CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICE
G E L C T , A D 24, 2024
Welcome to Grace!
Our mission at Grace is to teach the inspired and inerrant Word of God, to proclaim that Jesus Christ is the crucified and risen Savior of the world, and to nurture believers for lives of Christian service.
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We are very pleased that you have joined us for worship today! We pray that this time will be a blessing for you as God comes to you with his Word and promises and as you offer him your thanks and praise.
The order of worship we will follow is printed in this worship folder for you to follow along and participate. LARGE PRINT worship folders are available at the entrances for those who desire them. If you prefer to sing the hymns from a hymnal, you will find the blue Christian Worship (2021) hymnals in each pew, however, you will find all of the hymns printed in this worship folder as well. Please note the special instructions for singing some of the stanzas.
Our service will also include the lighting of candles. Please note the instructions on page 12. If you would prefer a battery-operated candle for you or your children, please ask an usher.
There is no cost to park in our parking lot during worship services. If you receive a citation by mistake, please let our office staff know so it can be cleared.
OUR WORSHIP SERIES—THE GIFT OF GOD
When a father puts gifts under the Christmas tree, it is not to compensate his children for doing their chores. That would make whatever is inside that wrapping paper a wage, not a gift. A gift is given voluntarily simply so the giver can show favor to the one receiving the gift, without any expectation of repayment. In the season of Christmas, we receive the gift of God. That does not simply mean we receive the gifts God gives. When we look into the manger, we see that God is the gift.
In the person of Jesus, God gave us himself. And because our God became true man and did everything necessary for our salvation, he is able to give us so many other Christmas gifts: forgiveness, hope, peace, a place in his family, eternal life in paradise. “That is too much!” you object. “I don’t deserve any of it!” True enough. However, none of these things are wages. We could not and need not earn them, because they are gifts, given by our gracious God to show us his favor.
In the season of Christmas, our worship follows this path:
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
God Gives Heaven’s Best Gift in Earth’s Unlikeliest Place
God Gives Himself as One of Us
First Sunday after Christmas God Gives Both Substitute and Sacrifice
Epiphany of Our Lord
The Gift of God Is for All People
THEME FOR THIS EVENING GOD GIVES HEAVEN’S BEST GIFT IN EARTH’S UNLIKELIEST PLACE
When the President of the United States visits a city, he does not stay at a discount motel. He stays in some posh hotel with luxury accommodations. Moreover, when making such trips, the President’s agenda generally does not include him spending time with common, ordinary people. He meets with heads of state powerful, important people. If that is the case when the President makes a visit, what should we have expected when the Son of God came to earth? Not the events of Christmas Eve! Jesus is born into our world far from power, mired in poverty, and absent of any earthly fanfare. The first guests he receives are not kings or emperors, but humble shepherds.
Because God put heaven’s best gift in earth’s unlikeliest place, there will always be room at the manger for you. You will not need to stand in line, wait your turn, or prove yourself worthy first. Instead, you can know with certainty that God gave this gift and all the gifts he brought with him “for you.”
+ ORDER OF WORSHIP +
PRESERVICE MUSIC:
The First Noel Jim Brickman
Breath of Heaven Chris Eaton & Amy Grant
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel with What Child Is This William Ogmundson
Dona Nobis Pacem The phrase “Dona nobis pacem” is Latin for “Grant us peace,” the final line of the Agnus Dei. This tune, possibly written in Germany in the 16th or 17th century, was passed down orally and is usually performed as a three-part canon.
WELCOME
OPENING HYMN From Heaven Above to Earth I Come Christian Worship 331
It is believed that this 15-stanza hymn of Martin Luther was written for his family’s Christmas Eve entertainment. These first five stanzas would have been sung in Luther’s home by a man dressed as an angel.
Text: tr. Catherine Winkworth, 1827–1878, alt.; Martin Luther, 1483–1546. Tune: Geistliche lieder, Leipzig, 1539, ed. Valten Schumann. Text and tune: Public domain.
Psalm 98:1
CHRISTMAS DIALOGUE
Minister: Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things.
Congregation: His right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.
Psalm 98:2
Psalm 98:3
Malachi 3:2
Psalm 130:3
Psalm 85:4
Psalm 85:7
Luke 1:68
Luke 1:46-47
Galatians 4:4-5
The Lord has made his salvation known and revealed his righteousness to the nations. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears?
If you, O Lord, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand?
