THE COMING OF GOD’S LIGHT IN HUMAN FORM

OPENING HYMN

 “The First Noel”

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GATHERING

WE RESPOND TO GOD’S CALL WITH PRAISE AND PRAYER,
AND PREPARE TO HEAR GOD’S WORD OF LIFE

GREETING

Pastor:  The grace and lovingkindness of our Saviour Jesus Christ

Word made flesh,

born of the Virgin Mary,

be with you all.

People:  And also with you.

Pastor:  The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.

People:  The light shines in the darkness,

and the darkness has not overcome it.

Pastor:  Those who dwelt in the land of deep darkness,

on then light has shined.

People:  We have beheld Christ’s glory,

glory as of the only Son from the Father.

Pastor:  To us a child is born, to us a Son is given.

People:  In him was life, and the life was the light of all people.

Pastor: Blessed are you, Prince of Peace.

People: You rule the earth with truth and justice.

Pastor: Blessed are you, Son of Mary.

People: You share our humanity.

Pastor: Blessed are you, Son of God.

People: You dwell among us as the Word made flesh.

Pastor: Reveal yourself to us in word and sacrament

People: that we may bear your light to all the world.

Pastor: Jesus, the bright Morning Star, shines light in the world.

People: By day and night he shines for all to see.

Pastor: Jesus was born in the midst of injustice and poverty

People: that the world may see the justice and richness of God.

Pastor: God so loved the world that God sent Jesus,

People: so that all who believe in him may not perish but have eternal life.

Pastor: Jesus is the light of the world.

People: Jesus is the light of our lives.

Pastor: Sing to God a new song!

People: A song of hope, joy, and peace around the world.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Pastor:  The Lord be with you. 

People:  And also with you. 

Pastor: Let us pray.

People: Gracious God of heaven and earth, 

you have thrown a lifeline to us in our darkness, 

a beam of light that shines through Jesus.

Though born in a manger, he is the firstborn of all creation.  

Though crucified on a cross, he is the Lord of life.  

Fill us with the wonder and joy of his presence in the world and in our hearts. 

Shine into our hearts the light of your wisdom 

and open our minds to the knowledge of your Word, 

that in all things we may think and act according to your good will 

and may live continually in the light of your Son, Jesus Christ, 

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, 

one God, now and forever.  

Amen.

WORD

THE CHURCH HEARS THE GOOD NEWS OF GOD ACTING
IN THIS AND EVERY TIME AND PLACE

FIRST READING:  Jeremiah 31:7-14 

Thus says the Lord:

Sing aloud with gladness for Jacob, 

and raise shouts for the chief of the nations;

proclaim, give praise, and say,

“Save, O Lord, your people,

the remnant of Israel.”

See, I am going to bring them from the land of the north, 

and gather them from the farthest parts of the earth, 

among them the blind and the lame, 

those with child and those in labor, together; 

a great company, they shall return here.

With weeping they shall come, 

and with consolations I will lead them back,

I will let them walk by brooks of water, 

in a straight path in which they shall not stumble;

for I have become a father to Israel, 

and Ephraim is my firstborn.

Hear the word of the Lord, O nations, 

and declare it in the coastlands far away;

say, “He who scattered Israel will gather him, 

and will keep him as a shepherd a flock.”

For the Lord has ransomed Jacob, 

and has redeemed him from hands too strong for him.

They shall come and sing aloud on the height of Zion,

and they shall be radiant over the goodness of the Lord,

over the grain, the wine, and the oil

and over the young of the flock and the herd;

their life shall become like a watered garden,

and they shall never languish again.

Then shall the young women rejoice in the dance,

and the young men and the old shall be merry,

I will turn their mourning into joy,

I will comfort them, and give them gladness for sorrow.

I will give the priests their fill of fatness,

and my people shall be satisfied with my bounty.

Reader: This is the Word of Hope and Deliverance.

People: Thanks be to God

 “Go Tell it On The Mountain”

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SECOND READING:  Ephesians 1:3-14 

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 

who has blessed us in Christ, 

with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 

just as he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world 

to be holy and blameless before him in love.  

He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, 

according to the good pleasure of his will, 

to the praise of his glorious grace 

that he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.  

In him we have redemption through his blood, 

the forgiveness of our trespasses, 

according to the riches of his grace that he lavished on us.  

With all wisdom and insight 

he has made known to us the mystery of his will, 

according to his good pleasure that he set forth in Christ, 

as a plan for the fullness of time, 

to gather up all things in him, 

things in heaven and things on earth.  

