ChristmasEve.2024

Christmas Eve

Tuesday, December 24, 2024 Seven-Thirty in the Evening Pine Street Presbyterian Church

In the City of Harrisburg Pine Street is a Welcoming Church, Glorifying God through Worship, Fellowship and Service in the World.

 "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, training us to...in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly, while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” Titus 2:11-13

 GATHERING IN THE PRESENCE OF THE NEWBORN KING

VOLUNTARIES O Come, All Ye Faithful

Good Christian Friends, Rejoice The Holy Boy

arr. Jason King arr. Cathy Moklebust John Ireland

S ALUTATION

One: Light shines on those who live in darkness, Many: for a child is born to us this night.

INTROIT In the Beginning A dancing snowflake calms a bleating lamb, A star shine cheers a weary king, A berry stores the blood unshed in the beginning.

An angel sets alight the secret sky, A chorus makes the whole world sing, A mother hums a lullaby in the beginning.

Alan Smith

The snow melts and the star declines, The blood bursts in the gloom, And angel bears a golden cup on the darkest afternoon: A lamb starts awake in a golden haze, An angel greets the risen king, A mother feels her womb ablaze in the beginning.

In the beginning.

† CAROL O Come, All Ye Faithful O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem: Come and behold him born the King of Angels: O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord!

Adeste Fideles Setting by David Willcocks

True God from true God, light from light eternal Born of a virgin, a mortal he comes; Very God, begotten, not created!

O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord!

Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation, Sing, all ye citizens of heav'n above; Glory to God in the highest: O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord!

Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born this happy morning, Jesu, to thee be all glory given; Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing: O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord!

† L IGHTING OF THE A DVENT C ANDLES One: Many: One: Many: One: Many:

Jennifer, Nathan, Jonah, Callie, and Clara Garman

A child has been born for us.

A great light shines in the middle of our darkness.

A child has been born for us, establishing God’s justice and breaking every yoke.

A child has been born for us, and together we praise his name Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Hallelujah!

ANTHEM: The Virgin Mary Had A Baby Boy The Virgin Mary had a baby boy, And they said that his name was Jesus.

He come from the glory. He come from the glorious kingdom.

The angels sang when the baby born.

Brad Nix

The wise men saw where the baby born, And they said that his name was Jesus.

He come from the glory. He come from the glorious kingdom.

† PRAYER OF ADORATION

Jennifer, Nathan, Jonah, Callie, and Clara Garman

† PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Holy God, you have come among us in Jesus Christ, hallowing our humanity and harrowing the forces of death by embodying love. We confess that we have turned from the path Jesus marked, failing to claim all you intend for us, withholding love from our neighbors and ourselves. Forgive us, we pray. Be born anew in us, that our lives might reflect Christ’s radiant light.

† SILENCE FOR PERSONAL CONFESSION † KYRIE

Richard Proulx

† ASSURANCE OF PARDON

One: Peace on earth, mercy mild. God and sinners reconciled. This is the good news!

Many: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven. Hallelujah!

† ALLELUIA

CELTIC ALLELUIA

READING AND HEARING THE WORD P RAYER FOR I LLUMINATION F IRST LESSON Isaiah 9:2–7 A NTHEM Cold December’s Winds Were Blowing

Old Testament Page 638 arr. Mack Wilberg

Cold December's winds were stilled In the month of snowing.

Though the world with darkness was filled, Springtime's hope was growing.

Then a rose tree blossomed new, One sweet flower upon it grew; On the tree once bare grew a rose so fair; Ah, the rose, ah, the rose-tree blooming, Sweet the air perfuming.

When the darkness fell that night, Bringing sweet reposing, All the world was hid from sight, Sleep men's eyes was closing.

All at once, there came a gleam From the sky: a wondrous beam Of a heavenly star giving light afar; Ah, the star, ah, the star, ah, the star-beam glowing, Brightness evergrowing!

Now the month of May was there, Filled with God's own radiance; Bloomed a lily, white and fair, Flower of sweetest fragrance.

To the people, far and near, Came a breath of heavenly cheer.

O, the incense rare of the lily there!

Ah, the scent, ah the scent, of the lily blooming, All the air perfuming!

SECOND LESSON Luke 2:1–20 ANTHEM A Christmas Blessing May the joy of the angels, The gladness of the shepherds, The worship of the wise men And the peace of the Christ child be yours, Be yours this Christmas.

May Christ, who by his incarnation

New Testament Page 58

Philip Stopford

Gathered into one all things earthly, All things heavenly, And fill you with joy, Fill you with joy and peace.

