Courtesy of the Digital Image Archive, Pitts Theology Library, Candler School of Theology, Emory University. Image Title: Shepherds Visit
FOR UNTO US A CHILD IS BORN
Christmas Eve Worship 3:00 p.m. Lutheran Church of the Redeemer | 731 Peachtree St. NE | Atlanta, Georgia 30308 404.874.8664 | www.redeemer.org
FAMILY AND CHILDREN’S WORSHIP Redeemer is blessed by your presence among us today, even as we are all blessed and transformed by the presence of Emmanuel, God with us. May Christ’s presence give you guidance and hope for the new year and always. Children are warmly welcome to worship with you in the sanctuary. 'Busy Bags' filled with pew-friendly activities are available at each entrance. Please take one per family as they go quickly on holidays. The Nursery is available if you want to take advantage of our professional childcare for children 4 and under, and changing tables are available in the nursery and some bathrooms. Attendance Please let us know you worshiped with us today by signing the attendance register as it is passed down your row. Please Visit Redeemer Again We hope you will return to Redeemer often and consider us as your church home and family! You can also find helpful information about Redeemer’s ministries through our website at www.redeemer.org. “Like Us” on Facebook at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Atlanta Sunday Worship Times: 9:00 a.m. (jazz service) and 11:00 a.m. (traditional) Sunday, December 31, 2023 only one service at 10:00 a.m. PARTICIPANTS Pastor Jonathan Trapp Pastor Jenny McLellan Deacon Mary Houck Sarah Hawbecker, Organist Chase Petersen, Organist The Redeemer Ringers Sarah Hawbecker, Director
The Seraphim Choir Sarah Hawbecker, Director
PRELUDE
Silent Night Organ Jesus, Jesus, Rest Your Head The Redeemer Ringers
setting by James Mansfield arr Cathy Mokelbust
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS (Please stand) ENTRANCE HYMNS
Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful O come, all ye faithful, Joyful and triumphant! Oh, come ye, oh, come ye to Bethlehem; Come and behold him Born the king of angels: Oh, come, let us adore him, Oh, come, let us adore him, Oh, come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord! The First Noel The first Noel the angel did say Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay; In fields where they lay, keeping their sheep, On a cold winter’s night that was so deep. Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel! Born is the King of Israel.
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King; Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled.” Joyful, all you nations, rise; Join the triumph of the skies; With angelic hosts proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem!” Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn king!” CALL TO WORSHIP One: Welcome, friends! Merry Christmas! The baby is born in Bethlehem. If you are ready to worship together, shout, “Amen!” All: Amen! One: Angels are singing, the shepherds are rejoicing, because the baby is born in Bethlehem. If you are ready to sing for joy, stomp your feet! All: (Stomp your feet!) One: Mary and Joseph are happy and blessed. The baby is born in Bethlehem. If you are ready to hear good news, clap your hands! All: (Clap your hands!) One: God has sent Jesus to live among us all. If you are ready to worship together, shout, “Amen!” All: Amen!
PRAYER OF THE DAY
God, today we celebrate the birth of your Son, Jesus. He was born into the world as a human being just like us. Thank you for sending Jesus to be born in Bethlehem and also to walk with us everywhere we go. We come to sing, pray, share, and worship today knowing that Jesus understands what it is like to be a person. That news is so good we have to celebrate it! | Amen
(Please stand) GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Angels We Have Heard on High Verse 3 after story Come to Bethlehem and see him whose birth the angels sing; come, adore on bended knee Christ the Lord, the newborn king. Gloria in excelsis Deo; gloria in excelsis Deo.
Verse 1 before story Angels we have heard on high, sweetly singing o'er the plains, and the mountains in reply, echoing their joyous strains. Gloria in excelsis Deo; gloria in excelsis Deo.
(Please be seated. Children are invited to come forward and participate in the story.) THE CHRISTMAS STORY Pastor Jenny McLellan HOMILY (Please stand) HYMN
Pastor Jonathan Trapp Joy to the World
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Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her king; let ev'ry heart prepare him room and heav'n and nature sing, and heav'n and nature sing, and heav'n, and heav'n and nature sing.
