Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

Welcome & Prayer - Marc

Hallelujah Christmas – Daryle & Gracie

O Holy Night (Congregation) Red # 194 vs 1,3

(Donys to play “O Holy Night” softly through end of first Scripture Reading)

Advent Candle – Christ Candle - Reynolds Family

[Marc] – “A few weeks ago, we began this advent season by slowing down and reflecting. With each advent candle, our anticipation has grown – anticipation for something greater than just another holiday. Indeed, as we sang just a moment ago, our world lay in sin and error pining- that is, waiting for the Savior that was promised since the time of man’s rebellion in the Garden of Eden. Through the generations, God demonstrated His love and patience with humanity, giving signs of hope for a rescue from our sinful state!

One of these signs is that this child would be born to a virgin. (Is. 7:14) This would be no ordinary birth. And it was no ordinary birth announcement!”

Luke 1:26-38 READER -Nataly (or Amber)

O Come O Come Emmanuel – Steve Townsend

(Donys to play “Mary Did You Know” softly through Scripture Reading)

[Marc] “Could it be?! YES! The Savior of the world would be born to Mary- a virgin. This is the miracle of God not simply coming TO us, but taking on human flesh. That sounds impossible! But nothing is impossible with God- after all, creating this world from nothing also seems impossible! Designing creation and giving life seems impossible! This is the account of Jesus’ birth –Not His beginning, for He is eternal, but the account of His entrance into humanity:”

Luke 2:1-20 READER - Christy

What Child is This? Congregation Red # 198 vs 1,3

John 1:14 “14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” [Marc] We aren’t simply celebrating a birth of a baby here nor the birth of a great teacher or great healer, though Jesus is both. We celebrate the birth of a Savior that took the penalty of sin upon himself so we could be adopted into the family of God.

What we need and long for most can be found only in Jesus Christ. And each Christmas is a celebration of God’s faithfulness ; when the moment was right - at the exact perfect time, God Himself intervened in our hopeless situation. No greater expression of love could ever be known than that God would send his son to save us.

In just a moment we will partake of the Lords Supper- the bread and drink - as we remember the New Covenant with God because of Jesus Christ. We call it communion because it is symbolic of our restored unity with God through Jesus. In Christ, we can commune- have fellowship with the Holy God of Creation!

As we take it together, we are reminding one another that we have been made new; no longer does sin reign in our hearts, but instead Jesus reigns as Lord!

But first, if you are here and you have not trusted in Jesus for your salvation, I’d like to give you the opportunity to do so. Maybe you’re visiting with us as a part of tradition or as a guest of a friend, God knows your condition. And right now, what you must do is repent. Turn from sin to God. There’s no gift under the tree that will ever compare to the gift of eternal life with God.

Will those serving please come? (Explain rules- let plate pass if not believer or unrepentant sin)

Prayer

(Donys play “What Child is This” softly through Communion)

[Marc] Tonight, let us take the bread which is symbolic of the body of Jesus Christ- broken for our healing; born in order to die. Jesus said He came to give His life a ransom for many. - Mark 10:45 (Eat)

And let us take the cup which represents His blood that was poured out for us in a new covenant, that we might have eternal life through Him. Ephesians 1:7 “7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace” (Drink)

[Marc] “This Christmas, we celebrate the Light of the world! As we light our candles this evening, let us be reminded to take His light into the darkness of this world, proclaiming the Good News – A Savior has come! We no longer have to live in condemnation for our sins. Christ has come. Immanuel – God is with us!”

Prayer – Marc

Candle lighting (Give instructions!!)

Silent Night - acapella Red # 206 vs 1,3,4