In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance, 

having been destined according to the purpose of him 

who accomplished all things according to his counsel and will, 

so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, 

might live for the praise of his glory.  

In him you also, when you had heard the word of truth, 

the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in him, 

were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit; 

this is the pledge of our inheritance 

toward redemption as God’s own people, 

to the praise of his glory.

Reader: This is the Word of Promise.

People: Thanks be to God

“Of the Father’s Love Begotten”

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THIRD READING:  Matthew 2:1-11

In the time of King Herod, 

after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, 

wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, 

“Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews?  

For we observed his star at its rising, 

and have come to pay him homage.” 

When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, 

and all Jerusalem with him; 

and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, 

he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born.  

They told him: 

“In Bethlehem of Judea; 

for so it has been written by the prophet:  

‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, 

are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; 

for from you shall come a ruler 

who is to shepherd my people Israel.’”  

Then Herod secretly called for the wise men 

and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared.  

Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, 

“Go and search diligently for the child; 

and when you have found him, 

bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.”  

When they had heard the king, they set out; 

and there, ahead of them, 

went the star that they had seen at its rising, 

until it stopped over the place where the child was.  

When they saw that the star had stopped, 

they were overwhelmed with joy.  

On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, 

and they knelt down and paid him homage.  

Then, opening their treasure chests, 

they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 

Reader: This is the Word of joy.

People: Thanks be to God.

“We Three Kings of Orient Are”

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FOURTH READING:  John 1:1-18

In the beginning was the Word;

the Word was in God’s presence,

and the Word was God.

He was present with God in the beginning.

Through him all things came into being,

and apart from him not a thing came to be.

That which had come to be in him was life,

and this life was the light of all people.

The light shines on in the darkness,

for the darkness did not overcome it.

(There was sent by God a man named John 

who came as a witness to testify to the light 

so that through him all might believe – but only to testify to the light, 

for he himself was not the light.  

The real light which gives light to everyone 

was coming into the world!)

He was in the world,

and the world was made by him;

yet the world did not recognize him.

To his own he came;

yet his own people did not accept him.

But all those who did accept him

he empowered to become God’s children.

That is, those who believe in his name – those who were begotten, 

not by blood, nor by carnal desire, nor by human desire, 

but by God.

And the Word became flesh

and made his dwelling among us.

And we have seen his glory,

the glory of an only Son coming from the Father,

filled with enduring love.

(John testified to him proclaiming:  

“This is he of whom I said, 

“The one who comes after me ranks ahead of me, for he existed before me.’”)

And of his fullness

we have all had a share –

love in place of love.

For while the Law was a gift through Moses, 

this enduring love came through Jesus Christ.  

No one has ever seen God; 

it is God the only Son, 

ever at the Father’s side, 

who has revealed him.

Reader: Holy Wisdom.  Holy Word.

People: Thanks be to God.

SERMON

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HYMN OF THE DAY

“Love Has Come”

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TODAY IN OUR PRAYERS

Bill, Carol, Curtis, and Christine Buchkowsky, Teri Peterson, Wayne Turner, Janet Gregory, Jody Giesbrecht, Marge McMillan, Kyrie Parimi, John Beaven, Doris Turner, Hilda Anderson, Linda Wolfe, Naomi, Mary Anderson, Joan Schock, Bev Gregory, Dale Robinson, Bryan Matschke, AnnE and Joel Zimmerman, Ursula Coakwell, Evelyn Robson, Audrey Hedlin, the residents, staff, and families at LutherCare dealing with an outbreak of coronavirus, the family of Lyle Sand, the family of Marguerite Sanders (Don Sander’s sister), the family of Pastor Anne Knudsen, the family of Norm Gregory, and the family of Sophie Kobrynsky (Paul Slusar’s sister).

We remember the missing and murdered indigenous women in Canada, the people of Syria, Iraq, Iran, Ukraine, Sudan, South Sudan, Afghanistan, Turkey, Yemen, Venezuela, Somalia, Libya, Hong Kong, Belarus, the Palestinians and Israelis,  Armenia and Azerbaijan, Thailand, Nigeria, Ethiopia, the Rohingya Muslim refugees, all at the Mexico/United States border seeking refuge, the people of Haiti suffering from natural and political disasters, the people of the Bahamas suffering from hurricanes and those in Central America hit by hurricanes Eta and Iota, those in the United States, Canada, and throughout the world caught up in racism and injustice and the resulting violence and destruction of lives and property, and those throughout the world, in Canada, in our province, and in our community threatened by the coronavirus.

