First Presbyterian Santa Paula

Christmas eve Service

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


                           Solo:                                                                                                       Lea Blair

                                                                                "Mary did You Know"


                           Joseph Learns Mary Will Give Birth to Emmanuel:                       ???????

                                                                                    Matthew 1:18-25


                          Christmas Carol:                                                                                   Congregational Hymn

                                                                                "Away In A Manger"


                          Our Savior Is Born In Bethlehem:                                                       Joyce Rounds   

                                                                                       Luke 2:1-7       


                          Congregation Sing Along:                                                                      Congregation Hymns

                                                                            As Chosen During Service


                         Declaration of Christ's Birth:                                                               Ruth Rope

                                                                                 (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 Bob Ramos

                                                            "Christmas Through The Eyes of M<ary"


                        Candle Lighting Litany:                                                                        Vicki Thompson

                                                               

                       Sharing of the Light:                                                                               Judy Belvins & Rich Brandon


                       Closing Hymn:                                                                                        Congregational Hymn

                                                                                    "Silent Night"


                       Christmas Benediction:                                                                          Pastor Bob