Sunday Worship Via Zoom @ 11:00 a.m.:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83025269997?pwd=VW1ZUXlsSTdkcWl0SC90SWRvK2dHUT09
For those not using computer for the worship service:
PhoneNumber: 1 253 215 8782
Meeting ID: 830 2526 9997
Password: 958432
December 7th, 2025
Worship Theme: Advent’s light sharpens as John the Baptist calls us to turn toward the One who is near. Isaiah’s shoot from Jesse’s stump reveals a ruler whose justice lifts the poor and ends harm. Christ comes with mercy for the weary and fire for all that destroys, clearing space for new life.
Pastor: Nathan Whittaker
First Reading: Adam Edwards
Second Reading: Pat Montgomery
Assisting Minister: Clato Barnes
Musician: Anita Tucker
Audio/Video Tech: Adam Edwards
We pray that you are blessed with the Word of God today.
May the spirit of the living God abide with you always!
Welcome
P: Blessed be ✝ God, who creates and sustains all life; who redeems and restores us to new life; and who works within us and this world,
C: Amen.
Confession and Forgiveness
P: Before God and in the company of our siblings in Christ, let us confess our sin.
Silence for reflection.
P: Gracious God,
C: we have sinned 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. For the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, forgive us, renew us, and lead us, so that we may delight in your will and walk in your ways, to the glory of your holy name. Amen.
P: God’s love for you is total and complete. No matter who you are, no matter what happens, and no matter what you do, God still loves you. Even more, in God’s good pleasure and in the name of Jesus Christ ✝ your sins are forgiven now and forever.
C: Amen.
Opening Hymn
ELW 254 – Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus
Come, thou long expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us;
let us find our rest in thee.
Israel's strength and consolation,
hope of all the earth thou art,
dear desire of ev'ry nation,
joy of ev'ry longing heart.
Born thy people to deliver,
born a child, and yet a King;
born to reign in us forever,
now thy gracious kingdom bring.
By thine own eternal Spirit
rule in all our hearts alone;
by thine all-sufficient merit
raise us to thy glorious throne.
Greeting
P: The grace of God that is Christ’s gift to all, the love of God that sustains us all, and the unity of the Spirit who binds us in peace be with you all.
C: And also with you.
Call to Worship TFF p.72-76
AM: A voice cries out in the wilderness:
C: Prepare the way of the Lord.
AM: A shoot springs up from Jesse’s line
C: God brings life where all seemed cut down.
AM: The dawn breaks upon those who sit in darkness.
C: We watch for Christ, our light and salvation.
Kyrie TFF pp. 26-27
AM: In peace, let us pray to the Lord.
C: Lord, have mercy.
AM: For the peace from above, and for our salvation, let us pray to the Lord.
C: Lord, have mercy.
AM: For the peace of the whole world, for the well-being of the church of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.
C: Lord, have mercy.
AM: For this holy house, and for all who offer here their worship and praise, let us pray to the Lord.
C: Lord, have mercy.
AM: Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord.
C: Amen.
Prayer of the Day
P: The Lord be with you.
C: And also with you.
P: Let us pray. God of surprising hope, you speak through John’s cry in the wilderness. Turn our hearts toward the One who draws near in mercy and truth.
C: Renew our courage and make us ready for Christ’s way of peace. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Advent Wreath
The Advent wreath is one of the season’s best-known customs. Its circle of evergreens and the growing light of its candles echo the Advent images. Ultimately, Christ reaches into our darkness and marks our journey as the light increases.
P: Praise to you, O God, who meets us in the waiting.
C: You promise dawn even when the night feels long.
P: Bless us as we kindle this light of hope.
C: Wake our hearts to watch for your coming.
P: Strengthen all who are weary in this season.
C: Let hope rise where fear has taken root.
P: Praise to you, O God, who speaks peace into fear.
C: You guide our feet and calm our troubled spirits.
P: Bless us as we light this candle of peace.
C: Teach us to prepare your way with justice and mercy.
P: Let your peace abound through all the earth,
C: as your kingdom draws near. Amen.
First Reading Isaiah 11:1-10
1 A shoot will grow up from the stump of Jesse;
a branch will sprout from his roots.
2 The Lord’s spirit will rest upon him,
a spirit of wisdom and understanding,
a spirit of planning and strength,
a spirit of knowledge and fear of the Lord.
3 He will delight in fearing the Lord.
He won’t judge by appearances,
nor decide by hearsay.
4 He will judge the needy with righteousness,
and decide with equity for those who suffer in the land.
