From Heaven Above: A Service for Christmas Day · Web view2020/12/24 · Martin Luther based his carol “From Heaven Above” ELW #268 on a refrain used for a sixteenth-century

Christmas Eve Worship Pastor Luke KuenzliDecember 24, 2020 St. John Lutheran Church3:30pm & 7:00pm Mineola, IA

St. John Lutheran Church (ELCA)Mineola, IA

Pastor Luke Kuenzli

Order of Service and Worship TextsFor Virtual and In-Person Worship

Adapted from Evangelical Lutheran Worshipand Sundays and Seasons

December 2020 during COVID-19 pandemic

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Service adapted from sundaysandseasons.com:

From Heaven Above: A Service for Christmas DayCopyright © 2020 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Used with Permission.

Notes on this Service:Martin Luther based his carol “From Heaven Above” ELW #268 on a refrain used for a sixteenth-century singing game. In the game, the song sets up a riddle to be solved. Within the nativity story, who would have proclaimed this text?

In the hymn, the stanzas in quotation marks become the words of the angels rejoicing at Jesus’ birth, while the other stanzas offer commentary and prayers. By sending Jesus into our world, God answers the riddle of sin and our human condition. We are set free to proclaim with the angels: “Glory to God in highest heaven, who unto us the Son has given.”

ACCOMPANISTS: 3:30 Gretchen Jopp 7:00 Barb Mass READERS: 3:30 Leslie Speck 7:00 Susan Carnahan and Paul Speck and Carol Tedder

NEXT SUNDAY: December 27, 202010:30 – Virtual-only Worship and Communion with YouTube Live stream

Virtual Communion:During Sunday worship when we worship virtually-only (through January 10th or longer)OR by other arrangement with Pastor Luke.

Pick up a prepackaged communion cup/wafer at church at any of the following times

(or use your own bread and wine/grape juice from home):

Communion Pick-Up Times: Monday/Wednesday/Thursday – 9:30am-Noon, or 1:30pm-5:00pm, or evening as arranged. Tuesday – 2:00-5:00pm, or evening as arranged. Friday/Saturday – by arrangement only.

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St. John Lutheran ChurchMineola, Iowa Phone (712) 526-2268Website: stjohnluthchurchmineola.orgPastor Luke Kuenzli

December 24, 2020 3:30 & 7:00pmChristmas Eve Worship

We are called to glorify God,

grow in faith, and build community.

Mission Statement


Covid-19 Precautions for in-person worship We will require masks be worn while you are in the building (Ages 2 and

up). Refusal to wear a mask will result in your being asked to leave. We will be practicing social distancing of 6 feet. Closed pews are cordoned

off and labelled. Please don’t gather in the hallway or enter any closed spaces. Restrooms will

be limited to single-person/family use at any given time. Those who do not comply with social distancing policies will be asked to leave.

There will not be singing, prolonged unison speaking, communion, or fellowship time. Virtual communion begins December 6.

We continue to advise (not require) that persons in the vulnerable population groups of 65+ years of age and anyone with underlying medical conditions remain home.

We ask that anyone with any respiratory symptoms (cough, sniffles, sneezing, sore throat) or fever please remain home. You will be asked to leave if you are displaying such symptoms.

We ask that if you are traveling to areas of high virus activity, you remain home for the Sunday following your travels.

Hand sanitizers are located throughout the open areas. Feel free to use them!

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Food DriveThe Women of St. John are having a food drive and collecting

for Mills County Ministerial Association food pantry all through the month of December.

Kid-friendly cereals, canned tuna, chicken, pears, peaches and mixed fruits. Dry pastas, toilet paper and feminine hygiene products ALWAYS welcome and needed.

Items will be collected in the shopping cart. Only food items

The Mills County Ministerial Association will not be hosting Soup and Song this

year due to pandemic concerns.Please designate gifts to the

MCMA Energy Assistance Fund to support Mills County residents in need.The church office can collect these gifts

and send them all together!

Christmas PoinsettiasPurchase for $10 each.

These are used in the Poinsettia Tree, and can be taken home with you after the Christmas Eve Worship service.

