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December 24, 2000
– For Unto You –
GRADES 3-8: For Unto Us A Child Is Born ............... Handel
O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,
O come, ye, O come, ye, to Bethlehem!
Come and behold Him, born the King of Angels;
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.
The highest, most holy, Light of light eternal,
Born of a virgin, a mortal He comes;
Son of the Father, now in flesh appearing!
Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation;
Sing, all ye citizens of heav’n above;
Glory to God in the Highest!
Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning,
Jesus, to Thee be all glory giv’n;
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing:
WELCOME ................................................................. Preschool
For there is born to you this day, in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:11)
SONG:
Unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given,
He comes to take away our sins,
That we all might enter heaven.
Yes, Jesus loves me - the Bible tells me so.
PART 1: Jesus Was Born For Adam and Eve
RECITATION ............... Genesis 3:13-15 ............... Grades 1 and 2
When Adam and Eve fell into sin, they immediately knew their separation from God. But the Lord told them in this passage that a Savior would come from them.
And the LORD God said to the woman, What is this you have done? The woman said, The serpent deceived me, and I ate.So the LORD God said to the serpent: Because you have done this, you are cursed more than all cattle, and more than every beast of the field; on your belly you shall go, and you shall eat dust all the days of your life. And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel.
HYMN: (TLH 105)
Praise God the Lord, ye sons of men,
Before His highest throne,
Today he opens heaven again
And gives us His own Son.
A wondrous change which He does make!
He takes our flesh and blood.
And He conceals for sinners’ sake
The majesty of God.
The people that in darkness sat
A glorious light have seen;
The light has shined on them who long
In shades of death have been.
CONGREGATION:
For us He opens wide the door
Of Paradise today.
The angel guards the gate no more;
To God our thanks we pay.
PART 2: Jesus Was Born For Israel
RECITATION: ...................... Isaiah 9:6,7 .............. Grades 3 and 4
The Children of Israel often showed their sinfulness. God sent a prophet to give them a message proclaiming His power over sin. In Isaiah 9:6-7, the prophet describes the person and the work of the Messiah.
For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder, and His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
HYMN: (TLH 106)
To us a Child of hope is born,
To us a Son is given,
And on His shoulder ever rests
All power in earth and heaven.
His name shall be the Prince of Peace,
The Everlasting Lord,
The Wonderful, the Counselor,
The God by all adored.
His righteous government and power
Shall over all extend;
On judgment and on justice based,
His reign shall have no end.
CONGREGATION:
Lord Jesus, reign in us, we pray,
And make us Thine alone,
Who with the Father ever art
And Holy Spirit, one.
PART 3: Jesus Was Born For Mary
RECITATION ................... Luke 1:46 - 55 ............ Grades 5 and 6
Some think Mary was chosen because of her holiness. But Mary shows her appreciation for the coming Messiah when she refers to Him as God my Savior in her song of praise - The Magnificat.
And Mary said: My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior. For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; for behold, henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For He who is mighty has done great things for me; and holy is His name. And His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty. He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy, As He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his seed forever.
SONGS .......................................... Annunciation and Magnificat
from HOLDEN EVENING PRAYER
CONGREGATION: (tune: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel)
Oh, come, Thou Key of David, come
And open wide our heavenly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to Thee, O Israel.
RECITATION .................... Luke 2:1-7 .................... Kindergarten
And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because He was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
SONG:
Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
The little Lord Jesus lay down His sweet head.
The stars in the sky look down where He lay,
The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.
The cattle are lowing, the Baby awakes,
But little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes.
I love Thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky
And stay by my cradle til morning is nigh,
CONGREGATION:
Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay
Close by me forever, and love me, I pray.
Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care
And take us to heaven, to live with Thee there.
PART 4: Jesus Was Born For The Shepherds
The first people to hear that the Savior of the world was born were shepherds tending their flocks on the hills near Bethlehem. The announcement given by the angelic host was both personal and universal.
RECITATION ................. Luke 2: 8-14 .................. Grades 5 and 6
Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flocks by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men!
HYMN: (TLH 85:1-3)
From heaven above to earth I come
To bear good news to every home;
Glad tidings of great joy I bring
Whereof I now will say and sing:
To you this night is born a Child,
Of Mary, chosen Virgin mild;
This little Child, of lowly birth
Shall be the joy of all the earth.