3
No more let sin and sorrow grow nor thorns infest the ground; he comes to make his blessings flow far as the curse is found, far as the curse is found, far as, far as the curse is found.
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Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns! Let all their songs employ, while fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains repeat the sounding joy, repeat the sounding joy, repeat, repeat the sounding joy.
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He rules the world with truth and grace and makes the nations prove the glories of his righteousness and wonders of his love, and wonders of his love, and wonders, wonders of his love.
PASSING THE PEACE When we gather, God is with us. And when God is with us, peace dwells among us. Speak a word of peace to your neighbor, to your family members, to a stranger. May the peace of Christ be with you. | And also with you. (Please be seated) THE OFFERING OFFERTORY ANTHEM (Please stand) OFFERTORY HYMN
Gentle Mary The Seraphim Choir
Daniel E. Gawthrop
What can I give him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would give a lamb. If I were a wise man, I would do my part. Yet, what can I give him? Give my heart.
THE PRAYER God of grace, we give these gifts and offerings with joy because of the greatest gift we received on the first Christmas. And as we go about giving gifts to one another during this season, we remember none is greater than Jesus and the love you showed when you sent him to us. Amen. THE GREAT THANKSGIVING The Lord be with you. | And also with you. Lift up your hearts! | We lift them to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. | It is right to give our thanks and praise. EUCHARISTIC PRAYER LORD’S PRAYER 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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen INVITATION TO COMMUNION Love has come: God’s love for all people. Come and eat, for Christ invites you.
(Please be seated)
INSTRUCTION FOR COMMUNION / BLESSING OF THE CHILDREN All who seek to meet the Risen Christ in the bread and wine are invited to receive Holy Communion. At Redeemer children are welcomed to the Lord's Table and can receive either elements (bread and wine) or a blessing. Some families choose to give their child elements as soon as the child can swallow them, following up with instruction later so they can grow in understanding of the sacrament as we all do throughout our lives. Some families prefer to wait until their child can receive instruction (which, at Redeemer, starts at age 4). If your child (at any age) would rather receive a blessing than the elements, simply tell the person distributing bread at your station. If you would like to receive information about Communion Instruction, please contact Deacon Mary Houck at mhouck@redeemer.org. As you return to your seats after Communion, please pick up an LED candle to use during the singing of Silent Night. CAROLS DURING COMMUNION Away in a Manger 1
2
Away in a manger, no crib for his bed, the little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head; the stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay, the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.
I love you, Lord Jesus; look down from the sky and stay by my cradle till morning is nigh. 3
The cattle are lowing; the baby awakes, but little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes.
Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask you to stay close by me forever and love me, I pray. Bless all the dear children in your tender care and fit us for heaven, to live with you there.
Infant Holy Infant Lowly 1
Infant holy, infant lowly, for his bed a cattle stall; oxen lowing, little knowing Christ the child is Lord of all. Swiftly winging, angels singing, bells are ringing, tidings bringing: Christ the child is Lord of all! Christ the child is Lord of all!
2
Flocks were sleeping, shepherds keeping vigil till the morning new saw the glory, heard the story, tidings of a gospel true. Thus rejoicing, free from sorrow, praises voicing, greet the morrow: Christ the child was born for you! Christ the child was born for you!
O Little Town of Bethlehem 1. O little town of Bethlehem, How still we see thee lie! Above thy deep and dreamless sleep The silent stars go by; Yet in thy dark streets shineth The everlasting light. The hopes and fears of all the years Are met in thee tonight. 2. For Christ is born of Mary, And, gathered all above While mortals sleep, the angels keep Their watch of wond’ring love. O morning stars, together Proclaim the holy birth, And praises sing to God the king, And peace to all the earth! BLESSING AND PRAYER (Please stand) The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace. | Amen Let us pray. | God our loving parent, thank you for sending Jesus to be born into a human family. Jesus, our friend and brother, thank you for caring for the poor, setting captives free, and showing us how to love one another. Holy Spirit, thank you for being with us at all times and in all places, comforting our hearts. Amen. HYMN
Silent Night
1. 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. 2. Silent night, holy night! Son of God, love's pure light radiant beams from your holy face, with the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord, at your birth, Jesus, Lord, at your birth. BLESSING People of God, image-bearers of Christ, you have heard the good news preached, sung, and celebrated. Go forth into the world knowing Jesus has walked the paths before us. God knows our joys, concerns, suffering, and pain. You are not alone. | Amen.
