December 24, 2022
Christmas Eve 4 pm and 7:30 pm
Prelude Edward Workmon, Organist
Ringing of the Bell
Gathering Hymn # 283 “O Come, All Ye Faithful”
Christmas Proclamation, Greetings and Prayer
P: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light,
C: The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
P: Those who dwelt in the land of deep darkness, on them light has shined.
C: We have beheld his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father.
P: God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God;
C: For us and for our salvation, he came down from heaven.
P: To us a child is born, to us a Son is given.
C: In him was life, and the life was the light of all people.
L:The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of
the Holy Spirit, be with you all.
C: And also with you.
L:Glory to God in the highest,
C: And peace to God’s people on earth!
Hymn of Praise #289 “Angels We have Heard on High”
L: Let us pray: Almighty God,
C: you made this 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
Announcements
First Reading Isaiah 9: 2, 6-7 Pg. 1071
P: The Holy Gospel according to Luke, the second chapter.
C: Glory to you, O Lord.
The Gospel Reading Luke 2: 1-20 Pg. 1590-1591
P: The Gospel of the Lord.
C: Praise to you, O Christ.
Christmas Eve Message Rev. Paul Miller
Hymn of the Day #279 “O Little Town of Bethlehem”
L: With the whole church, let us confess our faith:
C: I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,
Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
He descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven,
He is seated at the right hand of the Father,
And he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen
Prayers of the People
Offering
Offering Music
L: Let us pray. Merciful Father,
C: We offer with joy and thanksgiving what you have first given us—ourselves, our time, and our possessions, signs of your gracious love.
Receive them for the sake of him who offered himself for us, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen
Holy Communion
P: The Lord be with you.
C: And also with you.
P: Lift up your hearts.
C: We lift them to the Lord.
P: Let us give thanks to the Lord, our God.
C: It is right to give God thanks and praise.
Prayer
P: It is right, our duty and our joy. . .we look with hope for his coming again.
C: Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
The Words of Institution
The 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.
Receiving our Lord in the Sacrament
We use individual cups with red wine, and in the center of the tray are cups of white grape juice (circled in blue) . In addition to bread, wafers are also available. All those who are baptized are invited to commune, believing simply that Christ’s presence in this meal is for you, and for the forgiveness of sins. All others are welcome to come forward and receive a blessing.
Hymns during Holy communion:
#277 “Away in a Manger”
# 282 “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear”
#274 “On Christmas Night”
Blessing after Communion
P: The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace.
C: Amen.
Sharing the Blessing of Light
P: The Word became flesh and dwelled among us.
C: We have seen his glory,
P: Glory as of the only Son from God, the Father;
C: full of grace and truth.
P: In Him was life,
C: and the life was the light of all people.
(The Christ candle is lit, and the light is passed to each individual candle. Always keep lit candles upright, and tip unlit candles to light them.)
Carol “Silent Night” Hymn #281
1. Silent night, holy night 2. Silent night, Holy night!
All is calm, all is bright Shepherds quake at the sight
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child Glories stream from heaven afar
Holy Infant so tender and mild Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Sleep in heavenly peace Christ, the Savior is born
Sleep in heavenly peace Christ, the Savior is born
3. 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
L: We give you thanks, O God for giving us the Christ child to save us, the body and blood of Christ to nourish us, and the light of Christ to guide us. Send us out, reflecting the light of your grace, to tell the story of Jesus Christ, our Lord.
C: Amen.
(Candles are extinguished. Please continue to keep your candles upright until the wax
has cooled, and return them to the ushers as you leave)
Benediction
P: The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord’s face shine on you with grace and mercy; the Lord look upon you with favor and give you peace, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
C: Amen
Sending Carol #267 “Joy to the World”
Sending
L: Go in peace; Share the Good News!
C: Thanks be to God!
Postlude
Pastor—Rev. Paul Miller
Our thanks to those who serve as our worship leaders today:
4 PM service Liturgist—Claire Roberts Reader: Kirsten Meyer
7:30 PM service Liturgist—Don Gillett Reader: Kathy Lenhardt
Handbell Director—Wendy Kuenemann
Organist—Edward Workmon
Pastor—Rev. Paul Miller