December 11, 2022
THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT

INTRODUCTION
A note of joyful expectation marks today's worship. Isaiah announces that the desert shall rejoice and blossom, and Jesus points to the unexpected and transforming signs of God's reign. We wait with patience for the coming of the Lord, even as we rejoice at his presence among us this day: in word and holy supper, in church and in our homes, in silent reflection and in works of justice and love. We pray that God would open our eyes and ears to the wonders of Christ's advent among us.

CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
All may make the sign of the cross, the sign that is marked at baptism, as the presiding minister begins.
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,
who alone does wondrous things.
Blessed be God's name forever.
Amen.

Beloved, now is the time to wake from sleep.
Let us confront our sins,
and confess them to the one who is merciful and just.

Silence is kept for reflection.

God of new beginnings,
we confess that we have not welcomed your holy reign.
We have strayed from your paths.
We prepare for war instead of peace.
We dishonor one another and your creation.
Purify us with your refining fire
and set us again on your way of love,
that we may bear fruit worthy of repentance,
and welcome your coming among us.
Amen.

People of God,
a new thing is growing in our midst,
a tender branch,
a living sign.
By water and the Spirit you are joined to this wonder.
You have put on + Christ,
and your sins have been washed away.
Rejoice in the way of the Lord.
Amen.

PRAYER OF THE DAY
Stir up the wills of all who look to you, Lord God, and strengthen our faith in your coming, that, transformed by grace, we may walk in your way; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Alleluia. I am sending my messen- | ger before you,* who will prepare your | way before you. Alleluia. (Matt. 11:10)

READINGS AND PSALM
Isaiah 35:1-10
Psalm 146:5-10
The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down. (Ps. 146:8)
Luke 1:46b-55 (Alternate)
My spirit rejoices in God my Savior. (Luke 1:47)
James 5:7-10
Matthew 11:2-11

FIRST READING: Isaiah 35:1-10
The prophet describes the return from the Babylonian captivity as a joyous procession to Zion. God's coming reign will bring a renewal of creation in which health and wholeness will be restored. There is no need for fear, for God is coming to save.

1The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus 2it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the LORD, the majesty of our God. 3Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. 4Say to those who are of a fearful heart, "Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God. He will come with vengeance, with terrible recompense. He will come and save you." 5Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; 6then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy. For waters shall break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; 7the burning sand shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water; the haunt of jackals shall become a swamp, the grass shall become reeds and rushes. 8A highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Holy Way; the unclean shall not travel on it, but it shall be for God's people; no traveler, not even fools, shall go astray. 9No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it; they shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there. 10And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

PSALM: Psalm 146:5-10
The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down. (Ps. 146:8)

5Happy are they who have the God of Jacob | for their help,
	whose hope is in the | LORD their God;
6who made heaven and earth, the seas, and all that | is in them;
	who keeps promis- | es forever;
7who gives justice to those who are oppressed,
and food to | those who hunger.
	The LORD sets the | captive free.
8The LORD opens the eyes of the blind; the LORD lifts up those who | are bowed down;
	the LORD | loves the righteous.   R
9The LORD cares | for the stranger;
	the LORD sustains the orphan and widow,
	but frustrates the way | of the wicked.
10The LORD shall | reign forever,
	your God, O Zion, throughout all generations. | Hallelujah!   R

PSALM (ALTERNATE): Luke 1:46b-55
My spirit rejoices in God my Savior. (Luke 1:47)

46b"My soul proclaims the greatness | of the Lord,
	47my spirit rejoices in | God my Savior,
48for you, Lord, have looked with favor on your | lowly servant.
	From this day all generations will | call me blessed:
49you, the Almighty, have done great | things for me
	and holy | is your name.
50You have mercy on | those who fear you,
	from generation to | generation.   R
51You have shown strength | with your arm
	and scattered the proud in | their conceit,
52casting down the mighty | from their thrones
	and lifting | up the lowly.
53You have filled the hungry | with good things
	and sent the rich | away empty.
54You have come to the aid of your | servant Israel,
	to remember the prom- | ise of mercy,
55the promise made | to our forbears,
	to Abraham and his chil- | dren forever."   R

SECOND READING: James 5:7-10
In anticipation of the Lord's coming, Christians are called upon to cultivate patience rather than discontent.

7Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. 8You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. 9Beloved, do not grumble against one another, so that you may not be judged. See, the Judge is standing at the doors! 10As an example of suffering and patience, beloved, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.

GOSPEL: Matthew 11:2-11
John the Baptist expects the Messiah to bring God's judgment upon the earth (Matt. 3:11-12). From a prison cell, he wonders whether Jesus is the one who will do this. Jesus' response indicates that God's reign is indeed being fulfilled already through healing and restoration.

2When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples 3and said to him, "Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?" 4Jesus answered them, "Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. 6And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me." 7As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: "What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? 8What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. 9What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10This is the one about whom it is written, 'See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.' 11Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he."

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
The prayers are prepared locally for each occasion. The following examples may be adapted or used as appropriate.
As we prepare for the fullness of Christ's presence, let us pray for a world that yearns for new hope.
A brief silence.
Gracious God, we rejoice in the gifts of your Spirit. Equip the global church to magnify your love and peace in every land. We pray for the work of the Lutheran World Federation and ELCA Global Mission. God, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Abundant God, we rejoice in your creation. Revive lands we have squandered and depleted. Make gardens flourish in cities and neighborhoods. Cleanse polluted air and water so living things may breathe, drink, and praise you. God, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Righteous God, we rejoice in your justice. End racism and oppression. Deliver all who are unjustly imprisoned or persecuted. Reconcile nations and peoples in conflict (regions in turmoil may be named). Help us pray for our enemies. God, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Healing God, we rejoice in your compassion. Comfort any in distress because of worry, illness, or loss (especially). Strengthen and protect health care workers, rescue teams, crisis counselors, and all who risk themselves to keep others safe. God, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Abiding God, we rejoice in your company. Give us calm and patient hearts as we gather with family and friends. Keep us mindful of those for whom this season is not happy. Console the grieving and surround them with loving support. God, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Here other intercessions may be offered.
Faithful God, we rejoice with Mary, Mother of our Lord, and with all the saints, that your mercy endures for all generations. Look with favor on those who have died and lead us to joyfully sing of your everlasting promises. God, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
God of our longing, you know our deepest needs. By your Spirit, gather our prayers and join them with the prayers of all your children. In Jesus' name we pray.
Amen.

OFFERING PRAYER
Eternal God,
you make the desert bloom
and send springs of water to thirsty ground.
Receive these simple gifts of bread, wine, and money,
and make us messengers of your mercy and love
for all in need of your healing and justice.
We ask this through Christ our Savior.
Amen.

INVITATION TO COMMUNION
Be strong, do not fear!
Here is your God, who has come to save you.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Faithful God,
in this meal you have remembered your mercy,
bringing heaven to earth in the body and blood of Christ.
As we wait for the day when all your promises will be fulfilled,
sustain us and strengthen us by this holy mystery.
Guide us toward your promised future,
coming to birth in Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord.
Amen.

BLESSING
God the eternal Word,
who dwells with us in Jesus,
and who holds us in the grace of the Holy Spirit,
+ bless you now and forever.
Amen.

DISMISSAL
Go in peace. Christ is near.
Thanks be to God.

Reprinted from Words for Worship, copyright 2022 Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission. Scripture quotations (except psalms) from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA. All rights reserved. Used by permission.