St Ansgar Lutheran Church, London

Home	About Us	Our Location	Sunday Morning	Contacting Us	Pastor's Message	Calendar	Useful Links	Photo Gallery

Sunday Morning

We invite you to join us for the following worship services:

Sundays
10:30 a.m. Worship service

Hand sanitizer will be available at the entrance and other locations in the church for
your use.

Washrooms will be available for use.

In the service: The service will be shown on the screen. The offering will not be gathered and presented, but there will be an offering plate at the back of the sanctuary where you can put your offering as you enter or leave. Pastor David distributes the communion wafers and an Assisting Minister distributes wine or grape juice in individual glasses.

We have coffee and fellowship time available again in Luther Hall after the service.

We will continue to evaluate our worship service procedures on a monthly basis.

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT, DECEMBER 14, 2025

St. Ansgar Lutheran Church, Outline for Worship (with sermon)
Sunday, December 14, 2025 – Third Sunday of Advent
Based on ELW Setting Four

GATHERING

WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS

LIGHTING THE THIRD ADVENT CANDLE
Waiting, Preparation, Joy, Light
This is the third Sunday of Advent. We’re glad that Christmas is getting closer.
The first candle reminds us to wait. We sing the first verse as the first candle is lit.

ADVENT SONG – Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah (ELW # 240)
Light one candle to watch for Messiah:
let the light banish darkness.
He shall bring salvation to Israel,
God fulfills the promise.

The second candle reminds us to prepare. We sing the second verse as the
second candle is lit.
Light two candles to watch for Messiah:
let the light banish darkness.
He shall feed the flock like a shepherd,
gently lead them homeward.

As we wait and get ready, we are thankful that God promises to come and
be with us. We light the third candle in joy for the promises of God.
We sing the third verse as the third candle is lit.
Light three candles to watch for Messiah:
let the light banish darkness.
Lift your heads and lift high the gateway
for the King of glory.

From Luke 2: Do not be afraid, for I am bringing you good news of great joy for
all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the
Messiah, the Lord.
Let us pray: Faithful God, we are glad for your promises to us. We trust that the
time is coming when all people will experience comfort, wholeness and liberty.
May we do our part to bring your good news of great joy to all.
Amen.

BRIEF ORDER FOR CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
P: Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God, whose home is heaven
and earth, whose salvation is sure.
C: Amen.

P: Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another.

Silence is kept for reflection.

P: Long-expected God,
C: we confess that we look to ourselves for the peace and security
only you can provide.
We reach for swords and spears, reluctant to release our grip on
the ways of war.
We become impatient while waiting and weary of keeping awake.
Free us from self-reliance, and teach us to live in harmony with
our neighbours. Increase our trust in God’s timing, and awaken
us to your advent among us, that we may abound in the hope
you have promised. Amen.

P: God judges us not as we deserve, but according to God’s
own righteousness. ☩ You are freed and forgiven, saved by grace,
and ready to welcome the Saviour.
C: Amen.

ENTRANCE HYMN - Awake! Awake, and Greet the New Morn (ELW #242)

GREETING
P: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion
of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
C: And also with you

KYRIE
A: In peace, let us pray to the Lord.
C: Lord, have mercy.

A: For the peace from above, and for our salvation, let us pray to the Lord.
C: Lord, have mercy.

A: 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.

A: For this holy house, and for all who offer here their worship and praise,
let us pray to the Lord.
C: Lord, have mercy.

A: Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord.
C: Amen.

HYMN OF PRAISE (sung) (ELW p. 149)
P: This is the feast of victory for our God. Alleluia.
C: Worthy is Christ, the Lamb who was slain,
whose blood set us free to be people of God.
Power and riches and wisdom and strength,
and honour and blessing and glory are his.
This is the feast of victory for our God. Alleluia.
Sing with all the people of God
and join in the hymn of all creation:
Blessing and honour and glory and might
be to God and the Lamb forever. Amen.
This is the feast of victory for our God,
for the Lamb who was slain has begun his reign.
Alleluia. Alleluia.

PRAYER OF THE DAY
P: Let us pray.
P: 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 Saviour and Lord, who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen

WORD

FIRST READING: Isaiah 35:1-10
1 The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and
blossom; like the crocus 2 it 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.
3 Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. 4 Say 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."
5 Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf
unstopped; 6 then 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; 7 the 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. 8 A 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. 9 No 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. 10 And 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.

A: The word of the Lord.
C: Thanks be to God.

PSALM 146: 5-10
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 promises 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.
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!

SECOND READING: James 5:7-10
7 Be 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. 8 You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming
of the Lord is near. 9 Beloved, do not grumble against one another, so that you
may not be judged. See, the Judge is standing at the doors! 10 As an example
of suffering and patience, beloved, take the prophets who spoke in the name
of the Lord.

A: The word of the Lord.
C: Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
C: Alleluia. Lord, to whom shall we go?
You have the words of eternal life. Alleluia.

