"Do Not Be Afraid"

Christmas Eve Worship Service College Heights Baptist Church December 24, 2021 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 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 Lighting Advent Candles Luke 2:1-7 Eva Sue Akins “O Holy Night” Luke 2:8-14 Robert Murphy “Hark! The Herald Angles Sing” Luke 2:15-21 Judy Ball “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” Message “Do Not Be Afraid” Lentz Upshaw (Matthew 1:18-23) Observance of the Lord’s Supper Lighting of Candles “Joy to the World” Let us go out to Christmas having the same praise and wonder as did the Shepherds!