Sign up for one or more on the list in the hallway,

or let Michelle know.


Prelude and Welcome

Lighting of the Advent WreathBlessed are you, O Lord our God, ruler of the universe. You come to us as an infant, weak and vulnerable, to show us the depths of your love for us. Bless us as we light the candles on this wreath. Dwell with us and within us, so that we may participate in the bringing about of your light and salvation in this, your fallen and beloved and broken and beautiful world. Blessed be God forever. Amen.

The four outer candles, signifying the Hope of God’s promised Messiah, the Peace of God, the Joy of the Spirit, and the Love of Christ; and the inner candle, signifying Christ’s birth, are lit as “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus” ELW #254 is played.

Opening DialogueWho are these angels who come to earth,

bearing the news of the Christ child’s birth?Who are these shepherds who run to see,

and worship the babe on bended knee?Who is this child, so small, so slight,

of whom the angels sang that night?Who is this king, a manger his throne,

who humbles himself to make us his own?Who is this God who sends a Son

into our midst, the promised one?

Greeting and PrayerThe grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God sent from heaven above, be with you all. And also with you.

Let us pray. Incarnate God, on this Christmas Eve we give you thanks for sending your Son to bring light to our darkness. Grant that we, like the angels over Bethlehem, may sing your praises in our hearts and lives. Amen.

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Gathering Song “Good Christian Friends, Rejoice” ELW 288The song is played while we meditate on the words.

Good Christian friends, rejoice with heart and soul and voice;give ye heed to what we say: Jesus Christ is born today;ox and ass before him bow, and he is in the manger now.

Christ is born today! Christ is born today!

Good Christian friends, rejoice with heart and soul and voice;new ye hear of endless bliss: Jesus Christ was born for this!He has opened heaven’s door, and we are blest forevermore.

Christ was born for this! Christ was born for this!

Good Christian friends, rejoice with heart and soul and voice;now ye need not fear the grave; Jesus Christ was born to save!

Call you one and calls you all to gain the everlasting hall.Christ was born to save! Christ was born to save!

Who Are These Angels Who Come to Earth?

Scripture: Luke 2:8-148 In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over

their flock by night. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for see-- I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11 to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger." 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, 14 "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!"

A brief time for prayer and meditation follows, as a verse of “It Came Upon A Midnight Clear” ELW #282 is played.

Glory to God in highest heaven, who unto us the Son has given.

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Reading: stanzas 1-3 “From Heaven Above” by Martin Luther (ELW #268)tr. © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship, admin. Augsburg Fortress.

From heav’n above to earth I come to bear good news to every home!Glad tidings of great joy I bring to all the world, and gladly sing:

“To you this night is born a child of Mary, chosen virgin mild;this newborn child of lowly birth shall be the joy of all the earth.”

“This is the Christ, God’s Son most high, who hears your sad and bitter cry,who will himself your Savior be and from all sin will set you free.”

Response: Emmanuel! God is with us!

Who Are These Shepherds Who Run to See?

Scripture: Luke 2:15-2015 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to

one another, "Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us." 16 So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. 17 When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

A time for prayer and meditation follows, as a verse of “On Christmas Night” ELW #274 is played.


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“The blessing that the Father planned the Son holds in his infant hand,that in his kingdom, bright and fair, you may with us his glory share.”

“These are the signs that you will see to let you know that it is he:in manger-bed, in swaddling clothes the child who all the earth upholds.”

Now let us all with joyful cheer go with the shepherds and draw nearto see this wondrous gift of God, the blessed child to us bestowed.


Who Is This Child, So Small, So Slight?

Scripture: Hebrews 1:1-5Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the

prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds. 3 He is the reflection of God's glory and the exact imprint of God's very being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word. When he had made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. 5 For to which of the angels did God ever say, "You are my Son; today I have begotten you"? Or again, "I will be his Father, and he will be my Son"?

A time for prayer and meditation follows, as a verse of “Infant Holy, Infant Lowly” ELW #276 is played.


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Look, dear friends, look over there! What lies within that manger bare?Who is that lovely little one? The baby Jesus, God’s dear Son.

