Christmas Eve, 5:00 p.m.
Prelude
Welcome
Greeting
Leader: Do not be afraid; for see I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people.
People: To you is born this day, in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, Christ the Lord.
The Bidding Prayer
Lighting of Christ Candle
Leader: Tonight we light the Christ candle. We remember and honor the birth of our savior, Jesus Christ through the act of worship in re-telling that story of old, of singing carols that give voice to the joy of our spirits. And in reflecting on that solemn night when The Son of God would enter into this broken and sinful world to offer it hope, joy, peace, and the way of love, that we may find in him Eternal life.
People: Thanks be to God.
Response UMH #196 — Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus
A Christmas Prayer (in unison)
Lord we pray for your light to overcome our darkness, we pray for your way that leads to life, to intercept our pathways that lead only to self-destruction. Lord, we pray that as you come to us as an innocent child, we would open our hearts to receive you not as a mere child, but as our righteous King. That we may truly see one another as sisters and brothers. Come Jesus Come we pray. Amen.
Hymn UMH #234 — O Come, All Ye Faithful (vs 1 & 3)
First Reading — Isaiah 9:2-7 (NRSV)
Children’s Message
Second Reading — Luke 2:1-20, Luke 18:15-17 (NRSV)
Hymn UMH #230 –O Little Town of Bethlehem (vs 1, 2, 4)
Message — “That Little Town, Bethlehem” (Rev. Bryan McClain)
Communion — UMH pg. 15
O Holy Night — Duet
Nancy McClain (soloist)
Suzi Fischer (accompanist)
Offering Moment & Doxology — UMH #95
Tonight’s offering will be given to the United Methodists Family Services. UMFS is a nonprofit organization that provides a comprehensive array of programs to meet the needs of high-risk children and parents to enable them to overcome challenging circumstances. Its guiding philosophy is to do whatever it takes to help children and teens successfully overcome the toughest odds and create bright futures for them.
Hymn UMH #239 –Silent Night
(Candle Lighting — process out)
Benediction