Restore us again, O God our Savior, and put away your displeasure toward us.
Show us your unfailing love, O Lord, and grant us your salvation.
Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people. My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
When the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons.
John 1:14
Luke 2:10-11
Luke 2:14
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. Today in the town of David a Savior was born for you. He is Christ the Lord.
Glory to God in the highest!
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Almighty God, you made this holy night shine with the brightness of the true light. Grant that as we have known on earth the wonder of that light, we may also behold him in all his glory in the life to come; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Please be seated
HYMN—O Little Town of Bethlehem
The choir will sing stanza 3.
Christian Worship 333
This hymn focuses our attention on the humble town of Bethlehem. God used this lowly place to bring heaven’s greatest gift to earth.
Text: Phillips Brooks, 1835–1893, abr., alt. Tune: Lewis H. Redner, 1831–1908. Text and tune: Public domain.
To people walking in the darkness of sin, God gives a great gift the light of the Savior.
2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light. For those living in the land of the shadow of death, the light has dawned.
3 You have multiplied the nation. You have increased its joy. They rejoice before you like the joy at harvest time, like the celebration when people divide the plunder.
4 For you have shattered the yoke that burdened them. You have broken the bar on their shoulders and the rod of their oppressor, as you did in the day of Midian.
5 Every boot that marched in battle and the garments rolled in blood will be burned. They will be fuel for the fire.
6 For to us a child is born. To us a son is given. The authority to rule will rest on his shoulders. He will be named: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 There will be no limit to his authority and no end to the peace he brings. He will rule on David’s throne and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from now on, into eternity. The zeal of the L of Armies will accomplish this.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Along with the angels, we praise the newborn King Christ, the everlasting Lord!
Text: Charles Wesley, 1707–1788, alt. Tune: Felix Mendelssohn, 1809–1847. Text and tune: Public domain.
In a demonstration of great love, God gave us the gift of his Son and the gift of his Spirit.
9 This is how God’s love for us was revealed: God has sent his onlybegotten Son into the world so that we may live through him. 10 This is love: not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, if God loved us so much, we also should love one another.
12 No one has ever seen God. If we love one another, God remains in us and his love has been brought to its goal in us. 13 This is how we know that we remain in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. 14 We have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
This hymn was likely originally written for children to sing and is still a beloved hymn by many today. This arrangement uses the two hymn tunes most often associated with this text. The verse in Spanish is a translation of the opening verse.
CHOIR ANTHEM—Away in a Manger Worship Choir
Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, the little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head. The stars in the sky looked down where he lay, the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.
Jesús en pesebre, sin cuna, nació; su tierna cabeza en heno durmió. Los astros, brillando, prestaban su luz al niño dormido, pequeño Jesús.
Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask you to stay close by me forever and love me, I pray. Bless all the dear children in thy tender care, and fit us for heaven to live with you there.
Text: The Myrtle, Boston, 1884; Vineyard Songs, Louisville, 1892, alt. Text: Public domain.
Please stand
1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 And everyone went to register, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the town of Nazareth, into Judea, to the town of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was from the house and family line of David. 5 He went to be registered with Mary, his wife, who was pledged to him in marriage and was expecting a child.
6 And so it was that while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son, wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 There were in the same country shepherds staying out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified! 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. For behold, I bring you good news of great joy, which will be for all people: 11 Today in the town of David, a Savior was born for you. He is Christ the Lord.
12 And this will be a sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude from the heavenly army, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward mankind.”
15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Now let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they told others the message they had been told about this child. 18 And all who heard it were amazed by what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise be to you, O Christ.
Please be seated
God gives heaven’s best gift in earth’s unlikeliest place.
Although we certainly did not deserve heaven’s best gift, God in his great love for us sent Christ to bring salvation to the world.
5 Not one he will or can forsake; his promise he will never break. Let ev’ry scheme the tempter try, you may his utmost pow’rs defy.
6 You shall and must at last prevail; God’s own you are, you cannot fail. To God forever sing your praise with joy and patience all your days.
Text: Martin Luther, 1483–1546; tr. Richard Massie, 1800–1887, alt. Tune: Latin, 15th cent., adapt. Michael Praetorius, 1571–1621. Text and tune: Public domain.