Welcome to earth, O noble Guest, through whom this sinful world is blest!you turned not from our needs away; how can our thanks such love repay?

O Lord, you have created all! How did you come to be so small,to sweetly sleep in manger-bed where lowing cattle lately fed?


Who Is This King, a Manger His Throne?

Scripture: Isaiah 9:2-72 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived

in a land of deep darkness-- on them light has shined. 3 You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. 4 For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. 5 For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. 6 For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.

A time for prayer and meditation follows, as a verse of “Away in a Manger” ELW #277 is played.


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Were earth a thousand times as fair and set with gold and jewels rare,still such a cradle would not do to rock a prince so great as you.

For velvets soft and silken stuff you have but hay and straw so roughon which as king so rich and great to be enthroned in humble state.


Who Is This God, Who Sends a Son?

Scripture: John 1:1-14In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word

was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being 4 in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.

6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. 8 He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. 9 The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. 12 But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father's only son, full of grace and truth.

A time for prayer and meditation follows, as a verse of “O Little Town of Bethlehem” ELW #279 is played:


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Ah, dearest Jesus, holy child, prepare a bed, soft, undefiled, a quiet chamber in my heart, that you and I may never part.

My heart for very joy now leaps; my voice no longer silence keeps;I too must sing with joyful tongue the sweetest ancient cradle song:

“Glory to God in highest heav’n, who unto us the Son has giv’n.”With angels sing in pious mirth a glad new year to all the earth!

Response: Immanuel! God is with us!

Thanksgiving for the Word

Holy God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, Wonderful Counselor, at the birth of time your Word brought light into the world, and throughout the ages, you proclaim newness of life. For your wondrous Word, we thank you, O God. We thank you, O God. In the fullness of time, your Word became flesh, to shine in our world’s darkness, to speak peace to all people, and to welcome us as members of your family. For your loving Word, we adore you, O God. We adore you, O God. Grant us now the gift of your Spirit, that held, nourished, and protected by your Word, we may live as your children, bearing your goodness throughout the world. For your powerful Word, we praise you, O God. We praise you, O God. All glory to you, holy God, now and forever. Amen.

Sermon Pastor Luke Kuenzli

Christmas. Year 1939 of the Common Era. Lutheran Pastor and German

Theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote a letter to the clergy living in intentional

community at Finkenwalde to encourage them about the urgency of the Christmas

message in a uniquely trying year – the opening months of the European Stage of

the Second World War. He wrote:

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"Dear brothers, when have we been able to preach the Christmas

message with more confidence and joy than in this year? When would our

ministry have been more necessary and glorious? When would we have had

to call on God more urgently to finally, finally give the fruit that he has

promised, to purify us and to brush away everything that hinders a proper

ministry, and then to use us, the way we are, as his servants?

May God bless you this Christmas time, you personally, your homes,

and your congregations. May God let you enter the new year strengthened

in faith, richer in love, and confirmed in your hope."

While Bonhoeffer was directing this note to members of the clergy in a time

of war; it seems to me that this also speaks to all of us – clergy and layperson alike

– in this time of pandemic. Of course, Bonhoeffer couldn’t have known that 1939

was just the tip of the iceberg, and that things would become much, much worse

before the global conflict that was World War II would be resolved. He couldn’t

have known that he himself would be imprisoned and his own life taken, nor that

terrifying new developments in science and technology would change the

landscape of warfare and the delicate balance of international power forever. He

couldn’t have known what the future would bring, but he did know that the

promise of the Incarnation was a word that was at once hope-giving, peace-

making, joy-providing, and love-showing. The message of Christmas was a word

that was urgently needed by a German people living in constant tension, a people

watching their surroundings with eagle-eye, waiting for the other shoe to drop…

waiting…

Christmas. Year 752 from the founding of Rome. It was a time of nearly

unprecedented peace, to look at things on the surface. It was during the 200-year

period known as the “Pax Romana,” the peace between nations within the Roman

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Empire, nations that included the Hebrew people in Judea. Conflict in the region

was at an all-time low… but tensions were not. There were political machinations

and graspings for power; there was constant scheming between various groups who

would ally themselves for a time, only to turn against one another at an opportune

moment. The Hellenistic Jewish client-king Herod, the orthodox Jewish Pharisees,

the sectarian Jewish Sadducees, and the Jewish anti-Roman zealots who wanted a

return to the Maccabean days of revolt… and the ordinary, every-day people of the

