Order of Service / Christmas Eve, 2024

 *Indicates please stand, in body or in sprit

*Gathering Hymn O Come, All Ye Faithful (#60 VU|vs. 1-4)

Welcome & Announcements

Lighting Advent & Christ Candles

One: On Christmas Eve, the eve of Jesus’ birth, we light each candle.

We light the candle of hope as we embrace the light brought into this world by the Christ child. <The first candle is lit.>

All Sing: VU 6 “A Candle is burning” verse 1

One: We light the candle of peace that brought to us by the Prince of Peace.

<The second candle is lit.>

All Sing: VU 6 “A Candle is burning” verse 2

One: We light the candle of joy as we delight in welcoming baby Jesus.

<The third candle is lit.>

All Sing: VU 6 “A Candle is burning” verse 3

One: We light the candle of love as we celebrate God’s great gift of love, the birth of Jesus on this holy night.

<The fourth candle is lit.>

All Sing: VU 6 “A Candle is burning” verse 4

One: We bring together the light of all the candles to light the Christ candle in celebration of the Christ child’s birth. As we light the Christ candle, we reathe deeply as the Spirit enters our hearts.

<Christ candle is lit.>

All Sing: VU 6 “A Candle is burning” verse 5

*Irma Nadeau. Gathering ACE 2024-2025. Page 74.

Opening Prayer

God of this Christmas Eve, the birth of your son Jesus fills us with awe and wonder. It is the greatest gift we can receive, a saviour who brought gifts of hope, peace, joy, and love. Amen.

*Irma Nadeau. Gathering ACE 2024-2025. Page 74.

*Opening Hymn Angels We Have Heard on High (#38 VU|vs.1,2,3)

Prayer for Illumination

Scripture Reading 1 Isaiah 9:2-7

Hymn It Came Upon the Midnight Clear (#44 VU|vs.1,2,4)

Scripture Reading 2 Luke 2:1-7

Hymn O Little Town of Bethlehem (#64 VU|vs. 1,2,3)

Scripture Reading 3 Luke 2:8-14

Anthem

Sermon

Time for Offerings

*Offertory Hymn (#55 VU | v. 4, In the Bleak Midwinter)

What can I give him, poor as I am?

If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;

if I were a wise man, I would do my part;

yet what I can I give him -- give my heart.

*Offertory Prayer

Congregational Candle-Lighting

Hymn: Away in a Manger (#69 VU)

Prayers of the People and Lord’s Prayer

Hymn: Silent Night (#67 VU)

*Commissioning

One: We have heard the Christmas story once again. Go from this church with hope, peace, joy, and love, proclaiming the Good News!

All: Far from home and vulnerable, Jesus is born to Mary and Joseph.

One: Good news!

All: The praising angels are telling us, “Celebrate with joy!”

One: Good news!

All: Questing shepherds are reminding us, “Search for the highest good.”

One: Good news!

All: In the depths of this Christmas night, the light of God’s love shines out brightly.

One: Good news! There is nothing to fear. Go in peace, for Jesus the Christ has been born.

*David Sparks.Gathering ACE 2022-2023, page 38.

*Closing Song Joy to the World (#59 VU)

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