Service
for Christmas Eve
December
24, 2008 10:00 p.m.
GATHER
PRELUDE Away in a Manger J. Murray/J. Linker
He
Is Born French Carol/M. Thewes
Still,
Still, Still arr. P. Manz
Pata Pan Burgundian Carol/L. Larson
Silent Night
F.
Gruber/R. Lombardo
Canon de
Noel arr. J. Martin
Cantique de Noel (Christmas Song) A. Adam
WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Minute for Westminster Thurber Life-Care Fund
CARILLON AND LIGHTING THE
CANDLES (See
Insert) We
Wait in Hope
*PROCESSIONAL HYMN # 40 Joy to the World
*PRAYER CONFESSING WHO WE ARE from
Call to Worship
On
this night, O God—on this night we confess
that we do not want to confess.
We do
not want to examine our hearts before you
and admit to the dark places.
We
want you to warm us in carols and soft light tonight,
not
the blinding shining of your glory that terrified shepherds.
We cannot stand in that light.
God
among us, forgive us.
Help
us hear your angel say, “Do not be afraid.”
Flood
our hearts with light that drives out all our darkness.
Straighten
our backs and loose our timid tongues so that we sing “Glory!”
(
time of silent personal confession) Amen.
*ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS & THE PEACE
As high as heaven is over the earth, so strong is
God’s love to those who fear him.
And as far as sunrise is from sunset, God
has separated us from our sins.
As parents feel for their children, God feels for
those in awe of him.
Thank God for love and
forgiveness in Jesus Christ.
The
peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
Peace be with you.
(worshipers
exchange signs and words of the peace of Christ)
OLD TESTAMENT LESSON Isaiah 9: 2-7 (NRSV)
ANTHEM How Far Is It
to Bethlehem? D. & B. Huntsinger
GOSPEL LESSON
Luke 2: 1-20 (NRSV)
SERMON
“Carried”
OFFERING OURSELVES TO GOD’S PURPOSES
Call
to Respond
OFFERTORY Glory, Glory! D. Besig
PRAYERS THANKING & ASKING GOD, THE LORD’S PRAYER
*CHARGE & BLESSING
*HYMN # 60
Silent Night, Holy Night
|
Liturgists |
Rev. Jonathan C. Siehl |
|
Sermon |
Rev. William R. Leety |
|
Musical
Leadership |
Kathryn Leemhuis, Mezzo-Soprano Chancel Choir Sarah Shaffer, Choirmaster & Flute Nancy Deeth, Organ/Piano |
|
Head Usher |
Dick
Dull |