FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

CANDLELIGHT CHORAL SERVICE

CHRISTMAS EVE—11 P.M. DECEMBER 24, 2006

 

PRELUDE

In Dulci Jubilo

Bach

                                                    Thomas Gregory, Organist

 

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS                                         Rev. Samuel R. Schaal

A joyous welcome to all who have come to celebrate Christmas, the birth of our Lord! However dark or cold it may be out in the world, wherever Christ is present and praised, there is the warmth of heavenly light and glad tidings for all! Let us, therefore, draw near

to one another as friends and families to share in the glorious good news of Christ’s birth.

 

CHIMES AND TOWER BELLS 

 

CALL TO WORSHIP AND THE LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE                     

Rev. Robert J. Brink and the O’Meara Family

Minister:    The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the

                  Holy Spirit be with you all.

People:     And also with you.

Reader:      Jesus Christ, the son of Mary, the son of God is born this night.

People:     God’s word has been made flesh among us.

Reader:      The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.

People:     Those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness – on them a light has shined.

Reader:      You, O Lord, have multiplied the nation. You have increased its joy. For to

                  us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government shall be upon

                  his shoulder.

People:     His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Reader:      He is also called Emmanuel, for in him God is with us. Jesus Christ, God’s Son,

                  reflects God’s glory to us.

People:     When we see Christ, we see God.

Reader:      All who believe become part of the family of God.

People:     Can we see a family resemblance?

Minister:    Does God’s glory radiate from us?

People:     Let us glorify God the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit with

                  our worship.

                  {the candle is lit}

 

*HYMN 132

O Come, All Ye Faithful

 

*CHORAL CALL TO WORSHIP

 

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION AND LORD’S PRAYER (unison)                        Julie Peay

Our glorious God, you sent your Son into our world to show us who you are. In Christ we find love, forgiveness, peace and hope; we are grateful for this reflection of you. May we encounter the Christ Child in this time of worship, and in doing so, experience more of you, our holy Creator God. We pray in our Savior’s name who taught us to pray, saying…

 

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come,

Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread;

and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not

into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom,

and the power, and the glory, forever.  Amen.

 

ANTHEM

Unto Us Is Born A Son

arr. Willcocks

                                       The Chancel Choir, directed by Lee Jacobi                                      

 

THE PROPHECY     

Isaiah 9:2-7     

Bible, page 624

                                                                       

HYMN 134

O Little Town of Bethlehem

                                                                                                                                               

THE FULFILLMENT

Titus 2:11-14  

Bible, page 1087

                                   

Luke 2:1-20    

Bible, page 933

 

HYMN 122

God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen

                                                                                                                                                                                                Magnificat         Thompson

THE SERMON

“Swaddled”

Rev. Steven A. Peay, Ph.D.

 

*HYMN 130

Joy to the World! the Lord Is Come

                          

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION AND A CHRISTMAS LITANY

The ministers begin with prayers of intercession and then lead us in the litany.      

Minister:    All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. Alleluia!

People:     Shout to the Lord, all the earth. Alleluia!

Minister:    O Christ, splendor of God’s eternal glory, the mighty Word, sustaining the

                  universe: Renew our lives by your presence.

People:     O Christ, born in to the world in the fullness of time for the liberation of

                  all creation: Release all into your promised freedom.

Minister:    O Christ, begotten of the Father before all time, born in a stable in Bethlehem:

                  May your church be a sign of hope and joy.

People:     O Christ, truly God and truly human, born to a people in fulfillment of

                  their expectations: Fulfill our desires in you.

All:            O Christ, born of the Virgin Mary, child of wonder and splendor, mighty

                  God of all ages, Prince of Peace: May the whole world live in peace and

                  justice.

 

Minister:    In silence and in peace, let us pray to the Lord.

After a brief silence, we all pray:

All-powerful and unseen God, the coming of your light into our world has brightened weary hearts with peace. Teach us to proclaim the birth of your Son Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.        

 

THE OFFERTORY

Sing We Noel

Moore

 

*DOXOLOGY  (Hymn 515)

 

*THE PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

 

*THE PASSING OF THE LIGHT                            

                 

*Hymn 138

Silent Night

                  [Verse 1 in English and then in German/Verses 2  & 3 in English]

 

*THE CHRISTMAS BLESSING

Minister:    CHRIST IS BORN! ALLELUIA!

People:     GLORIFY HIM! ALLELUIA!

 

POSTLUDE

Improvisation on a Christmas Hymn Tune

                                                                                                                                                           

 

*The congregation is invited to stand, if able.

 

The Christmas decorations are provided by the Board of Deacons

 and through the generous donations of members in honor of or in memory of loved ones.

 

 

We will gather together for worship on Epiphany Sunday, December 31 at 10 a.m.

Dr. Peay’s sermon is entitled “Becoming Starry-Eyed Again.”

A Quartet with Kimberly Porter, Jillian Bruss, Roger Jacobi and Gary Back will provide the music. Thomas Gregory is the organist.

Rev. Rob Brink will lead children ages 3 thru 2nd grade in Godly Play in room LL4.

Nursery care available.