This is the Christ, our God and Lord
Who in all need shall aid afford;
He will Himself your Savior be
From all your sins to set you free.
SONG: “Glory to the Son of God”
Wondrous night, stars shone bright,
Shepherds watch were keeping.
All was still and silent while Bethlehem lay sleeping.
Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared above,
bringing great tidings of God’s love:
“Glory, glory in excelsis Deo. Glory, glory to the Son of God.”
Angels sang, praises rang at the Savior’s birth.
Glory to God in the highest and peace to all the earth
Prophecy is now fulfilled according to God’s Word.
Born to you today is Christ the Lord.
Still the message rings throughout the ages:
Jesus is the Christ, Immanuel, Immanuel!
Copyright 2000 Shawnee Press, Inc. Used by permission. License No.A1204HF
CONGREGATION
Angels we have heard on high,
Sweetly singing o’er the plains,
And the mountains in reply,
Echoing their joyous strains:
Gloria in excelsis Deo!
Come to Bethlehem and see
Him whose birth the angels sing;
Come, adore on bended knee
Christ, the Lord, the newborn King.
See Him in a manger laid,
Whom the angels praise above;
Mary, Joseph, lend your aid,
While we raise our hearts in love.
RECITATION ................ Luke 2:15-20 ................... Grades 7 and 8
So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, ³Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.² And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told to them.
CONGREGATIONAL CAROL: (Please rise)
Silent night! Holy night! All is calm, all is bright.
’Round yon virgin mother and Child;
Holy Infant, so tender and mild.
Sleep in heavenly peace.
Silent night, holy night, Shepherds quake at the sight.
Glories stream from heaven afar, heavenly hosts sing
Alleluia! Christ the Savior is born!
CHOIR:
Peace, peace, peace on earth and goodwill to all.
This is a time for joy, this is a time for love.
Now let us all sing together of peace, peace, peace on earth.
Copyright 19 Matterhorn Music Inc. Used with permission of Matterhorn Music.
Silent night! Holy night! Son of God, love’s pure light.
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace.
Jesus, Lord at Thy birth.
OFFERING OF THANKFUL HEARTS
CHURCH CHOIR, HIGH SCHOOL CHOIR: ³Infant Holy²
PRAYERS
PART 5: Jesus Was Born For Simeon
God chose Simeon to glorify His Son at His coming. Simeon echoed the angels’ message that Jesus was born for all people.
RECITATION .................... Luke 2 : 25-33 .................... Grades 7-8
And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said, Lord, now You are letting your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel. And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him.
HYMN (TLH 137, alt.)
In peace and joy I now depart at God’s disposing;
For full of comfort is my heart, soft reposing.
So the Lord has promised me, and death is but a slumber.
Tis Christ that did this work for me, my faithful Savior,
Whom You have made my eyes to see, by Your favor;
Now I know He is my Life, my Help in need and dying.
You have to all the world shown forth their great Salvation
And to His kingdom calls the earth - ev’ry nation,
By Your true and living Word, in ev’ry place resounding.
CONGREGATION:
He is the Hope and saving Light of lands benighted;
By Him are they who dwelt in night fed and lighted.
He is Israel’s Praise and Bliss, their Joy, Reward, and Glory.
He is Israels’ Praise and Bliss, their Joy, Reward, and Glory.
PART 6: Jesus Was Born For Us
CHORAL READING ....................................................... All grades
The best news of all is that Jesus came for each of us, even today! He came back from the dead, He continues to come to us in His Word, and daily intercedes for us at the throne of the Heavenly Father. He will come again at the Last Day to judge all people and grant all believers in Him eternal life.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places with Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He has made us accepted in the Beloved. (Ephesians 1:3-6)
He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times in you who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God. (1 Peter 1:20,21)
Then the King will say to those on His right hand, Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world ...² (Matthew 25:34)
God’s love eternal planned my salvation;
God’s love eternal saved even me.
Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you. (Jeremiah 31:3)
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)
Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called the children of God! (1 John 3:1)
God loves me dearly, grants me salvation;
God loves me dearly, loves even me.
The people who sat in darkness saw a great light, and upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death Light has shined. (Isaiah 9:2)
But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ. (Ephesians 4:7)
I was in bondage, sin, death, and darkness;
God’s love was working to make me free.
