The Third Sunday in Advent
December 13, 2020
PROCESSIONAL HYMN “Tell Out, My Soul the Greatness of the Lord”
Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord! Unnumbered blessings give my spirit voice;
Tender to me the promise of His Word; In God my Savior shall my heart rejoice.
Tell out, my soul, the greatness of His name! Make known His might, the deeds His arm has done;
His mercy sure, from age to age the same; His holy Name, the Lord, the mighty One.
Tell out, my soul, the greatness of His might! Powers and dominions lay their glory by;
Proud hearts and stubborn wills are put to flight; The hungry fed, the humble lifted high.
Tell out, my soul, the glories of His Word! Firm is His promise, and His mercy sure.
Tell out my soul, the greatness of the Lord, To children’s children and forevermore!
LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH
Celebrant: Today we light the first, second, and third candles of the Advent wreath. Each candle has a meaning. The first candle is HOPE, the second candle is PEACE, and the third candle is JOY.”
The candles are lit.
Lector: You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.
Celebrant: Gracious God, you came to us in human flesh and you abide with us in the Holy Spirit. Fill us with your joy, and help us shine as a light to the world. Through Jesus Christ, who makes our joy complete. Amen.
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel vs 1, 3
O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to you, O Israel.
O come, O come, thou Lord of might, who to thy tribes on Sinai’s height in ancient times didst give the law, in cloud, and majesty, and awe.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to you, O Israel.
THE WORD OF GOD (Stand)
Celebrant: Surely the Lord is coming soon.
People: Amen. Come Lord Jesus!
Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE SUMMARY OF THE LAW
Hear what our Lord Jesus Christ says: You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 22:37-40
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Glory to God in the highest, and peace to his people on earth. Lord God, heavenly King, almighty God and Father, we worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory. Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world: have mercy on us; you are seated at the right hand of the Father: receive our prayer. For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.
THE COLLECT OF THE DAY
Celebrant: The Lord be with you.
People: And with your spirit.
Celebrant: Let us pray.
O Lord Jesus Christ, you sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Grant that the ministers and stewards of your mysteries may likewise make ready your way, by turning the hearts of the disobedient toward the wisdom of the just, that at your second coming to judge the world, we may be found a people acceptable in your sight; for with the Father and the Holy Spirit you live and reign, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
THE LESSONS OF THE DAY
A reading from Isaiah 65:17-25 ESV
17“For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind. 18But be glad and rejoice forever in that which I create; for behold, I create Jerusalem to be a joy, and her people to be a gladness. 19I will rejoice in Jerusalem and be glad in my people; no more shall be heard in it the sound of weeping and the cry of distress. 20No more shall there be in it an infant who lives but a few days, or an old man who does not fill out his days, for the young man shall die a hundred years old, and the sinner a hundred years old shall be accursed. 21They shall build houses and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit. 22They shall not build and another inhabit; they shall not plant and another eat; for like the days of a tree shall the days of my people be, and my chosen shall long enjoy the work of their hands. 23They shall not labor in vain or bear children for calamity, for they shall be the offspring of the blessed of the Lord, and their descendants with them. 24Before they call I will answer; while they are yet speaking I will hear. 25The wolf and the lamb shall graze together; the lion shall eat straw like the ox, and dust shall be the serpent’s food. They shall not hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain,” says the Lord.
Reader: "The Word of the Lord."
People: Thanks be to God.
PSALM 126
1 When the Lord overturned the captivity of Zion, *
then were we like those who dream.
2 Then was our mouth filled with laughter *
and our tongue with shouts of joy.
3 Then they said among the nations, *
“The Lord has done great things for them.”
4 Indeed, the Lord has done great things for us already, *
whereof we rejoice.
5 Overturn our captivity, O Lord, *
as when streams refresh the deserts of the south.
6 Those who sow in tears *
shall reap with songs of joy.
7 He who goes on his way weeping and bears good seed *
shall doubtless come again with joy, and bring his sheaves with him.
A reading from 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28 ESV
12We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 13and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. 14And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. 15See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. 16Rejoice always, 17pray without ceasing, 18give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19Do not quench the Spirit. 20Do not despise prophecies, 21but test everything; hold fast what is good. 22Abstain from every form of evil. 23Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it. 25Brothers, pray for us. 26Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss. 27I put you under oath before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers. 28The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
Reader: "The Word of the Lord."
People: Thanks be to God.
THE HOLY GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST ACCORDING TO JOHN
People: Glory to you, Lord Christ.
THE GOSPEL John 3:22-30 ESV
22After this Jesus and his disciples went into the Judean countryside, and he remained there with them and was baptizing. 23John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because water was plentiful there, and people were coming and being baptized 24(for John had not yet been put in prison). 25Now a discussion arose between some of John’s disciples and a Jew over purification. 26And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, he who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you bore witness—look, he is baptizing, and all are going to him.” 27John answered, “A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven. 28You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.’ 29The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. 30He must increase, but I must decrease.”
