Christmas Eve worship @ St. Paul's UMC

Pastor Charles' Christmas painting

Scott Glancy lights the Christ Candle

We are ready for worship!

Chris Wahl offers the gift of music

Silent Night

Christmas Eve recording link.

Prelude... Christopher Wahl

Welcome... Pastor Charles

Gathering

Hymn... “Once in Royal David’s City” (UMH #250)

The Bidding Prayer

Blessing

Lighting of the Christ Candle... The Glancy Family

We have waited for weeks. We have waited all our lives for this time, this blessing. This is when we pray our yes, like Mary, when we are finally ready to have God enter into our lives, filling us with life that is ours. Light candles. 

Like a new mother, we nurture this new life with hopeful belief, peaceful living, loving care, and joyful acceptance. The Advent candles blaze, symbolizing the light of these gifts in our lives. As we light the Christ candle tonight for the first time, may it remind us that Christ is the true center of our lives. 

Prayer: Most gracious God, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, may our lives become centered on living in Your hope, peace, joy, and love. Amen.

*Offering/Doxology (To the tune of “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”)

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Praise God all creatures here below.

Praise God above ye heavenly hosts.

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

The Lord’s Prayer... Pastor Charles

The Christmas Story

First Lesson: Isaiah 9:2, 6-7—Christ’s birth and kingdom are foretold by the prophet Isaiah

Carol... “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus” (UMH #196)

Second Lesson: Isaiah 50:1-5—The glory of Christ is foreshown by the prophet Isaiah

Carol... “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” (UMH #211)

Third Lesson: Micah 5:2-4—The prophet Micah foretells the glory of Bethlehem

Carol... “O Little Town of Bethlehem” (UMH #230)

Fourth Lesson: Luke 1:26-35, 38—The Archangel Gabriel visits the Blessed Virgin Mary

Carol... “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming” (UMH #216)

Fifth Lesson: Matthew 1:18-23—The Archangel Gabriel appears to Joseph in a dream 

Carol... “The First Noel” (UMH #245)

Sixth Lesson: Luke 2:1-7—Luke tells of the birth of Jesus

Carol... “Away in a Manger” (UMH #217)

Seventh Lesson: Luke 2:8-16—The shepherds go to the manger

Carol... “Go, Tell It on the Mountain” (UMH #251)

Eighth Lesson: Matthew 2:1-11—The wise men are led by the star to Jesus

Carol... “What Child Is This” (UMH #219)

Ninth Lesson: John 1:1-14—John unfolds the great mystery of the Incarnation.

Carol... “O Come, All Ye Faithful” (UMH #234)

Reflection... Pastor Charles / “Wow!”

Sharing the Light of Christ

Carol... “Silent Night, Holy Night” (UMH #239)

Dismissal with blessing... Pastor Charles

Carol... “Joy to the World” (UMH #246)

Thanks to Belinda Alkula (video/Zoom host), Austin Cooper (usher), Angela Baker (flowers), the Glancy family (Advent wreath), Terri Himes (Usher), Bob Muckle (liturgist), and Greg Wahl (piano).