Christmas Eve Worship · December 24, 2024 · 7:00 PM
Candlelight and Communion
GREETING TO WORSHIPERS
ORGAN PRELUDE
OPENING LITANY
Away in a Manger (CRADLE SONG)
Arr. Jason Payne
The impossible is about to happen in a stable. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; Those who lived in a land of deep darkness, on them has the light shined!
This is the evening when creation stood still and held its breath, for God was doing the most unbelievable, dangerous thing.
This is the evening when God embraced humanity from the inside, as one of us, from birth to death. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth. Amen!
PROCESSIONAL CAROL 103 O Come, All Ye Faithful
DUET
Joy to the World! The Lord is Come
G. F. Handel/Payne Davis Payne, violin; Jason Payne, piano
LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE
We give thanks for the light of hope unrelenting and inexplicable. Our hope in Christ shines on.
We give thanks for the light of peace strong and unafraid.
The peace of Christ lights our way.
We give thanks for the light of joy persistent and unpredictable.
The joy of Christ brightens our lives.
We give thanks for the light of love warm and holy.
The love of Christ comforts and challenges.
Now let us light the Christ candle as we celebrate the birth of Jesus. Thank you, God, for your light in this world through Jesus Christ.
The light shines in the darkness.
And the darkness has not overcome it.
CHORAL MUSIC
PASTORAL PRAYER
O Holy Night
OFFERTORY PRAYER
OFFERTORY ANTHEM
THE CHRISTMAS NARRATIVE
MEDITATION
A Christmas Meditation Mack Wilberg David George, flute
Luke 2:1-2
Rev. Rebecca Caswell-Speight Rev. Bart McNiel
Dr. George CAROL 148
CELEBRATION HOLY COMMUNION
CANDLE LIGHTING RITUAL
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.
by Franz Gruber
Silent night! Holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight. Glories stream from heaven afar, heav'nly 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.”