WELCOME
CAROL 1
O Come, All Ye Faithful, #283
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
THE CHRISTMAS VERSICLES
For unto us a child is born;
Unto us a Son is given.
And his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor,
The Mighty God,
the Everlasting Father,
the Prince of Peace.
And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him,
The Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding,
the Spirit of Counsel and Might,
the Spirit of Knowledge and fear of the Lord.
O come, let us worship and bow down.
Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.
Let us sing as did the angels, "Gloria in Excelsis Deo,"
And fill the skies with Alleluias.
Let us proclaim as did the shepherds:
"Jesus Christ is born today."
Let us praise Him with all His angels,
Let us praise Him with all his host!
CAROL 2
Angels We Have Heard On High, #289
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
CHRISTMAS GREETING
The grace of the One born in Bethlehem, the love of God, the Father and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. And also with you.
CHRISTMAS COLLECT
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 Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
SHARING OF THE PEACE
CAROL 3
Little Drummer Boy, Internet
1 Come they told me,
pa rum pum pum pum
A new born King to see,
pa rum pum pum pum
Our finest gifts we bring,
pa rum pum pum pum
To lay before the King,
pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum,
So to honor Him,
pa rum pum pum pum,
When we come.
2 Little Baby,
pa rum pum pum pum
I am a poor boy too,
pa rum pum pum pum
I have no gift to bring,
pa rum pum pum pum
That's fit to give the King,
pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum,
Shall I play for you,
pa rum pum pum pum,
On my drum?
3 Mary nodded,
pa rum pum pum pum
The ox and lamb kept time,
pa rum pum pum pum
I played my drum for Him,
pa rum pum pum pum
I played my best for Him,
pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum,
Then He smiled at me,
pa rum pum pum pum
Me and my drum.
THANK YOU FOR STEWARDSHIP / CHRISTMAS OFFERING
THE LESSONS
Isaiah 9:2-7
2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined. 3 You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. 4 For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. 5 For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. 6 For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
CAROL 4
What Child Is This, #13
1 What child is this, who,
laid to rest, on Mary's
lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with
anthems sweet while shepherds
watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the king,
whom shepherds guard
and angels sing;
haste, haste to bring him laud,
the babe, the son of Mary!
2 Why lies he in such mean estate
where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian, fear; for sinners
here the silent Word is pleading
Nails, spear shall pierce him through,
the cross be borne for me, for you;
hail, hail the Word made flesh,
the babe, the son of Mary!
3 So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh;
come, peasant, king, to own him.
The King of kings salvation brings;
let loving hearts enthrone him.
Raise, raise the song on high,
the virgin sings her lullaby;
joy, joy, for Christ is born,
the babe, the son of Mary!
Psalm 96
1 Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. 2 Sing to the Lord, bless the name of the Lord; proclaim God’s salvation from day to day. 3 Declare God’s glory among the nations and God’s wonders among all peoples. 4 For great is the Lord and greatly to be praised, more to be feared than all gods. 5 As for all the gods of the nations, they are but idols; but you, O Lord, have made the heavens. 6 Majesty and magnificence are in your presence; power and splendor are in your sanctuary. 7 Ascribe to the Lord, you families of the peoples, ascribe to the Lord honor and power. 8 Ascribe to the Lord the honor due the holy name; bring offerings and enter the courts of the Lord. 9 Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness; tremble before the Lord, all the earth. 10 Tell it out among the nations: “The Lord is king! The one who made the world so firm that it cannot be moved will judge the peoples with equity.” 11 Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea thunder and all that is in it; let the field be joyful and all that | is therein. 12 Then shall all the trees of the wood shout for joy at your coming, O Lord, for you come to judge the earth. 13 You will judge the world with righteousness and the peoples with your truth.
CAROL 5
Go Tell It on the Mountain #290
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
Titus 2:11-14
11 The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, 12 training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. 14 He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds.
CAROL 6
Away In a Manger, #277
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 baby awakes,
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.
CHILDREN'S SERMON
CAROL 7
The First Noel, #300
1 The first Noel the angel did say
was to certain poor shepherds
in fields as they lay;
in fields where they lay,
keeping their sheep,
on a cold winter's night
that was so deep.
Refrain
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel!
Born is the King of Israel.
2 They looked up and saw a star
shining in the east
beyond them far;
and to the earth it
gave great light,
and so it continued both
day and night. Refrain
3 And by the light of that same star
three wise men came
from country far;
to seek for a king was their intent,
and to follow the star
wherever it went. Refrain
GOSPEL: Luke 2:1:14
1 In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 All went to their own towns to be registered. 4 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. 5 He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 7 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. 8 In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 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: 11 to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”
CHRISTMAS SERMON
CAROL 8
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, #270
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
NICENE CREED
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father; through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary and became truly human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. AMEN.
CAROL 9
O Little Town of Bethlehem, #279
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.
CANDLE LIGHTING
PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH
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.
CAROL 10
Silent Night, #281
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!
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.
CHRISTMAS BENEDICTION
May the Word that Mary brought to birth carry you into new and abundant life. May the Word that Joseph cradles in his arms enfold you with love and strength. May the Word that angels proclaimed in song bring harmony to our world. And the blessed almighty God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you always. Amen
CHRISTMAS DIALOGUE
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.
The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given.
In Him was life, and the life was the Light of all people.
He is the Light of the World.
Whoever follows Him will not walk in darkness,
but will have the Light of life.
We are God’s Creation, the Light of the World.
Let the Light so shine before others that they may see our good works and give glory to our Father in Heaven.
You who tell good tidings to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with strength; say unto the cities:
Behold your God! Arise, shine; for your Light has come, and the Glory of the Lord has risen upon you!
CAROL 11
Joy to the World, #267
1 Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her king;
let ev'ry heart prepare him room
and heav'n and nature sing,
and heav'n and nature sing,
and heav'n, and heav'n
and nature sing.
2 Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns!
Let all their songs employ,
while fields and floods,
rocks, hills, and plains
repeat the sounding joy,
repeat the sounding joy,
repeat, repeat the sounding joy.
4 He rules the world with truth and grace
and makes the nations prove
the glories of his righteousness
and wonders of his love,
and wonders of his love,
and wonders, wonders of his love.
SENDING
Go in peace. Serve the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