And the blessing of God The Father and the Son And the Holy Spirit Be with you and remain with you always, With you always, and remain with you always.

Amen

HOMILY

Rev. Seelman

RESPONDING TO THE WORD † CAROL Good Christian Friends, Rejoice

IN DULCI JUBILO

Good Christian friends, rejoice with heart and soul and voice; give ye heed to what we say: Jesus Christ is born today; ox and ass before him bow, and he is in the manger now.

Christ is born today!

Christ is born today!

Good Christian friends, rejoice with heart and soul and voice; now ye hear of endless bliss: Jesus Christ was born for this!

He has opened heaven’s door, and we are blest forevermore.

Christ was born for this!

Christ was born for this!

Good Christian friends, rejoice with heart and soul and voice; now ye need not fear the grave: Jesus Christ was born to save!

Calls you one and calls you all to gain the everlasting hall.

Christ was born to save!

Christ was born to save!

T HE O FF ERING OF T ITHES AND G IFTS TO G OD Christmas Joy Offering

Rev. Seelman

OFFERTORY ANTHEM Away in a Manger

arr. Mark Hayes

Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head; The stars in the sky looked down where he lay, The little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay.

The cattle are lowing, the Baby awakes, But little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes.

I love Thee, Lord Jesus!

Look down from the sky And stay by my cradle till morning us nigh.

Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask Thee to stay Close by me forever and love me, I pray.

Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care And fit us for heaven to live with Thee there.

Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head; The stars in the sky looked down where he lay, The little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay.

O sleep.

† PRESENTATION OF THE GIFTS

OLD HUNDREDTH

“Glory to God in highest heaven, who unto us the Christ has given.” With angels sing the Savior’s birth, a glad new year to all the earth. Amen.

† PRAYER OF DEDICATION SACRAMENT OF THE LORD’S SUPPER INVITATION TO THE TABLE GREAT PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING One: The Lord be with you.

Many: And also with you.

One: Lift up your hearts.

Many: We lift them to the Lord.

One: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. Many: It is right to give God thanks and praise. "... of the universal church and the heavenly choir” Angels, from the realms of glory, wing your flight o'er all the earth; you, who sang creation's story, now proclaim Messiah's birth: come and worship, come and worship, worship Christ, the newborn king!

All creation, join in praising God the Father, Spirit, Son, evermore your voices raising to the eternal Three in One: come and worship, come and worship, worship Christ, the newborn king! "... as we share this joyful feast."

Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn king.

Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!”

Joyful all ye nations, rise; join the triumph of the skies; with the angelic host proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem!”

Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn king!” “…Now and forever.”

Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!

Hail the sun of righteousness!

Light and life to all he brings, risen with healing in his wings.

Mild he lays his glory by, born that we no more may die, born to raise us from the earth, born to give us second birth.

Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn king!”

P RAYERS OF I NTER CESSION , S UPPLIC ATION , AND C ONS ECRATION One: Many:

O Christ, our light, hear our prayer.

T HE L ORD ' S P RAY ER ("debts" and "debtors") Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

D ISTRIBUTION OF B READ AND C UP One: The gifts of God for the people of God. Many: Let us keep the feast.

ANTHEM What Child is This?

What child is this who, laid to rest, On Mary's lap is sleeping?

arr. Mack Wilberg

Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, While shepherds watch are keeping?

This, this is Christ the King, Whom shepherds worship and angels sing: Haste, haste to bring him praise, The Babe, the Son of Mary.

So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh Come, peasant, king, to own him!

The King of Kings salvation brings: Let loving hearts enthrone him!

Raise, raise the song on high!

The Virgin sings her lullaby.

Joy! Joy! For Christ is born, The Babe, the Son of Mary!

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION ANTHEM O Holy Night O Holy night! The stars are brightly shining; It is the night of our dear Savior's birth.

Long lay the world in sin and error pining 'Til He appears and the soul felt its worth.

A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.

Fall on your knees; O hear the Angel voices!

O night divine, O night when Christ was born!

O night divine, O night, O night divine!

Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming, With glowing hearts, by His cradle we stand; So, led by light of a star sweetly gleaming, Here came the wise men from the Orient land.

The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger, In all our trials born to be our friend; He knows our need, to our weakness no stranger; Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!

Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!

Truly He taught us to love one another; His law is love and His gospel is peace.

Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother, And in His name all oppression shall cease.

Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we, Let all within us praise His holy name.

Christ is the Lord, oh, praise His name forever!

His power and glory evermore proclaim.

arr. Mark Hayes

SHARING OF THE LIGHT OF CHRIST

† SCRIPTURE John 1:1–5, 14 † CAROL Silent Night, Holy Night

STILLE NACHT

Silent night, holy night!

