Gloria in excelsis Deo Gloria in excelsis Deo Gloria, Gloria, Gloria in excelsis Deo Gloria in excelsis Deo. Gloria in excelsis Deo. Gloria in excelsis Deo. Gloria, Gloria, Gloria in excelsis Deo. but I think it's great, you know, to get that feel of the Christmas season, and we are nice and warm in here, gathered as God's people, and we celebrate his birth today and what that means, so it is just a joy to see all of you here this morning. in the Lord's house. The service this morning, it's going to be very easy for you to follow along, I believe, because everything is in the bulletin except for two of the hymns. One of the hymns is printed in the bulletin because it's from the GLH, the Lutheran hymnal. The other two are found in our Lutheran service book hymnal. So, just follow all the directions in there and everything should go very smoothly. I think we're the only ones that have a little kid here, but the nursery is open. We don't have children's church today, but it is open as needed. We do celebrate the Lord's Supper today because this is the feast day of Christmas. Lutherans are pretty good about having church on Christmas Day because this is the feast day and we celebrate the Lord's Supper today this morning in the service and we look forward to receiving the Lord's gifts there. As promised, we will have the incense as well when we process in, representing the presence of God, God with his people. So, I believe that's all we need to make note of this morning and you'll notice that we're going to begin with our invocation and joyous Christmas announcement and then we will move into the processional hymn which is joy to the world. So, I ask you to please stand as we begin our worship this morning. In the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit. 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 us this day in the city of David, who is Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you. You will find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. Let us go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us. Joy to the world, the Lord is come. Let earth receive her King. and nature sing Joy to the earth, our Saviour reigns, By heav'n and stars and morn, For pilgrims and doves, what tales can play? the sounding joy. are as the curse is and wonders of If on this Christmas Day we say we have no need for a Savior, we miss the glad tidings of great joy expressed in Jesus' birth. If on this Christmas Day God of Christmas, miracle, and grace. I confess that I have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed. By what I have done and by what I have left undone, I acknowledge that the Savior, Christ the Lord, was born for me. For his sake, forgive me and grant me a sense of renewed faith. As the Savior is born once more into my and share his life with others. Amen. I ask you, is this your sincere and honest confession on Christmas day? Yes, it is my confession. Upon your confession, and confident of God's faithfulness, I announce to you the good news of great joy. Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given. unto us is born a Savior, Christ the Lord. For his sake God has forgiven all your sins. Amen. Unto us a child is born. Unto us a son is given. Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us. Come and worship O sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things. His right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him. The Lord has made known his salvation. He has revealed his righteousness in the sight of the angels. He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. Let the sea roar and all that fills the world and those Before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth, he will judge the world with righteousness and the peoples with equity. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. Glory to God in the highest, and peace to His people on earth. 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. The lord be with you. who gave your eternal word to become incarnate of the pure virgin, grant your people grace to put away fleshly lusts, that they may be ready for your visitation. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. The Old Testament lesson is Isaiah, chapter 7, beginning with the 10th verse. Again, the Lord spoke to Ahaz. Ask the sign of the Lord your God, and let it be deep as Shoal, or high as Heaven. But Ahaz said, I will not ask, and I will not put the Lord to the test. And he said, Hear then, O house of David, is it too little for you to weary men, that you weary my God also? Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign, and behold, The virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. The epistle lesson is Titus chapter 3, beginning with the fourth verse. But after that, the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness, which we have done, but according to his mercy. He saved us by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost. which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. Please stand for the hallelujah. The Holy Gospel according to Saint Luke, the second chapter. Glory to you, O Lord, And it came to pass in those days that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria. It all went to be taxed, everyone into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth into Judea, unto the city and lineage of David, to be taxed with Mary as a spouse's wife, being great with child. And so it was that while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. She brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them, and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior. 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, goodwill toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which has come to pass, And they came with haste, and found Mary and Joseph in the bay lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God as it was told unto them. This is the Gospel of the Lord. Today, we confess our faith in the words of a special Christmas tree. I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, and live under him both now and forevermore. This I believe with all my heart. Amen. So, you. in David's power. As my God gave the Holy Ghost, did Jesus Christ, your Lord and King, through God to all salvation bring. Go then, rejoice, that newlywed son, God is with sinners, now and won. Revive yourself of flesh and blood, your brother is eternal God. What harm can sin and death can do? The true God now abides within you, And help and save you, age and change. I see your brother need our strength. By what we will, or can, or say, Through in his confidence obey, That all his life the tempter tries, New, late, eternal, star divine. He shall in hearts and laughs prevail. God's own we are, he cannot fail. You are forever, sing your praise. With joy and vision, call your name. Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas and the gospel lesson from St. Luke 2. The title of the sermon is, Hold the Baby. Well, most of us, we find it pretty easy to warm up to the Christmas season, because the season is so soft and warm and fuzzy. It's friendly. It's cordial. It's full of goodwill. And even during this year, when we have a pandemic going on, I've noticed something that I notice every year, and probably some of you have noticed it too. People are more friendly this time of year. They have more smiles on their faces. It's like that Christmas song says, say hello to everyone you meet. People are more willing to help their fellow man. And in many ways, it does appear as Andy Williams pruned that this is the most wonderful time of the year. Why? I think it's because at the center of the Christmas holiday is a baby. Now, even in our more secular age, where there's been this move towards a more generic holiday season, if you nudge people a little bit, they're usually willing to talk a little bit about baby Jesus. because he seems so sweet, doesn't he? So kind of non-threatening, laying there in that manger, and you know, the backstory is pretty incredible as well. Of course, Jesus didn't stay a baby. His mission would encompass a much larger span of time than just that beloved Christmas account that we heard this morning. But for this morning and this sermon, I want to stay on that baby theme this morning. Why? Because who can resist a baby? Just about everybody loves babies, and Christmas is about the birth of a baby. Now, a newborn baby can bring joy and excitement. Babies often bring out the best in us. Automatically, we might respond to them. We want to reach out. We want to embrace them. hard-working, blue-collar type guys. They had tough hands. They worked out in the elements. But after that angelic announcement, they, too, wanted to get near this baby. Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which should be for all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. The arrival, the appearance of the Word of life, It can't be stated more clearly. We've listened to the baby. Who hasn't heard a baby coo and cry? We've seen this baby of Christmas with our eyes of faith. We look to Him, we touch Him. As we heard last night in that final lesson of the Lessons in Herald Service, God is speaking through His servant, St. John. and He tells us that this baby is the Word made flesh. Christmas means that Christ, the very Son of God, has come to us as an infant. Think about how incredible that is. This is our theme. Hold the baby, for God comes to us as a human. The point is stressed in a statement that is attributed to Mark Luther, that we sang right before the sermon is one of Luther's Christmas hymns. And he said, we cannot draw Christ too deeply into the flesh. You know, when you think about it, one of the things that we love about babies is that we don't have to work really hard to earn their acceptance, do we? Automatically, they accept you as you are. The approval of a baby education level, your proper manners, your politically correct words, your speaking with the right accent. Babies don't care about any of that. You know what else they don't care about? They don't care about the kind of car you drive, the perfume you wear, the style of clothes that you put on. Babies accept you as you are. If babies accept you without discriminating based on those factors I just mentioned, how much more will the baby Jesus? How much more will your loving heavenly father, your creator, and the creator of all babies? You don't have to earn a baby's approval any more than you have to earn God's approval. God gives his love freely, simply. He gives it simply because God Lurid misdeeds in your past life, they don't matter to a baby. Past hurts that may persist in torturing you, they don't matter to a baby. The loads of guilt and shame that we may carry, they just don't matter to a baby. So if you're here today and you're staggering or you're listening today and you're staggering under the weight of a bundle of sins, I wanna tell you this morning, feel free to throw all that away. Not that you need my permission to do that, but if you're carrying around the load of guilt after you have received Christ, after you have been told you've been forgiven of your sins, if you're still carrying around, get rid of it. Toss it away quicker than you did that wrapping paper after you unwrapped your presents. Get rid of it. In its place, We want to get rid of that sin and guilt, but in its place, I would urge you to hold that baby. Hold the Christ baby. Hold Him in your arms, because He loves you. And in forgiveness, He accepts you. That's our Lord. That's our baby Jesus. In our Old Testament lesson from Isaiah 7, we heard one of the titles of Jesus. Christian College about 30 to 40 minutes from here, and that college had the same name as this title that we heard in our Old Testament reading. It's a great name of God because it reminds us of one of the great attributes of God. Now, this name is, of course, Emmanuel. And whether you spell it starting with an E or an I, it means the same thing. What it means is this, God with us. Isn't that beautiful? Because this is what we see at Christmas. God very literally coming to be with us. The God of the Christian faith, the one, only true God, is not a God that's distant. He's not a God that's detached from His creation. He is with us, very close indeed, as Christmas reminds us. His abiding presence is here. And just being here with us presents a very powerful witness. And when you think about it, just the presence of a baby is really about all they have to offer a human baby, isn't it? Babies don't work. Babies don't produce anything except maybe dirty diapers. They never bring home a salary. and they don't ever make their bed. They're just there. And we love them for