And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. John 1:14

“Nurturing souls for Jesus Christ through worship, missions and ministry”

REDEEMER LUTHERAN CHURCH & SCHOOL

(The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod)

Website: http://www.redeemer-oakmont.org

Email: info@redeemer-oakmont.org

1261 Pennsylvania Avenue Oakmont, PA 15139

Phone: 412-828-9323 Fax: 412-828-1860

Pastor: Rev’d. Brian Westgate 724-487-1017

Church Office Secretary: Mrs. Anneke Stewart

The Nativity of Our Lord

Christmas Day December 25. 2019

Rev’d. Brian P. Westgate

Pastor, The English Evangelical Lutheran Church of Our

Redeemer of Oakmont and Verona

WELCOME to God’s House. We are happy to

share this sacred place with you. For everyone’s

benefit: Enter silently. Before the Service, speak to

God. During the Service, let God speak to you. After the Service, speak to one

another. May God’s Holy Spirit, through Word and Sacrament, bless and

inspire you, assuring you of His grace, forgiveness, and heavenly support.

SEASON THEME: “The Word Was Made Flesh and Dwelt among Us”

TODAY’S THEME: The Birth of Our Lord

PRAYER UPON ENTERING GOD’S HOUSE

LORD GOD, gracious Father, Who in the fullness of time didst send Your

Son to assume our flesh and become our Brother, we thank You for Your

truth and fatherly goodness in giving us this Savior, by Whose Birth we are

delivered from sin, death, Satan, and hell; and we beseech You, keep us until

the end in true knowledge of our Redeemer, that, with all the holy angels, we

may rejoice at His Nativity and behold Him, together with You and the Holy

Ghost, in glory and majesty, world without end. Amen.

O LORD GOD, our heavenly Father, Who of Your great goodness and mercy

has caused Your Only-begotten Son to become incarnate, that we through

Him might be redeemed from sin and everlasting death; we pray You,

enlighten our hearts that we may be truly thankful for His gracious

Incarnation and Birth, that we may be comforted by the same in all time of

tribulation and temptation, and in the end receive Your everlasting salvation;

through Your dear Son Jesus Christ, our Lord, Who lives and reigns with You

and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

DIVINE SERVICE

ORDER OF WORSHIP Divine Service, Setting 3, LSB p. 184

PROCESSIONAL HYMN (we stand) “O Come, All Ye Faithful” – #379

INVOCATION, p. 184

(we kneel)

CONFESSION & ABSOLUTION (we stand)

INTROIT - Isaiah 9:6, Psalm 98:1a

For + to us a Child is born, to us a Son is | given;

And the government shall be upon His | shoulder,

And His Name shall be called Wonderful | Counselor,

Mighty God, Everlasting Father, | Prince of Peace.

Oh sing to the LORD | a new song,

For He has done | marv’lous things!

Glory be to the Father and | to the Son

And to the Holy | Spirit;

As it was in the be - | ginning,

Is now and will be forever. | Amen.

For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is | given;

And the government shall be upon His | shoulder,

And His Name shall be called Wonderful | Counselor,

Mighty God, Everlasting Father, | Prince of Peace.

KYRIE, p. 186

GLORIA IN EXCELSIS, p. 187

SALUTATION & COLLECT OF THE DAY, p. 189

GRANT, we beseech You, Almighty God, that the new birth of Your Only-

begotten Son may set us free, who are held in the old bondage under the yoke

of sin; through the same Jesus Christ . . .

(we sit)

THE LITURGY OF THE WORD OLD TESTAMENT: Isaiah 9:2-7 – The Prophet sees the Christ-Child and

foretells His saving work. – 2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great

light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. 3 You have

multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy

at the harvest, they are glad when they divide the spoil. 4 For the yoke of his burden,

and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day

of Midian. 5 For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment

rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire. 6 For to us a child is born, to us a

son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be

called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of

the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of

David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with

righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts

will do this.

GRADUAL – Psalm 98:3b-4a, 2

All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation | of our God.

Make a joyful noise to the LORD, | all the earth.

The LORD has made known His sal - | vation;

He has revealed His righteousness in the sight | of the nations.