All is calm, all is bright, Round yon virgin mother and child!

Holy Infant, so tender and mild, Sleep in heavenly peace, Sleep in heavenly peace.

Silent night, holy night!

Shepherds quake at the sight, Glories stream from heaven afar, Heavenly hosts sing: "Alleluia; Christ the Savior is born, Christ the Savior is born."

Silent night, holy night!

Son of God, love's pure light Radiant beams from Thy holy face, With the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord at Thy birth, Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth.

Silent night, holy night!

Wondrous star, lend thy light; With the angels let us sing Alleluia to our King; Christ the Savior is born, Christ the Savior is born.

† BENEDICTION

Following the Benediction, please extinguish your candles and place them in the baskets as you depart the sanctuary.

VOLUNTARY Concerto – Postlude on ANTIOCH

Rev. Seelman

Handel; arr. Paul Fey

____________________________________________________________________________________________________ WELCOME TO WORSHIP AT PINE STREET CHURCH. We are glad that you are here to worship this Christmas Eve. We hope this service will be a clear reminder of the meaning of Christmas. As you sing the carols, hear the anthems and scripture readings, listen to the Christmas message, and share in the Lord’s Supper, we pray that your heart and mind will be in Bethlehem on this holy night. We celebrate the birth of Christ this evening at Pine Street. We worship this Christ every week, and all are welcome.

THE PICTURE ON THE FRONT OF THE BULLETIN is of a stained-glass window in the east transept of our sanctuary. The image is of the Nativity, and the entire window is entitled Scenes in the Early Life of Our Lord.

 LEADING IN WORSHIP THIS EVENING

The Rev. Stuart Seelam, Pastor Joseph W. Garrison, Minister of Music and Worship Jennifer, Nathan, Jonah, Callie, and Clara Garman, advent wreath lighting Chris Earhart, baritone Maddie Felix, piano Benjamin Krumreig, tenor Timothy Lupia, tenor Barbara Neff, piano Matt Topping, baritone The Chancel Choir Children’s Choir

 WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR THE CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS IN THE MEMORY/HONOR OF LOVED ONE. If you know of a homebound friend or member who would appreciate Pine Street Presbyterian Church's special greetings, we invite you to take one of these poinsettias to them with our best wishes.

CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS TO THE GLORY OF GOD AND IN LOVING MEMORY OF …

A beloved friend, Bill Bower by Chris Earhart and Kari Earhart All our loved ones in Heaven by Anna Hall and Family All the victims of natural catastrophes around the world by Emilie and Esther Bebey Alyson C. Chick by Rebecca Chick, mother Alyson Chick by Amy Chick and family Bill Neff by Barbara Neff Brett A. Terry by The Kenneth C. Hays Family Carol Mader by the family Cathy Startzel by Scott and Sally Miller Chalmers, Eva and Sara Hays by The Kenneth C. Hays Family Chris's grandmother, June Whitman by Chris Earhart and Kari Earhart Chuck Gerdels by the Pearce family Darlis and Peter Milletics by Lisa, Tim and Austin Milletics David E. Freet by wife Jane and sons Richard and John Diane Schipper by Pamela Wingfield Donald and Betty Himes by Jay Himes Family Donald Clapper by the McCutchen Family Donald L. and Barbara G. Clapper by The Kenneth C. Hays Family Donald W. and Dorothy C. Humphrey by Carolyn and Lydia Humphrey Donn and Sally Snyder by the Snyder Family Donn and Sally Snyder by the Snyder Family Doris Coyne by Beverly Bright Doug Humphrey by Carolyn and Lydia Humphrey E. Edward and Evelyn Luckenbaugh by their daughter Norriene Koozer