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE OF FAITH

 [The congregational response after each petition is:  “HEAR OUR PRAYER.”]

Pastor:  As the heavens and earth are filled with the grace and peace of God in the Word made flesh, let us place our needs and our thanksgiving before the Creator of heaven and earth , saying, “God of grace and peace,” and responding, “Hear our prayer.”

Petitioner:  God of light, we pray for your Church around the world as it gathers to worship and is sent to serve, that you would clothe us with your compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, and bind us together with your love, so that we might announce your peace and bring good news to all ends of the earth.   God of grace and peace …

Petitioner:   O God, ruler of the universe, send your holy gift of peace upon our world.  We pray for the world suffering under the darkness of violence, sin and death, that you would guide leaders and all citizens of this earth to desire and to work for the end of hostilities and to bring justice and peace to the whole creation.  Bring freedom and security to exiles, refugees, and those oppressed by harsh governments, terror, and war.  God of grace and peace …

Petitioner:  O God, provider for all creation, may every season work for your good purpose.  Enlighten people everywhere to respect and care for the gift of creation, so that seas, rivers, lakes, desert, prairie, farmland, pasture, forest, jungle, mountains, orchards, vineyards, gardens, rocks, hills, and plains, that all of heaven and nature, may sing of your presence and glory.  God of grace and peace …  

Pastor:   O God, source of all life, we pray for all who are in need of comfort, peace, hope, for whom this season is a burden, and for those who fear what the future holds for them.  We remember especially before you ….   Let your Word soothe body, mind, and spirit, and may Christ who is the Light of the world shine brightly on them.  God of grace and peace…

Petitioner:  O God of light, as you led the magi by a star, as you brought the holy family home again, guide us on the way unfolding before us.  Give birth to hope in the lives of those who find themselves lost or helpless.  Touch all who are burdened by want, loneliness, anxiety, or indecision.  Wherever we go, may our lives proclaim good news of great joy in Jesus Christ our Lord.  God of grace and peace …

Petitioner:   O God, who chose to dwell among us, we pray for our congregation, that in all decisions and actions of the New Year we might be mindful of our calling as your children through baptism.  Fill us with joyful hope and guide us to have courage amid all the changes and chances of life.  Help us learn from the past and plan for the future, shape us into a people that live and serve as those who have received the Spirit of Christ in our hearts.  God of grace and peace … 

Petitioner:   O God, guide of time and history, you have placed us in a world of space and time, and through the events of our lives you bless us with your love.  Grant that in this New Year we may know your presence, see your love at work, and live in the light of the event which gives us joy forever — the coming of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.  God of grace and peace …  

Pastor:  Receive our prayers, gracious God, and fill us with hope as we behold your presence among us in Jesus Christ our Lord.

People:  Amen.

THANKSGIVING

THE COMMUNITY PRAISES GOD FOR THE GRACIOUS GIFTS OF
 CREATION AND THE SAVING DEEDS OF JESUS CHRIST

THE GREETING AND SHARING OF PEACE

Pastor: Since we are forgiven and renewed by God’s Spirit, let us also be reconciled with one another and share the Peace of the Lord.  

The peace of Christ be with you always.

People: And also with you.

(The congregation greets one another with a gesture of peace, using these or similar words:
“Christ’s peace be with you.”)

THE OFFERING

(We worship God with the offering of our selves, our time, our talents, and our possessions.)

OFFERTORY PRAYER

Leader: Let us pray.
Good and loving God,

People: we rejoice in the birth of Jesus,

who came among the poor to bring the riches of your grace.

Bless the gifts we offer this day,

and let them be blessings for others.

With the trees of the field, with all earth and heaven,

we shout for joy at the coming of your Son.  Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

Pastor: Let us pray with confidence in the words our Saviour gave us:

People: Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come,

your will be done,

  on earth as in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins

as we forgive those

  who sin against us.

Save us from the time of trial

and deliver us from evil.

For the kingdom, the power,

and the glory are yours,

now and forever. Amen.

SENDING

ALL RECEIVE THE BLESSING OF GOD, LEAVE IN PEACE,
AND ARE SENT OUT TO SERVE

Pastor: It is you, loving God, who lights our path with truth.

People: Your word, Jesus is truth.

