Christmas Eve

THE GATHERING

Musical Prelude

WE GATHER IN-PERSON

Greetings and Announcements

(Children are welcome to come over to the Kids Zone any time throughout the service. We have crafts and activities prepared.)

Introit Hymn  “O Come All Ye Faithful” VU #  60

Christ Candle Lighting (Responsively)

Reader 1: Jesus is here

All: shining love like a beacon.

Reader 2: bringing hope, peace and joy into our ordinary lives.

Reader 3: Jesus is here

All: shining love like a beacon.

Reader 1: when we are sad and the world seems frightening.

Reader 2:  Jesus is here

All: shining love like a beacon.

Reader 3: when we are excited and expecting all good things.

Reader 1: Jesus is here

All: shining love like a beacon.

Reader 2: Jesus shows us the way to love, putting others first and serving people in need.

Reader 3: Jesus is here

All: shining love like a beacon.

Reader 1: so we light our Christ Candle to remember Jesus’ love that changes everything.

Reader 2: A little light can brighten the darkness in a very big space.

Reader 3: A little love can dry the tears of sadness and begin healing every hurt.

All: Dear God, thank you for this special evening, our waiting is over, Jesus is here shining love like a beacon. Help us to shine with hope, peace, joy and love too because of tonight! Amen!

(Light all the candles)

Hymn “A Candle Is Burning” VU # 6

Theme Conversation - The Symbols in the Bulletin

Echo Prayer

Sing “Halle, Halle, Halle”

Music Ministry

We Hear The Word

Hymn  “O Little Town Of Bethlehem” VU # 64

Scriptures:             Luke 2: 1-7

                               Luke 2: 8-15

                               Luke 2: 15-20

Hymn  “Go Tell It On the Mountain”  VU # 43

Reflection  “The Real Star of Bethlehem”

We Respond To The Word

Music Ministry “O Holy Night”   Christy Romaine-Smith

Invitation to Offering

Offertory Music

These gifts we bring with grateful hearts

to reconcile, make new.

Gather us in grace, show us the way,

to live our lives in Truth.

To share your Love in all we do.

Words/Music: Pat Mayberry; Arrangement: David Kai 

Prayer of Dedication of Gifts and Self (Together)

Caring God, we pray to be an embodiment of love,
To follow your teachings to care for each other.
Help us share your love with those who may have

trouble feeling it.

Newly arriving God,
Help us live in the spirit of Christmas all the rest of the year. Amen.   -  The United Church of Canada

Christmas Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer

We GO Out To Spread The Good News

Hymn  “Silent Night”  VU # 69

Commissioning (Responsively)

Reader 1: We will light candles this Christmas.

Reader 2: Candles of joy, despite all the sadness. 

Reader 3: Candles of hope where despair keeps watch. 

Reader 1: Candles of courage where fear is ever present.

Reader 2: Candles of peace for tempest-tossed days. 

Reader 3: Candles of grace to ease heavy burdens. 

All: Candles of love to inspire all of our living.  Candles that will burn all the year long. Amen. -  Howard Thurman

Postlude Music