He will strike the violent with the rod of his mouth;
by the breath of his lips he will kill the wicked.
5 Righteousness will be the belt around his hips,
and faithfulness the belt around his waist.
6 The wolf will live with the lamb,
and the leopard will lie down with the young goat;
the calf and the young lion will feed together,
and a little child will lead them.
7 The cow and the bear will graze.
Their young will lie down together,
and a lion will eat straw like an ox.
8 A nursing child will play over the snake’s hole;
toddlers will reach right over the serpent’s den.
9 They won’t harm or destroy anywhere on my holy mountain.
The earth will surely be filled with the knowledge of the Lord,
just as the water covers the sea.
10 On that day, the root of Jesse will stand as a signal to the peoples. The nations will seek him out, and his dwelling will be glorious.
R: Word of God, word of life.
C: Thanks be to God.
Psalm of Response Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19
AM: God, give your judgments to the king.
C: Give your righteousness to the king’s son.
AM: Let him judge your people with righteousness
C: and your poor ones with justice.
AM: Let the mountains bring peace to the people;
C: let the hills bring righteousness.
AM: Let the king live as long as the sun,
C: as long as the moon, generation to generation.
AM: Let him fall like rain upon fresh-cut grass,
C: like showers that water the earth.
AM: Let the righteous flourish throughout their lives,
C: and let peace prosper until the moon is no more.
AM: Bless the Lord God, the God of Israel—
C: the only one who does wondrous things!
AM: Bless God’s glorious name forever;
C: let his glory fill all the earth! Amen and Amen!
Second Reading Romans 15:4-13
4 Whatever was written in the past was written for our instruction so that we could have hope through endurance and through the encouragement of the scriptures. 5 May the God of endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude toward each other, similar to Christ Jesus’ attitude. 6 That way you can glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ together with one voice
7 So welcome each other, in the same way that Christ also welcomed you, for God’s glory. 8 I’m saying that Christ became a servant of those who are circumcised for the sake of God’s truth, in order to confirm the promises given to the ancestors, 9 and so that the Gentiles could glorify God for his mercy.
As it is written,
Because of this I will confess you among the Gentiles,
and I will sing praises to your name.
10 And again, it says,
Rejoice, Gentiles, with his people.
11 And again,
Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles,
and all the people should sing his praises.
12 And again, Isaiah says,
There will be a root of Jesse,
who will also rise to rule the Gentiles.
The Gentiles will place their hope in him.
13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in faith so that you overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
R: Word of God, word of life.
C: Thanks be to God.
Gospel Acclamation TTF 98 – Open Our Eyes, Lord
Open our eyes, Lord; we want to see Jesus,
to reach out and touch him and say that we love him.
Open our ears, Lord, and help us to listen.
Open our eyes, Lord, we want to see Jesus.
Gospel Matthew 3:1-12
P: The Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, the 3rd chapter.
C: Glory to you, O Lord!
1 In those days John the Baptist appeared in the desert of Judea announcing, 2 “Change your hearts and lives! Here comes the kingdom of heaven!” 3 He was the one of whom Isaiah the prophet spoke when he said:
The voice of one shouting in the wilderness,
“Prepare the way for the Lord;
make his paths straight.”
4 John wore clothes made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. He ate locusts and wild honey.
5 People from Jerusalem, throughout Judea, and all around the Jordan River came to him. 6 As they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River. 7 Many Pharisees and Sadducees came to be baptized by John. He said to them, “You children of snakes! Who warned you to escape from the angry judgment that is coming soon? 8 Produce fruit that shows you have changed your hearts and lives. 9 And don’t even think about saying to yourselves, Abraham is our father. I tell you that God is able to raise up Abraham’s children from these stones. 10 The ax is already at the root of the trees. Therefore, every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit will be chopped down and tossed into the fire. 11 I baptize with water those of you who have changed your hearts and lives. The one who is coming after me is stronger than I am. I’m not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. 12 The shovel he uses to sift the wheat from the husks is in his hands. He will clean out his threshing area and bring the wheat into his barn. But he will burn the husks with a fire that can’t be put out.”
P: The Gospel of our Lord.
C: Praise to you, O Christ.
Hymn of the Day ELW 249 – On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry
On Jordan's bank the Baptist's cry
Announces that the Lord is nigh;
Awake and hearken, for he brings
Glad tidings of the King of kings!
Then cleansed be ev'ry life from sin;
Make straight the way for God within,
And let us all our hearts prepare
For Christ to come and enter there.
Stretch forth your hand, our health restore,
And make us rise to fall no more;
Oh, let your face upon us shine
And fill the world with love divine.
