The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
—John 1:9-14
Dear Friends,
Thank you for joining us for Christmas Eve at Peachtree Church. It is a gift and an honor to worship with you this Christmas. Candlelight services are a cherished tradition for Christians across the globe. At Christmas, we gather to celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Light of the world, who brings hope to every heart and every home and to reflect on God’s goodness and grace revealed in the gift of his Son.
C.S. Lewis wrote, “The Son of God became a man to enable men to become sons of God.” This Christmas, as we pause to celebrate the birth of Jesus, may we be reminded of this profound gift of God’s love and grace and experience the joy and peace of Emmanuel, God with us, in a personal way.
Throughout this past year, our church has been on a journey of rediscovering ancient spiritual practices so that we may become people who overflow with the goodness of God. In 2025, we will focus our attention on the Book of Psalms, using it as a guide to deepen our practice of conversing with God and listening for his response. I hope you will join us as we seek to dwell in the presence of God each day.
For decades, Peachtree’s Christmas offering has been a tangible expression of God’s love for our neighbors in need. This year, we are partnering again with Atlanta Habitat for Humanity to build hope and homes for a family in our community. Your generosity will help provide shelter and serve as a powerful reminder of God’s goodness.
Thank you for making Peachtree a part of your Christmas. May your hearts be filled with the joy of this season, and may you know the abundant love of Christ today and always.
With Christmas joy, Dr.
Richard Kannwischer
Peachtree Presbyterian Church
Atlanta, Georgia
Prelude Introit
Angels We Have Heard on High | Arr. phil Wickham
Welcome to Peachtree
Congregational Carol
O Come, All Ye Faithful | arr. david Willcocks
RESPONSIVE SCRIPTURE READING
from Matthew 1 and Luke 2
Congregational Medley
Hark, the Herald Angels Sing | O Little Town of Bethlehem | The First Noel
Anthem
All Is Well | Michael W. Smith
CHRISTMAS PRAYER
Offertory Anthem
Love Divine, All Loves Excelling | Arr. Mack Wilberg
CHRISTMAS MESSAGE
Dr. Richard Kannwischer Senior Pastor
CANDLE LIGHTING
† Those who are able, please stand.
Anthem
O Holy Night | Adolphe Adam, arr. John Rutter
Congregational Carol Silent Night, Holy Night | STILLE NACHT
BENEDICTION
Congregational Carol† Joy to the World | Antioch
Postlude
LEADING MUSIC IN WORSHIP
Mary Hoffman Senior Director of Music Ministry
Todd Fields Contemporary Worship Leader
Steven Wooddell Organist
Jason Maynard Pianist
Clay Hilley Soloist (Dec 22 & 24)
Timothy Miller Soloist (Dec 23)
Karyn List Vocalist
Ava York Vocalist
† Those who are able, please stand.
LEADING THE WORSHIP
Dr. Richard Kannwischer SENIOR PASTOR
Rev. Vicki Harrington Franch PASTOR FOR PASTORAL CARE
Dr. Jay Madden
EXECUTIVE PASTOR
Rev. Wes Nichols PASTOR FOR BELONG
Senior Creative and Communications
Director
Brian Mann
Communications
Manager
Maggie deGolian
Dr. Chuck Roberts SENIOR ASSOCIATE PASTOR
Dr. Deanne Townsend PASTOR FOR FAMILY MINISTRIES
Rev. Scott Tucker PASTOR FOR GRAND ADULTS
PRODUCTION
Camera
Austin Haygood
Ryan Licht
Jon Licht
Tyler Shook
Quan Stallings
Lighting
Will Gilmer
Directing
Audio Derek Beatty
Series Design
Katlin Boring
Print Production
Mitch Reed
Mickey Whitehead
LIGHTING THE ADVENT WREATH
December 22 · 5:00 pm
Lina and Joe Ellis; Matt and Addie
December 23 · 7:00 pm
Ellen and Dwaan Black; Brantly and Robert
Caroline Black; Charlie
December 24 · 1:00 pm
Lauren and Adam Keating; Ford and Charlotte
December 24 · 3:00 pm
Carolyn and Andy McGhee; Andrew
Lindsay and Mark Kaufman; Cece
Ansley and Duncan Walker; Duncan and Sims
December 24 · 5:00 pm
Stacie and Mark Hanna; Adelaide and Wes
December 24 · 7:00 pm
Theresa and Chris Southerland; Reagan and Steele
Each Christmas Eve, our Peachtree Church family unites in generosity to sponsor a home for a family in need with Atlanta Habitat for Humanity. This year, 161 families are celebrating the birth of our Savior in homes made possible by your giving. As we prepare for 2025, let us come together once more to sponsor our 162nd home, sharing God’s love and hope with yet another family. Your gift this Christmas Eve will help transform lives and build a brighter future—one family at a time. Join us in this beautiful Peachtree tradition of giving and make a lasting impact this Christmas Eve.
† Those who are able, please stand.
