before you.’

¹¹Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”

P This is the Gospel of the Lord.

 

Sit

 

Sermon Hymn

 

345 Hark! A Thrilling Voice Is Sounding

Text: Latin, c. 5th–10th cent.; tr. Edward Caswall, 1814–78, alt.
Tune: William H. Monk, 1823–89
Text and tune: Public domain

 

Sermon ~ Rev. Brett Cornelius, Pastor

 

Stand

 

Nicene Creed

C I believe in one God,

     the Father Almighty,

     maker of heaven and earth

          and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Christ,

     the only-begotten Son of God,

     begotten of His Father before all worlds,

     God of God, Light of Light,

     very God of very God,

     begotten, not made,

     being of one substance with the Father,

     by whom all things were made;

     who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven

     and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary

     and was made man;

     and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate.

     He suffered and was buried.

     And the third day He rose again according to the Scriptures

          and ascended into heaven

     and sits at the right hand of the Father.

     And He will come again with glory to judge both the living and the dead,

     whose kingdom will have no end.

And I believe in the Holy Spirit,

     the Lord and giver of life,

     who proceeds from the Father and the Son,

     who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified,

     who spoke by the prophets.

     And I believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church,

     I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins,

     and I look for the resurrection of the dead

     and the life T of the world to come. Amen.

 

Prayer of the Church

P In peace, let us pray to the Lord:

C Lord, have mercy.

P For the Church, that she would rejoice in the glad tidings of her coming Savior and be comforted by the Good News of His perfect life and sacrificial death for her salvation, let us pray to the Lord:

C Lord, have mercy.

P For the Church, that God would give us faithful stewards of His mysteries and servants of Christ who are trustworthy to proclaim Him alone as Lord and Judge; and that the Lord would tend His flock by His Word and Spirit, that Christ’s lambs may be gathered into God’s arms and gently led to eternal life, let us pray to the Lord:

C Lord, have mercy.

P For husbands, wives, children and all Christians, that we would be eager to hear the voice of the Gospel in the forgiveness of sins and, in turn, speak the truth with our neighbors, forgiving one another as Christ has forgiven us, let us pray to the Lord:

C Lord, have mercy.

P For Congress and the justices of our nation; Donald, our president; _____________, our governor; and all others in positions of civil authority, that they may diligently administer their duties in all godly wisdom, justice, compassion and contentment for the well-being of our nation, let us pray to the Lord:

C Lord, have mercy.

P For the sick and sorrowing, [especially _____________,] that the Shepherd of Israel would give ear to their need; and for healing, courage and perseverance to all who cry out to God, that they may find comfort in His enduring Word and the certain hope of the resurrection, let us pray to the Lord:

C Lord, have mercy.

P For those that come to the Lord’s altar today, that the God of comfort would grant joy to all communicants as they eat the body and drink the blood of Christ for their forgiveness, let us pray to the Lord:

C Lord, have mercy.

P For the prophets and all faithful saints who spoke in the name of the Lord before us, let us give thanks and praise to God; and for steadfastness in faith, that we might look with hope for the revealing of Jesus Christ, our great God and Savior, on the Last Day, let us pray to the Lord:

C Lord, have mercy.

P O Lord, heavenly Father, we gratefully remember the sufferings and death of Your dear Son, Jesus Christ, for our salvation. Rejoicing in His victorious resurrection from the dead, we draw strength from His ascension before You, where He ever stands for us as our own High Priest. Gather us together from the ends of the earth to celebrate with all the faithful the marriage feast of the Lamb in His kingdom, which has no end. Graciously receive our prayers, deliver and preserve us, for to You alone we give all glory, honor and worship, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

C Amen.

 

Sit

 

Offering

 

Stand

 

Offertory LSB 159

 

Preface LSB 160

P The Lord be with you.

P Lift up your hearts.

P Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

 

Proper Preface

P It is truly good, right, and salutary that we should at all times and in all places give thanks to You, holy Lord, almighty Father, everlasting God, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, whose way John the Baptist prepared, proclaiming Him the promised Messiah, the very Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, and calling sinners to repentance that they might escape from the wrath to be revealed when He comes again in glory. Therefore with angels and archangels and with all the company of heaven we laud and magnify Your glorious name, evermore praising You and saying:

 

Sanctus LSB 161

 

Lord’s Prayer LSB 162

P Lord, remember us in Your kingdom and teach us to pray:

C 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.

 

The Words of Our Lord

P Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night when He was betrayed, took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to the disciples and said: “Take, eat; this is My T body, which is given for you. This do in remembrance of Me.”

In the same way also He took the cup after supper, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them, saying: “Drink of it, all of you; this cup is the new testament in My T blood, which is shed for you for the forgiveness of sins. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”

 

Pax Domini LSB 163

P The peace of the Lord be with you always.

 

Agnus Dei LSB 163

 

Sit

 

Distribution Hymns

 

636 Soul, Adorn Yourself with Gladness

 

5 Jesus, source of lasting pleasure,
Truest friend, and dearest treasure,
    Peace beyond all understanding,
    Joy into all life expanding:
Humbly now, I bow before You;
Love incarnate, I adore You;
    Worthily let me receive You
    And, so favored, never leave You.

 

6 Jesus, sun of life, my splendor,
Jesus, friend of friends, most tender,
    Jesus, joy of my desiring,
    Fount of life, my soul inspiring:
At Your feet I cry, my maker,
Let me be a fit partaker
    Of this blessèd food from heaven,
    For our good, Your glory, given.

 

7 Lord, by love and mercy driven,
You once left Your throne in heaven
    On the cross for me to languish
    And to die in bitter anguish,
To forego all joy and gladness
And to shed Your blood in sadness.
    By this blood redeemed and living,
    Lord, I praise You with thanksgiving.

 

8 Jesus, bread of life, I pray You,
Let me gladly here obey You.
    By Your love I am invited,
    Be Your love with love requited;
By this Supper let me measure,
Lord, how vast and deep love’s treasure.
    Through the gift of grace You give me
    As Your guest in heav’n receive me.

Text: Johann Franck, 1618–77; (sts. 1, 4–5): tr. Lutheran Book of Worship, 1978; (sts. 2–3, 6–8): tr. Catherine Winkworth, 1827–78, alt.
Tune: Johann Crüger, 1598–1662
Text (sts. 1, 4–5): © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship. Used by permission: LSB Hymn License no. 110001518
Text (sts. 2–3, 6–8) and tune: Public domain

 

820 My Soul, Now Praise Your Maker

Text: Johann Gramann, 1487–1541; tr. Catherine Winkworth, 1827–78, alt.
Tune: Concentus novi, 1540, Augsburg
Text and tune: Public domain

 

347 Comfort, Comfort Ye My People

Text: Johann Olearius, 1611–84; tr. Catherine Winkworth, 1827–78, alt.
Tune: Trente quatre Pseaumes de David, 1551, Geneva, ed. Louis Bourgeois
Text and tune: Public domain

 

Stand

 

Nunc Dimittis LSB 165

 

Post-Communion Collect

A Let us pray.

We give thanks to You, almighty God, that You have refreshed us through this salutary gift, and we implore You that of Your mercy You would strengthen us through the same in faith toward You and in fervent love toward one another; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

 

Benediction LSB 166

 

Closing Hymn

 

515 Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers

Text: Laurentius Laurenti, 1660–1722; tr. Sarah B. Findlater, 1823–1907, alt.
Tune: Swedish
Text and tune: Public domain

 

Acknowledgments

Divine Service, Setting One from Lutheran Service Book

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Created by Lutheran Service Builder © 2025 Concordia Publishing House.