Gathering

• Prelude
• Welcome & Announcements
• Confession and Forgiveness (ELW p. 94)
• Opening Hymn Prepare the Royal Highway (ELW 264)
• Greeting (ELW p. 138)
• Kyrie (ELW p. 138)
• Prayer of the Day (ELW p. 142)

Listen

• First Reading: Malachi 3:1-4
  God announces a covenant with Israel. A messenger like Malachi (his name means “my messenger”) will prepare the way for the coming of the Lord by purifying and refining God’s people, as silver and gold are refined.
• Psalm: Luke 1:68-79
• Second Reading: Philippians 1:3-11
  The apostle Paul was the pastor of many new churches. He writes in this letter about his joy to be in partnership with the Christians of Philippi. Listen to how tender-hearted Paul, sometimes a stern preacher, is with his friends as he encourages them to grow in love and knowledge.
• Gospel: Luke 3:1-6
  John the Baptist is a herald of Jesus, whose way is prepared by “repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” As we hear the careful record of human leaders, we sense the spectrum of political and religious authority that will be challenged by this coming Lord.
• Sermon (ELW p. 143)

Respond

• Hymn of the Day On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry (ELW 249)
• Prayers of Intercession
• Communion (ELW p. 146)
  • Great Thanksgiving (ELW p. 152)
  • Lord’s Prayer (ELW p. 154)
  • Post Communion Prayer

Sending

• Blessing
• Sending Song Joy to the World (ELW 267)
• Dismissal (ELW p. 146)