December 24 - 7 PM Christmas Eve Service Bulletin
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
CHRISTMAS EVE LESSONS & CAROLS
CANDLELIGHT SERVICE
December 24, 2021 - 7:00 p.m.
* You are invited to stand if able
Prelude: “Caroling, Caroling” “Christmas Fantasy” Diane Bish (b. 1941) - Performed by Jack Rain, organ
Welcome - Rev. Ginny Ellis
Call to Worship - Rev. Megan McMillan
Tonight, old dreams fall away; new dreams come alive. The Promise is fulfilled!
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace.
Hope gives way to joy and prayer to proclamation.
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace.
Our candles illuminate our story. The Dawn invades the darkness. The Light of the world has come.
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace.
Lighting the Four Advent Candles - Mary-Linda Armacost
*Processional Hymn #133 “O Come, All Ye Faithful” ADESTE FIDELES
*Prayer - Rev. Ginny Ellis
THE STORY OF THE BIRTH
Mary's Story - Luke 1:26-38 - Rev. Megan McMillan
Hymn #115: “Away in a Manger” MUELLER stanza 1 only
Joseph's Story - Matthew 1:18-25 - Mary-Linda Armacost
Hymn #128 “Infant Holy, Infant Lowly” W ŻŁOBIE LEŻY stanza 1 only
The Journey - Luke 2:1-7 - Rev. Megan McMillan
Hymn #121: “O Little Town of Bethlehem” ST. LOUIS stanza 1 only
The Angels - Luke 2:8-14 - Mary-Linda Armacost
Hymn #119: “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” MENDELSSOHN stanza 1 only
The Shepherds - Luke 2:15-20 - Rev. Megan McMillan
Hymn #145: “What Child is This?” GREENSLEEVES stanza 1 only
Following a Star - Matthew 2:1-12 - Mary-Linda Armacost
Hymn #151: “We Three Kings” KINGS OF ORIENT stanza 1 only
THE LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE
John 1:1-4 - Rev. Ginny Ellis
Anthem: “The First Nowell” (sung with congregational hymn #147, vv. 1, 2 - Choir Only, 6). arr. Dan Forrest - Performed by Chancel Choir
A Christmas Meditation: “The Hopes and Fears of All the Years” - Rev. Ginny Ellis
Offering
Offertory: “Ring We All Noël” arr. by Carl Wiltse - Performed by Handbell Choir
Christmas Prayer - Rev. Megan McMillan
SHARING THE LIGHT AND MOMENT OF QUIET MEDITATION
The pastors will light their candles from the Christ candle, then come to the aisle to light the candles of ushers. Ushers will bring their candles down the aisle to light the candles of the congregation in the awe of this quiet moment.
Hymn: “Silent Night” STILLE NACHT
The Lord’s Prayer (sung by congregation)
Charge - Rev. Megan McMillan
Benediction - Rev. Ginny Ellis
Recessional Hymn #134: “Joy to the World” ANTIOCH
Postlude: “Toccata on Adeste Fideles” Sondra K. Tucker (b. 1957) - Performed by Jack Rain, organ
We welcome all the community to worship and serve with us as people of God, people of joy. Come again, and often, as we worship on Sundays at 10:00 a.m. May you know the blessing of God today and in the days to come.