Prelude A Medley of Carols by First Lutheran Musicians
Welcome
*Confession & Forgiveness
Blessed are you, O Christ, Son of God; You were before time began and came into the world to save us.
Blessed are you, Sun of Righteousness: You shine with the Father’s love and illumine the whole universe.
Blessed are you, O Son of Mary; born a child, you shared our humanity.
Let heaven and earth ring out their praise.
O Mystery of the Word made flesh, with all the voices of heaven, we celebrate your coming as our Savior.
Let us together, with all people of the earth, and the angels of heaven sing of your glory.
O Splendor of the Father’s Light,
with all the creatures on earth we sing and dance at your birth. Praise and honor and glory be to you, Incarnate Word!
*Call to Worship O Come, All Ye Faithful
Jan Neuhaus soloist vs. 1
O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant!
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem;
come and behold him, born the king of angels:
O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord!
Organ Interlude
The highest, most holy, light of light eternal,
born of a virgin, a mortal he comes;
Son of the Father now in flesh appearing!
O come, let us adore him...
Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation,
sing, all ye citizens of heaven above!
Glory to God in the highest:
O come, let us adore him…
*Greeting and Prayer of the Day
On this night, Christ is born:
Alleluia, alleluia!
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
And also with you.
Let us pray, . … now and forever. Amen.
The Impossible Dream - O Holy Night David Pohl & Dale Fleming
Presentation of The Light
by Faithful Generations
Angels We Have Heard on High
Jan Neuhaus with Choir:
Angels we have heard on high, sweetly singing o'er the plains, and the mountains in reply, echoing their joyous strains. “Gloria in excelsis Deo; gloria in excelsis Deo!”
Organ and Light interlude
Shepherds, why this jubilee? Why your joyous strains prolong? What the gladsome tidings be which inspire your heav'nly song? “Gloria in excelsis Deo; gloria in excelsis Deo!”
Come to Bethlehem and see Him whose birth the angels sing; come, adore on bended knee Christ the Lord, the newborn king.“Gloria in excelsis Deo; gloria in excelsis Deo!”
Traditional French carol,
First published in Nouveau Recueil de Cantiques 1855
English translation by James Chadwick ca. 1852
A Reading from the Prophet Isaiah 9:2-7
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined. You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
Word of God, Word of Life. Thanks be to God.
The Epistle Lesson Titus 2:11-14
The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly, while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds.
Word of God, Word of Life. Thanks be to God.
*Gospel Acclamation What Child Is This?
What child is this, who, laid to rest, on Mary's lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet while shepherds watch are keeping? This, this is Christ the king, whom shepherds guard and angels sing; haste, haste to bring him laud, the babe, the son of Mary!
Why lies he in such mean estate where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian, fear; for sinners here the silent Word is pleading.
Nails, spear shall pierce him through, the cross be borne for me,
for you; hail, hail the Word made flesh, the babe, the son of Mary!
Text: William C. Dix, 1837-1898
*Gospel Luke 2:1-20 Glory to you O Lord
In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered…The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
Special Music We Shall Behold Him Dottie Rambo solo Dale Fleming
The sky shall unfold / Preparing His entrance
The stars shall applaud Him / With thunders of praise
The sweet light in His eyes, shall enhance those awaiting
And we shall behold Him, then face to face / O we shall behold Him, we shall behold Him / Face to face in all of His glory / O we shall behold Him, yes we shall behold Him
Face to face, our Savior and Lord
The angel will sound, the shout of His coming
And the sleeping shall rise, from there slumbering place
And those remaining, shall be changed in a moment
And we shall behold him, then face to face
Homily Pastor Kurt Christenson
*Hymn of the Day Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Hark! The herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn king;
peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled."
Joyful, all you nations, rise; join the triumph of the skies;
with angelic hosts proclaim, "Christ is born in Bethlehem!"
Hark! The herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn king!"