GOSPEL
P: The Holy Gospel according to Matthew 11:2-11
C: Glory to you, O Lord.

2 When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word
by his disciples 3 and said to him, "Are you the one who is to come, or are
we to wait for another?" 4 Jesus answered them, "Go and tell John what
you hear and see: 5 the 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. 6 And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me."
7 As 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? 8 What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes?
Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. 9 What then did you go
out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is the
one about whom it is written, 'See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way before you.' 11 Truly 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.

P: The Gospel of the Lord.
C: Praise to you, O Christ.

SERMON
Matthew 11:2-11
Let us pray: May the words of my mouth, and the prayers of our hearts,
always be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, our Strength, and our Redeemer.
AMEN
Last Sunday we heard about all sorts of people flocking from great distances to
hear John the Baptist despite his accusatory preaching. John ignored niceties,
calling his listeners, “You brood of vipers.” If the scholars are correct and John
was an Essene, he had gone into the wilderness specifically to get away from
everyone and to worship in his own way. This morning, we find John in a prison
cell confined by the prison walls.
We do not really know if John was able to keep his ego in check when the
crowds of people from all over came to hear his preaching. John had to at
least feel some kind of excitement with so much religious energy in the air.
All that religious energy was part of the expectation in the beginning of
John’s ministry that something big was about to happen. Matthew records
John’s first words as the proclamation, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven
has come near.” John’s mission was to prepare people because, as he said,
“one who is more powerful than I is coming after me.” John believed that
when this powerful person arrived, things would change. John expected
that evil and corrupt people would be punished. John’s words sound as
if he thought evil itself would be destroyed, burnt up like chaff in an
“unquenchable fire.”
Sitting behind prison walls, John must have decided the chaff was still around.
Things had not worked out the way John thought they would. He thought
his community worshipped God in the right way, preserving the pure faith.
John must have expected that when the powerful one came, he and his
fellow Essenes would be vindicated and the corrupt leaders, like Herod,
would be judged. Now John was the one subjected to judgement. He was
the one in prison who woke up each morning to the same four prison walls.
John had been thrown into prison for speaking the truth. We don’t know
if he was frustrated, or angry, or bitter, but I think it is safe to say John
was disappointed.
John once made the crowds tremble with his words. Now he could only
pass messages by way of his disciples. John could not even ask Jesus
the question he was so eager to have answered in person. He could not
look Jesus in the eyes as he gave the question the exact inflection he
wanted to give it. John could only ask his question through his disciples
and receive a second-hand answer through one of his followers.
The question that John was so eager to ask was, “Are you the one who is
to come, or are we to wait for another?” John knew someone was coming.
Despite all that had happened to him, John had not lost his faith in God.
What he wanted to know was whether Jesus really was the one or was
Jesus just another imposter. Jesus tells us in the last verse of our Gospel
lesson this morning that, “Truly I tell you, among those born of women no
one has arisen greater than John the Baptist.” John had been willing to
accept Jesus as the one who was expected, but John still had questions.
John did not understand why Jesus, the one who would judge the whole
world, needed to be baptized by him. Earlier in the Gospel of Matthew the
disciples of John came to Jesus and asked, “Why do we and the Pharisees
fast often, but your disciples do not fast?” Fasting was a strict practice of the
Jewish tradition. This is why John and his disciples felt the need to ask Jesus
if he was the one whom God sent. Was Jesus really the one? Or, even worse,
was Jesus supposed to be the one, but lacked the discipline to follow through?
While John remained confined in the prison his doubts must have grown stronger.
It is possible that he thought his life had been based on a mistake. Could John
have known that he would never walk out of that prison?
Where do we find ourselves in this Advent season? As we approach Christmas,
what is on our minds? Are there questions or doubts that challenge us
amid all the holiday cheer that surrounds us? What worry or sense of
grief overshadows our attempt at holiday cheer? As we enter the spirit of
the Christmas season, does the singing and merry-making just briefly hide
our anxiety? John’s question about whether Jesus really was the one who
was to come may lead us to ask some of our own questions. What difference
has it made in the world that Jesus was born? If the Messiah has come,
why do so many of us find ourselves in one kind of a prison or another?
If we look at some of the types of prisons that hold us in, we may ask a question
that sounds a lot like John’s question. If Jesus is the one, if Jesus came
in power, if God reached into our world through Jesus, why aren’t things
different? Why hasn’t God burned all the chaff, even the chaff that can be
found within each of us?
Jesus sent back to John an answer that John neither wanted nor expected.
“Go tell John what you hear and see; the 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.” Jesus came in power, but not the kind
of power John anticipated. Jesus’ power was in his message about what the
reign of God looked like. Jesus’ power was in his deeds and in his teachings.
Despite the evil found in the world, we see that power now. The arrival of the
Messiah did not instantly fix all our problems. It did not free John from prison.
Nevertheless, Jesus came bringing great power. When we see the church
working in the wider community responding to natural and man-made disasters
providing aide and relief to people struggling to survive, that is the power of
Jesus at work. When we see the church, our church, feeding those without
enough food through our food drives, or providing socks and warm clothing
to those who need them, or collecting shoes and boots for Mission Services
in response to a great need, or raising funds to buy nails and screws so four
families can each have a home, that is Jesus’ power at work through the people
of the church. When we see the walls of prejudice shattered brick by brick,
that is Jesus’ kind of power. When we see families healed and love restored,
that is Jesus’ kind of power. When people find the courage to live with an illness
or life situation that won’t change, that is Jesus’ kind of power. When people
hear of the coming reality of God’s reign and learn to trust in it, that is Jesus’
kind of power.
Jesus did answer John’s question by sharing examples of Jesus’ power.
These examples provide direction for us as we live our lives in the power
of Jesus. So, where are we this Advent season? Are we as convinced
as ever that Jesus is the Messiah and that the future is in God’s hands,
or are we covering up doubt with Christmas cheer? Are we willing to
share our faith with the world around us? Are we willing to show others
the difference that Jesus’ birth made in this world through our lives?
Are we ready to generously share Jesus’ power with those around us?
Jesus’ answer to John is Jesus’ answer to us. Where we see the power
of healing and the wisdom of true teaching, we see the difference the
coming of Jesus has made and continues to make, and we eagerly
anticipate the full realization of that difference to come.
AMEN