"The Gospel of the Lord.”
People: Praise to you, Lord Christ.
THE SERMON The Rev. Ronald J. Baillie, Rector
THE NICENE CREED
All stand to recite the Nicene Creed, the Celebrant first saying:
Let us confess our faith in the words of the Nicene Creed:
(Celebrant and People)
We believe in one God,
the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, visible and invisible.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only-begotten Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one Being with the Father;
through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven:
was incarnate from the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary,
and was made man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified.
who has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen.
THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
(Please stand)
Let us pray for the Church and for the world, saying, “hear our prayer.”
For the peace of the whole world, and for the well-being and unity of the people of God.
Reader: Lord in your mercy:
People: hear our prayer.
For the Primates of the Worldwide Anglican Communion; the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby and Caroline; Archbishop of the Anglican Church in North America, Foley Beach and Allison; our Standing Committee; for our Interim Bishop, Martyn Minns and Angela; for all clergy and other ministers, especially our Rector, Father Ron and Sue; our Associate Rector, Father Chris and Katherine; our assisting clergy, Fr. Terry and Mary Anne; all missionaries, especially The Rev. Alison Barfoot, in Uganda; the Rev. Canon Gross; Advance Community Church; and for all the clergy and people of our Diocese and Congregation.
Reader: Lord in your mercy:
People: hear our prayer.
For all those who proclaim the Gospel at home and abroad; for all who teach and disciple others; and for our brothers and sisters in Christ who are persecuted for their faith.
Reader: Lord in your mercy:
People: hear our prayer.
For all the men and women in our Armed Forces at home and abroad. Defend them day by day with your heavenly grace; strengthen them in their trials and temptations; and give them courage to face the perils that beset them; and help them to know that nothing can separate them from your love.
Reader: Lord in your mercy:
People: hear our prayer.
For our nation, for those in authority, and for all in public service especially, our Congress, Supreme Court and our President, Donald Trump.
Reader: Lord in your mercy:
People: hear our prayer.
For all of us affected by Covid-19. For those suffering with symptoms; those without symptoms but who carry the virus; and for those struggling with loneliness and depression from isolation. Pray for those who have died, provide rest for their souls and comfort for their families as they grieve. Protect and secure all health care workers and all those who provide essential services. Guide our leaders, and give us all wisdom as we seek to live as God's people striving for health and safety for everyone. Heal us.
Reader: Lord in your mercy:
People: hear our prayer.
For all those who are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, or any other adversity especially…
Reader: Lord in your mercy:
People: hear our prayer.
For all those who have departed this life in the certain hope of the resurrection, especially...
Reader: Lord in your mercy:
People: hear our prayer.
We thank you for all the blessings of this life…
(The people are invited to share their thanksgivings aloud)
Reader: Lord in your mercy:
People: hear our prayer.
In thanksgiving for the fruitful discussions with the Episcopal Diocese regarding this property.
Reader: Lord in your mercy:
People: hear our prayer.
For our vestry, especially our wardens, Dave and Jeremy, that as your appointed leaders they may faithfully serve you and this church.
Reader: Lord in your mercy:
People: hear our prayer.
For the special needs and concerns of this congregation, especially…
(The people may share their petitions silently or aloud)
Reader: Lord in your mercy:
People: hear our prayer.
The Celebrant concludes with this or some other appropriate Collect.
Heavenly Father, grant these our prayers for the sake of Jesus Christ, our only Mediator and Advocate, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
THE CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION OF SIN
The Officiant says to the People
We pray to you also for the forgiveness of our sins.
Silence is kept.
All standing, the Officiant and People pray
Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.
The Priest stands and says
Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who in his great mercy has promised forgiveness of sins to all those who sincerely repent and with true faith turn to him, have mercy upon you, pardon and deliver you from all your sins, confirm and strengthen you in all goodness, and bring you to everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Hear the Word of God to all who truly turn to him.
If anyone sins, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. 1 John 2:1-2
THE PEACE
Celebrant: The peace of the Lord be always with you.
People: And with your spirit.
BIRTHDAY AND ANNIVERSARY PRAYERS
Birthday: Karen DeSanto, Diane Johnstone
Watch over your child, O Lord, as his days increase; bless and guide him wherever he may be. Strengthen him when he stands; comfort him when discouraged or sorrowful; raise him up if he falls; and in his heart may your peace which passes all understanding abide all the days of his life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Anniversary:
Heavenly Father, we thank you for your continued blessings on the union of these your servants, that have enabled them to reach another anniversary. We thank You for letting their love deepen and for helping them in time of trial. We ask You to continue to watch over them, over their home and family. Help them to renew and strengthen their vows of love and commitment and to strive to remain united with You, steadfast in their faith and in your service. Amen.
THE HOLY COMMUNION
Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. Hebrews 13:16
OFFERTORY ANTHEM Diane Cassavale
“Comfort Ye My People” The Messiah by G. F. Handel
You may give online: www.saintthomasanglican.org/give
DOXOLOGY
(Spoken. Please stand)
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
praise him, all creatures here below;
praise him above, ye heavenly host:
praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Celebrant: The Lord be with you.
