CHRISTMAS EVE, 2024
Nativity of Our Lord
PRELUDE
Redeemer Jazz Trio
Jerry Fields, Percussion Eric Hassel, Keyboard
Bryan Lopes, Woodwinds
PROCLAMATION OF THE BIRTH OF CHRIST Standing GATHERING HYMN 283 O, Come, All Ye Faithful
1. 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, Refrain
O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord!
2. The highest, most holy, light of light eternal, Born of a virgin, a mortal he comes;
Son of the Father Now in flesh appearing! Refrain
3. Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation, sing, all ye citizens of heaven above!
Glory to God… in the highest: Refrain
4. Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born this happy morning; Jesus, to thee be glory giv'n! Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing: Refrain
CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God, whose steadfast love is everlasting. | Amen.
Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another.
Kneeling or seated
God-with-us, | we confess that we have turned away those seeking shelter, claiming there is no room when we have plenty. We have made power and wealth our idols, while you show us true glory: a baby in a manger. We have overlooked the shepherds, expecting good news in prettier packaging. Too often, we have valued violence instead of your peace. Turn us from our ways to your ways. Grant us the grace to begin again. Free us from all that keeps us bound, and forgive our sin, through Jesus Christ, who gives himself for us. Amen.
Hear the good news and rejoice! You are God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, ☩ forgiven in Christ, and freed to respond in joy. | Amen.
Standing
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. | And also with you.
HYMN 289
Angels We Have Heard on High
1. Angels we have heard on high, Sweetly singing o'er the plains, And the mountains in reply, Echoing their joyous strains.
Refrain Gloria in excelsis Deo; gloria in excelsis Deo.
2. Shepherds, why this jubilee? Why your joyous strains prolong? What the gladsome tidings be Which inspire your heav'nly song?
Refrain
3. Come to Bethlehem and see Him whose birth the angels sing; Come, adore on bended knee Christ the Lord, the newborn king.
Refrain
SALUTATION
The Lord be with you | And also with you.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Let us pray. Almighty God, you made this holy night shine with the brightness of the true Light. Grant that here on earth we may walk in the light of Jesus’ presence and in the last day wake to the brightness of his glory; through your only Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. | Amen
Seated
CHILDREN’S SERMON
Standing
God's greatest gift comes as a baby in a manger. Angels announce the "good news of great joy" and proclaim God's blessing of peace
In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for see I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!"
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
Seated SERMON
Pastor Mark H. Larson
HYMN 270 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
1. 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!"
Refrain Hark! The herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn king!"
2. Christ, by highest heav’n adored Christ, the everlasting Lord, Late in time behold him come, offspring of a virgin's womb. Veiled in flesh the Godhead see! Hail, incarnate deity!
Pleased as man with us to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel!
Refrain
3. Hail the heav'n-born Prince of peace! Hail the Sun of righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings, ris'n with healing in his wings. Mild he lays his glory by, born that we no more may die, Born to raise each child of earth, born to give us second birth. Refrain
Kneeling or seated PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
Filled with good news of great joy, let us offer our prayers for the church, the earth, and all people.
A brief silence Angels sing with praise, and shepherds run with haste. As we glorify and praise you in this place, send us into the world, proclaiming the salvation you have revealed this night. God of grace, receive our prayer.
The seas roar, and the trees of the forest sing for joy. As creation resounds with praise, inspire us with awe, reverence, and a renewed care for all that fills the fields, skies, and seas. God of grace, receive our prayer.
The nations declare your glory. Uphold the leaders of the earth with your justice and righteousness. Break the rod of the oppressor in every land, and bring peace where there is conflict. God of grace, receive our prayer.
The holy family finds shelter around the animals’ manger. Draw near to persons experiencing homelessness, those who are alone this holiday season, and all for whom this world makes no room. Wrap all your children in bands of love and mercy. God of grace, receive our prayer.
A child is born for us and light shines on the weary. Watch over those who give birth this night and attend to those who are dying. Be present in our joys and in our sorrows. God of grace, receive our prayer.
