Christmas Eve, Order of Service
CHRISTMAS EVE
12-21-2025 7:00PM Worship (in person and online)
+ GATHERING +
THE OPENING RITE:
L When the time was right, God sent the Son.
C He came among us.
He was one of us.
L So the Word crawled into our skin and became flesh –
tiny and frail flesh,
diaper wet and whimpering flesh,
bone of our bone and flesh of our flesh,
the son of Mary and Joseph…
C God’s own Son.
He came among us.
He was one of us.
L He would be loved by some, feared by others,
befriended by the weak, despised by the strong,
deserted by his listeners, betrayed by his friends,
murdered by his enemies, and buried with the dead,
bone of our bone and flesh of our flesh…
C the lover of the unlovable,
the toucher of the untouchable,
and the forgiver of the unforgivable.
God’s own Son.
He came among us.
He was one of us.
L Light bursts forth! Joy is released!
A Son is given,
born in a stable,
to lift us up from life’s shadows and sorrows!
C A word takes shape!
A child is born, living to die, dying to deliver us from grave and hell!
He came among us.
He was one of us.
L He is little baby Jesus,
our Light and our Hope,
our Savior and our Lord…
C God’s own Son.
He came among us.
He was one of us.
And now – through our baptism – we are all one in Him!
OPENING SONG: “O COME, ALL YOU FAITHFUL” Green #45
(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!
(2) The highest, most holy, Light of light eternal, born of a virgin, a mortal he comes;
Son of the Father, now in flesh appearing!
(3) Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation, sing, all ye citizens of heaven above!
Glory to… God in… the… highest:
(4) Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born this happy morning; Jesus, to thee… be… glory given!
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing:
INVOCATION AND PRAYER OF THE DAY:
L Blessed be the holy Trinity, [+] one God, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty Savior, Prince of Peace.
Let us pray together with grateful and willing hearts…
C Lord God and Father of Jesus Christ, this is the night when He was born, our hope and our salvation.
We pray to you to let His light shine in and through our lives.
May we love Him and keep Him, your Word among us, today and always, world without end, Amen.
+ HOLY WORD +
FIRST READING: Isaiah 9:2-7
[Introduction: Isaiah’s words come at a time of national chaos and despair, when things were about as bad as they could get for those in the Kingdom of Judah. His good news is this for those who walk in darkness: rescue is coming! This poem promises deliverance from Assyrian oppression, a hope based on the birth of a child with a name full of promise. While Judah’s king will practice justice and righteousness, the real basis for faith lies in God’s passion for his people: The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this! In ancient times, the Old Testament prophet didn’t know the name of this child… but, in the Church, believers have been naming and claiming the name of the one who God has sent throughout the ages!]
2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.
3 You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy;
they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest,
as men rejoice when dividing the plunder.
4 For as the day in Midian’s defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them,
the bar across their shoulders,
the rod of their oppressor.
5 Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood
will be destined for burning,
will be fuel for the fire.
6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given,
and the government shall be upon his shoulders.
And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.
SONG SELECTION: ALL SAINTS CHOIR
SECOND READING: Titus 2:11-14
[Introduction: Paul addresses his letter to Titus, who has been left behind to continue leading and establishing a church in Crete. It is in the midst of a culture that is apparently somewhat of a mess and probably won’t be too interested in being faithful and obedient to God. This might sound familiar to us. Paul reminds Titus, reminds the Cretan Christians, reminds us, that the grace of God has indeed already appeared, bringing salvation to all. Consequently, in the present they and we ought to live wisely and justly, while also anticipating the hope of our Savior’s final appearance.]
11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No”
to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present
age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope – the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus
Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people
that are his very own, eager to do what is good.
SONG SELECTION: SUNDAY SCHOOL CHILDREN
GOSPEL READING: Luke 2:1-20
[Introduction: In Luke’s familiar account of Christ’s birth, God’s greatest gift comes as a baby in a manger in the little town of Bethlehem, born to an unwed girl. The evening sky is bright with angels singing, “Glory to God in the highest.” Stirred by the good news of great joy and the spoken blessing of peace, lowly shepherds hurry to see. Luke tells the story of Jesus’ birth with reference to rulers of the world because this birth has significance for the whole earth, conveying a divine offer of peace to all.]
