Christmas Meditation

December 24th, 2023 – Christmas Eve Worship

This evening, the final Advent Candle, the Christ candle, will be lit as we celebrate the birth of Christ. Our service this evening will be a Christmas candlelight service with the readings of the holy birth and a Christmas meditation.

WE GATHER FOR WORSHIP

Prelude: “Bring a Torch”, Leon Roques and “Greensleeves”, Richard Purvis

Welcome and Announcements

Lighting of the Advent Candles and the Christ Candle

Choir Introit: “Carol of the Bells”, a Ukrainian Carol by M. Leontovich

Gathering Hymn: “O Come, All Ye Faithful”

Christmas Greeting

Prayer for Christmas Eve

 

SERVICE OF SCRIPTURE AND CAROLS

God Promises a King: Isaiah 9:2-7

Congregation Hymn: “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”

The annunciation to Mary: Luke 1:26-35, 38

Choir Anthem: “Hark the Glad Sound”, Music by Thomas Hawels, arr. by John Purifoy

The birth of Jesus: Luke 2:1-7

Congregation Hymn: “Away in a Manger”

The Good News comes to the Shepherds: Luke 2:8-14

Congregation Hymn: “it Came Upon a Midnight Clear”

The Shepherds go to see the Savior: Luke 2:15-20

Children’s Choir Anthem: “The Gift”, based on the Shaker tune “Simple Gifts”

Christmas Meditation – Pastor Dan Severson

Congregation Hymn: “What Child is This”

 

WORSHIP WITH TITHES AND OFFERINGS

Bells of Hope: “We Three Kings”, by John H. Hopkins, Jr. arranged by Martha Lynn Thompson

Offertory Response: “Good Christian Friends Rejoice”

Offering Prayer

 

CANDLELIGHT CELEBRATION

“Silent Night”

The Christmas Prayer

Benediction

Sending Hymn: “Angels We Have Heard on High”

Dismissal

Postlude: “Divinum Mysterium”, by Noel Rawsthorne, and “Now is Born the Divine Child”, by Leon Roques