The heavenly host praises you. With thanksgiving for Mary, Joseph, and all your saints, sustain us in the blessed hope revealed this night. Fashion us by their example into a people zealous for good deeds, sharing your love and mercy with all. God of grace, receive our prayer.
We commend these prayers to you, O God, trusting your grace made known to all, through the Word made flesh, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Standing PEACE
The peace of Christ be with you always. | And also with you.
Seated WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
THE OFFERING
Offering music by the Jazz Trio
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OFFERING PRAYER
God of heaven and earth, from the beginning, you have called forth life, in which you take delight. The trees, the fields, and the seas sing for joy. Bless now these gifts, received from your bounty, that we may join the chorus of creation to tell of your salvation from day to day. | 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
We sing a new song to you, O God of our salvation, for you have done marvelous things. Through your Word all things came into being, and without you not one thing was made. You spoke through your covenant and created a people bound to you. Through promise and pardon, slavery and exile, you showed that what had come into being through you was life. When that day came, and the Word became flesh, your angels sang for joy and put a new song into our hearts. And even when we rejected your Son, you brought forth from his death a resurrection of everlasting glory.
Life-giving God, as your Word became flesh and lived among us, come among us now in the fullness of your grace and truth. Make us holy as you are holy; that your Word may become flesh anew today. Send your Holy Spirit upon this bread and wine and make them be for us the body and blood of Jesus; who in the night in which he was betrayed, took bread, and gave thanks; broke it and gave it to the disciples, saying: Take and eat; this is my body, given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.
Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it for all to drink, saying: This cup is the new covenant in my blood, shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin. Do this for the remembrance of me.
God of glory, make your church a sign of new-born hope in your kingdom. Be born in us today. Where your children are faced with ruin, show them redemption. Where sorrow endures, bring your holy comfort. Where division excludes, give your grace. Where bondage confines, sing your new song.
Restore our hope in you, until the day when all that you have brought into being finds its everlasting destiny in your only Son, through whom all glory and honor are yours, almighty Father, with the Holy Spirit, in your holy church, both now and forever. | Amen.
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
A child has been born for us, a Son given to us. Come, receive the gift of Jesus.
Seated
CAROLS DURING COMMUNION
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!
3. How silently, how silently
The wondrous gift is giv’n! So God imparts to human hearts
The blessings of his heav’n. No ear may hear his coming; But, in this world of sin, Where meek souls will receive him, Still the dear Christ enters in.
4. O holy Child of Bethlehem, Descend to us, we pray; Cast out our sin, and enter in, Be born in us today. We hear the Christmas angels The great glad tidings tell; Oh, come to us, abide with us, Our Lord Immanuel!
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 poor baby wakes, 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.
Standing BLESSING AND PRAYER
The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace. | Amen
Let us pray. | Merciful God, we thank you for Jesus, who is our heavenly food. Strengthened by this goodness, send us forth to announce your peace, comfort the afflicted and share the good news of great joy. Amen.
LIGHTING OF THE CANDLES
The ushers will light the candle of the first worshiper in each row. Pass the light down the row, holding the lighted candle upright and tilting unlighted candles into the flame.
PROLOGUE TO THE GOSPEL OF JOHN
HYMN 281 Silent Night, Holy 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!
Shepherds quake at the sight; glories stream from heaven afar, heav’nly hosts sing, alleluia!
BLESSING
Christ, the Savior, is born! Christ, the Savior, is born!
3. 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.
The God of love, Father, ☩ Son, and Holy Spirit, lavish you with grace, illumine your path, and increase your joy, today and always. | Amen.
Please extinguish your candles carefully.
Refrain
Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and ev'rywhere; go tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born!
1 While shepherds kept their watching o'er silent flocks by night, behold, throughout the heavens there shone a holy light. Refrain
2 The shepherds feared and trembled when, lo, above the earth rang out the angel chorus that hailed our Savior's birth. Refrain
3 Down in a lonely manger the humble Christ was born; and God sent us salvation that blessed Christmas morn. Refrain
SENDING
Go in peace. The Word of God dwells in you richly. | Thanks be to God.
Please return your candle to the usher as you leave.
POSTLUDE
The Redeemer Jazz Trio
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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 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
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