ORDER OF WORSHIP – December 24, 2023

Christmas Eve – Carols, Candles and Communion - Light and Love is Born Anew

Worship led by Adrienne Christopherson, Rev. Cathy Kinsman,

Pam, Valerie and Jonathan Rollheiser, and Garnet Weaver 

GOD INVITES US TO WORSHIP

GATHERING MUSIC  Pam Rollheiser

PRELUDE Johnathan Rollheiser  

WELCOME

*OPENING CAROL  “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear”   VU #44

Words: Edmund Hamilton Sears  Music: Richrad Storrs Willis

ADVENT CANDLE LIGHTING (Adapted and used with permission – Gathering ACE 23/24B, Pg. 72)

Three blue candles symbolizing hope, peace, and love are lit.

The pink candle symbolizing joy, is lit. 

We come to receive the story once again, a story of humility, of vulnerability, and of hope.

Though we may feel disconnected this Christmas Eve,

saddened and constrained by world events, drained by the daily demands,

we come to find peace, hope, love and joy in our transformation by faith.

In the ancient stories of faith, in our digital connections,

and through our radical loving as we follow Jesus’ Way,

we find wonder and awe at such an unlikely birth,

a birth proclaiming good news and possibility.

As we listen for the Spirit’s whispers to lift spirits,

we welcome the Christ candle as a sign of all we can become.

*HYMN “A Candle Is Burning” (vs. 5) VU #6

Words: Sandra Dean  Music: James R. Murray 

Light of the world, it flickers yet flames, simple and humble, salvation proclaims.   

(The Christ candle is processed and shared into the Advent Wreath)

 CENTERING PRAYER

SPECIAL MUSIC “Light of the World” Adrienne Christopherson Valerie Rollheiser

Lauren Daigle

WE OFFER OURSELVES TO GOD

PRAYER OF HEALING (Adapted and used with permission – Lectionary Liturgies, Tom M. Shuman)

God of silent nights, this was going to be the year,

the year we were going to give away more than we spent.

This was going to be the season when we spent more time with others,

but instead we filled our calendars with meetings.

This was going to be the Christmas when we wrote personal notes to friends and family,

but spent our energies trying to buy the right gift.

This was going to be a truly holy Advent season, a time for reflection and prayer.

The days just got away from us.

Love Gifter,

draw us closer to the Baby born not into wealth and power,

but into poverty and weakness;

to the One who loves unconditionally and welcomes all;

to the Child who gathers children to him, to bless and serve them;

to the One who drew near to us, so we might be drawn to the heart of love.

We pray now, asking to be renewed in faith,

so we might sense your presence and grace this night and always.

(A moment of reflection/prayer)  

WORDS OF GRACE AND COMFORT

Into the valleys of our death, Jesus comes with life;

into the shadows of our world, Jesus brings light;

into the brokenness of our lives, Jesus brings comfort and peace.

Thanks be to God for the gift of the Babe of Bethlehem,

who yearns to bring joy and love in all days to come. Amen.

 THE SCRIPTURES SPEAKS TO US

Hebrew Scriptures - Isaiah 9: 2-7 – A child has been born for us.

*CAROL     “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” VU #48

Words: Charles Wesley  Music: Felix Mendelssohn 

New Testament – Luke 2:1-7 – Jesus’ birth.

*CAROL    “Infant Holy, Infant Lowly”     VU #58

Words: Polish carol – Edith M.G. Reed  Music: Polish folk melody – A.E. Rusbridge 

New Testament – Luke 2:8-14 – A sign for the people

*CAROL      “Angels We Have Heard on High” (v. 1,3,4)   VU #38

Words: French trad, James Chadwick  Music: French carol Edward Shippen Barnes 

New Testament – Luke 2:15-20 – Let us go to Bethlehem

*CAROL    “Once in Royal David City”     VU #62

 Words: Carol Frances Alexander  Music: Henry John Gauntlett 

MEDITATION

*SPECIAL MUSIC    “What Child is This” Eden Melenchenko    

: Music: John Stainer  Words: William Chattertorn Dix 

HOLY COMMUNION IS SERVED – See overhead screen for liturgy   

GOD INVITES US TO RESPOND IN PRAYER AND ACTION

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE 

WE GO OUT IN FAITH

BENEDICTION AND BLESSING

*CLOSING CAROL “Silent Night” VU #67

Words: Joseph Mohr, John Freeman Young  Music: Franz Xavier Gruber 

Light will be drawn from the Christ Candle and shared out into the congregation, as we sing our closing carol.

Hymns from More Voices and Voices United are used with permission.  One License #A-7252