Christmas Eve Service, December 24, 2010
GATHERING
WELCOME IN THE NAME OF THE SAVIOR JESUS THE CHRIST
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Gather together for cookies and drinks following the service.
There is a room in the back for more comfort with children if you need.
PRELUDE MUSIC Patty Bell
*OPENING HYMN: “O Come All Ye Faithful” UMH 234 verses 1-4
**LIGHTING THE ADVENT CANDLES:
(light the first candle)
We light this first candle, reminding us of God’s promise of peace on earth.
(light the second candle)
We light the second candle, reminding us that we are to dispel the darkness of sickness, poverty, injustice, and suffering all around us.
(light the third candle)
We light the third candle, reminding us to be constant and patient in our relationships and in our living.
(Light the fourth candle)
We light the fourth candle to illumine our path through life, so that our way is the way of righteousness, trust, and faithfulness.
O God, we have watched for your coming with longing and with expectation, with patience and with hope. Now, as the prophets promised so long ago, you have come to us once again; and with the shepherds, we are filled with wonder and amazement.
(Lighting the Christ candle)
Lord, you come as a tiny, fragile baby; yet we know you are God and you are with us. May the flame of this candle remind us that you are the Light of the World and
that if we follow you, we will never walk in darkness, but will have the true Light of Life.
Come, Lord Jesus, come. Amen
HYMN: “O Little Town of Bethlehem” UMH 230 verse 4
INVOCATION: Together
And the messenger of the Lord came to Mary and Joseph, and the words said were not easy. The requirements that message made upon them were not simple. The
word of God brought about life that neither of them imagined. Today we pray that our hearts and minds will be open to hear God’s message for us: a message of hope and grace even amid great stress and anxiety. For unto us a child has been born, unto us the Son of the Most High has come to dwell within our midst. Amen.
THE MESSAGE OF CHRISTMAS: PRESENTATION BY THE YOUTH
PROCLAMING GOD’S WORD
LUKE 2:1-20 Pastor Vicki Lerdahl
HYMN RESPONSE: “Angels We Have Heard On High” UMH 238
PRAYERS AND OFFERING
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE: Joys and Concerns
Prayer request cards can be filled out and put in the offering plate for pastor.
PASTORAL PRAYER
THE LORD’S PRAYER Louis Galluzzi
SING CHRISTMAS SONGS
We will be taking our offering during the hymn sing
“The First Noel” UMH 245 verses 1&2
“Away In A Manger” UMH 217 verse 1
“What Child Is This” UMH 219 verses 1&3
“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” UMH 240 verse 1
“Silent Night, Holy Night” UMH 239 verses 1&3
*PRESENTATION OF OUR GIFTS
Our offering today will be given to the Heifer Project and Hope for the Hopeless.
RESPONSE SONG “Jesu Bambino” Louis Galluzzi
SENDING FORTH
*BLESSING: Pastor Vicki
*CANDLE LIGHTING
*CLOSING HYMN: “Joy To The World” all verses UMH 246
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*Please stand as you are able.
**Used by permission: copyright 2010 General Board of Discipleship