Christmas Eve, 6PM Service
THE COMMUNITY GATHERS
IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD
GATHERING MUSIC
Joyce Rhodes, organ
“Variations on ‘Adeste Fideles’” by John Francis Wade
~ arranged by Frederick Swann
“The Snow Lay on the Ground” – tune – “Venite Adoremus”
~ arranged by David Paxton
“Infant Holy” – tune – Polish Carol
~ arranged by R. W. Thygerson
PRELUDE
Joyce Rhodes, organ
“Away in a Manger” by Martin Luther
~ arranged by Anita Graves
CONGREGATIONAL CENTERING
Pastor Jeffrey
THE SACRAMENT OF SILENCE
INSTRUMENTAL
Joyce Rhodes, organ
“Love Came Down at Christmas”
WORDS OF WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Pastor Jeffrey
*CALL TO WORSHIP
Jennifer Hall
L: The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the Communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
P: And also with you.
L: This is a night of deep mystery.
P: A night when heaven touches earth.
L: This is a night of great love
P: A night when a child is born for us.
L: This is a night of incredible joy.
P: A night when angels sing to shepherds.
L: Glory to God in the highest! Peace on earth to all.
P: O come let us adore him, Christ the Lord!
*OPENING PRAYER (In Unison)
Jennifer Hall
God of love and light, we thank you for giving us the gift of Jesus the Christ. We come before you with wonder and delight that you come to us in the child born in a manger. Be with us on this night of birth and rebirth. Come, honor us with the presence of your gracious, joyful Spirit. Fill our weary hearts with renewed hope and joy. Rekindle in our souls the light of Christ. That we might sing with the choirs of angels. Amen.
HYMN
Linda Juhl, Sue Livingstone, Bob Rhodes, John Palmer
“O Come, All Ye Faithful” (vv. 1-4) ~ UMH #234
THE COMMUNITY PROCLAIMS AND HEARS THE CHRISTMAS STORY
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION (In Unison)
Jennifer Hall
Surprising God, open our ears to hear this familiar story as if for the first time.
Open our eyes to see the diversity gathered at the manger. Open our hearts to the power of your love as revealed in this amazing story. Open our lives to the possibility of transformation, as we encounter once again our Emmanuel, God-With-Us. Amen.
SCRIPTURE READING
Jennifer Hall
Isaiah 9:2-7
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness— on them light has shined. You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
L: The Word of Life.
P: Thanks be to God. Amen.
HYMN
Linda Juhl, Sue Livingstone, Bob Rhodes, John Palmer
“It Came Upon a Midnight Clear” ~ UMH #218
CHRISTMAS PRAYER & THE LORD’S PRAYER
Pastor Jeffrey
HYMNS
Linda Juhl, Sue Livingstone, Bob Rhodes, John Palmer
“What Child is This?” ~ UMH #219
“O Little Town of Bethlehem” ~ UMH #230
SCRIPTURE READING
Jennifer Hall
Luke 2:1-7
In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
L: The Word of Life.
P: Thanks be to God. Amen.
CHRISTMAS EVE REFLECTION
Pastor Jeffrey
THE COMMUNITY RESPONDS TO THE CHRISTMAS STORY
LIGHTING THE CHRIST CANDLE & PRAYER
Lois and Elwin Stocking
Source of all Light, we celebrate this night the coming of Christ born for us and all. Bless these holy flames that in their glow we may be blessed by your grace and abiding love. Remind us of your constant presence and your unwavering care. Bless us, that we might reflect the Light of Christ in our daily lives and in our world so desperate for the hope, peace, joy, and love this night brings. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, the Light of the World! Amen.
SPECIAL MUSIC
Linda Juhl, Sue Livingstone, Bob Rhodes, John Palmer
“He Come from the Glory”
– Incorporating “The Virgin Had a Baby Boy” – Traditional West Indian Spiritual
~ arranged with New Music by Lloyd Larson
WORSHIP WITH TITHES AND OFFERINGS
Jennifer Hall
Angels are singing. The Christ Child is born. Glory, glory in the highest! Let us bring all that we are and all that we have. Let us offer our gifts in wonder and surprise, awe and reverence, joy and delight.
OFFERTORY
Joyce Rhodes, organ
“O Holy Night” – tune – “Cantique de Noel” by Adolphe Adam
~ arranged by T. Tertius Noble
CANDLELIGHT CELEBRATION
The community is invited to gather in a circle outside the sanctuary for the Candlelight Celebration. (Weather Permitting)
“Silent Night”
*BENEDICTION
Pastor Jeffrey
* Stand as you are able