EPISTLE: Titus 2:11-14 – The Apostle speaks of the grace of God and of the

work which it does for us. – 11 Beloved: the grace of God has appeared, bringing

salvation for all people, 12

training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions,

and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13

waiting for

our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14

who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself

a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

(we stand)

TRIPLE ALLELUIA & VERSE – Psalm 95:1a, 6a; p. 190

The congregation sings the Triple Alleluia, then the cantor sings:

Oh come, let us sing | to the LORD;

Let us worship and bow down be - | fore Him.

The congregation sings the Triple Alleluia again in response.

HOLY GOSPEL: St. Luke 2:1-20 – In contrast to the Roman emperor, who

seemingly determines the historical situation, the true Savior of the world,

Whose true worth the angels announce, comes in poverty and lowliness and

brings us great joy. – 2 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that

all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was

governor of Syria. 3

And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4

And Joseph

also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David,

which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be

registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there,

the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and

wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no

place for them in the inn. 8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the

field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9

And an angel of the Lord appeared to

them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great

fear. 10

And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of

great joy that will be for all the people. 11

For unto you is born this day in the city of

David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12

And this will be a sign for you: you will

find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths 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, and on earth peace among those with whom he is

pleased!” 15

When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to

one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened,

which the Lord has made known to us.” 16

And they went with haste and found Mary

and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17

And when they saw it, they made

known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18

And all who heard

it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19

But Mary treasured up all these things,

pondering them in her heart. 20

And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising

God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway

Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

THE NICENE CREED, p. 191

(we sit)

CHIEF HYMN “We Praise You, Jesus, at Your Birth” – #382

SERMON

(we stand)

OFFERTORY, p. 192

(we sit)

THE OFFERING

(we stand)

THE COMMON DOXOLOGY, #805

THE GENERAL PRAYER

THE SACRAMENT OF THE ALTAR Guests, Visitors and Members: Please read our beliefs

concerning the Sacrament of the Altar.

COMING FORWARD FOR COMMUNION TODAY?

Here at Redeemer Lutheran Church, we hold to the biblical and historic

understanding of Holy Communion, that this Sacrament is reserved for those

who hold a common confession of faith. Those who share with us in this Holy

Supper must be members of a congregation of The Lutheran Church–Missouri

Synod, or of a congregation in full fellowship with the LCMS, thus bearing

public witness that they agree with our teachings in general and the following

two teachings in particular:

1) When consecrated, the bread and wine of the Lord’s Supper are the

true Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, given to us for the remission of

sins.

2) Those who come to Holy Communion in repentance and faith, grateful

for God’s forgiveness, must also be committed to offering their

personal forgiveness to all others.

Guests communing with us for the first time should see the Pastor before the

service. If you are interested in becoming a communicant member or if you

have any questions regarding our beliefs, please see the Pastor.

COMMUNION CARDS – Each time we celebrate Holy Communion, we

ask all those who come to receive Communion to please fill out a sacramental

registration card and hand it to the usher on your way up to the rail. The

words on the communion card are also intended to assist you in your spiritual

preparation to receive Christ’s Body and Blood worthily.

SERVICE OF THE SACRAMENT, p. 194

PREFACE

SANCTUS, p. 195

LORD’S PRAYER, p. 196

WORDS OF INSTITUTION

AGNUS DEI, p. 198

(we sit)

DISTRIBUTION HYMNS “Gentle Mary Laid Her Child” – #374

“Come, Your Hearts and Voices Raising” – #375

“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” – #380

“Now Sing We, Now Rejoice” – #386

(we stand)

NUNC DIMITTIS, p. 199

POST-COMMUNION COLLECT, p. 200

BENEDICTION

RECESSIONAL HYMN “Joy to the World” – #387

SILENT PRAYER

POSTLUDE

Soli Deo Gloria

Announcements

WELCOME TO OUR VISITORS TODAY!

So that we may get to know you, please complete one of the “visitor” cards in

the pew holder, and/or sign our guestbook in the narthex or vestibule. Come

again soon!

SURVEY

Have you done your re:Vitality survey yet? Today is the official deadline, but

we have until New Year’s to complete it. We’ve had great participation so far,

and would love to hear from everyone. Here’s the website and survey again:

www.lcms.org/survey/revitality; C661447.

THE ALTAR FLOWERS

The Altar flowers for the Christmas services are given by the Auvils in

celebration of the Birth of our Lord.

