The Light of the World

The Birth of Christ

Order of service Christmas Eve 2023

Pastor Brandon: Greeting and Prayer

Song: Christmas day (sheet music) key G

Pastor Brandon - Luke 2:1-10

Luke 2:1–10 NASB95

Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people;

Song: The First Noel (sheet music) Just guitar

Song: Hark the Herald Angels Sing (hymnal)

Song: Midnight Clear (Love Song) (sheet music)

Pastor Brandon: Luke 2:11-20

Luke 2:11–20 NASB95

for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. “This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.” So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.

-Tonight, we gather to celebrate the first Advent or the arrival of the Messiah.

John 8:12 NASB95

Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.”

In declaring Himself to be the Light of the world, Jesus was claiming that He is the exclusive source of spiritual light. No other source of spiritual truth is available to mankind.

We take a candle into a room to dispel the darkness. Likewise, the Light of Jesus Christ has to be taken into the darkness of sin that engulfs the hearts and lives of those who are not following Him. That’s the condition behind having this Light—that we follow Him. If we do not follow Him, we will not have this light, this truth, this eternal life.

We hear that a Savior has been born! These shepherds waste no time in deciding to seek Him out.

We wish to encourage you to seek after the Savior. To turn away from the darkness of sin and embrace the giver of life, Jesus Christ. The One who brings salvation. The One who is the light of the world.

Song: Away In a Manger (hymnal)

Song: O Come All Ye Faithfull fc (sheet music)

Pastor Brandon: Explanation of Candle lighting

Song: O Come All You Unfaithful (sheet music)

Pastor Brandon: Closing

Last chorus of “O Come All You Unfaithful”