that. You've caught yourself doing it. I know you have, just admit it. Don't be ashamed. You stand by that crib of a baby and you just stare down at that wondrous creation of God. You know what I'm talking about. And maybe if you're like me, you've done this with your children when they're babies, or maybe even somebody else's baby, you see them just sleeping there so peacefully, you just sneak down on your little hand and you touch their back, just to make sure that breath is going in and out, because they're just so peacefully laying there. You're enthralled, you're captivated, just because that baby is there. You can find it difficult to comprehend, but it's true. being there is as important as doing it. And one of the things that us pastors do, especially when there's not a pandemic going on, is we visit people at hospitals and we visit shut-ins in their home or homes or assisted living facilities. And when I make those pastoral calls, prayer is an important, it's an essential element of that visit. If they're hospitalized, if they're facing an illness, nurses, and other caregivers will make the right decisions and use the skills that they have. I also pray for the person that's being visited, of course. I pray that they will be conscious of the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ, right there with them, with what they're going through, that his everlasting arms support them, that he's hovering over them, he's protecting them, and Jesus is here. is very powerful, it's very reassuring, and it brings healing. And if where I'm making that visit has a cross on the wall, whether it's a hospital or in a home, it reminds us, it reminds us of the suffering Savior, that He is present, that He has suffered for them. He has suffered for us. They are not alone, we are not alone. And if they receive Holy Communion on that visit, they see with their eyes and they touch with their lips our Lord. He's present right there in the sacrament. Take, eat, take, drink. Those very same words that we will hear shortly this morning is here. This isn't just some historical event 2000 years ago. Jesus is here with us today and that's why we celebrate. That's why you got up this morning on Christmas morning and came to church. Contemplate celebrate his presence. I also want to share one other thing with It's a little bit personal, but again, I think this is something that many of you can relate to here today. I can't explain it to you scientifically, but I can tell you it brings comfort. And if you're with me on this, you're going to know exactly what I'm talking about. When I faced trouble in my life, grieved over some loss, struggled to resolve a conflict, I've despaired over a failure, or I was just plain having a bad day, or maybe a string of bad days. I might be tempted to give up, but you know what I did in those times? I grabbed the youngest child in my house and hugged him. Well, suddenly things get better. I can make it. And let me give you a little tip. You gotta do that when they're little. because when they get older, they don't just want mom or dad to grab and hug them all the time. But if you think about it, a little child, they can't solve your problems in a literal sense, can they? Can they make that bill that you're struggling to pay go away? Can they make that scary medical diagnosis that you just received disappear? Can they resolve that conflict that you're having with a loved one? Well, strength-wise, a little child is helpless. to fix those kinds of things, aren't they? But in that embrace, I, and I imagine that many of you, received comfort and strength. And when our Lord came into the flesh, He gave up His power and took on that helpless baby there. He became helpless as a tiny baby, dependent on His parents to take care of Him. And from the depths, from desperation and despair, we look to the Christ baby. We cradle him in our arms. We hold him close because he will strengthen you. He will comfort you. He's going to be there through life's ups and downs. And let me tell you two great things about that Christ child, that baby Jesus that's different than a regular baby that's not God in the flesh. First of all, since Jesus is true man and true God, he actually does have the power to deliver you. Yes, he'll make you feel better, but he can actually deliver you too, and he's done that. And here's another great thing. Jesus never gets too old to not desire that embrace. If you still need any more proof of what I'm telling you, once the pandemic's over, go into a nursing home. and either you yourself or if someone else brings a baby into that nursing home, watch what happens. All of those faces in that nursing home will light up. There will be smiles everywhere because there's a baby there. Remember in the scripture, the agent Simeon went into the temple in Jerusalem and he took that Christ child in his arms In those words that we often sing after we receive the sacrament, Lord, now let us thou thy servant depart in peace according to thy word. For mine eyes have seen thy salvation. Hold the Christ name. See your salvation. It really makes no difference if your hands are rough and calloused, like those hands of the carpenter Joseph were, Or maybe your hands are soft because you spend all day sitting at a desk typing on your computer. It really doesn't matter. Gently pick up the baby, hold him close, listen to the Christ child, look to him, and with your hands, reach out and touch him. This little one, this word of life accepts you as his own out of his grace and mercy. He promises to be with you always and he brings you comfort and strength. Amen. We will continue with the prayers for Christmas Day, which begin on page nine. Please stand. With thankful hearts, Lord, we bring to you our prayers this day. We remember your many acts of kindness to your people through all ages. We thank you for your grace shown to all people through the birth of your son, Jesus Christ. May your Holy Spirit bless us with his presence in this holy season. Lord, in your mercy. We pray for our world and for all people who share it with us. Enable us to be witnesses to the ruler of all peoples, Jesus Christ. Cause the truth of salvation to be known in every part of the earth. Bless the labors of the missionaries and pastors of the church as they proclaim the life of the gospel around the globe. Lord, in your mercy. Hear our prayer. On this Christmas day, we pray for this congregation. Bless its leaders and all the people with a full measure of joy that we may echo the songs of the angels in our communities and be shining lights in our time and place. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. We pray for those with special needs, including the sick and the shut-in, those who grieve, those who feel alone and distanced in this season, and all others known to each of us who at this time are in need of our petitions. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Blessed Lord, We thank you for the faithful witness of those no longer with us on earth, who now share in your light eternal. May we find inspiration and strength in the faithful witness and seek to serve you constantly all of our days. Lord, in your mercy. Amen. Into your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord, our God. It is right to give him thanks and praise. It is truly good right and salutary that we should at all times and in all places give thanks to you, Holy Lord, Almighty Father, everlasting God, Jesus Christ, our Lord. For in the mystery of the word made flesh, You have given us a new revelation of your glory, that seeing you in the person of your Son, we may know and love those things which are not seen. Therefore, angels and archangels, with all the company of heaven, we laud and magnify your glorious name, evermore praising you and thinking on your coming in the flesh as we prepare to receive your body and blood. Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the same night in which you was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and he gave it to his disciples, saying, Take ye, this is my body, which is given for you. This do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also, he took the cup, and when he had supped, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it. This cup is the New Testament and my blood, which is shed for you, for the forgiveness of sins. This do as oft as ye drink it in remembrance of me. As often as we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. Amen. O Lord Jesus. O Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, in giving us your body and blood to eat and drink, lead us to remember and confess your holy cross and passion, your blessed death, your rest in the tomb, your resurrection from the dead, your ascension into heaven, and your coming for the final judgment. So remember us in your kingdom and teach us to 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. As we prepare for the distribution, we will be receiving communion in our manner as we've been doing lately. And the usher, Sandy, will direct you when it's time to come forward. And we have Melissa, who's going to provide some special music for us this morning during communion. And so she is going to be kind of in the corner here behind the podium. So if you're on this side, you should still be able to hear her. and the body and flesh will be expressed in the discernment. Welcome to the Lord's table. Take the body of Christ. It's for you. Jesus Christ is shed for you. Take aim at the true body of Christ, for you, the body of Christ, given unto death, the forgiveness of your sins. Heavenly Father, keep your assurance today, this Christmas day, as we celebrate your birthday and the gifts of Jesus' name. Take drink, that your blood of Christ has been shed for you, for the forgiveness of all your sins. I am brightened by the load I bear in a world as cold as snow. Take heed, the body of Christ is approaching for you. Take drink of the true blood of Christ and shed for you for the forgiveness of all your sins. Be with me now. Take heed, the body of Christ is for you. Take heed, the body of Christ is for you. Take eat the body of Christ. as you watch my face. If I'm wiser, one who should have had my face, would I offer all the love for him? Who will sing of your plan? Help me be strong, Lord. Help me be strong. Friend of heaven, hold me to heaven. Before I die, give me breath of heaven. Cloud of heaven, hide in your darkness. One over me your holiness, for you are holy. Cloud of heaven, hold me together. be forever near thee, wrath of heaven. Wrath of heaven, light of my darkness, for over me your holiness, for you alone. Breath of heaven and earth. Take heed, the body of Christ is in Brooklyn. Please stand. May the precious true blood and true body and true blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen and preserve you in the Christian faith, even unto everlasting life. Amen. We thank you, Heavenly Father, that in your birth at Bethlehem and through this bread and wine, you have come to us in a real and personal way. O Holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray. Cast out our sin and enter in. Be born in us today. We hear the Christmas angels, the great glad tidings tell. O come to us at this holy meal. Abide with us. Our Lord Emmanuel, Lord have mercy. Hear our prayer. The Lord has come among us. of us, for all of us. In and through his incarnation, we are blessed beyond measure. To the child of Bethlehem, you too are now his children and heirs of salvation. The blessing of almighty God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is upon you all. Amen. Our recessional hymn today is Infant Holy, Infant Lowly. So, Lift them lowly, lift them lowly, for Israel run out of salt. Mountain lowly, little lowly, Christ the child is lord of all. angels singing. for the story House rejoicing, river of sorrow, praises voicing, ring the morrow. Blessed child was born for you. Blessed child was born for you. you can remain standing. So, I'm going to keep the announcements very brief today. It's the plan and we will have our our dismissal. Blessed Christmas to everyone. It was great to worship with you here this morning and and receive the lord's gifts. Sunday, which is only 2 days away. Uh we do not have Sunday school on the service without communion on this coming Sunday, the 27th, 1030, our normal time. We do not have Wednesday night light this week also on the 30th. I believe that's all I want to make note of unless there's any other announcements I'm forgetting. But again, go forth and enjoy and celebrate this day as we conclude with the dismissal on page 13. Good Christian friends, rejoice with heart and soul and voice. for him bow and he is in the manger now.