Jewish nation, living under Roman occupation and control, but with many of their

religious freedoms intact, nevertheless. A Word from God was urgently needed, to

ease the tension of all living with eyes open to the events surrounding them,

waiting for the other sandal to drop… waiting…

Into that moment in history, God spoke, sending an angel to proclaim to

shepherds in the field the news that the Promise had found its birth! “Fear not!” the

angel said! “Do not be afraid, for joy has come to you! The Messiah is born, and

his reign will bring to earth a new peace entirely unlike like the peace that this

world gives!” (*See John 14:27). And this Word was spoken not by one angel

alone, as so many promises had been spoken in the ages before, when the word

would come to one prophet, through one messenger, to one moment in time. This

promise, this message of joy was announced by a multitude, together raising their

voices to sing “Glory to God!”

The shepherds trembled, first with fear and then with eagerness to go and

see, to go and tell, to go and share the message with their waiting world! Their

urgency was such that they left immediately: “Let us go now to Bethlehem to see

this thing that has taken place!” They couldn’t have known what Herod’s reaction

to the news of the King’s birth would be, when the magi would tell him some time

later, in their own urgent journey to meet the promised child. The shepherds

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couldn’t have known that this child’s birth would bring joy, yes, but also grief as

Herod ordered the deaths of all male children 2 years and under. They couldn’t

have known that the baby whose birth they heard announced by a host of angels in

the night sky would hang from a cross, against that same backdrop of darkness,

some thirty-three years later. They knew only that they had heard a Word of Joy,

and that they needed to share it, to proclaim it… they only knew that it had

changed them!

Christmas. Year 2020 of the Common Era. Over a year has passed since the

SARS-Cov-2 virus began its spread from Wuhan, China to cross the globe,

bringing with it coughs and congestion, sore throats and nausea, pneumonia and

fever, loss of taste and smell… It led to toilet paper hoarding, use of masks, hand

sanitizer shortages, social distancing… It wearied us with loneliness and isolation,

with exhaustion for front line and essential workers, with worries over job security

as businesses furloughed employees and shut their doors, with grief as loved ones’

lives were lost to the disease COVID-19 and we couldn’t even celebrate their lives

with the customary gatherings of family and friends. We have become vigilant,

watching our surroundings with constant tension because of this virus and its

politicization, waiting for the other shoe to drop… waiting.

Into this moment in history, God speaks. We don’t know what 2021 will

bring. We hope it will be better, easier, more stable than 2020. But we can’t know

whether things will get worse before they get better. Yes, there are now vaccines;

but there are also rising numbers of cases globally and in our nation, and a new

strain of the virus spreading rapidly in the UK. Yes, there is another round of

pandemic relief coming, but businesses and families are still substantially strained

by the changing economic patterns and shifting paradigms. Churches are not at all

united – within ecumenical partnerships, denominations, even within

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congregations – on how to proceed; and yet still, we find ways to worship the very

God who found a way to come to us, for our salvation.

This God, the creator of all things, took on the form of a created being, the

Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth, on that first

Christmas, in the Year 752 from the founding of Rome, the first year of the new

age. God spoke to us, and through Jesus’ birth and incarnation, through his death

and resurrection, God speaks to us still. Our Creator, our Redeemer, the same God

who sustains us through every journey, says to us “Fear not! I bring good news of

great joy; peace to the world!”

And we, dear brothers and sisters… we, with the shepherds in the field and

the angels in the sky, are invited to proclaim the good news, in our own turn, into a

world that is fallen and beloved; broken and beautiful. We are invited to speak

God’s word here and now, with a new urgency. God is with us, Emmanuel, and so

we need not be afraid. We need only to live in faith, with loving and joyful hope,

whatever the peace or turmoil this new year brings.

"Dear brothers and sisters, when have we been able to proclaim the

Christmas message with more confidence and joy than in this year? When

would our Christian vocation have been more necessary and glorious?

