Greetings from Parkland’s Pastoral Staff

Dearly Beloved, This has been quite a year of unexpected changes and challenges as well as opportunities

for Parkland and Our Redeemer, and there are still more coming upon us. Change is not always comfortable or easy and sometimes it can feel chaotic. But the One who does not change, who is the same, yesterday, today, and forever, took on human flesh to enter our chaotic world so that you would have a certain, joyful, and comforted future.

God rest you merry, gentlemen, Let nothing you dismay, For Jesus Christ, our Savior, Was born on Christmas Day To save us all from Satan’s pow’r When we were gone astray. O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy; O tidings of comfort and joy. (ELH #126:1)

Pastor, Anna, Abel, Elisha, Matthias, Boaz, and Ezra Gullixson *** *** ***

Dear members of Parkland Lutheran Church, O come, Thou Key of David, come, And open wide our heav’nly home; Make safe the way that leads on high, And close the path to misery. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel. (ELH #110:5)

King David, the “man after God’s own heart,” (1 Sam. 13:14; Acts 13:22) often speaks the Messiah’s words in the psalms. That is why Christ is the Key of David, who unlocks the treasures of the psalms. He is the Word of God that David, by faith, knew was coming. St. John wrote, “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only-begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14) This Christmas may you behold the glory of God revealed in the Christ Child, the glory so full of grace and truth, whom David also knew so long ago.

Pastor and Mrs. Sparley *** *** ***

Dear friends, We are in a dark season of the year. At times, we may question whether or not there is a sun

behind the rain clouds that so frequently cover the skies. And such darkness can leave a powerful impact on the soul, lowering our spirits, so that we begin to reflect the nature of the skies we see above us.

And yet, we are at a light season of the year. For now we remember the birth of our dear Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The memory of the birth of Christ is a glorious light that breaks through our darkness. By it, the Father reveals the love that he has toward us, in giving us his Son to rescue us from sin and death, and to bring us into his eternal kingdom.

This Flow’r, whose fragrance tender with sweetness fills the air, Dispels with glorious splendor the darkness ev’rywhere. True Man, yet very God; From sin and death He saves us and lightens ev’ry load. (ELH #121:4)

Vicar, Katie, Adeline, and Ernest Bockoven8

Parkland Evangelical Lutheran Church

The Festival of the Holy Nativity of Our Lord | Candlelight Service

December 24, 2021 – 5:00 & 11:00 PM

The Upholder, Upheld

The Nativity, by Lorenzo Lotto, 1523

(* Indicates the congregation may stand.) 1. The Processional

(The pastors shall sing stanzas 1 & 4 in Latin)

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1. Veni, veni, Emmanuel, Captivum solve Israel Qui gemit in exilio, Privatus Dei Filio. Gaude, gaude, Emmanuel Nascetur pro te, Israel.

O come, O come, Emmanuel, Redeem Thy captive Israel That into exile drear is gone Far from the face of God’s dear Son. Rejoice, rejoice Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel!

(The congregation shall then rise and face the processional cross.)

*2. The Introit and Lighting of the Christ Candle (spoken responsively) When all was still and it was midnight, Your almighty Word, O Lord, descended from the royal throne. The Lord reigns, He is clothed with majesty. The Lord said to me, “You are My Son, today I have begotten You.” When all was still and it was midnight, Your almighty Word, O Lord, descended from the royal throne.

*3. The Lesson: Isaiah 7:10-14 Again the LORD spoke to Ahaz, “Ask a sign of the LORD your God; let it be deep as

Sheol 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. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call His name “Immanuel.” (ESV)

P: This is the Word of the Lord. C: Thanks be to God.

. The Epistle: Colossians 1:15–17 [Christ] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all

things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. (ESV)

P: This is the Word of the Lord. C: Thanks be to God.

6. The Gospel: St. Luke 2:1-14 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.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from

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4. * Veni, O Iesse Virgula Ex hostis tuos ungula De specu tuos tartari Educ et antro barathri. Gaude, gaude, Emmanuel Nascetur pro te, Israel.

O come, Thou Branch of Jesse! Draw The quarry from the lion’s claw; From the dead caverns of the grave, From nether hell, Thy people save. Rejoice, rejoice Emanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel!