All praise to you, eternal Son,
Whose advent has our freedom won,
Whom with the Father we adore,
And Holy Spirit, evermore.
Sermon
Apostles’ Creed
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, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended into hell. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
Music Group Selection
Prayers of the Congregation
AM: As we wait for Christ who brings peace, let us come before the One who hears our cries and holds our world in mercy.
Silence
Creator of dawn and darkness, as winter begins and nights grow long, let your quiet light rise within all that you have made.
C: Teach us to watch for your presence in wind and water, in rhythm and rest, and in every sign of your renewing grace.
AM: O Holy Spirit, you call your church to be a shelter in a troubled world; awaken us to the needs of neighbors near and far.
C: Make us witnesses of your peace. Keep us steadfast, open-hearted, and ready to serve those who seek safety and belonging.
AM: Lord of all nations, we pray for peace where conflict rages: Israel and Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, Haiti, Myanmar, and anywhere else in the world.
C: Bring protection to the vulnerable, wisdom to leaders, and relief to all who suffer the violence of war.
AM: God of refuge, be near to the communities of King County where safety feels fragile and where violence, instability, or fear weighs on daily life.
C: Strengthen our resolve to seek justice and protection for every neighbor, that your peace may take root in the places we call home.
AM: We pray for the ministries of this area and their leaders, especially Saint James Lutheran Church and James Jensen in Bothell.
C: Bless the community through them so that their neighborhood would know the love of God.
AM: Merciful Healer, hold close those who are sick, grieving, or weighed down by anxiety, especially those within our congregation, including: Jerelene, Norma, Rozetta, Orelia, Jean, Aldora, Carolyn, Ella, and Candice.
C: Surround them with comfort, steady their spirits, and let your healing peace rest upon them.
AM: We thank you for our congregation, which strives to live as your family in this time and place. Care for those we bring to you today, especially Gene-Allen and Alyssa Marshall, Rozetta Marshal, and Jeff Mitchell.
C: Show them your love and grace abundantly each and every day.
AM: For what else do the people of God pray? We invite those joining us via zoom to offer their prayers first.
Prayers to consider:
- Peace in Ukraine, Russia, Israel, Palestine, and all places of conflict
- Full dignity and equality for women
- Safety and belonging for LGBTQ+ communities
- Deliverance from the scourge of gun violence
- Dismantling racism and strength for all harmed
- Economic justice for Seattle’s Central District
- The faithful work of Good Shepherd House and LIHI
- Healing for communities impacted by nature
AM: We now invite those in the sanctuary to offer up their prayers.
After the petitions:
AM: Lord, in your mercy,
C: hear our prayer.
P: God of Advent peace, receive our prayers and prepare our hearts for the coming Christ, whose light no conflict or fear can overcome, and in whose name we pray,
C: Amen.
Peace
P: The peace of the Lord be with you always.
C: And also with you.
(We now greet one another with: “Peace be with you.”)
Gathering of Offerings
Offering Prayer
P: Let us pray. Generous God, you plant hope where life feels cut back and gather your people in steadfast mercy. Receive these gifts as signs of our gratitude and trust.
C: Make us ready to serve with joy and walk in the justice of your coming kingdom. In the name of Christ, we pray. Amen.
Great Thanksgiving
P: The Lord be with you.
C: And also with you.
P: Lift up your hearts.
C: We lift them to the Lord.
P: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
C: It is right to give our thanks and praise.
P: It is indeed right and proper that we should at all times and in all places offer thanks and praise to you, O Lord, holy Father, through Christ our brother, who comes with mercy for the weary and fire that clears a way for new life. And so, with the Church on earth and the hosts of heaven, we praise your name and join the unending hymn:
Holy, Holy, Holy TFF p.38
Holy, holy, holy Lord, 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.
P: We give thanks that on the night in which he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying,
“This cup is the new covenant in my blood, shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.”
C: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.
Lord’s Prayer
P: Let us pray, with confidence, the words our brother gave us:
C: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen.
Communion Hymn TFF p. 39
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world;
have mercy on us, have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world;
have mercy on us, have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world;
grant us peace, grant us peace.
Communion
Wine is served in individual glasses.
Grape juice is available in the center of the tray.
Song of Simeon TFF p. 40
Lord, now you let your servant go in peace;
Your word has been fulfilled.
My own eyes have seen the salvation
which you have prepared in the sight of all people:
A light to reveal you to the nations
and the glory of your people Israel.
Glory 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.