When would we have had to call on God more urgently to finally, finally

give the fruit that he has promised, to purify us and to brush away

everything that hinders a faithful life, and then to use us, the way we are, as

his servants?

May God bless you this Christmas time, you personally, your homes,

and your congregations, and your communities. May God let you enter the

new year strengthened in faith, richer in love, and confirmed in your hope."

Amen.

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Prayers of Intercession Joining our voices with the song of the angels, let us pray for the church, the

world, and all who are in need. A brief silence.

The shepherds sing, “Jesus Christ is born!” Let your church throughout the world proclaim this good news, over the hills and everywhere. Unite the voices of all your faithful people in songs of praise and rejoicing. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Heaven and nature sing, “Joy to the world!” Give respite to flocks, fields, and those who tend them. Come near to us in the beauty of nighttime, the shining of the stars, and the hush of a world at rest. May our wonder at your creation rouse our care for all the earth. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

The angels sing, “Peace on earth!” Come quickly to still the strife of this world. Hush the noise of war and violence in places of unrest. Inspire leaders of nations to seek lasting peace and sustainable provision for all in their care. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Mary sings melodies of comfort to her newborn child. Bring rest and reassurance to those facing struggles this night. Shelter travelers and those without homes. Console those who lie awake due to pain or anxiety. Heal those who are sick or hurting, especially those ill and isolated during this season of family gatherings, and those grieving due to loss of loved ones, livelihood, or health due to COVID-19. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Love sings through the sound of a new baby’s cry. Bless new parents and expectant parents. Comfort those who long for children, especially those running out of hope or options. Surround families of every shape and size with your love and care. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

The heavenly chorus sings, “Glory to God in the highest!” We give you thanks for all the saints who have proclaimed your glory in word and deed. Let us join them this night in joyful praise around your eternal throne. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

God of mercy, come quickly to us with grace upon grace as we lift these and all our prayers to you, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

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Lord’s PrayerOur 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.

Christmas Litany

Gracious God, you come from heaven above into the midst of our world.Fill our hearts with the joy of the angels at your birth.

You come from heaven above to the lowliest of human conditions.Watch over those in need, the sick, the hungry, the grieving.

You come from heaven above to walk the way of the cross.Guide us to follow your path of forgiveness, mercy, and peace.

You come from heaven above to become flesh and live among us.May we see your glory, full of grace and truth. Amen.

Peace

The peace of Christ be with you always. And also with you.

BlessingMay the God who comes from heaven above be born in your hearts and lives this day and always. Amen.

Sending Song (lyrics on the next page)The sending song will be sung outdoors. Please keep your mask on while we sing and until you have returned to your vehicle, to minimize exposure risk.

Those worshipping virtually are invited to conclude worship on your own, by singing from your porch, driveway, or yard. The live feed will end after instructions are given for the sending song. Have a merry Christmas and a happy new year!

DismissalWe go in peace. Christ is with us. Thanks be to God.

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3:30 Sending Song: “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” ELW #270

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7:00 Sending Song “Silent Night, Holy Night!” ELW #281

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Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission.

All rights reserved worldwide.

Service adapted from Evangelical Lutheran Worship copyright © 2006. All rights reserved. And/or from Sundays and Seasons.com. Copyright 2020 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.

Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #46263.

“From Heaven Above” tr. © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship, admin. Augsburg Fortress.Used with permission from ONE LICENSE, License #731513-A. All rights reserved.

Permission to stream music in this service obtainedfrom ONE LICENSE, License #731513-A. All rights reserved.

Sunday Worships will be virtual-only, with virtual communion, through January 10th. Council meets on January 12th, and we will make a decision regarding later worship services at that time. Please pay attention to the Church Website, Facebook page, Prayer Chain, and word of mouth network. Thank you for your continued patience and understanding!

January 17th – Annual Congregational Meeting after Sunday WorshipVirtual Meeting Option: meet.google.com/pwo-bcny-rip

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Documents

From Heaven Above: A Service for Christmas Day · Web view2020/12/24 · Martin Luther based his carol “From Heaven Above” ELW #268 on a refrain used for a sixteenth-century