1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman
world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to his own town to register.
4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of
David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who
was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came
for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and
placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks by night.
9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not
be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of
David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a
baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people on whom his favor rests.”
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go
to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in a manger. 17 When
they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and
all were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and
pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things
they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
LITURGICAL DANCE SELECTION: Timyk Hillsman ST. PETER’S PRAISE DANCERS
A BRIEF SERMON Pastor Gwen
GOSPEL READING SONG: “HARK! THE HERALD ANGELS SING” Green #60
(1) 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!”
(2) 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!”
(3) 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!”
THE PRAYERS… We pray that the joy and light of JESUS CHRIST will touch all lives!
+ HOLY MEAL +
TITHES (10% giving) AND GIFTS… People of God, the greatest gift you have received this year and in your entire lifetime is the gift of Jesus… the greatest gift you can give to others is words and deeds, help and hope, that share Jesus with others. Let us be grateful and generous in our response!
Those in the Sanctuary can put their offering in the offering plate to share their gratitude and their generosity in response to Christ’s love. Those who are farther away might: mail a check or money
order to St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2169 74th Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19138… contribute online through bit.ly/stpetersgiving and set up a one-time donation or a
recurring weekly gift to selected categories… or text Give+ at 833-914-0896 and follow the instructions to register and record your contribution. God has blessed us to be a blessing!
SONG SELECTION: ALL SAINTS CHOIR
OFFERING SONG: “JOY TO THE WORLD” Green #39
(1) Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive its 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.
(2) 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.
(3) No more let sin and sorrow grow Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make his blessings flow Far as the curse is found.
Far as the curse is found, Far as, far as the curse is found.
(4) 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.
OFFERING PRAYER by the Communion Assistant:
Good news! Great Joy!
Amazing God, light has dawned on us and we want to share it… there is joy to tell and we can’t help but
bear it. O how we thank you for the gift of your amazing grace in Jesus Christ! As we celebrate his birth,
guide us to be bearers of light, makers of peace, and heralds of good news to all the world. AMEN.
THE PREFACE:
L Christ is born among us! The Lord be with you. C AND ALSO WITH YOU!
L Hope and promise are alive! Lift up your hearts! C WE LIFT THEM UP IN LOVE FOR GOD!
L Jesus is our Redeemer! Let us give thanks to our God! C IT IS RIGHT TO GIVE GOD THANKS AND PRAISE!
L We give you thanks and praise, O Holy One, for the world of wonder you have created – forest and field,
sea and sky – and for the gift of grace you have given – a little child, lying in a manger, your only Son, your
Word of love, your peace on earth, the light that comforts us, the hope to which we cling. He was born to
give us new life, and he died to give us new birth. With angels and shepherds and all the faithful on earth
and the holy ones in heaven, we add our voices in singing with joy that is unlimited…
C (sing) JESUS… JESUS… OH, WHAT A WONDERFUIL CHILD!
JESUS… JESUS… SO HOLY, MEEK, AND MILD!
NEW LIFE, NEW HOPE, TO ALL HE BRINGS; LISTEN TO THE ANGELS SING,
“GLORY, GLORY, GLO-RY TO THE NEW BORN KING!”
THE EUCHARISTIC WORDS by the Celebrant, who recalls and re-enacts Jesus’ Holy Meal.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
HOLY COMMUNION… All believers in Christ are welcome at the Lord’s Table! CHRIST COMES TO US IN BREAD AND WINE AND BLESSING, BRINGING US PEACE, UNITY, STRENGTH, AND HOPE!
+
COMMUNION SONGS: “GOOD CHRISTIAN FRIENDS, REJOICE” Green #55
“O LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLHEM” Green #41 “GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN” Green #70
THE COMMUNION BLESSING by the Celebrant after all have communed.
