November 23, 2025 – Reign of Christ

Lectionary Readings

Jeremiah 23:1–6
I will gather the remnant of my flock and raise up good shepherds.

Luke 1:68–79
Blessed be the Lord, who has raised up a savior for the people. 

or Psalm 46
Though the earth changes and the waters roar, God is our refuge.

Colossians 1:11–20
Christ is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 

Luke 23:33–43
Crucified with Jesus, a criminal says: Remember me in your kingdom. 

— Gathering —

Opening Sentences

Woe to the shepherds who destroy 
and scatter the sheep of my pasture!
I myself will gather my flock 
and bring them back to their fold.
God is our refuge and strength, 
a very present help in trouble.
I will raise up for David a righteous branch, 
who shall reign and deal wisely
and execute justice and righteousness in the land.
God is our refuge and strength, 
a very present help in trouble. 
God will give knowledge of salvation to his people
by the forgiveness of their sins.
God is our refuge and strength, 
a very present help in trouble. 
By the tender mercy of our God, 
the dawn from on high will break upon us
to give light to those who sit in the 
shadow of death, 
to guide our feet into the way of peace. 
God is our refuge and strength, 
a very present help in trouble. 

Prayer of the Day

Image of the invisible God,
firstborn of all creation, Prince of peace,
Word through whom all things were made, 
rule our minds and hearts with 
justice born of righteousness
and mercy born of love.
Guide us to participate in your kingdom,
where all God’s people have a share
in the strength that comes
from God’s glorious power. Amen. 

Hymn, Psalm, or Spiritual Song

Thanksgiving For Baptism

At the baptismal font:
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
O Lord our God, we give you thanks
for the hope and longing you instill in us
through the promise of our baptism—
a voice crying out in the wilderness,
a messenger to prepare the way,
the day of redemption drawing near.
By the power of your Holy Spirit,
poured out upon us in baptism,
keep us awake and make us ready
for the coming of your glorious realm
of righteousness, justice, and peace;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Confession and Pardon

At the baptismal font:
In humility we are called to confess our sin,
reaching out in penitence to our Lord and Savior.
Trusting in the merciful love of God,
let us pray together.

Gracious Lord,
we are quick to identify our enemies
and slow to name the ways we hurt others.
You lead us in the ways of righteousness,
and yet we prefer to walk our own path.
We are called to follow your lead
in creating a beloved community,
yet we idolize wealth and power.
Heal us and help us, O God.
Turn us from the ways of sin,
the means that create unjust ends.
Grant that we may seek to be for others
what you are for us:
a source of light on the way to peace.

Lifting water from the font:
The Lord gives light to those who dwell in darkness
and guides our every step in the path of salvation.
In the name of Jesus Christ we are forgiven.
Thanks be to God!

— Word —

Prayer for Illumination

At the lectern or pulpit:
Holy God, our hope and strength,
by the power of your Spirit
prepare the way in our hearts
for the coming of your Word,
so that we may see the glorious signs
of your promise fulfilled;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Scripture

Before the readings:
Sacred writings, our instruction in salvation 
through faith in Jesus Christ. 
2 Timothy 3:15

After the readings: 
The words of Scripture, inspired by God. 
Thanks be to God.
2 Timothy 3:16

Sermon

Ascription of Praise

After the sermon:
Blessed be the Lord our God. Amen.
Luke 1:68

Hymn, Psalm, or Spiritual Song

Affirmation of Faith

Out of Israel, God in due time raised up Jesus.
His faith and obedience were the response
of the perfect child of God.
He was the fulfillment
of God’s promise to Israel,
the beginning of the new creation,
and the pioneer of the new humanity.
He gave history its meaning and direction
and called the church to be his servant
for the reconciliation of the world.
Adapted from the Confession of 1967, 9.19