December 24 2023 6PM

1. Good evening and welcome to our Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. We're thrilled to have you join us as we come together to rejoice in the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Christmas goes beyond being a cultural celebration; it signifies the fulfillment of God's promise and marks the commencement of God's work in us through Jesus Christ. When Jesus was born, darkness surrounded, and there was no light. However, Jesus became the light of the world, shining His light to reveal God's glory. Consequently, it is fitting for us to be a light in the world, following the example set by Jesus. Let's unite in joy and reflection as we step into this special time of worship.

2. Let us bow our heads in prayer.

Gracious and Almighty God, on this sacred night, we humbly come before you with hearts full of gratitude. We express our deepest thanks for the precious gift of your Son, Jesus Christ, whose birth brings us together in celebration tonight. As we engage in worship, may your divine presence surround us, and may our hearts be brimming with the peace and joy that can only come from you. We offer this prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.

3. Let us sing O Come O Come Immanuel.

1. O come O come Emmanuel And ransom captive Israel That mourns in lonely exile here Until the Son of God appear

2. O Come Thou Dayspring come and cheer Our spirits by Thine advent here Disperse the gloomy clouds of night And death's dark shadows put to flight

Chorus: Rejoice rejoice Emmanuel Shall come to thee O Israel

3. O come Desire of nations bind All peoples in one heart and mind Bid envy strife and quarrels cease Fill the whole world with Heaven's peace

Chorus: Rejoice rejoice Emmanuel Shall come to thee O Israel

4. When we envision the circumstances in Judea, it wasn't a favorable time due to political and situational challenges. Even the parents of Jesus struggled to find a suitable place; they had to relocate to an unfamiliar setting, despite it being their hometown. With no family or close friends nearby, Jesus was born in this unfamiliar place. In the midst of their parents being strangers in this new location, Jesus came into the world. Let's turn our attention to Luke 2:1-21 to explore this significant event.
Luke 2:1-3

Luke 2:1–3 NKJV

And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.

Luke 2:4–5 NKJV

Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.

Luke 2:6–7 NKJV

So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Luke 2:8–10 NKJV

Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.

Luke 2:11–14 (NKJV)

For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

Luke 2:15–17 NKJV

So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child.

Luke 2:18–21 (NKJV)

And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them. And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.

5. Jesus was born in a manger, a place designated for animals. His birth occurred in the humblest of settings. To human observers, it may have seemed ordinary or even miserable. However, in this seemingly unremarkable place, the glory of God descended to the earth. God's holy Son was born in a manger, emphasizing the extraordinary nature of this divine event.

O holy night the stars are brightly shining It is the night of the dear Savior's birth Long lay the world in sin and error pining Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth

A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn

Fall on your knees O hear the angel voices O night divine O night when Christ was born O night O holy night O night divine

6. Tonight, as we come together in the warmth of this Christmas Eve, let's take a moment to contemplate the profound meaning of the birth of Jesus Christ. In a world marked by challenges and uncertainties, the advent of the Christ child offers us hope, peace, and joy. When we later light our candles during the service, let's be mindful that Jesus is the Light of the world. His presence dispels darkness and guides our way through the journey of life. It is a versicle so we can respond each other. After I read my verse, you can read a verse on the PPT.

Pastor: The People who walked in darkness have seen a great light.

Congregation: The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Pastor: Those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has a light shined.

Congregation: We have beheld Christ’s glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father.

Pastor: For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given.

Congregation: In Him was life, and the life was the light of all human kind.

7. Let us sing Silent Night, Holy Night

1 Silent night! Holy night! All is calm, all is bright

’round yon virgin mother and child! Holy infant, so tender and mild,

sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace.

2 Silent night! Holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight.

Glories stream from heaven afar, heav'nly hosts sing, “Alleluia!

Christ the Savior is born! Christ the Savior is born!”

3 Silent night! Holy night! Son of God, love’s pure light

radiant beams from Thy holy face with the dawn of redeeming grace,

Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth! Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth!

4 Silent night! Holy night! Wondrous star, lend thy light;

with the angels let us sing "Alleluia" to our King:

“Christ the Savior is born! Christ the Savior is born.”

8. Candle Lighting

In a few moments, we'll illuminate our candles, symbolizing the Light that Jesus brings to the world. With each flicker, let's recall our calling to be lights in the world, sharing the love and grace of Christ with those in our midst. As we light our candles, take a moment to ponder the love of Jesus and the purpose of His birth. He didn't come merely as a man or a prophet but as the Messiah. His birth holds the profound significance of bringing salvation to us from our sins. It is a testament to God's deep love for the world, demonstrated by sending His only Son to us.

Watching a Video about the Birth of Jesus

9. Christmas Song: Give Thanks

Give thanks with a grateful heart,

give thanks to the Holy One;

give thanks, because he’s given

Jesus Christ, his Son.

And now let the weak say ‘I am strong’,

let the poor say ‘I am rich’,

because of what the Lord has done for us

10. Closing Prayer

Let us close our hearts in prayer. Gracious God, our hearts overflow with gratitude for the precious gift of your Son, Jesus Christ. As we depart from this sacred gathering tonight, may the radiant light of your love continue to shine within our hearts, guiding our steps on the journey ahead. Shower us with the blessings of peace, joy, and an abiding sense of your presence not only during this Christmas season but in the days that follow. We offer this prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.