SERVING THE LORD THIS MORNING

Organist: Melissa Swift

Cantor: Larry Rubel

Deacon: Charlie Buttgereit

Sound Operator: Jim Ostrosky

Ushers: Paul Limbert, Jeff Meier, Jim Ostrosky, Tom Parayil

Greeters: Denise Dash & Pat Whitmer

Acolytes: Cody Beckwith (capt.), Nicholas Bucholtz, Rickey Loewe,

Christian Loewe, Alexander Pappa, Joshua Silvio

DISCIPLESHIP CORNER

St. John 1:5 – “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not

overcome it.” Through all of our hardships, all of our sorrows, and all of our

pains and loneliness, Jesus’ light shines in the darkness. We are not overcome.

In the face of our sin – in the midst of our pettiness and against all our pride –

Jesus’ light shines and illuminates our hearts, and it changes us, day by day,

into a greater reflection of His likeness.

BOOK OF CONCORD READING

From the Formula of Concord, Epitome, Article VIII – 5 1. The divine and

human natures in Christ are personally united. So there are not two Christs,

one the Son of God and the other the Son of Man. But one and the same

person is the Son of God and Son of Man (Luke 1:35; Romans 9:5). . . .

7 3. The properties of the divine nature are these: to be almighty,

eternal, infinite, and to be everywhere present (according to the property of its

nature and its natural essence, of itself), to know everything, and so on. These

never become properties of the human nature.

8 4. The properties of the human nature are to be a bodily creature, to

be flesh and blood, to be finite and physically limited, to suffer, to die, to

ascend and descend, to move from one place to another, to suffer hunger,

thirst, cold, heat, and the like. These never become properties of the divine

nature.

9 5. The two natures are united personally (i.e., in one person).

Therefore, we believe, teach, and confess that this union is not the kind of

joining together and connection that prevents either nature from having

anything in common with the other personally (i.e., because of the personal

union). It is not like when two boards are glued together, where neither gives

anything to the other or takes anything from the other. But here is described

the highest communion that God truly has with the man. From this personal

union, the highest and indescribable communion results. There flows

everything human that is said and believed about God, and everything divine

that is said and believed about the man Christ. The ancient teachers of the

Church explained this union and communion of the natures by the illustration

of iron glowing with fire, and also by the union of body and soul in man.

10 6. We believe, teach, and confess that God is man and man is God.

This could not be true if the divine and human natures had (in deed and truth)

absolutely no communion with each other.

11 For how could the man, the Son of Mary, in truth be called or be

God, or the Son of God the Most High, if His humanity were not personally

united with the Son of God? How could He have no real communion (that is,

in deed and truth) with the Most High, but only share God’s name?

12 7. So we believe, teach, and confess that Mary conceived and bore

not merely a man and no more, but God's true Son. Therefore, she also is

rightly called and truly is “the mother of God.” Condensed from CONCORDIA: THE LUTHERAN CONFESSIONS, copyright 2005,2006 by Concordia

Publishing House. Used by permission. All rights reserved. To purchase a copy of CONCORDIA, call 800-

325-3040.

Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting,

and the Glory of the LORD filled the Tabernacle.

Exodus 40:34

This gospel text allows of no other doctrine beside it; it desires only

to testify of Christ and lead men to him, who is the Light. Therefore, O Lord

God, these words, “He was not the Light,” are truly worthy to be capitalized

and to be well remembered against the men who set themselves up as the light

and give to men doctrines and laws of their own fabrication. They pretend to

enlighten men, but lead them with themselves into the depths of hell; for they

do not teach faith, and are not willing to teach it; and no one teaches it except

John, who is sent of God, and the holy Gospel. Truly much could be said on

this point.

In short, he who does not preach the Gospel to you, reject and refuse

to hear him. He, however, preaches the Gospel who teaches you to believe

and trust in Christ, the eternal Light, and not to build on any of your own

works. Therefore beware of everything told you that does not agree with the

Gospel; do not put your trust in it, nor accept it as something external, as you

regard eating and drinking, which are necessary for your body, and which you

may use at your pleasure or at the pleasure of another; but by no means as

something necessary to your salvation. For this purpose nothing is necessary

or of use to you except this Light.

Sermons of Martin Luther – The Church Postils

Volume 1, Sermon for Third Christmas Day

para. 82-83 – pages 203-204

Adoration of the Shepherds from The Complete Woodcuts of Albrecht Dürer. New York: Dover Publications, Ltd. Used with Permission. Courtesy of Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod – the World

Mission Collection. Scripture text is based on Revised Standard Version 1946, 1952, 1971 Division of

Education and Ministry of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. All Rights Reserved.

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