(Congregational Meditation): 5. O come, Thou Key of David, come,

And open wide our heav’nly home; Make safe the way that leads on high, And close the path to misery. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.

meet the very Savior who was born in Bethlehem so that we might know the saving peace that He has won for all people. O come to us, abide with us,

C: Our Lord Immanuel! P: God of peace, look with mercy upon all who are suffering during this holy season. Grant healing to the sick, comfort to those who mourn, hope to those who are lonely and downcast, and relief to the hungry and homeless. Open our hearts and hands to share from our abundance with those in need so that we may show Your love and be agents of Your peace. O come to us, abide with us,

C: Our Lord Immanuel! P: Hear us, gracious Father, for the sake of Your only-begotten Son, born of virgin mother to be our Lord, who taught 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.

P: Jesus Christ, is the Light of the World. The Light no darkness can overcome.

11. The Passing of the Light: “Silent Night” | Hymn #140 5 & 11 PM | (Congregational meditation)

12. The Benediction

13. The Recessional: “The Nunc Dimittis” (sung by the pastors) ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Preacher: Vicar Peter Bockoven Officiant: Rev. Samuel Gullixson Organist 5 PM: Ms. Michelle Minton Organist 11 PM: Mr. Albert Harris

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1. Silent night! Holy night! All is calm, all is bright, Round yon virgin mother and Child. Holy Infant, so tender and mild, Sleep in heavenly peace, Sleep in heavenly peace.

2. Silent night! Holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight. Glories stream from heaven afar; Heavn’ly hosts sing, Alleluia; Christ the Savior is born! Christ the Savior is born!

3. Silent night! Holy night! Son of God, love’s pure light Radian beams from Thy holy face With the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth, Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth.

4. Silent night! Holy night! Wondrous star, lend thy light; With the angels let us sing, Alleluia to our King; Christ the Savior is born. Christ the Savior is born.

The Sixth Meditation: Isaiah 9:6 a. Upheld by Us, in Our Souls. The Response: Thou Who Wast Rich (Choir. Text by Frank Houghton. Music, French

carol melody, arranged by John Evans.)

*9. The Prayers (read responsively) P: Almighty and most merciful God, in the fullness of time, You sent forth Your Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem this fallen world and make us Your very own. We give You thanks that the good news of the Savior’s birth continues to be proclaimed throughout the world. Open the hearts of many that together we may give thanks for Your boundless mercy. O come to us, abide with us,

C: Our Lord Immanuel! P: Gracious God, Your Son entered this world not with mighty demonstrations of power but in humility and meekness. Guide Your holy Church as she goes about the work You have given her to do. Let us not be enticed by the world’s demand for success; rather, enable us to trust in Your promise that Your Word will not return void but will accomplish its purpose: the salvation of souls. O come to us, abide with us,

C: Our Lord Immanuel! P: Merciful Lord, in his announcement to the shepherds, the angel gave them a sign so that they might find the newborn Savior. Grant Your people faithfulness to look to the places where You have promised to be present for them now: in the faithful preaching of Your Word and in the Holy Sacraments. Help us to trust that through these humble means we

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1. Thou who wast rich beyond all splendor, All for love's sake becamest poor. Throne for a manger didst surrender, Sapphire pav'd courts for stable floor; Thou who wast rich beyond all splendor, All for love's sake becamest poor.

2. Thou who art God beyond all praising, All for love's sake becamest Man. Stooping so low, but sinners raising, Heav'nwards by Thine eternal plan. Thou who was rich beyond all praising, All for love's sake becamest Man.

3. Thou who art love beyond all telling, Savior and King, we worship Thee. Emmanuel within us dwelling, Make us what Thou wouldst have us be; Thou who art love beyond all telling, Savior and King, we worship Thee.

Soloist 5. Thus spake the seraph, and forthwith

Appeared a shining throng Of angels, praising God, and thus Addressed their joyful song:

All: 6. “All glory be to God on high,

And to the earth be peace; Goodwill henceforth from Heav’n to men Begin and never cease.”

Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And 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. (KJV)

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, 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 Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, 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, good will toward men.” And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds

said one to another, “Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.” And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe 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 for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. (KJV)

P: This is the Holy Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. C: Thanks be to God.

7. A Hymn: #113—A Great and Mighty Wonder (Congregational meditation)

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Refrain: Repeat the hymn again: “To God on high be glory and peace on earth to men!”

3. While thus they sing your Monarch, Those bright angelic bands, Rejoice, ye vales and mountains, Ye oceans, clap your hands. (Refrain).