Christ, by highest heav'n adored, Christ, the everlasting Lord,
late in time behold him come, offspring of a virgin's womb.
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see! Hail, incarnate deity!
Pleased as man with us to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel!
Hark! The herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn king!"
Hail the heav'n-born Prince of peace! Hail the Sun of righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings, ris'n with healing in his wings.
Mild he lays his glory by, born that we no more may die,
born to raise each child of earth, born to give us second birth.
Hark! The herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn king!”
tune: Mendelssohn
text: Charles Wesley+ 1739
*Prayers of the People
Unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given.
Let us bring before God the needs of the world.
O wondrous God, on this holy night your Son our Savior was born in human flesh.
Renew your Church as the Body of Christ.
On this holy night there was no room for your Son in the inn.
Protect with your love those who live on our streets and all who live in poverty.
On this holy night Mary, in the pain of labor, brought your Son to birth.
Hold in your hand all who are in pain or distress, especially those we name now, either aloud or in the silence of our hearts...
On this holy night
your Christ came as a light shining in the darkness.
Bring comfort to all who suffer in the sadness of our world.
On this holy night the angels said “Peace to God’s people on earth.”
Strengthen those who work for justice and peace in this place and throughout the world.
On this holy night the shepherds in the field heard good tidings of joy.
Give us grace to preach the gospel of Christ’s redemption.
On this holy night strangers found the Holy Family, and saw the baby lying in a manger.
Bless our homes and all whom we love.
On this holy night heaven comes down to earth, and earth is raised to heaven.
Hold in your hand all those who have passed through death in the hope of your coming kingdom.
On this holy night Christians the world over celebrate Christ’s birth.
Open our hearts that he may be born in us today.
O Wondrous God, on this holy night angels and shepherds worshiped at the manger throne.
Receive the worship we offer in fellowship with Mary, Joseph, and the saints through him who is your Word made flesh, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
*Nicene Creed
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven; by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the virgin Mary, and was made man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
Offering
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Offering Music
*Offering Prayer
Gracious God, your Word-made-flesh brings harmony to the earth. As we offer ourselves and these your gifts, prepare us to receive the grace and truth you offer at this table and renew in us the song of your salvation, in Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
*Communion Liturgy for Christ’s Mass
Come and see! …let us gather around the table and prepare to meet him.
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, … and join their unending hymn:
*All sing: tune is Angels from the Realms of Glory
Holy, holy, Lord most holy, God of power and God of might:
heav’n and earth reveal your glory. Hail, hosanna, Lord of light!
Blessed be the coming Savior. Hail, hosanna, Lord of light!
text metrical Sanctus, Martin A. Seltz (b. 1951)
music: Regent Square, Henry Thomas Smart, 1866
We give you thanks, …proclaim to us your will.
Angels, from The Realms of Glory
Angels, from the realms of glory, wing your flight o'er all the earth; once you sang creation's story, now proclaim Messiah's birth: Come and worship, come and worship, worship Christ, the newborn king.
He is the one who, handed over to a death he freely accepted, …Do this for the remembrance of me.
Sages, leave your contemplations, brighter visions beam afar;
seek the great desire of nations, you have seen his natal star.
Come and worship, come and worship, worship Christ, the newborn king.
Remembering, then, his death and resurrection, we take this bread
and cup, …through whom all glory and honor are yours, almighty
Father, with the Holy Spirit, in your holy church, both now and forever.
All creation, join in praising God, the Father, Spirit, Son,
evermore your voices raising to the eternal Three in One.
Come and worship, come and worship, worship Christ, the newborn king.
Text: James Montgomery, 1771-1854, alt.,
sts. 1-3; Salisbury Hymn Book, 1857, st. 4
Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us:
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen.
*Invitation to Communion
Joy to the world! The Lord is come. Let every heart receive the Savior.
