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CHRISTMAS EVE Candlelight Service December 24, 2006 6:00 P.M.
Prelude: “Infant Holy, Infant Lowly” arr. Whitworth “Away in a Manger” arr. Murray * Call to Worship: Isaiah 7, 9 The Lord himself will give you a sign. The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a Son, and will call him Immanuel. To us a child is born, and to us a Son is given, and the government will be upon his shoulders; and his name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. * Carol: PH 347 “Angels We Have Heard on High” Gloria * Prayer for Christmas Eve: Almighty God, who has caused this night to shine with the brightness of your glory, we ask that you banish the darkness of our hearts by your gracious visitation as we remember the coming of the true light in Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. * Confession of Faith: PH 814 Nicene Creed The Lighting of the Advent Candle: The Christ Candle Response: “O Come, O Come, Immanuel” Veni Immanuel
Offering: Fairlawn Benevolent Fund Offertory: “O Holy Night” arr. Davis Choral Anthem: “Repeat the Sounding Joy” arr. Wagner The Ministry of the Word Reading from the Old Testament: Isaiah 7:10-14 Carol: PH 341 “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence” Picardy Responsive Reading from the Psalms: Insert Psalm 98 Youth Choral Ensemble: “Do You Hear What I Hear” Regney; Shayne/arr. Simeone Carol: PH 349 “Away in a Manger” Cradle Song Anthem: “Jesus Christ, the Apple Tree” arr. Schalk * Reading from the Gospel: Matthew 1:18-25 Message: The Birth of Hope The Service of Light Lighting of the Candles (Candles are to be lit by tipping the unlit candle to the lighted one. Please keep candles lit until ending of the carol, “Silent Night.”) The Coming of the Light in Jesus Christ: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. That light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not overcome it. The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world. The Word was made flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. May the Son of Righteousness shine upon you and scatter the darkness from before your path. Carol: “O Little Town of Bethlehem” St Louis 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 wond’ring love. O morning stars, together proclaim the holy birth! And praises sing to God the King, and peace to men on earth. 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. O holy child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray; Cast out our sin and enter in; be born in us today. We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell; O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Immanuel. Violin Solo: “Largo” J. S. Bach Carol: “Silent Night” Stille Nacht 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! 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! 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! 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! (Candles are extinguished.) * The Blessing: May he who by his Incarnation gathered into one all things earthly and heavenly fill you with the sweetness of inward peace and goodwill; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you always. Amen. * Doxology: PH 340 “O Come, All Ye Faithful” Adeste Fideles
Postlude: “He Is Born” arr. Whitworth * Indicates congregation stands |