SENDING HYMN
Go Tell It on the Mountain
Refrain Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and ev'rywhere; go tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born! While shepherds kept their watching o'er silent flocks by night, behold, throughout the heavens there shone a holy light. Refrain Down in a lonely manger the humble Christ was born; and God sent us salvation that blessed Christmas morn. Refrain SENDING Christ is born! Go tell it on the mountain and everywhere. | Thanks be to God. POSTLUDE
Joy to the World
setting by Anna Laura Page
Parts of this service come from ‘Now in Flesh Appearing’ Advent Worship Liturgy Set published by Illustrated Ministry. Used by permission. ©2022 Illustrated Ministry, LLC. All rights reserved. illustratedministry.com
CHANCEL DECORATIONS
Our trees are decorated with Chrismons (combining the words CHRISt and MONogram). Each Chrismon depicts a symbol of Christ described in Scripture. We invite you to come to the chancel and take a closer look. The poinsettias as well as tonight’s special musicians have been presented to the glory of God in memory or in honor of loved ones by members and friends of the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer whose names are listed on the following pages. Members of the congregation may pick up a poinsettia after the 11:00 pm service tonight, if they so desire.
C H R I S T M A S
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Poinsettias and Special Music are given in Memory of: Given by: Beth ......................................................................................................................................Jim Our parents ..................................................................................................Julia & Allen Gary Louise Werner .............................................................................................Julia & Allen Gary Diane Taylor....................................................................................................... Julia & Ursula Bobby Gibeling ...........................................................................................Julia & Allen Gary Herman & Edna Schultz .......................................................Stephanie, Charissa, and Tiffany John & Irmgard Bishop .................................................................................... Susan Shannon John & Thelma Slater ....................................................................................... Niall W. Slater John Taylor............................................................................................................Darla Taylor Elsie & Martin Monson ...................................................................................... Elise Thomas Our father, Rev. Dr. Robert F. Sims .......................................... His Children & their families
Myrtis Carroll ..........................................................................................Cathy & Steve Vogel Gilda Jones ..............................................................................................Cathy & Steve Vogel Bob ...............................................................................................................................Suzanne Ivar Iverson ......................................................................................................... Suzanne sims Margaret Slocum .................................................................................................Suzanne Sims Max......................................................................................................................... Susan Croft Bob Cupp......................................................................................................... Pam Amy-Cupp Wendell Norvelle and Ann Norvelle ................................................................. Alisa Norvelle Tom Coonan ....................................................................................................... Alisa Norvelle To the glory of God and memory of loved ones................................... Tracy & Peter Roberts Our parents: Joe & Adell Butterworth and Paul & Jacqueline Hermann................................. ........................................................................................................... Paul & Sharon Hermann Sharon Pike ..................................................................................................... Scott Thompson Bob Sims ................................................................................................... Paul & Sally Rosser Ada Kane ............................................................................................................. Edwin Kuehn My grandparents: Mabel & Charles Marks, Jr. and Evelyn & Charles Reasor, Sr. ................................................................................................................................. Dan Marks Mother, Nana, and Aunt Marie ...........................................................................John Garrison Our parents and grandparents ..................................................................... The Zenoni family Our parents and grandparents ............................................................. Amy & Walt Carpenter D.E. & Callie Burr and E. & Blanche Barker and The Rev. Dr. James C. & Sally Barker ...................................................................................................................... Pete & Anne Burr Michael Thornton ..........................................................................................................Beverly Our fathers: John Leven and Sandy Bridgers ............................. Suzanne & Charles Bridgers Pastor Ficken ................................................................................................ The Chunn family Bob ............................................................................................................... The Chunn family Grandmother and our Great grandparents ................................. Savannah, Tanner, & Cooper Peyton ............................................................................................................................... Gayle Pastor Sims ...............................................................................................Jonne & Paul Walter Ivar......................................................................................................................... Jean Iverson Nancy Klotz.......................................................................................................... Tim Eastling Our mothers ............................................................................................ Don & Cindy Noland Madeline & Herbert Studley and Bertha Studley .................................................. Len Studley John Dilg ................................................................................................................ Len Studley Bud Besherse and Grandma Anderton ............................................................ David Besherse Margaret Slocum and Renate Seybold .......................................................... Jeanne P. Merritt Louise ............................................................................................................ Danielle Lambert Ned Hawbecker ...........................................................Sarah Hawbecker & William Fuller Mimi and Nana ........................................................... Addie Beth, Hallie & Patrick Dillon Pastor Sims ...................................................................................................... Hallie Dillon Our mother, Elizabeth Ann Bair ................................................ Children & grandchildren
Mary Ann and Chastity Julg ..................................................................Mike & Carol Bell Bob Gibeling and Liz Bair .....................................................................Mike & Carol Bell Naomi & Lonnie Alderman....................................................................... Penny Scarpucci Helene.......................................................................................................... Tom Bohannon Jim Daley and Evelyn Briggs ........................................................ Derek & Jenny Peterson Poinsettias and Special Music are given in Honor of: Given by: Amy, Peg, and Linda, with gratitude!............................................................ Jeanne P. Merritt Our friends and family .......................................................................... Kevin & Nikki Chunn The “Grands”: Bob, Lillie, and Bo .................................................................................. Gayle Pastor Jenny.............................................................................................Jonne & Paul Walker Our grandchildren ..................................................................................... Lew & Susan Engle Our mothers: Barbara Leven and Caroline Bridgers and our daughter, Caroline .................... ..................................................................................................... Suzanne & Charles Bridgers Children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren ....................................... Pete & Anne Burr My parents: Henry & Shirley Marks ...................................................................... Dan Marks Shirley & Henry Marks ...................................................................................... John Garrigan Redeemer’s Choirs ................................................................................................ Joan Vernor Sally & Paul Rosser .............................................................................................. Lauren Gaia Marisa’s birthday .......................................................................................... Danielle Lambert Stanley Schubert......................................................................................Cathy & Steve Vogel The glory of God ............................................................................................. Jacquelyne Carr Eda & Art Mathews ............................................................................................Suzanne Sims My children and children ................................................................................................. MiMi Peg Wyse.............................................................................................................Suzanne Sims Heather & John ...................................................................................................... Susan Croft Suzanne Sims .............................................. Scottie Sims Dye and Cammie & Randy Tomsic Nick, Wesley, Greg, James, Emery, Colin, Lydia, and Elyse ......................... Susan Shannon My mother ............................................................................................................ Sheila Brock Ms Rosemary Kolpatski............................................................. Addie Beth and Hallie Dillon Mary & Darrel Person and Ruth Daley ............................................. Derek & Jenny Peterson My children, grandchildren, and great grandchild........................................... Tom Bohannon
THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER 731 Peachtree Street, NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30308 www.redeemer.org | 404.874.8664 | Emergency Line: 404.874.9759
The Rev. Mark H. Larson ...................................................................... Senior Pastor, ext. 201 The Rev. Dr. Jonathan Trapp .......................................... Pastor for Faith Formation, ext. 233 The Rev. Jenny McLellan......................................... Pastor for Congregational Care, ext. 224 STAFF Kofi Broadnax ........................................................................ Property Administrator, ext. 210 Seth Brown................................................................... Facilities and Media Director, ext. 218 Robin Durdin ............................................................ Office Administration Director, ext. 204 David Hansen ........................................................................... Adult Choral Director, ext. 236 Sarah Hawbecker .......................................... Organist & Children’s Music Director, ext. 206 Deacon Mary Houck .................................... Children & Family Ministries Director, ext. 227 Jennifer Isaacson ....................................................... Financial Information Director, ext. 237 Kisha Johnson .................................................................. Interim Preschool Director, ext. 252 Larry Lowe ........................................................................................................Security Officer Hillary Nelson ............................................................ Youth Director, hnelson@redeemer.org Chase Petersen ......................................................... Organ Scholar, cpetersen@redeemer.org Stacey Williams .............................................................................................. Head of Security