Courtesy of the Digital Image Archive, Pitts Theology Library, Candler School of Theology, Emory University. Image Title: Shepherds Visit
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 29, 2024 only one service at 10:00 a.m.
PARTICIPANTS
Pastor Jonathan Trapp Deacon Mary Houck
Sarah Hawbecker, Organist
The Seraphim Choir
Crucifer, William Hull Acolyte, Mia Kim
PRELUDE I Am so Glad each Christmas Eve setting by Stephen Gabrielson Organ
Ringing in Christmas arr Sarah Hawbecker
Handbell quartet
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
Verse 1 before story
Angels We Have Heard on High
Verse 3 after Gospel reading
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.
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.
Please be seated. THE HOLY GOSPEL Luke 2:1-20
HOMILY
Please stand HYMN Joy to the World
1 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.
2 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.
3
Pastor Jonathan Trapp
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.
4 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
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OFFERTORY ANTHEM
Angelic Invitation Carol McClure
The Seraphim ensemble and Christine Drescher-Jones, harp
Please stand OFFERTORY HYMN
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 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.
2 The cattle are lowing; the baby awakes, but little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes.
I love you, Lord Jesus; look down from the sky and stay by my cradle till morning is nigh.
3 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!
Please stand
BLESSING AND PRAYER
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. God knows our concerns, suffering, pain, hopes and joys. 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 Emma Lou Diemer
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 2 0 2 4
Poinsettias and Special Music are given in Memory of: Given by:
Betty and Jean Mori ................................................... Sam, Colleen, and Nunn family
Peyton ................................................................................................................... Gayle
Vincent Amy and Bob Cupp ................................ Pam, Sengens & Foster Amy-Cupp
Our Parents and Jeanne ............................................................Amy & Walt Carpenter
Mr. and Mrs. H. W. Schultz Stephanie, Charissa, and Tiffany
Martin and Elsie Monson ................................................................................... Family
Our Parents: Mr. and Mrs. I. S. Roiland and Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Peterson
........................................................................................ Rev. Darrel & Mary Peterson
Bob ................................................................................................... The Chunn family
Pastor Ficken .................................................................................... The Chunn family
Grandmother and our Great Grandparents .................... Savannah, Tanner, & Cooper
John Taylor................................................................................................ Darla Taylor
Our Parents and Grandparents ........................................................ The Zenoni family
Mom and Dad............................................................................................ Bob Nichols
John and Thelma Slater ......................................................................... Niall W. Slater
John Dilg Len Studley
Jeanne Merritt............................................................................................. Len Studley
Jean Lynch.................................................................................................. Len Studley
Madeline, Herbert, and Bertha Studley ..................................................... Len Studley
Our Parents ...................................................................................... Allen & Julia Gary
Louise Werner .......................................................................................... Julia & Allen
DeDe Ursula & Julia
Ada Kane ....................................................................................................... Ed Kuehn
Our fathers, John Leven and Sandy Bridgers ..................Charles & Suzanne Bridgers
Pastor Robert F. Sims.................................................... His children and their families
Louise Lambert and Bill Lepley ....................................................... Danielle Lambert
Myrtis Carroll .............................................................................. Steve & Cathy Vogel
Gilda Jones .................................................................................. Steve & Cathy Vogel
Our beloved parents ............................................................... Sharon & Paul Hermann
Erna Hauser ............................................................................ Sharon & Paul Hermann
Helene.....................................................................................................................
Tom
Our mothers, Treva Poinsett and Belle Noland .......................... Don & Cindy Noland
Jim Daley and Sharon Briggs Davis ...................................... Derek & Jenny Peterson
Bob ................................................................................................................... Suzanne
Fond memory of Jeanne Merritt ......................................................... Linda Connelly
Fond memory of Jeanne Merritt Peg Wyse
Our parents .................................................................................... Lew & Susan Engle
Poinsettias and Special Music are given in Honor of: Given by:
Sally and Paul Rosser .................................................................................Lauren Gaia
To the Glory of God ......................................................... Natasha Campbell & family
Allen London Esther Connor
Darrel and Mary Peterson and Ruth Daley ............................ Derek & Jenny Peterson
“The Grands”: Robert, Lillie, and Bo .................................................................. Gayle
Our family and friends ...............................................................Kevin & Nikki Chunn
Prof. Paula Stephan Amis ............................................................ Paul & Jonne Walter
Gratitude for all our family ......................................... Dr. Joseph & Viola Westbrook
Our daughter, Caroline .....................................................Charles & Suzanne Bridgers
Suzanne Sims Scottie, Cammie and Randy
Marisa Lambert ................................................................................. Danielle Lambert
Our children and grandchildren .............................................................. Suzanne Sims
Choirs of Redeemer ................................................................................ Suzanne Sims
LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE
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
STAFF
Seth Brown ................................................................... Facilities and Media Director, ext. 218
Brandon Davis ................................................... Director of Operations and Finance, ext. 232
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
Nate Humpherys ................................................................................. Youth Director, ext. 230
Larry Lowe Security Officer
Stacey Williams .............................................................................................. Head of Security