POST-COMMUNION PRAYER by the Communion Assistant :
O Lord, with our own eyes we have seen the joy of your salvation, and with our own lips we have tasted
of your Kingdom. We celebrate the birth of your Son among us! Shine out through us to a hurting world
that knows the night and needs the light. Amen.
BENEDICTION by the Pastor… God sends us TO SHINE with the Light of Jesus Christ in a shadowy world!
CANDLELIGHTING AND CLOSING SONG: “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 Savor, is born! Christ, the Savior, is born!
(3) 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.
What’s Happening…
December 28… FIRST SUNDAY OF CHRISTMAS College and Career Student Sunday.
Worship in person and online, 10AM. This will be the last Sunday for 2025 offerings.
Guest Preacher: Christian Hicks (15 years of experience with higher education enrollment; life
experience of personal career changes; pastoral staff at Christ’s Church of the Valley, Royersford PA).
Wear your school sweatshirts and shirts.
“Youth and Young Adult Gathering” after worship (pizza, games, conversation).
Thursday, January 1… NEW YEAR’S DAY! In 2026, why don’t you: seek to listen more than you talk; try to give more than you take; commit to love more than you hate, or
ask God to show you some other fresh start, second chance, or new beginning?
January 4… SECOND SUNDAY OF CHRISTMAS. Worship in person and online, 10:00AM.
Christmas Poinsettias 2025
giving silent, vibrant, star-shaped praise to the Christ Child!
1 red poinsettia given in memory of Virginia Williams by Marie Bailey.
1 pink poinsettia given in memory of Donald and Edith Bond, parents, by Pastors Neil and Gwen. *
1 red poinsettia given in memory of Travist and Emma Johnson, parents, and Kenneth Johnson, brother,
by Pastors Gwen and Neil.
1 pink poinsettia given in memory of Fannie and William Thompson, my grandparents, by Veronica Britto. *
1 red poinsettia given in celebration of family love by Armia Dennis.
1 red poinsettia given in memory of an America and of Americans as we once knew them, by Armia Dennis.
1 red poinsettia given in memory of Kenneth Johnson, my brother, by Darlene Johnson.
1 red poinsettia given in memory of Emma Johnson, my mother, by Darlene Johnson.
1 red poinsettia given in memory of Emma Johnson by the Johnson Family. *
1 red poinsettia given in memory of Kenneth Johnson by the Johnson Family.
1 red poinsettia given in memory of Jacqueline B. Henderson by Eric and Janice Henderson.
1 pink poinsettia given in memory of Johnsie E. Sippio by Janice and Eric Henderson.
1 red poinsettia given in memory of Theodore and Hattie Outlaw by Diana Hillsman.
1 red and 1 pink poinsettia given in memory of Brenda Jones by Diane Hughes. *
1 red poinsettia given in memory of Alvin and Helen Rouse, father and mother, by Beverly E. Morris.
1 red poinsettia given in memory of Linda B. Richardson, my sister, by Beverly E. Morris.
1 red poinsettia given in memory of Wayne Rouse, my brother, by Beverly E. Morris.
1 red poinsettia given in honor of Mrs. Frances P. Maddox by Tanka K. Morris.
1 red poinsettia given in honor of Robert and Beverly Morris, my parents, by Tanya K. Morris.
1 red poinsettia given in memory of Mrs. Katherine Nelson by Queen Sutton.
1 red and 1 pink poinsettia given in memory of Fatimah Valentine by Ida Swindle. *
1 pink poinsettia given in memory of Grandmom Alma Morris by Tomika Washington.
1 pink poinsettia given in memory of Grandmom Helen Rouse by Tomika Washington.
1 pink poinsettia given in memory of my grandparents, Fannie and William Thompson, by Katrina Whittaker.* 1 1 red poinsettia given in memory of my mother, Karen Brown, by Katrina Whitaker.
* Apologies to several who asked for white poinsettias. They were gone by the time Pastor Neil submitted the order to the florist. They were replaced by pink plants.
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