For God so loved the world, so that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)
Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”). (Galatians 3:13)
He sent forth Jesus, that true Redeemer;
He sent forth Jesus and set me free.
“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me; and the life which I now live I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)
≴...we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” (Hebrews 10:14)
Jesus, my Savior, Himself did offer;
Jesus, my Savior, paid all I owed.
I will extol You, O God my King;
and I will bless Your name forever and ever.
Every day I will bless You.
And I will praise Your name forever and ever.
Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised;
and His greatness is unsearchable. (Psalm 145:1-3)
I will sing to the LORD as long as I live;
I will sing praise to God while I have my being.
May my meditation be sweet to Him;
I will be glad in the LORD. ...
Bless the LORD, O my soul! Praise the LORD! (Psalm 104:33-35)
Now I will praise You, O Love Eternal,
Now I will praise You all my life long!
CONGREGATIONAL HYMN
God loves me dearly, grants me salvation;
God loves me dearly, loves even me.
Therefore I’ll say again: God loves me dearly,
God loves me dearly, loves even me.
I was in bondage, sin, death, and darkness;
God’s love was working to make me free.
He sent forth Jesus, that true Redeemer;
He sent forth Jesus and set me free.
Jesus, my Savior, Himself did offer;
Jesus, my Savior, paid all I owed.
Now I will praise You, O Love Eternal,
Now I will praise You all my life long!
BENEDICTION
CLOSING CONGREGATIONAL HYMN:
Joy to the world! The Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King!
Let every heart prepare Him room
And heav’n and nature sing.
Joy to the earth! The Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ,
While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains,
Repeat the sounding joy.
No more let sin and sorrow grow
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found.
He rules the world with truth and grace
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness
And wonders of His love.
RECESSIONAL
You are invited to return for our Christmas Day Worship at 9:30 am.
SERVANTS FOR THIS SERVICE
Pastor Wayne Eichstadt
David Stelter , Deacon
Lane Fischer and Karla Olmanson, Organists
Paul Matzke, Church Choir Director
Doug Thompson, Head Usher
Mark Geiger, Assistant Usher
Douglas Schaller, Sound
SUNDAY SCHOOL STAFF
David Busse .......................................................... Superintendent Vickie Schreyer ........................................................... Preschool Laura Hulke ........................................................ Preschool helper Jennifer Brenner ....................................................... Kindergarten Molly Hanel ........................................................ Preschool helper Lisa Busse ............................................................. Grades 1 & 2 Heidi Libby ............................................................ Grades 3 & 4 Matthew Busch .......................................................... Grades 5 & 6 Russell Schmitt ........................................................ Grades 7 & 8 Douglas Libby ........................................................... Youth Forum
IMMANUEL EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH
Paul D. Nolting .............................................................. Pastor Wayne C. Eichstadt ........................................................... Pastor Sara Nolting ....................................................... Church Secretary Paul Matzke ................................................... Church Choir Director Charles and Linda Bode ............................................ Church Custodians John Paulson ....................................................... School Custodian Church and School Offices .................................................. 345-3027 Pilgrim’s Rest Cemetery .................................................... 388-4009 Website ................................................... http://immanuelmankato.org
IMMANUEL LUTHERAN SCHOOL
Karl Olmanson......................................... Interim Principal, Grades 7-12 Kathleen Olmanson ...................................................... Kindergarten Michael Wheaton ...................................................... Grades 1 and 2 Lane Fischer ......................................................... Grades 3 and 4 Donna Klammer ................................................ Grades 5 and 6, Phy Ed Karla Olmanson ................................................ Grades 5 and 6, Music Leif Olmanson ............................ Grades 7 and 8, Keyboarding, Administrator Pastor Wayne Eichstadt ..................................................... Doctrine Laila Fleischer ......................................................... High School Kevin Hulke ............................................................. High School Anita Kruse ........................................................ School Secretary Mark Lentz ......................................................... Athletic Dirctor Douglas Libby ................................................ Grades 7-12, Counselor Paul Matzke .................................................................... Band Pastor Paul Nolting ........................................................ Religion Craig Owings ............................................................ Grades 7-12 Daniel Roehl ............................................................ High School Gene Schreyer ................................................................ German Grace Schreyer ................................................................. Aide Helen Stelter ........................................................ Reading, Craft Website ............................................ http://immanuelmankato.org/school