7:00 pm Christmas Eve Family Candlelight Service December 24, 2022 A Service of Worship
In Christ’s name, we welcome you to Eastminster. We hope that you will feel the love and peace of Christ as you worship with us. Please take this time to silence the world and focus your heart and mind on worshiping our Living God.
“So welcome each other, in the same way that Christ also welcomed you, for God’s glory.” Romans 15:7. All Eastminster worship services and activities are mask optional, with masks available at the Welcome Center if you’d like one.
PRELUDE Joy Born in a Stable
arr. Gina Sprunger Philip Stopford Born in a stable in Bethlehem, Gently in manger laid, Jesus the King of the human race Grant us your holy peace. Mary and Joseph watch o’er Him there, Oxen and ass by their side; Worship together the Holy Babe, Saviour of all mankind. Far from the East there came wise men three Bearing their gifts for a King, Kneeling to Him who would save the world, Jesus the Lord of all. Though for our Saviour no room was found, Son of the Highest of all, Still in our hearts there is room for You, come with Your holy peace. Kenneth Steven
WORDS OF WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Dr. Bradley D. Smith
LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLE Susan and Bill Coggins CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: "Good news of great joy," the angel said, "for to you a savior is born." People: "Peace on earth," the choir sang, "for God reigns in the highest." Leader: "Follow me," the star beckoned, "For Hope has been born in Bethlehem." People: As we light the Christ candle, we are reminded of Jesus Christ, the Light of the world. Leader: Emmanuel has come and is coming. All: Come, all ye faithful, and worship God. †*CAROL OF ADORATION #119 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing MENDELSSOHN *PRAYER OF ADORATION
Rev. Nicholas P. Demuynck
LESSON #1: Luke 2:1-4 Carol #140 Once In Royal David’s City
Rev. Dr. Douglass D. Key
LESSON #2 Luke 2:5-7 Carol Still, Still, Still LESSON #3: Luke 2:8-14 Carol # 113 Angels We Have Heard on High LESSON #4: Luke 2:15-20 *Carol #115 Away in a Manger CHRISTMAS MEDITATION John 1:1-5 “The Light of Life”
IRBY
Rev. Brian J. Marsh arr. Mark Hayes
Rev. Dr. Carol J. Byrd GLORIA
Rev. Demuynck MUELLER
Dr. Bradley D. Smith
CHRISTMAS PRAYER AND THE LORD’S PRAYER Dr. Key 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. OFFERING OF TITHES & GIFTS (ALSO “MALL TO MANGER”) OFFERTORY ANTHEM A Christmas Blessing
Philip Stopford May the joy of the angels, the gladness of the shepherds, the worship of the wisemen and the peace of the Christ child be yours this Christmas. May Christ who by his incarnation gathered into one all things earthly, all things heavenly and fill you with joy and peace. And the blessing of God the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit be with you and remain with you always. Amen. Words from the Church of Ireland Book of Common Prayer
*THE NICENE CREED
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father; through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became truly human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Rev. Marsh
PASSING OF THE LIGHT As “Silent Night” is being sung, the lights will be dimmed, and the pastors will light candles from the Christ Candle. The pastors will then light the ushers’ candles, and the ushers will light the candles of the first to worshipper. Please remember that the lighted candle remains upright, and the unlighted candle is tipped to be lighted. Please keep a close eye on your children and be very careful with the hot wax. Please deposit your candles and candle holders in the baskets at the doors as you leave during the playing of the Postlude. *CAROL Silent Night, Holy Night Silent Night! Holy Night! All is calm, all is bright. Round yon Virgin Mother and Child! Holy Infant, so tender and mild. Sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace. Silent Night! Holy Night! Shepherds quake, at the sight. Glories stream from heaven afar, Heavenly hosts sing: “Alleluia.” Christ the Savior is born, Christ the Savior is born. Silent Night! Holy Night! Son of God, love’s pure Light. Radiant beams from Thy holy face, With the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord at Thy birth, Jesus, Lord at Thy birth. Silent Night! Holy Night! Wondrous star, lend thy light; With the angels let us sing, Alleluia to our King; Christ the Savior is born, Christ the Savior is born. CHARGE AND BENEDICTION RESPONSE TO THE BENEDICTION AND DISMISSAL CAROL #136 (verses 1 and 2, followed by refrain) GO TELL IT Go, tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere; go, tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born! POSTLUDE Joy to the World
†THOSE
*THOSE WHO ARE ABLE, PLEASE STAND WHO HAVE BEEN DETAINED ARE ASKED TO TAKE THEIR SEATS AT THIS TIME
STILLE NACHT
arr. Jackson Berkey