Agnus Dei Love Has Come tune: Un Flambeau
Love has come and never will leave us! Love is life everlasting and free. Love is Jesus within and among us. Love is the peace our hearts are seeking. Love! Love! Love is the gift of Christmas; Love! Love! Praise to you, God on high!
text: Ken Bible, b. 1950
music: F. Seguin, Recueil de noëls composés en langue provenาซale, 1856
text © Integrity’s Hosanna! Music (ASCAP), c/o Integrity Media, Inc.
Communion Distribution
Communion Carols
O Little Town of Bethlehem tune: St. Louis
O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by;
yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light.
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
How silently, how silently the wondrous gift is giv'n!
So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of his heav'n.
No ear may hear his coming; but, in this world of sin,
where meek souls will receive him, still the dear Christ enters in.
O holy child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray;
cast out our sin, and enter in, be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell;
oh, come to us, abide with us, our Lord Immanuel!
text: Phillips Brooks, 1835-1893
The First Noel tune: The First Nowell
The first Noel the angel did say
was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay;
in fields where they lay, keeping their sheep,
on a cold winter's night that was so deep.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel! Born is the King of Israel.
They looked up and saw a star
shining in the east beyond them far;
and to the earth it gave great light,
and so it continued both day and night.
Noel…
This star drew near to the northwest,
o'er Bethlehem it took its rest;
and there it did both stop and stay
right over the place where Jesus lay.
Noel…
text: English traditional
*Post-Communion Blessing and Prayer
Let us pray:
Emmanuel, God with us, you grace us with life and breath and give us bread for the journey. Send us out in service to this world that you love, telling the amazing news of your coming to be Savior and Lord of all. Amen.
*Lighting of Processional Candles
Silent Night, Holy Night! Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht!
Vs. 1 You may sing this verse in either German or English
Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht! Alles schläft, einsam wacht nur das traute, hochheilige Paar. Holder Knabe im lockigen Haar, schlaf in himmlischer Ruh, schlaf in himmlischer Ruh.
Vs 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.
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!
Silent night, holy night! Son of God, love's pure light radiant beams from your holy face, with the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord, at your birth, Jesus, Lord, at your birth.
Joy To The World
Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her king;
let ev'ry heart prepare him room and heav'n and nature sing,
and heav'n and nature sing, and heav'n, and heav'n and nature sing.
Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns! Let all their songs employ,
while fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains repeat the sounding joy,
repeat the sounding joy, repeat, repeat the sounding joy.
During the second verse the congregation begins its procession out onto the patio, into the world. With your candles still lit please follow the procession outside.
He rules the world with truth and grace and makes the nations prove
the glories of his righteousness and wonders of his love,
and wonders of his love, and wonders, wonders of his love.
Text: Isaac Watts, 1674-1748
Our Christmas Lessons of Light St. John 1:1-5, 14
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. In him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of the Father's only Son, full of grace and truth.
Song of Simeon St. Luke 2:29-32
Lord, now let your servant go in peace; your word has been fulfilled. My own eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared in the sight of every people: a light to lighten the nations and the glory of your people Israel.
*Carol to Our Community Go Tell It on the Mountain!
refrain
Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and ev'rywhere;
go tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born!
While shepherds kept their watching o'er silent flocks by night,
behold, throughout the heavens there shone a holy light.
Go tell it on the mountain…
The shepherds feared and trembled when, lo, above the earth
rang out the angel chorus that hailed our Savior's birth.
Go tell it on the mountain…
Down in a lonely manger the humble Christ was born;
and God sent us salvation that blessed Christmas morn.
Go tell it on the mountain…
text: African American spiritual
tune: Go Tell It
African American spiritual
*Blessing & Dismissal
By the tender mercy of God love has broken upon us! Light is given where once there was darkness, and hope where there was only death. Go into the world to find the lost, heal the broken, feed the hungry, release the prisoner, rebuild the nations, bring peace among people, and make music in every heart. And the blessing of God, + Father, Son and Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you always.
May Christ be your light, now and forever!
Thanks be to God!
