Christmas Magic

Christmas Eve Worship Service College Heights Baptist Church December 24, 2023 Symbols of Christ The Candle Whether we use a lamp, a candle, a torch, a lighthouse, or even a flashlight as the symbol, the idea is the same: Christ is Light! This is one of the most appropriate and meaningful of all the Christian symbols and is probably the most used in the Bible. Matthew, quoting prophecy, said of Jesus, “ ... for those who sat in the region and shadow of death, light has dawned.” John described Jesus as “the true light that enlightens every man.” And Jesus said, “I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” This symbol of Jesus should also remind Christians of their own responsibilities, for Jesus also said, “You are the light of the world” and “...let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” How appropriate that tonight we light our individual candles from the source, the “Christ” candle. Although we will extinguish our candles as we leave, hopefully each one of us will continue shining brightly for Christ now and forever more. Prelude “O Holy Night” Lighting “Christ” Candle Music Connie & Jerry Lawson “Jesus Messiah” Scripture Luke 2:1-7 Music Robert Murphy “O Holy Night” Scripture Music (Mike Elred) Luke 2:8-14 Oksana Henriksen “Hark! The Herald Angles Sing” Scripture Luke 2:15-21 Aaron Wilson Message “Christmas Magic” Lentz Upshaw (Luke 2:11-12) Special Music “You Are” Amy & Lentz Upshaw Video “Mystery” (Selah) Observance of the Lord’s Supper Candle Lighting “Joy to the World” Postlude “How Great Our Joy” (Don Chapman) Let us go out to Christmas having the same praise and wonder as did the shepherds! For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 NLT