Christmas Eve Candle Lighting and Communion

Luke 1:26-38, 2:1-7, 9-18

CALL TO WORSHIP:

Rejoice, for God is with us — Emmanuel.

In the darkness of our world shines God's holy light.

Now there is reason to hope, to love, to laugh, to live.

God is truly with us. We are not alone.

Thanks be to God!

Welcome:

Opening Prayer:

Gracious God,

With joy and thanksgiving we gather as your people.

We have come to hear again the timeless story of Christ's birth.

In the excitement of this night, quiet our hearts

that we may know the peace and fullness of this holy time.

Shine, O Light, in the darkness of our world.

Sing, O angels, in the stillness of our hearts,

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those God favors."

This we pray in the name of the Child of Bethlehem. Amen.

O Come, All Ye Faithful

O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,

O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem.

Come and behold Him, born the King of angels,

O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him,

O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

(People are seated all lights are dimmed — DARKNESS except altar candles, Chrismon tree and Advent wreath candles)

The Coming of Jesus Is Announced to Mary and Joseph

Luke 1:26-38

Luke 1:26–38 (HCSB) — 26 In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, 27 to a virgin engaged to a man named Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And the angel came to her and said, “Rejoice, favored woman! The Lord is with you.” 29 But she was deeply troubled by this statement, wondering what kind of greeting this could be. 30 Then the angel told her: Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 Now listen: You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will call His name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. 33 He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end. 34 Mary asked the angel, “How can this be, since I have not been intimate with a man?” 35 The angel replied to her: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore, the holy One to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 And consider your relative Elizabeth—even she has conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called childless. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 “I am the Lord’s slave,” said Mary. “May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel left her.

The Preparations for the Birth of Jesus

Luke 2:1-5

Luke 2:1–5 (HCSB) — 1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole empire should be registered. 2 This first registration took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So everyone went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family line of David, 5 to be registered along with Mary, who was engaged to him and was pregnant.

(As the congregation sings, Gabriel candle and Mary and Joseph candles are lit.)

O Little Town of Bethlehem

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 street shineth the everlasting light.

The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.

Jesus is Born

Luke 2:6-7

Luke 2:6–7 (HCSB) — 6 While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 Then she gave birth to her firstborn Son, and she wrapped Him snugly in cloth and laid Him in a feeding trough—because there was no room for them at the lodging place.

Away in a Manger

(As congregation sings, the Baby Jesus candle is lit.

Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,

the little Lord Jesus lay down His sweet head.

The stars in the sky look down where He lay,

the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.

House lights go up one notch.)

Jesus' Birth is Announced to the Shepherds

Luke 2:9-14

Luke 2:9–14 (HCSB) — 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: 11 Today a Savior, who is Messiah the Lord, was born for you in the city of David. 12 This will be the sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in cloth and lying in a feeding trough.” 13 Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: 14 Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people He favors!

It Came Upon the Midnight Clear

(While congregation sings, the angel candles are lit.

It came upon the midnight clear that glorious song of old

From angels bending near the earth to touch their harps of gold

Peace on the earth, good will to men, from heaven's all gracious King.

The world in solemn stillness lay to hear the angels sing.

House lights go up a notch,)

The Shepherds Find the Baby Jesus

Luke 2:15-18

Luke 2:15–18 (HCSB) — 15 When the angels had left them and returned to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go straight to Bethlehem and see what has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 They hurried off and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby who was lying in the feeding trough. 17 After seeing them, they reported the message they were told about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.

The First Noel

(While congregation sings, the remaining candles are lit.

The first noel the angels did say was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay.

In fields where they lay keeping their sheep on a cold winter's night that was so deep.

Noel, noel, noel, noel. Born is the King of Israel

House lights go up to full light.)