Christmas Eve, 11:00 p.m.
Prelude
Welcome
Greeting
Lighting of Christ Candle (in unison)
Tonight, we light the Christ candle. We remember and honor the birth of our savior, Jesus Christ through the act of worship in re-telling that story of old, of singing carols that give voice to the joy of our spirits. And in reflecting on that solemn night when The Son of God would enter into this broken and sinful world to offer it hope, joy, peace, and the way of love, that we may find in him Eternal life. Thanks be to God.
Response UMH #219 — What Child Is This
Opening Prayer (in unison)
Eternal God, this holy night is radiant with the brilliance of your one true light. May that light illuminate our hearts and shine in your words and deeds. May the hope, the peace, the joy and the love represented by the birth in Bethlehem this night fill our lives and become part of all that we say and do. May we share the divine life of your son Jesus Christ, even as he humbled himself to share our humanity. Amen.
Hymn UMH #234 (vs 1 & 3) — O Come, All Ye Faithful
First Reading — Isaiah 9:2-7 (NRSV)
Special Music — Creation Will Be At Peace
Second Reading — Luke 2:1-10 (NRSV)
Message “The Pinnacle of Advent” (Rev. Jason Elmore)
Hymn UMH #238 (vs 1 & 4) — Angels We Have Heard on High
Apostles’ Creed
Gloria Patri — UMH #70
Pastoral Prayer / Lord’s Prayer
Hymn UMH #217 (vs 1 & 3) — Away in a Manger
Offering — Special Video (O Holy Night)
Doxology UMH #95
Lighting of Individual Candles
Hymn — Silent Night (lyrics on back of bulletin)
(Candle Lighting — process out)
Benediction