Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
December 24, 2022
Prelude: Noël by Louis-Claude D’Aquin (1694 – 1772) – Charles Calhoun, keyboardist
Invocation
Welcome
Lighting of the Advent Candles
Reader: We have been traveling to Bethlehem this Advent season, and now we have arrived: Christmas Eve.
People: Here we are!
Reader: Let us open our minds and hearts for the coming of Christ by receiving God’s gift of Hope.
People: Hope, you are here! (The candle of Hope is lit)
Reader: Let us open our minds and hearts for the coming of Christ by receiving God’s gift of Peace.
People: Peace, you are here! (The candle of Peace is lit)
Reader: Let us open our minds and hearts for the coming of Christ by receiving God’s gift of Joy.
People: Joy, you are here! (The candle of Joy is lit)
Reader: Let us open our minds and hearts for the coming of Christ by receiving God’s gift of Love.
People: Love, you are here! (The candle of Love is lit)
Reader: Let us pray:
Dear God, we come together this night seeking your birth into our hearts and lives. We come seeking hope, peace, joy and love. Help us to welcome you as we would a newborn baby— with open arms. Amen.
The Christmas Story in Lessons & Carols
Isaiah 9:2, 6-7
“Away in a Manger” – Verses 1 & 2
Luke 1:26-33
“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” – Verses 1 & 3
Matthew 1:18-25
“It Came Upon a Midnight Clear” – Verses 1 & 2
Luke 2:1-7
“O Little Town of Bethlehem” – Verses 1 & 3
Luke 2:8-14
“Angels We Have Heard On High” – Verses 1, 2, 3
Luke 2:15-16
“What Child is This?” – Verses 1 & 3
Matthew 2:1-12
“We Three Kings” – Verses 1 & 5
Christmas Message –Rev. Junchol Lee
Invitation to Offering
Offertory: Chorale Prelude: Es ist ein Ros’ entsprungen by Johannes Brahms (1833-97)
Prayer of Dedication
Prologue to the Gospel of John
Lighting of the Christ Candle
Prayer for Light
Dear God, place light in my heart, and
light in my soul, light upon my tongue,
light in my eyes and light in my ears,
place light at my right, light at my left,
light behind me and light before me,
light above me and light beneath me.
Place light in my nerves, and light in my flesh,
light in my blood, light in my hair, and
light in my skin. Give me light, increase
my light, make me light!
Spreading the Light
Congregational Carol: “Silent Night” – Verses 1 & 3
Benediction
Recessional Carol: “Joy to the World!” – Verse 1