Prayer after Communion
P: Let us pray. God of our ancestors and of all people, we thank you that as the broken bread was gathered into one loaf, the broken fragments of our history are gathered up and healed by this redeeming act of Christ.
C: Send us forth in peace and form us into what we just received: your love and grace for all people. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Blessing
P: Beloved in the Lord, God has shown us what is good. What does the Lord require but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with our God? We do so with the love, grace, and power of the Father, Son ✝, and Spirit given to us.
C: Amen.
Sending Hymn ELW 264 – Prepare the Royal Highway
Prepare the royal highway,
the King of kings is near;
let every hill and valley
a level road appear.
Then greet the king of glory
foretold in sacred story:
Refrain:
O blest is he that came
in God the Father's name!
God’s people, see him coming:
your own eternal king!
Palm branches strew before him;
spread garments; shout and sing.
God’s promise will not fail you;
no more shall doubt assail you:
Refrain
Then fling the gates wide open
to greet your promised king;
your king, yet every nation
its tribute too should bring.
All lands, bow down before him;
all voices, thus adore him:
Refrain
His is no earthly kingdom;
it comes from heaven above.
His rule is peace and freedom,
and justice, truth, and love.
So let your praise be sounding
for kindness so abounding:
Refrain
Announcements
Dismissal
We’ve Come This Far by Faith
We’ve come this far by faith
Leaning on the Lord
Trusting in His holy word.
He’s never failed me yet.
Oh……. Can’t turn around,
We’ve come this far by faith!
Closing Blessing
Acknowledgments
All songs come from This Far By Faith: An African American Resource for Worship (Minneapolis: Augsburg Press, 1999) reprinted with permission under onelicense.net license #A-738102, unless otherwise acknowledged. All Scripture passages are from Common English Bible © 2012. Elements taken from sundaysandseasons.com.; Copyright © 2022 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Selected liturgy comes from Black Liturgies: Prayers, Poems, and Meditations for Staying Human by Cole Arthur Riley published through CONVERGENT BOOKS and copyright in 2024. Open Our Eyes (TFF 98). Text and music: Robert Cull, © 1976 Maranatha! Music, admin. The Copyright Company. Reprinted from This Far by Faith: An African American Resource for Worship, © 1999 Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission. We’ve Come This Far by Faith (TFF 197). Text and music: Albert A. Goodson, © 1956 Manna Music, Inc. Reprinted from This Far by Faith: An African American Resource for Worship, © 1999 Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission. Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus (ELW 254) Text: Charles Wesley, 1707–1788 Tune: STUTTGART, attr. Christian F. Witt, 1660–1716. On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry (ELW 249) Text: Charles Coffin, 1676–1749 Tune: PUER NOBIS, European folk melody. Prepare the Royal Highway (ELW 264) Text: Frans Mikael Franzén, 1772–1847 Tune: BEREDEN VÄG FÖR HERRAN, Swedish folk melody.
Worship Explained: We pray the Lord’s Prayer because Jesus himself taught it to us and invited us to call God “Our Father.” Luther reminds us that this prayer is more than words to recite. It draws us into a relationship of trust, where we boldly ask for everything we need in body and spirit. When we pray the Lord’s Prayer in worship, we join the whole church in the prayer that gathers all our hopes, fears, and needs into the simple confidence that God hears us and gladly answers.
Announcements for December 7, 2025
- Welcome to our visitors. Please take a moment to sign our guest book in the narthex.
- Portals of Prayer for October through December & January through March are available on the narthex table.
- Sock it to homelessness! A sock drive open house with tours of Nightwatch will be held on Sunday December 7th 12:30-5:00pm. 302 14th S. SEA.
Holiday Worship Schedule
Date Time Service Location
December 10 7:00 pm Advent 2 Trinity
December 17 7:00 pm Advent 3 Good Shepherd
December 24 4:00 pm Christmas Eve Good Shepherd
- LWML Advent Tea is TODAY! 4:00-6:00pm.
- Adult Bible study class continues every Sunday at 10:00am led by Pastor Nate. We work together to learn what God is telling us through the scriptures.
Tithes online… For anyone interested in making their donations/tithes to Good Shepherd online, you can now go to our website, goodshepherdlutheranseattle.com and see the links in the Menu at the top right or at the bottom of the weekly Order of Service.
Prayer Requests – To update/add prayer requests, please contact us at (206) 325-2733 or lcgs22un@outlook.com
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Our Mission Statement:
Led by the Holy Spirit,
the mission of the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd is to give glory to God
for the building of His Kingdom by proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ,
worshipping the Triune God, and reaching out in love to the community.