Christmas Eve Service
December 24, 2021 – 4pm
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
OPENING PRAYER
SONG – Joy to the World UM Hymnal (blue book) # 246
CHILDREN’S TIME WITH MESSAGE FOR ALL AGES
ANTHEM – Quiet Reflection
We are TRANSFORMED by the Word of God
John 13:34-35
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Galatians 3:28
In Christ’s family there can be no division into Jew and non-Jew, slave and free, male and female. Among us you are all equal. That is, we are all in a common relationship with Jesus Christ.
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.
SONG – Go, Tell It on the Mountain UM Hymnal (blue book) # 251
THE HOLY COMMUNION
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).
INTERCESSORY PRAYER
THE LORD’S PRAYER UM Hymnal (blue book) # 895
SHARING THE PEACE OF CHRIST
We are SENT in the Power of God
LIFE OF ST. MATTHEW’S COMMUNITY
BLESSING AND SENDING
CLOSING SONG – Silent Night, Holy Night UM Hymnal (blue book) # 239