FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
CANDLELIGHT CHORAL SERVICE
CHRISTMAS EVE—11 pm DECEMBER 24, 2009

PRELUDE Low, A Rose Breaks Into Bloom Brahms

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Rev. Barry W. Szymanski, J.D.

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. Jan Kwiatkowski, M.S., M.F.T, and the Elwing 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 100 O Come, All Ye Faithful

*CHORAL CALL TO WORSHIP

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

God of glory, your splendor shines from a manger in Bethlehem into the darkness of human night. Open our eyes to Christ’s presence in the shadows of our world so that we, like him, may become beacons of your justice and defenders of all for whom there is no room. 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.

THE ANTHEM Where Shepherds Lately Knelt Courtney

THE PROPHECY Isaiah 57:7-10 Bible, page 673 Children’s Bible, page 1045

HYMN 111 O Little Town of Bethlehem

THE FULFILLMENT

Hebrews 11:1-12 Bible, page 1096 Children’s Bible, page 1722

John 1:1-14 Rev. Steven A. Peay, Ph.D. Bible, page 966 Children’s Bible, page 1511

Hymn 128 It Came Upon the Midnight Clear

THE SERMON “The TRUTH about Christmas” Dr. Peay

*HYMN 107 Joy to the World

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 into 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

THE ANTHEM The Jesus Gift Martin
Nicolas Sluss-Rodionov

*THE DOXOLOGY (Hymn 563)

Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heav’nly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

*THE PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

*THE PASSING OF THE LIGHT

*Hymn 135/136 Silent Night

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

*THE CHRISTMAS BLESSING

Minister: Go now into the world, carrying Christmas with you into everyday life. Open the inn within you and make room for that gift of gifts, even our Lord Jesus Christ.
People: AMEN!
Minister: May the Splendor of Eternal Glory grant that we may be faithful witnesses to the light that dawns this day, proclaiming Christ's word of peace and salvation in acts of justice and mercy.
People: Amen!
Minister: May the One, who by his Incarnation gathered into one, things earthly and heavenly, fill you with the sweetness of inward peace and goodwill; and the blessing of God, the love of Christ, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit remain with you always. Go Forth in Peace and Joy.
People: Thanks be to God! AMEN!
Minister: CHRIST IS BORN! ALLELUIA!
People: GLORIFY HIM! ALLELUIA!

POSTLUDE In Dulci Jubilo J.S. Bach

*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 for worship on Sunday, December 27 at 10 AM.
Dr. Szymanski’s sermon is entitled, “The ‘Musts’ of Life.”

Nicolas Sluss-Rodionov is the organist.

Jill Bruss will provide the special music.