Silence is kept for reflection.

HYMN OF THE DAY – The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came (ELW #265)

NICENE CREED
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only 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;
by the power of the Holy Spirit
he became incarnate from 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.
With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified.
He 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

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
A: In our waiting and watching, we come to you in prayer, O God, trusting
your promise to renew the church, the nations, and the whole creation.
A: God of our church, send forth your Spirit as we pray for our Bishops
Larry and Carla. Empower them with your wisdom to lead the church.
We also pray for the Thames Ministry area, especially Pastor Rob Wiesner
and the people of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Brodhagen. God of grace,
C: hear our prayer.

A: God of power and mercy, we praise you for Jesus and his acts of healing
and liberation. Lead us to proclaim the good news from generation to generation,
that all may place their hope in you. God of grace,
C: hear our prayer.

A: When lands are parched and dry, bring rain and snow; where wilderness
is barren, sow seeds of life. Fill the lands with trees that grow, plants that flower,
and creatures that thrive, as nature proclaims the wonder of your works.
God of grace,
C: hear our prayer.

A: When there is injustice or corruption among nations and leaders, root it out.
Turn their attention to inequity and the cries of the poor. Instill a deeper
sense of compassion and care in all who govern. God of grace,
C: hear our prayer.

A: When bodies weaken and hearts grow fearful, speak your blessing.
We pray especially for Beth, Jean, Mary Margaret, Kristine, Karen, Emma,
Cathy, Lene, Grethe, Lyra, Donna, Ahlan, and those others who are in
our hearts. In uncertain times, remind us of the promise spoken to our
ancestors in faith. God of grace,
C: hear our prayer.

A: When people are imprisoned or held captive, break the chains and
offer release. Strengthen the work of the church in restorative justice,
breaking cycles of poverty, and welcoming the immigrant. God of grace,
C: hear our prayer.

A: Merciful God, we pray for peace as war continues to rage in Ukraine
and in Israel and Gaza. Shelter all living in fear; protect those seeking
refuge in neighbouring countries; sustain families separated by the horrors
of war; tend to those who are injured; comfort all who mourn their dead.
Direct your people into the way of peace. God of grace,
C: hear our prayer.

A: As we await your coming, we give thanks for the faithful who have lived
and died in faith. May their boldness of faith inspire our witness and work.
God of grace,
C: hear our prayer.

A: Draw near to us, O God, as we commend all for whom we pray,
trusting in your mercy through Jesus Christ, Emmanuel.
C: Amen.

PEACE
P: The peace of Christ be with you always.
C: And also with you.

LORD’S PRAYER
P: Lord, remember us in your kingdom and teach us to pray.
C: 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,
forever and ever. Amen.

SENDING

BLESSING
P: May God who comes among us, Father, + Son, and Holy Spirit,
grant you patience in waiting, peace in the darkness, and good news
to share today and always.
C: Amen.

SENDING HYMN – Joy to the World (ELW #267)

DISMISSAL
A: Go in peace. Keep awake.
C: Thanks be to God.

DISMISSAL HYMN – Go Now in Peace
Go now in peace, never be afraid.
God will go with you each hour of every day.
Go now in faith, steadfast, strong and true.
Know He will guide you in all you do.
Go now in love, and show you believe.
Reach out to others, so all the world can see.
God will be there, watching from above.
Go now in peace, in faith, and in love.