ST. PAUL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST Service of the Word: Lessons and Carols

Candlelight Christmas Eve Worship December 24, 2021

Indicates please rise, as able

GREETING and ANNOUNCEMENTS

RINGING THE BELLS and BRINGING CHRIST’S LIGHT

PRELUDE (P) The First Noel -arr. D. Forrest

THE ADVENT WREATH (UCC BOW, adapted) Edna Dell Weinel & Sheldon Culver

Speaker: On this Christmas Eve we are gathered as God’s people to celebrate again what Christ’s coming means to the world. We join with Christians all over the world who are celebrating tonight.

Speaker: A reading from the ninth chapter of the book of Isaiah. For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Speaker: From the Gospel according to Luke, the second chapter. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom God favors!’”

Speaker: From the letter to the Romans: And hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.

Speaker: Tonight we relight the four Advent candles and recall what the good news means. Hope (The first blue candle is lighted), Peace (the second blue candle is lighted), Joy (the rose candle is lighted), Love (the final blue candle is lighted).

RESPONSE Drawing Nearer -Christopher Grundy

Lori Morton, soloist

Speaker: Jesus Christ is the greatest gift, making all other gifts possible. Let us think about what Christ’s coming means to each of us. (The Christ Candle is lighted). Let us pray.

ALL: Holy God, thank you for your gift of Jesus, the Christ. Thank you that Christ’s coming makes hope, peace, joy, and love possible for every person in every land. Encourage us to do our part to bring goodwill and peace to our families, our churches, our neighborhoods, and your world. Let your Spirit put us in touch with you, the living God, through the words and music we hear tonight. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

ACT OF PRAISE What Child Is This No. 64

CALL TO WORSHIP (TCLR) Pastor: Children of the Almighty, our watching and waiting is over. Let

us rejoice in the birth of the Savior of the World! People: Let us celebrate the Good News of Jesus’ birth in word

and song, with hearts and voices opened wide to receive him, Pastor: for this is no ordinary night, and this is no ordinary child. This

is Emmauel, God with us. Children of the Almighty, let us welcome Jesus, the Christ!

All: Let us worship God!

HYMN OF ADORATION Good Christian Friends, Rejoice No. 51

BIDDING PRAYER, SILENT PRAYER, THE LORD’S PRAYER Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

A LESSON Genesis 1:1-8 (OT) Page 1 A CAROL Still, Still, Still No. 43

A LESSON Isaiah 9:2, 6-7 (OT) Page 600 A CAROL In the Bleak Midwinter -G. Alan Smith

Chancel Choir

A LESSON Luke 1:26-35 (NT) Page 53 A CAROL O Little Town of Bethlehem (vss 1 & 3) No. 40

A LESSON Psalm 108:1-5 (OT) Page 530 A CAROL The First Noel/Pachelbel’s Canon -Michael Clawson

Chancel Choir

A LESSON Luke 2:1-7 (NT) Page 54 A CAROL O Come, All Ye Faithful (vss 1 & 4) No. 52

A LESSON Luke 2:8-16 (NT) Page 54 A CAROL Rise Up, Shepherd, and Follow -arr. Leavitt

Chancel Choir

A LESSON Luke 2:16-20 (NT) Page 55 A CAROL Infant Holy, Infant Lowly No. 47

A LESSON Matthew 2:1-11 (NT) Page 1 A CAROL Carols for Seekers -arr. Joseph R. Martin

Chancel Choir

A LESSON John 1:1-5, 14 (NT) Page 86

A CAROL It Came Upon the Midnight Clear (vss 1, 2, 5) No. 42

OFFERING INVITATION Pastor: Children of the Almighty, on this night of nights, All: let us present to God our offerings and our lives.

OFFERTORY (P) Angels’ Carol -J. Rutter

DOXOLOGY (780) Gloria Creator Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise God all creatures here below; Praise God above you heavenly host; Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

PRAYER OF DEDICATION (TCLR) All: Almighty God, giver of every good gift, we offer back to you what we have first received from the generosity of your grace. Bless these gifts, that they may be a gift to your people everywhere, the suffering and the satisfied alike. We pray in the name of the One born this night. Amen.

PASSING THE LIGHT OF CHRIST (Please remain seated)

HYMN FOR CHRISTMAS EVE Silent Night No. 41 (First verse in German, followed by four verses in English.)

CHRISTMAS EVE PRAYER (Robert Louis Stevenson)

BENEDICTION

HYMN OF JUBILATION Joy to the World! No. 53

POSTLUDE (o) Bring a Torch, Jeannette, Isabella -C. Uehlein

Permission to podcast/stream music in this service obtained from CCLI, License #2546793

Words to responses used by permission. All rights reserved.