Christmas Eve Service
December 24, 2021 – 9pm
We are RECEIVED as the Beloved of God
The actual worship service begins 15 minutes into the recordings.
WELCOME
OPENING SONG – Once in Royal David’s City
CALL TO WORSHIP
One: We have lit the candles of hope, peace, joy, and love. And today, we light the Christ candle for it is the day that our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, was born.
Many: “For God loved the world that God gave God’s one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him may not perish but have everlasting life.”
All: As Jesus was once born in Bethlehem, may He be born also in the lives of each of us! Amen.
OPENING PRAYER
SONG – O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (verses 1, 2, 3 and 7) UM Hymnal (blue book) # 211
FIRST STORY – Isaiah 64.1-9 – We long for God to come in our brokenness.
SONG – Coventry Carol
SECOND STORY – Micah 5.2, 4-5a – From Bethlehem shall come a ruler of peace.
SONG – O Little Town of Bethlehem (verses 1,3 and 4) UM Hymnal (blue book) # 230
THIRD STORY – Isaiah 11:1-9 – The reign of the prince of peace and justice.
SONG – Angels We Have Heard on High (verses 1-3) UM Hymnal (blue book) # 238
FOURTH STORY – Luke 1:26-38 – The Annunciation to Mary.
SONG – Mary Did You Know St. Matthew’s Chancel Choir
FIFTH STORY – Matthew 1:18-23 – Jesus’ coming announced to Joseph.
SONG – Hark! The herald Angels Sing (verses 1-3) UM Hymnal (blue book) # 240
SONG – Breath of Heaven St. Matthew’s Chancel Choir
SIXTH STORY – Isaiah 9:2-7 – Isaiah’s vision of a child who shall bring peace.
SONG – What Child is This (verses 1-3) UM Hymnal (blue book) # 219
SEVENTH STORY – Luke 2:1-7 – The Birth of Jesus.
SONG – Joy to the World (verses 1-3) UM Hymnal (blue book) # 246
GOOD NEWS – Reindeer And Red Nosed Reindeer Are All Equal in Jesus Christ’s Love
Have you ever felt rejected because you are different from others? Have you ever rejected someone because they are different from you? Come and listen! Jesus, who had been rejected throughout His life, has something to say about it.
THE HOLY COMMUNION
PEACE OF CHRIST
RESPONSE TO GOD’S GRACE (OFFERING)
Pastor: God wants our love more than God wants our offerings; God cares about our hearts not the amounts of our offerings. (Hosea 6:6).
All: As we count all the blessings God has already given to us, we cheerfully give our offerings to God, the Provider, with grateful hearts. Amen! (2 Corinthians 9:7).
THE LORD’S PRAYER UM Hymnal (blue book) # 895
EIGHT STORY – Luke 2:8-20 – The shepherds visit the manger.
SONG – One Small Child
SONG – Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light (verse 1) UM Hymnal (blue book) # 223
NINTH STORY – John 1:1-14 St. John unfolds the mystery of the Incarnation.
BENEDICTION
LIGHTING THE CHRISTMAS CANDLES
CLOSING SONG – Silent Night, Holy Night UM Hymnal (blue book) # 239