THE BIRTH OF JESUS
This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).
—Matthew 1:18–23
Dear Friends,
The delight of Christmas can be seen everywhere you turn— twinkling lights, decorated trees, Christmas carols, and the chance to gather with people we love. This season invites us to rekindle a sense of awe and wonder at God’s goodness. My prayer is that you will experience His presence in a very real way.
Christmas candlelight services have long been a cherished tradition in the Christian faith. We join believers around world in celebrating the birth of Jesus, the Light of the world, God with us, Emmanuel. As Tim Keller, a Presbyterian pastor in New York, says so well, “Christmas is an invitation to know Christ personally. Christmas is an invitation by God to say: Look what I’ve done to come near to you. Now draw near to me.”
Our church has traveled a remarkable journey through the entire Bible this year. Starting in January, we will begin a new series in the books of Matthew and Romans, rediscovering the story and significance of Jesus’ life and ministry. I hope you will consider partnering with us as we join Christ daily in the restoration of all things.
For decades, Peachtree’s Christmas offering has served to construct a new home for a family through Atlanta Habitat for Humanity. This year will be our 159th and 160th homes for families in our community. Join me in extending shelter to a family in need, as a signpost of God’s great welcome to each and every one of us into “the house of the Lord forever” (Ps. 23:6).
With Christmas joy, Dr. Richard Kannwischer
Peachtree Presbyterian Church Atlanta, Georgia
Prelude & Introit
Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus | Arr. wil brown
RESPONSIVE SCRIPTURE READING from Isaiah 9, John 1, and Matthew 1
Congregational Carol† O Come, All Ye Faithful | arr. david Willcocks
Welcome to Peachtree
Congregational Medley † Hark, the Herald Angels Sing | The First Noel | Angels We Have Heard on High arr. Dr. Stephen Michael Newby
Anthem In the Bleak Midwinter | cranham CHRISTMAS PRAYER
Offertory Anthem Angels From the Realms of Glory | Arr. dan Forrest
CHRISTMAS MESSAGE
Dr. Richard Kannwischer · Senior Pastor CANDLE LIGHTING
† Those who are able, please stand.
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Anthem
O Holy Night | Adolphe Adam, arr. John Rutter
Congregational Carol
Silent Night, Holy Night | arr. Wil Brown
BENEDICTION
Congregational Carol† Joy to the World | Antioch Postlude
Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella | keith Chapman
LEADING MUSIC IN WORSHIP
Dr. Stephen Michael Newby Minister of Worship
Mary Hoffman Director of Music Ministry
Wil Brown Director of Contemporary Worship
Steven Wooddell organist
Jason Maynard pianist
J. Jakari Rush pianist
Debra Dixon-Trahan soloist
Indra Thomas soloist
Elizabeth Claxton Castillo soloist (Dec 24. 7pm)
† Those who are able, please stand.
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December 21
Dr. Richard Kannwischer senior pastor
Rev. Vicki Harrington Franch Associate Pastor
Rev. Cody Jensen Associate Pastor Dr. Jay Madden executive Pastor
Dr. Chuck Roberts senior associate Pastor
December 23
Dr. Richard Kannwischer senior pastor
Rev. Cody Jensen Associate Pastor Rev. Deanne Townsend Associate Pastor Rev. Scott Tucker associate Pastor
December 24
Dr. Richard Kannwischer senior pastor
Rev. Vicki Harrington Franch Associate Pastor
Dr. Jay Madden executive Pastor Dr. Chuck Roberts senior associate Pastor
Woodwinds Mace Hibbard Horn Jason Eklund Trumpet John Bryant Jonathan Swygert Trombone Ed Nicholson Hollie Lawing Pritchard
MUSICIANS
Violin Jessica Wu Helen Kim
Viola Yinzi Kong Cello Guang Wang Doublebass Robert Henson
Percussion
Joel Morris Paula Williams Paul Barrie Bass Rex Crawford
LIGHTING THE ADVENT WREATH
December 21 7:00 pm Susanne and John Saad; Hannah, Davis, Drew
December 23 · 5:00 pm Kelly and Mike Wolfensperger; Madison and Savannah
December 23 7:00 pm Kenna and Sasan Tavassoli; Kalen
December 24 · 3:00 pm Jill and Jason Wilson; Luke Wilson and Paige Beland
December 24 5:00 pm Elizabeth and Will Thomason; William and Grace
December 24 · 7:00 pm Elizabeth and Clay Zielinski, Emilia and Cora
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LEADING THE WORSHIP
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
— Luke 2:7
Imagine preparing for the birth of your child and having nowhere to go, and the relief that comes when you have a place that you can call your own. Through our Christmas offering, we will have the opportunity to provide the gift of first-time homeownership to a family through our partnership with Atlanta Habitat for Humanity. Join us by giving today and volunteering during our 159th and 160th Habitat builds in 2023. Let us prepare room for our neighbors!
3 WAYS TO GIVE Online PeachtreeChurch.com/ ChristmasOffering Text Text CHRISTMAS to 50700 Offering Plate Place a check or cash in the offering plate during the worship service