People: And with your spirit.
Celebrant: Lift up your hearts.
People: We lift them up to the Lord.
Celebrant: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People: It is right to give him thanks and praise.
It is right, our duty and our joy, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord, who on the first day of the week overcame death and the grave, and by his glorious resurrection opened to us the way of everlasting life.
Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who for ever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name: Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
THE PRAYER OF CONSECRATION
Holy and gracious Father: In your infinite love you made us for yourself; and when we had sinned against you and become subject to evil and death, you, in your mercy, sent your only Son into the world for our salvation. By the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary he became flesh and dwelt among us.
In obedience to your will, he stretched out his arms upon the cross and offered himself once for all, that by his suffering and death we might be saved. By his resurrection he broke the bonds of death, trampling Hell and Satan under his feet. As our great high priest, he ascended to your right hand in glory, that we might come with confidence before the throne of grace.
On the night that he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take, eat; this is my Body which is given for you: Do this in remembrance of me.”
Likewise, after supper, Jesus took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink this, all of you; for this is my Blood of the New Covenant, which is shed for you, and for many, for the forgiveness of sins: Whenever you drink it, do this in remembrance of me.”
Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith:
Celebrant and People: Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.
We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, O Father, in this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, and we offer you these gifts. Sanctify them by your Word and Holy Spirit to be for your people the Body and Blood of your Son Jesus Christ. Sanctify us also, that we may worthily receive this holy sacrament, and be made one body with him, so that he may dwell in us and we in him. And bring us with all your saints into the fullness of your heavenly kingdom, where we shall see our Lord face to face.
All this we ask through your Son Jesus Christ: By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and forever. Amen.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
And now as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to pray:
Celebrant and People together pray
Our 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, for ever and ever. Amen.
THE BREAKING OF THE BREAD
Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us.
Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia.
THE LAMB OF GOD
Celebrant: Lamb of God
People: You take away the sin of the world, have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world, have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world, grant us your peace.
THE PRAYER FOR HUMBLE ACCESS
We do not presume to come to this your table, O merciful Lord, trusting in our own righteousness, but in your abundant and great mercies. Apart from your grace, we are not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under your table; but you are the same Lord whose character is always to have mercy. Grant us, therefore, gracious Lord, so to eat the flesh of your dear Son Jesus Christ, and to drink his blood, that our sinful bodies may be made clean by his body, and our souls washed through his most precious blood, and that we may evermore dwell in him, and he in us. Amen.
Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us.
Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia.
THE MINISTRATION OF COMMUNION
Celebrant: The gifts of God for the people of God. Take them in remembrance that Christ died for you and feed on him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving.
FOR THOSE UNABLE TO ATTEND THE SERVICE TO PHYSICALLY RECEIVE THIS SACRAMENT
Silence is kept. Each member of the family may read and reflect on this prayer or otherwise meditate on Christ’s spiritual presence.
Dear Jesus, I believe that you are truly present in the Holy Sacrament. I love you above all things, and I desire to possess you within my soul, and since I cannot now receive you sacramentally, I beseech you to come spiritually into my heart. I unite myself to you, together with all your faithful people, gathered around every altar of your Church, and I embrace you with all the affections of my soul. Never permit me to be separated from you. Amen.
COMMUNION HYMN “Let Us Break Bread Together”
Let us break bread together on our knees, Let us break bread together on our knees.
When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun, O Lord, have mercy on me.
Let us drink wine together on our knees, Let us drink wine together on our knees.
When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun, O Lord, have mercy on me.
Let us praise God together on our knees, Let us praise God together on our knees.
When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun, O Lord, have mercy on me.
THE POST COMMUNION PRAYER
(Please stand)
Almighty and everliving God, we thank you for feeding us, in these holy mysteries, with the spiritual food of the most precious Body and Blood of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; and for assuring us, through this Sacrament, of your favor and goodness towards us: that we are true members of the mystical body of your Son, the blessed company of all faithful people; and are also heirs, through hope, of your everlasting kingdom. And we humbly ask you, heavenly Father, to assist us with your grace, that we may continue in that holy fellowship, and do all the good works that you have prepared for us to walk in; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
THE BLESSING
The peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you, and remain with you always. Amen.
RECESSIONAL HYMN “O Zion Haste”
O Zion, haste, your mission high fulfilling, to tell to all the world that God is light;
that he who made all nations is not willing one soul should fail to know his love and might.
Refrain: Publish glad tidings, tidings of peace; tidings of Jesus, redemption, and release.
Proclaim to every people, tongue, and nation That God, in whom they live and move, is Love;
Tell how he stooped to save his lost creation, And died on earth that all might live above. Refrain
DISMISSAL
Celebrant: ALLELUIA! ALLELUIA! Let us go forth in to the world, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.
People: Thanks be to God. ALLELUIA! ALLELUIA!