4. Since all he comes to ransom, By all be He adored, The Infant born in Bethl’em, The Savior and the Lord. (Refrain).

5. And idol forms shall perish, And error shall decay, And Christ shall wield His scepter, Our Lord and God for aye. (Refrain).

1. A great and mighty wonder, A full and holy cure: The Virgin bears the Infant With virgin honor pure! (Refrain).

2. The Word becomes incarnate And yet remains on high, And cherubim sing anthems To shepherds from the sky. (Refrain).

8. Christmas Meditations The First Meditation: Luke 2:7a. Upheld by Mary, His Mother. The Response: #268 – On Mary, Virgin Undefiled

The Second Meditation: Luke 2:7b. Upheld by Swaddling Cloths. The Response: #119 – Away in a Manger

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1. Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, The little Lord Jesus lay down His sweet head. The stars in the bright sky looked down where He lay, The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.

2. The cattle are lowing, The baby awakes, But little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes. I love Thee, Lord Jesus! Look down from the sky, and stay by my cradle till morning is nigh.

3. Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask Thee to stay Close by me forever and love me, I pray. Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care And take us to heaven to live with Thee there.

1. On Mary, Virgin undefiled, Did God bestow His favor; She bore a Son, the spotless Child, To Him be praise forever! He hath us all from sin set free; Our stay be He, And rest eternal give us!

2. Were all the sages here below All human wisdom showing, The mystery of Christ to know Were far beyond their knowing; For full of grace and truth is He; O may He be Our comfort in our dying!

3. Inspired of God the prophets spake, And faithful proved their saying, That Christ the bonds of sin doth break, Deliverance conveying To all by Satan’s wiles enslaved; All shall be saved Who trust in Him, believing.

4. O Root of Jesse, David’s Son, And Jacob’s Star of heaven! Thou art the Christ, the blessed One; Thy name all praise be given: By grace Thou hast redeemed us all From Adam’s fall, And thou wilt guide and tend us.

5. O could I speak in ev’ry tongue The Scripture’s deep expounding, Were in my mouth the angels’ song That through high heav’n is sounding, I on my knees would humbly fall, At Jesus’ call, And worship Him forever!

6. My sins are countless as the sands, My crimes, O God, are crying, Deliver me from sin’s dread bands And save me, Lord, when dying; O let me not, for evil past, Be lost at last, Grant my Thy grace, I pray Thee!

The Third Meditation: Matthew 1:25. Upheld by Joseph, His Guardian. The Response: #112 – A Boy Is Born in Bethlehem (stanzas 1–4)

The Fourth Meditation: Luke 2:9–11 & Mark 1:13b. Upheld by the Angels. The Response: #116 – Angels We Have Heard on High

The Fifth Meditation: Luke 1:16–17. Upheld by the Shepherds. The Response: #147 – While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks (Soloist: Todd Knutson)

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1. A Boy is born in Bethlehem, Bethlehem; Rejoice, therefore, Jerusalem! Alleluia, alleluia!

2. Our human flesh doth He take on, Doth he take on, High Word of God th’eternal Son, Alleluia, alleluia!

3. When Mary Gabriel’s words received, Words received, Within her was her Son conceived. Alleluia, alleluia!

4. From Virgin’s womb doth He proceed, Doth he proceed, No human father doth He need. Alleluia, alleluia!

1. Angels we have heard on high, Sweetly singing o’er the plains, And the mountains in reply, Echoing their joyous strains (Refrain).

2. Shepherds, why this jubilee? Why your joyous strains prolong? What the gladsome tidings be Which inspire your heav’nly song?(Refrain).

Refrain: Gloria in excelsis Deo; Gloria in excelsis

3. Come to Bethlehem and see Him whose birth the angels sing; Come, adore on bended knee Christ the Lord, the newborn King. (Refrain).

4. See, within a manger laid, Jesus, Lord of heav’n and earth, Lend your voices, lend your aid To proclaim the Savior’s birth! (Refrain).

Soloist 1. While shepherds watched their flocks by night,

All seated on the ground, The angel of the Lord came down, And glory shone around.

Men 3. “To you, in David’s town, this day,

Is born of David’s line A Savior, who is Christ the Lord; And this shall be the sign:

2. “Fear not,” said he, for mighty dread Had seized their troubled mind; “Glad tidings of great joy I bring To you and all mankind.”

Women 4. “The heav’nly Babe you there shall find

To human view displayed, All meanly wrapped in swaddling clothes And in a manger laid.”