Earl Light by Audrey Light Edwin and Louise Gass by Jeff and Stephanie Sharp Emma Light by Audrey Light Ernest and Jane Shaw by Michael and Carol Shaw Esther Anderson our mother and grandmother by Jim, Deb, Sarah, Rebekah, and John Anderson Family and friends, Anna and Susan Julius, Stacy and Frank Smyser, Paul Stdhler, and Ed Dunlap by Mel and Sally Songy Gary C. Clemens by Baiba Clemens Family George Dubree Buffington III by Michael and Mitchell Buffington George Dubree Buffington Jr. by Michael and Mitchell Buffington George Dubree Buffington Sr. by Michael and Mitchell Buffington Harvey H. and Grace B. Hartranft by Estelle Hartranft Her parents, Samuel and Doris Lego and aunt and uncle, Hilda and Stephen Lego by Carol and Mike Putt, their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren His parents, John and Wilma Putt by Mike and Carol Putt, their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren Jack and Joanne Conley by John, Tammy, and Beth Alwine Jack by Shirley Leisure James and Katheryn Close by the Close family Jane Ratcliff by her daughters Nancy Buckwalter and Carol Shaw Jay Stahl by Anna Hall and Wayne Fertig Joanne C. Alwine by John, Tammy, and Beth Alwine John Anderson our father and grandfather by Jim, Deb, Sarah, Rebekah and John Anderson John E. Gardner Jr. by Jennifer F. Gardner, Ian E. Gardner, and Alicia J. Horst John R. Weaver our father and grandfather by Jim, Deb, Sarah, Rebekah and John Anderson John W. Salvadia by Angela Salvadia and Ivan Zook Joseph Ratcliff by his daughters Nancy Buckwalter and Carol Shaw Kari's mother, Kay Frazel by Kari Earhart and Chris Earhart Kenneth Lee McLaughlin by Heather M. Sigler Kristina Clemens by Baiba Clemens Family Lear and Bert Zook by Angela Salvadia and Ivan Zook Lloyd D. and Ruth G. Berger by Estelle Hartranft Loved ones by Don Potter and David Binkley Loved ones who have passed on by Susan L. Stecher Marie and Albert Herbert by daughter Nancy Herbert Roman Marilyn Miller by Gerald Miller Martin, Ruth, Lita, and Marianne by Gregory M. Lane Marty Lane by Greg Lane Marty Lane by Pamela Wingfield Mr. and Mrs. Albert Engle by J. Elizabeth Hess Mr. and Mrs. Earl Hess by J. Elizabeth Hess Mr. and Mrs. Edward P. Farrand by Jennifer F. Gardner Mr. and Mrs. George English by J. Elizabeth Hess Mr. and Mrs. William Kenneth McLaughlin by Heather M. Sigler My father David B. Colestock by David Colestock My friend Marilyn Miller by James and Audrey Bell My parents and grandparents, David B. and Jaquelyn N. McLaughlin by Linda A. McLaughlin My parents, Esther and Russel Gelwicks by Barbara Neff

My partner Thomas Gallup by David Colestock My sister JoAnn Daube by Marty Gruver Nancy Ann Hileman-Buffington by Michael and Mitchell Buffington Our grandparents, Harold and Elizabeth Gant by Mark and Patricia Burkhart Our grandparents, John L. and Eva T. Kutz by Dr. David J.J. Kutz and senior chief and Mrs. Jason Sikora Our grandparents, Russel and Martha Hummel and Russel and Cleo Van Nest by the family Our parents and grandparents by Dick and Xavia Sheffield Our parents by Nevin and Kathy Montgomery Our parents, Edwin and Margaret Julius and Percy and Ione Songy by Mel and Sally Songy Our parents, Jerome and Honor Jane Van Nest by The Family Our parents, June and Raymond Baker by the family Patricia and Nelson Higley by Lisa, Tim, and Austin Milletics Pop and Janet Koozer by the Koozer family Rebecca Maxton by Angela, Albert, and Ellen Kamps Reverend D. Rayborn and Lois Higgins by The Kenneth C. Hays Family Robin J. Koozer by Jim and Norriene Koozer Ronald B. Hartranft by Estelle Hartranft Ronald B. Hartranft by Pat Hartranft Sondra Fertig by Wayne Fertig and Family The George Seiders Family by Heather M. Sigler The Rev. Dr. Richard Eyster Sigler by Heather M. Sigler Those family and friends who are absent from the body and present with the Lord 2 Corinthians 5:8 Tony Fierro by Audrey Light Vale Close Rebok by the Close family Vernon E. and Elizabeth M. Norris by Judy Norris Himes Veronica Ritchey and Joseph Salvadia by Angela Salvadia and Ivan Zook William and Marian Pearce by the Pearce family

TO THE GLORY OF GOD AND IN HONOR OF …

Carol D. Lane by Gregory Lane Dr. David J.J. Kutz by his mother Linda A. McLaughlin Estelle B. Hartranft by Pat Hartranft Marium F. Logan by Lauren Logan My sister Suzanne Piper by Debbie Piper Gruver Robert B. Knepp by wife Milica Knepp Single mothers throughout the world by a grateful daughter of God Stephen C. Logan by Lauren Logan The Bell Family by James and Audrey Bell DONATED BY …

Kevin Peterson Cremonesi Family Scan this code with your phone to record your visit today in our online friendship register.

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Pine Street Presbyterian Church 310 North Third Street ▪ Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17101 ▪ 717-238-9304 ▪ www.pinestreet.org