PRELUDE: “Angels Carols” Donna Rhine
WORDS OF WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
Leader: Beloved in Christ, we are gathered together on this Eve of Christmas to prepare our
hearts for the coming of Our Lord Jesus Christ; to meditate upon the mystery of that
Incarnation by which our nature is redeemed, and to receive with joy the message of our
salvation.
People: Drop down, O heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness.
Let the earth open and let them bring forth salvation.
Leader: Let us pray.
*HYMN: “O Come, All Ye Faithful” #234
AT THE MANGER: MARY
Leader: The Lord himself will give you a sign. Don & Barb Brubaker
People: Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son.
Leader: And they shall name him Emmanuel,
People: Which means, God is with us.
Leader: Let us pray.
THE STORY OF MARY Luke 1:26-35
HYMN: “What Child Is This” #219
AT THE MANGER: JOSEPH
Leader: A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse. Larry & Joan Strait
People: And a branch shall grow out of his roots.
Leader: The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him.
People: The spirit of wisdom and understanding.
Leader: The spirit of counsel and might.
People: The spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.
Leader: Let us pray.
HE STORY OF JOSEPH Matthew 1:18-21
HYMN: ”O Little Town of Bethlehem” #230
AT THE MANGER: THE STAR
Leader: Arise, shine, for your light has come. Neal & Tammy Lanham
People: And the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
Leader: For darkness shall cover the earth,
People: And thick darkness the peoples.
Leader: But the Lord will arise upon you,
People: And his glory will appear over you.
Leader: Let us pray.
THE STORY OF THE STAR Matthew 2:1-2,7-10
HYMN: “The First Noel” #245(vs. 1-4)
THE BIRTH OF CHRIST
THE STORY OF JESUS’ BIRTH Luke 2:1-7 Pastor Dave
*HYMN: “Away in a Manger” #217
BLESSING OF THE CRECHE
People: Blessed are you, O Lord our God, king of the universe. You have enriched our lives
with every good and perfect gift; you have commanded us to show your splendor to our
children and to praise you with lives of love, justice, and joy. Be with us this night, and
bless this creche, that it may be a visible sign of your saving grace and love in all our
Christmas celebrations; through your Son, Jesus Christ, to whom with you and the Holy
Spirit be all honor and glory, now and forever. Amen.
AT THE MANGER: ANGELS
Leader: Get you up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good tidings. Pastor Dave
People: Lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good tidings.
Leader: Lift it up, do not fear.
People: Say to the cities of Judah, “Here is your God!”
Leader: Let us pray.
THE STORY OF THE ANGELS Luke 2:8-14 Pastor Dave
*HYMN “Hark! the Herald Angels Sing” #240
*Presenting our Gifts to the Lord
A CHRISTMAS MESSAGE Pastor Dave
THE LIGHT OF CHRIST FILLS OUR HEARTS
*THE PASSING OF THE LIGHT “Silent Night” see insert
*LESSON OF LIGHT John 1:1-14
*BENEDICTION
*CELEBRATING IN SONG “Joy to the World” #246
POSTLUDE: “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” Donna Rhine