FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
ORDER OF WORSHIP
CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE
OF MUSIC AND CANDLELIGHT
December 24, 2023
PRELUDE
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light,
For a child has been born for us, a son given to us!
Glory to God in the highest heaven!
Let us worship the Prince of Peace.
ADVENT CANDLE LIGHTING – Nancy T
Advent 4 – Love
Our Advent Wreath reminds us of the approaching celebration of Jesus' birth
* the round wreath of evergreen leaves reminds us that God's love is everlasting
* the light of the candles represents the light which Jesus brought into a dark world.
Last Sunday we lit the candle of Hope, remembering the hope which comes in Christ, the candle of Peace, remembering God’s dream of a peaceful world, and the candle of Joy, remembering the Spirit within us who brings joy. (Light Candles). Today we light the fourth candle of Advent, the candle of Love. (light candle)
God created this world in love. God’s love invades all aspects of this life. From birth to death, joy to sorrow, breath to breath, God’s love is there. We are reminded that the shared light of four candles of- hope, peace, joy and love lead us to God’s everlasting kingdom.
John 3:16
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
On this day, we remember God is Love.
SPECIAL MUSIC ‘O Holy Night’ Dick Smith, soloist and Judy Smith, pianist
CALL TO CONFESSION
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (in unison)
Gracious God, we anticipate the birth of our newborn savior. Yet we are depressed by the suffering and despair of our world. Our hearts grow hard with hopelessness. What reason is there to rejoice? We question your power and doubt our faith. Emmanuel, help us resist the overwhelming forces that drag us down. Lift our spirits so we can experience your transcendent presence and incarnate grace. Amen.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
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.
CHILDREN’S SERMON Star of Bethlehem Carrie VB
*HYMN # 41 (Blue) ‘O Come, All Ye Faithful’
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!
Yea, Lord, we greet Thee,
Born this happy morning,
Jesus, to Thee be all glory given;
Word of the Father,
Now in flesh appearing! [Refrain]
Sing, choirs of angels,
Sing in exultation!
Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above!
Glory to God,
All Glory in the highest! [Refrain]
SERMON ‘Do What You Can’ Steve Van Buren
*HYMN # 25 (Blue) ‘Away in the Manger’
Away in a manger, no crib for His bed,
The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head.
The stars in the sky looked down where He lay,
The little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay.
The cattle are lowing, the poor Baby wakes,
But little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes.
I love Thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky,
And stay by my side until morning is nigh.
Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask Thee to stay
Close by me forever and love me, I pray.
Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care,
And fit us for heaven to live with Thee there.
FIRST READING
1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar 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.
SPECIAL MUSIC ‘Room in My Heart’ Choir
SECOND READING
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 in the guest room.
*HYMN #44 (Blue) ‘O Little Town of Bethlehem’ (verses 1 & 2)
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.
For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above,
While mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wondering love.
O morning stars together proclaim the holy birth!
And praises sing to God the King, and peace to all on earth!
THIRD READING
8 Now in that same 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,
“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”
SPECIAL MUSIC Piano duet by Bonnie & Gayle F
FINAL READING
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph and the child lying in the manger. 17 When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them, 19 and Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told them.
*HYMN #37 (Blue) ‘Infant Lowly, Infant Holy’
Infant holy, Infant lowly, for His bed a cattle stall;
Oxen lowing, little knowing Christ the Babe is Lord of all.
Swift are winging Angels singing, Noels ringing, Tidings bringing:
Christ the babe is Lord of all.
Flocks were sleeping; Shepherds keeping vigil till the morning new.
Saw the glory, heard the story, tidings of a gospel true.
Thus rejoicing, Free from sorrow, praises voicing Greet the morrow:
Christ the babe was born for you.
INVITATION TO OFFERING and PRAYER OF DEDICATION
*DOXOLOGY
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
-Susan H (MK’s daughter)
-Richard C and Dolores as caregiver
-Bob J and Jan as caregiver
-Darwin L and Jeanne as caregiver
-Bob O and Nancy as caregiver
Our homebound or in care members: Richard C, Bob J, Delores K, Rose P, Joyce R, Cliff R, Dee W (Please reach out and call)
This Week’s Prayer Families: Nelda H, Dennis H & Carolyn C, MK H
Those who mourn: We pray for the Barnett and Goodale families and all who have lost loved ones.
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 debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever, Amen.
ADVENT CANDLE LIGHTING
Christmas Eve – Light
Our Advent Wreath reminds us of the approaching celebration of Jesus' birth
* the round wreath of evergreen leaves reminds us that God's love is everlasting
* the light of the candles represents the light which Jesus brought into a dark world.
Throughout this season we have remembered the hope, peace, joy, and love of God found in Christ. (Light Candles) Today we gather together and light the candle in honor of the Christ Child. (light candle)
With the birth of Christ, salvation has drawn near. The God who ordered the chaos of the universe has come down into the chaos of our world. The Word which was with God at the beginning came down and lived with us. We are reminded that the light of Christ brings together our hope, peace, joy, and love, lighting the way as we seek a life of wonder with Christ.
John 1: 1-5
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
On this day, we remember God has come in the Christ Child.
LIGHTING THE CONGREGATIONAL CANDLES
*CLOSING HYMN #60 (Blue) ‘Silent Night, Holy Night’
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.
Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight,
Glories stream from heaven afar,
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia;
Christ the Savior is born,
Christ the Savior is born!
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.
Silent night, holy night!
Wondrous star, lend thy light;
With the angels let us sing,
Alleluia to our King;
Christ the Savior is born,
Christ the Savior is born!
POSTLUDE