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Worship

Posted on December 23, 2021

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

Filed Under: Worship

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