Christmas Eve Worship Service | 12-24-24
+ Gathering +
THE OPENING RITE:
L The animal are restless. A mule brays. A cow bumps the stable stall.
Over in the inn, there is perhaps a hearty laugh, maybe a loud shout, or it might be real quiet and very still.
C The cold wind whistles, the straw stinks.
This is GOD’S PLACE.
L An anxious husband stops pacing the makeshift delivery room to console his love on the dusty barn ground.
The young woman moans in pain, whimpers, grunts and groans, and endures another contraction.
C A newborn baby slowly emerges and suddenly sputters his first cry on the face of this earth.
This is GOD’S TIME.
L With a spirited cry this child announces his birth to a world that sleeps and goes about its business.
But angels sing, shepherds approach, a star shines, wise men journey.
C This is an ordinary birth, this is an extraordinary birth.
This is GOD’S PLAN.
L The waiting is over. Not just nine months, but all the centuries of desperate hope and eager longing.
Embedded in the tiny heart of this little crying, sleeping, nursing, giggling, wiggling baby is a message for all.
C For to us a child is born, to us a son is given.
This is GOD’S SALVATION.
L His name is JESUS…
C and he is our SAVIOR!
L His name is JESUS…
C the SON OF GOD!
L His name is JESUS…
C the WORD-MADE-FLESH for a world in need!
C His name is JESUS…
C the GREATEST GIFT ever given, ever received!
L GOD is present! GOD is with us!
C Nothing can separate us from the LOVE OF GOD!
C CHRIST is born among us and for us!
C O come, let us adore him, CHRIST THE LORD!
OPENING SONG: “O COME, ALL YOU FAITHFUL” Green #45
- 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!
- The highest, most holy, Light of light eternal, born of a virgin, a mortal he comes;
Son of the Father, now in flesh appearing!
- Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation, sing, all ye citizens of heaven above!
Glory to… God in… the… highest:
- Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born this happy morning; Jesus, to thee… be… glory given!
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing:
THE PRAYER OF THE DAY (together):
O Lord Jesus, be born again – not in a manger, but in us!
Come on down and creep in beside us.
Come on down and move into our skin.
Come on down and squeeze new life from us.
Be our light, be our hope, be our life, be our joy.
May we love you and keep you, God’s Word among us, today and always, world without end. Amen.
+ Holy Word +
SONG SELECTION/S: Olliyah Perkins (piano)
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.
LITURGICAL DANCE SELECTION: Timyk Hillsman
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.
GOSPEL READING SONG: “HARK! THE HERALD ANGELS SING” Green #60
- 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!
- 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!”
GOSPEL: 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.
SONG SELECTION: ALL SAINTS CHOIR
TONIGHT’S MESSAGE: “Joseph’s Journal and Mary’s Diary”
SONG SELECTION: Riana Mathis
Christmas Poinsettias 2024
giving silent, vibrant, star-shaped praise to the Christ Child!
1 “pink” poinsettia given in memory of Karen Brown, my mother, by Veronica Britto. *
1 white poinsettia given in memory of Fannie Thompson, my grandmother, by Veronica Britto.
1 white poinsettia given in honor of Maya Frater, my granddaughter, by Armia Dennis.
1 white poinsettia given in honor of Morgan Dennis, my granddaughter, by Armia Dennis.
1 white poinsettia given in memory of my mother, Janie Wilson, by Brenda Draper.
1 red poinsettia given in memory of my daughter, Nicole Draper, by Brenda Draper.
1 red poinsettia given in honor of Margie P. Wright by Mary Anne Evans.
1 red poinsettia given in memory of Brenda Jones by Diane Hughes.
1 red poinsettia given in loving memory of Emma Johnson by the Johnson Family.
1 white poinsettia given in loving memory of Kenneth Johnson by the Johnson Family.
1 red poinsettia given in loving memory of Travist Johnson by the Johnson Family.
1 red poinsettia given in memory of Alvin Wesley Rouse Sr., my father, by Beverly E. Morris.
1 red poinsettia given in memory of Helen Rouse, my mother, by Beverly E. Morris.
1 red poinsettia given in memory of Travist and Emma Johnson, parents, and Kenneth Johnson, brother,
by Pastors Gwen and Neil.
1 white poinsettia given in memory of Donald and Edith Bond, parents, by Pastors Neil and Gwen.
1 red poinsettia given in honor of Barbara Jean Steele by Rashidah Perkins.
1 “pink” poinsettia given in memory of Ollie Marie Drayton by Rashidah Perkins. *
1 red poinsettia given in honor of Charlotte Webb by Shelvia Samuel.
1 red poinsettia given in honor of Diane Hughes by Shelvia Samuel.
1 red poinsettia given in memory of Vera Barnes by Ida Swindle.
1 red poinsettia given in memory of departed family and friends by Queen Sutton.
1 red poinsettia given in honor of Christian brothers and sisters still serving Christ by Queen Sutton.
1 “pink” poinsettia given in honor of Beverly Morris, my mother, by Tomika Washington. *
1 white poinsettia given in memory of Shanee Lawrence, my grandmother, by Zaniyaha Washington.
1 white poinsettia given in memory of Mary Wilson, my wife, by Howard Wilson (brother to Brenda Draper).
1 “pink” poinsettia given in memory of Karen Brown, my mother, by Katrina Whittaker. *
1 red poinsettia given in memory of departed family members by Gertrude Wright.
* Apologies to four who asked for pink poinsettias. They were gone by the time Pastor Neil
submitted the order to the florist. They were replaced by two white and two red plants.
“SPECIAL DELIVERY!”
Many ages ago after God created the heavens and the earth,
when man and woman were formed in God’s own image;
several thousand years after the great flood,
when God set the rainbow in the clouds as a sign of the covenant;
twenty-one centuries from the time of Abraham and Sarah
when God chose a people to bear the promise and the responsibility;
thirteen centuries after Moses led the Hebrew people out of Egypt
to freedom and a new beginning;
eleven centuries from the time of Ruth and the judges;
one thousand years from the anointing of David as king;
in the sixty-fifth week, according to the prophecy of Daniel;
in the one hundred and ninety-fourth Olympiad;
in the seven hundred and fifty-second year from the founding of the city of Rome;
in the forty-second year of the reign of Octavian Augustus as Caesar,
while Quirinius was governor of Syria;
in the sixth age of the world,
the Roman Empire being at peace during the Pax Romana;
when the time was right —
God sent the Son, Jesus,
born of the virgin Mary in the town of Bethlehem in Judea,
wrapped in pieces of cloth and placed in a feeding trough,
a tiny, precious, whimpering baby…
God’s own Son,
the Word in the flesh,
sent to show us God’s love
and to save us,
our Lord and our Savior!
Today, in this time and this place we gather in joy and wonder –
to stand with shepherds, amazed at God’s glory;
to sing with angels, rejoicing in God’s work;
to wait with Joseph, trusting in God’s promise;
to sit with Mary, cradling God’s love.
May the good news of this night inspire us to tell the world of our great joy:
for to us is born a Savior,
the Messiah, the Lord.
Glory and praise to God forever! Amen.