deep deep as Sheol or high as heaven. Ahaz said, I will not ask, and I will not 13Then put the LORD to the test. Isaiah said: “Hear then, O house of David! Is it 14Therefore too little for you to weary mortals, that you weary my God also? the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall 15He bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel. shall eat curds and honey by 16For the time he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good. before the child knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land before whose two kings you are in dread will be deserted.”

########## Candle Lighting

A: This morning we light four candles. The first candle is the light of hope for those who find themselves waiting and wondering. The second candle is the light of hope for those who are feeling weak and weary by the circumstances of life. The third candle is the light of hope for those eagerly watching for God’s promised glory. The fourth candle is the light of hope for those injured by our words and deeds or those of others. As the light grows, we look to the Savior who comes to rescue the lost, help the hurting, and heal the suffering.

########## A: The word of the Lord.

- C: Thanks be to God.

########## ÚOPENING HYMN Savior of the Nations, Come ELW # 263

########## Stanzas 1, 2, 3 and 6

########## SECOND READING Psalm 80:1-5, 7, 17-19

########## 1Hear, O Shepherd of Israel, leading Joseph like a flock; shine forth, you that are enthroned upon the cherubim.

########## ÚGREETING

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

########## 2In the presence of Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh, stir up your strength and come to help us.

########## C: And also with you.

########## 3Restore us, O God; let your face shine upon us, and we shall be saved.

########## 4O LORD God of hosts, how long will your anger fume when your people pray?

########## ÚPRAYER OF THE DAY

########## P: Let us pray together.

########## 5You have fed them with the bread of tears; you have given them bowls of tears to drink.

########## Stir up your power, Lord Christ, and come.

All: With your abundant grace and might, free us from the sin that hinders our faith, that eagerly we may receive your promises, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

########## 6You have made us the derision of our neighbors, and our enemies laugh us to scorn.

########## 7Restore us, O God of hosts; let your face shine upon us, and we shall be saved.

####### God’s Word About Christ’s Coming

########## 17Let your hand be upon the one at your right hand, the one you have made so strong for yourself.

########## God speaks to us in scripture reading, preaching, and song

########## 18And so will we never turn away from you; give us life, that we may call upon your name.

########## FIRST READING Isaiah 7:10-16

An Israelite and Aramean military coalition presented a serious threat to King Ahaz of Judah. In response, Ahaz decided to secure his throne and kingdom by seeking Assyrian help. Isaiah reminds Ahaz that human attempts to establish security will fail. The prophet gives the sign that is the only source of true safety: Immanuel, God is with us!

########## 19Restore us, O LORD God of hosts; let your face shine upon us, and we shall be saved.

########## ÚCANTICLE OF PRAISE The King Shall Come ELW # 260

########## Stanzas 1 and 5

########## 10The 11Ask LORD spoke to Ahaz, saying, a sign of the LORD your God; let it be

########## Continued on the next page.