Christmas Eve Worship
PRELUDE
“Bell Carol/In Dulci Jubilo/Ring Christmas Bells” (M. Leontovich, arr. Matthew Naughtin) String Quartet
WELCOME
CAROL MEDLEY
“On Christmas Night/O Come, All Ye Faithful/O Little Town of Bethlehem/Joy to the World” (arr. Tim Graf)
Canticle Choir, Orchestra
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Almighty God, you made this holy night shine with the brightness of the true Light. Grant that here on earth we may walk in the light of Jesus’ presence and in the last day wake to the brightness of his glory; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE
ANTHEM
“While Shepherds Kept Their Watch” (arr. Dan Forrest)
Canticle Choir, String Quartet, Larry Bach (Director)
CHRISTMAS GOSPEL
Luke 2:1-14
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.
In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and 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 heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”
The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
SERMON
OFFERING
OFFERING OF MUSIC
“Behold Him” (Francesca Battistelli, Jeff Pardo, Molly Reed)
Elliana Meier, Tim Graf
INVITATION TO WORSHIP
PRAYERS OF GOD’S PEOPLE
THE LORD’S PRAYER
CAROL
“Silent Night” (words projected)
BENEDICTION
Almighty God,
who sent the Holy Spirit to Mary,
proclaimed joy through the angels,
sent the shepherds with good news,
and led the magi by a star,
bless you this day ☩ through the Word made flesh.
Amen.
SENDING
Go in peace. Share the gift of Jesus. Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE
“Yuletide Scherzo” (Austin Alan Scott)
Jodi Edstrom, Tim Graf