Pastor: In his light, draw all to the manger

People: to gather in wonder with the shepherds.

Pastor: In his light, draw all to the manger

People: to kneel in reverence with the wise ones.

Pastor: In his light, draw all to the manger

People: to sing for joy with the angels.

Pastor: In the brightness of his life

People: cast away the darkness of injustice, poverty, and hunger in the world.

Pastor: It is you, loving God, who meets us on our way.

People: In the light of Jesus, show the world the way of life.

Pastor: Praise God, from whom all blessings flow!

People: Praise God, all creatures here below!

Pastor: You are the shepherds telling the story.

People: We tell it in the streets and across the land.

Pastor: You are the wise ones worshiping with thanksgiving.

People: We worship with gifts of song and service, talents and treasures.

Pastor: You are the angels announcing peace.

People: We live with joy and go now in peace.

BENEDICTION

Pastor: May Christ, born into time to bring endless peace,

guide your days and years in righteousness

from this time onward and forevermore;

and the blessing of almighty God,

The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,

be among you and remain with you always.

People: Amen.

CLOSING HYMN  

“The Bells of Christmas ”

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

DISMISSAL

Pastor: May you be filled with the wonder of Mary,

the obedience of Joseph,

the joy of the angels,

the eagerness of the shepherds,

the determination of the magi,

and the peace of the Christ child.

Go out with joy to the world.

Serve in the name of Christ

People: Thanks be to God.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Because of the rapid rise in COVID cases throughout Saskatoon and the province at an online consultation involving all the church leaders and clergy in the Synod it was strongly recommended that congregations suspend all in person worship services through the end of January 2021.  King of Glory’s Church Council met to consider this recommendation and unanimously passed a motion that we suspend in person worship services and post online worship services on our website through January 2021.  Of course, should there be any significant changes with regard to the pandemic situation the Church Council will revisit the issue.

COMING UP AT KOG 

– Sunday, January 10, King of Glory online Worship service.

– Sunday, January 17, King of Glory online Worship service. 

– Sunday, January 24, King of Glory online Worship service. 

November, December, and Year-to-Date Budget and Contribution Report for KOG

2020 Budget:  $49,536       Monthly Budget:  $4,128     Weekly Budget:  $952.62

2020 income/expenses: $302.15

November income/expenses: -$.2,758.74

Contributions from December 3 through December 31: $5,225

Offerings.  

Even though we are not meeting together we still have expenses and need your offerings so that we can pay them.  Church Council has decided that the best way to receive your offerings is that you mail a cheque (Please no cash for mail security reasons) to the church and we can process them from there.  Offerings must be postmarked or received by December 31, 2020 to be credited as a charitable contribution for 2020.

Send your contributions to:  King of Glory Lutheran Church

    3318 Merritt Street

    Saskatoon, SK  S7M 3P6

Thank you for your generosity.

The Quilting Group delivered bedding to The Lighthouse and Interval House in November –

20 Quilts as well as various sheets, towels, pillow cases and blankets.  Thank you for your service.

Pastor Michael and Renita thank all at King of Glory who remembered them this Christmas season with cards, gifts, many kindnesses, and prayers.  Christmas peace and joy and the blessing of Christ be with everyone in the New Year.

The website for all seven ELCIC congregations in Saskatoon is now up and the address is https://saskatoonelcic.com/   It will be used now mainly for sharing information during the pandemic and has the online worship services from our seven congregations. 

Co-Treasurer position for King of Glory 

King of Glory is looking for a co-treasurer primarily responsible for documenting and filling out the forms for the province, the Canada Revenue Agency and the ELCiC.  They will work Pat Sarich whose primary responsibility is oversight of the budget and the bookkeeping with respect of receipts and expenditures.  Please contact Pastor Michael about this position.

Additional Prayers

Petitioner:  Generous God, fill us with compassion and concern for others, young and old, that we may look after one another in these challenging days. Bring healing to those who are sick with the virus and be with their families. Comfort the family and friends of those who have died. Strengthen and protect all medical professionals caring for the sick and all who work in our medical and health care facilities. Give wisdom to leaders in healthcare and governance that they may make the right decisions for the well-being of people.  We pray in gratitude for all those in our country who will continue to work in the days ahead in so many fields of life for the sake of us all. Bless them and keep them safe.  O God of creation and life, we place ourselves in your protection.  May the mantle of your peace enfold us this day and tomorrow.  Hear us, O God of life …