It is Christmas Eve. We remember the night the angels appeared to the shepherds on the hillside near Bethlehem telling them, “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.”
Let us set everything aside for now and simply enjoy the gift God has sent to us. A gift as important and relevant today as 2000 years ago on that hillside in Judea.
Leader: For those walking in darkness, a new light has dawned. All: Christ is our light and the source of everlasting hope. Leader: For those living in fear and dread, a new light has dawned. All: Christ is our light and the source of everlasting hope. Leader: For those living in hopelessness and despair a new light has dawned. All: Christ is our light and the source of everlasting hope. Leader: For those living in loneliness, a new light has dawned. All: Christ is our light and the source of everlasting hope.
Candle Lighting: Tonight, we light all the candles as we celebrate the birth of Christ. The candles of hope, love, joy, and peace all remind us that Christ is our light and the source of eternal hope, everlasting peace, boundless love, and endless joy. The Christ candle reminds us that God’s perfect gift was sent to us that we might have life abundant and everlasting. Joy to the world and peace on earth. Glory to God! Let us worship Christ the newborn King.
Prayer: Gracious God, tonight as we gather together to conclude our Advent journey, we celebrate that a new light has dawned. A child is born nd that child is our light and source of our joy. He brings hope into the world, and the promise of peace on earth. He is love incarnate, love divine, and we thank you dear Lord for this, the most perfect gift imaginable. Joy to the world! Glory to God! Christ is born! Amen.
Join us for our Christmas Eve Service.
Handbell Prelude: Gathering Music
"Sleep My Baby"
Welcome/Christmas Prayer: Pastor Bob Ramos
Love's Pure Light: Larry and Chris Murray
Lighting of the Christ the King Candle
Christmas Carol: Congregational Hymn
"Joy To The World"
Prophecy of Jesus' Birth in Bethlehem: Rod Thompson
Micah 5:2-5
Christmas Carol: Congregational Hymn
"O Little Town of Bethlehem"
Mary Is Told She Will Bear the Son of God: Jeri Mead
Luke 1:26-38
Joseph Learns Mary Will Give Birth to Emmanuel: Dean Carey
Matthew 1:18-25
Christmas Carol: Congregational Hymn
"Away In A Manger"
Our Savior Is Born In Bethlehem: Cheryl Leatherman
Luke 2:1-7
Choir: From "The Trill of Hope"
"O Holy Night"
Declaration of Christ's Birth: Cheryl Douglas
(responsive reading)
Christmas Carol: Congregational Hymn
"Angels We Have Heard on High"
Angel's Choirs Announce Christ's Birth: Lucinda Anderson
Luke 2:8-20
Meditation: Pastor Ron Urzua
"The Birth of Jesus Changes Everything"
Candle Lighting Litany: Vicki Thompson
Sharing of the Light: Judy Belvins & Rich Brandon
Closing Hymn: Congregational Hymn
"Silent Night"
Christmas Benediction: Pastor Bob