An Unexpected Home for Christmas
CONFESSION OF FAITH Luther’s Explanation to the Second Article of the Apostles’ Creed I believe that Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of the Father from all eternity, and also true man, born of the virgin Mary, is my Lord. He has redeemed me, a lost and condemned creature, purchased and won me from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil,
not with gold or silver but with his holy precious blood and with his innocent suffering and death.
All this he did that I should be his own, and live under him in his kingdom, and serve him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness,
just as he has risen from death and lives and rules eternally. This is most certainly true.
The shepherds found the Savior in the most unlikely place. We, like the shepherds, can marvel that this gift is truly for us.
OFFERING
We offer our gifts to our God who has given us more than we could ever ask for and far more than we deserve the promise of forgiveness and eternal life by faith in Jesus Christ, our Savior. If you are our guest tonight and do not wish to give an offering, please do not feel compelled to do so. Online giving is also available online by scanning this QR code: Please use this time fill out the Friendship Register located in the red folder at the end of the row and pass it along. Thank you!
Text: Jaroslav J. Vajda, 1919
Concordia Publishing House. Tune: Carl F. Schalk, 1929
OFFERTORY MUSIC Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus with Still, Still, Still Vocal Trio
Come, thou long-expected Jesus, born to set thy people free; from our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in thee. Let us find our rest in thee.
Born thy people to deliver, born a child and yet a king, born to reign in us forever, now thy gracious kingdom bring. Now thy precious kingdom bring.
Still, still, still, let all the earth be still. For all is hushed, the world is sleeping, holy star its vigil keeping. Still, still, still. My heart with joy is filled.
By thine own eternal Spirit rule in all our hearts alone; by thine all-sufficient merit raise us to thy glorious throne. Raise us to thy glorious throne. My heart with joy is filled!
LIGHTING OF THE CANDLES
The pastor takes the light of the Christ candle to the ushers. They pass the light on to the congregation. Please tip only the unlighted candle to prevent wax from dripping. To light the battery-operated candles, gently twist the bulb at the top.
CLOSING PRAYER
O God, who makes us glad with the yearly remembrance of the birth of your only Son, Jesus Christ; grant that, as we joyfully receive him as our Redeemer, so may we also behold him with sure confidence when he shall come to be our judge; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
Test: Charles Wesley, 1707-1788, alt. Public domain. And Austrian carol, tr. George K. Evans © 1963, 1980 Walton Music. Used by permission: OneLicense no. 710199.
This arrangement was written by Grace member Kathy Parra.
MUSIC:
Gesú Bambino Arr. Jennifer Eklund
Matthew 6 and Luke 11 record how Jesus taught his disciples to pray. We use his example prayer as part of our public worship, trusting that he will hear and answer our prayers.
LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.
BLESSING
May he who by his incarnation gathered things earthly and heavenly into one, fill us with such joy that comes with the knowledge of the forgiveness of sins and the hope of eternal life.
And the blessing of God Almighty the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit be upon you and remain with you always. Amen.
HYMN Silent Night Christian Worship 337
Stanza 2 will be sung acapella. Those wishing to sing in parts are encouraged to do so.
POSTLUDE MUSIC Go, My Children, with My Blessing Gabriel Ruiz-Bernal
Text: tr. John F. Young, 1820–1885; Franz Joseph Mohr, 1792–1848. Tune: Franz Xaver Gruber, 1787–1863. Setting: Traditional. Text and music: Public domain.
Thank you for joining us for worship this Christmas Eve. We pray that God will continue to strengthen you in your faith through his Word, during this blessed season and beyond. If you are a guest with us today and do not have a church home, we would consider it a special privilege to share God’s Word with you on a regular basis. Please take a Guest Packet at the exit to learn more about our congregation. You can also find us online at GraceLutheranSAZ.org.
We invite you to join us for these holiday worship services:
HOLIDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE
Christmas Day Services
Wednesday, December 25
10:00 AM at Grace-Tucson 10:00 AM at Grace-Sahuarita
New Year’s Eve Worship All Site Service
Tuesday, December 31
5:30 PM at Grace-Tucson
Followed by food and fun!
THOSE ASSISTING IN WORSHIP TODAY
Minister...................................................................................................................Pastor Nathan Kassulke
Accompanist...............................................................................................................................Kathy Parra
Choir Director ............................................................................................................................ Jim Bakken
Choir Accompanist................................................................................................................Teri Guenther
Vocalists .................................................................................................. Naomi Kassulke, Jay Wiechmann
Clarinet................................................................................................... Beth Kassulke, Missy Wiechmann
Trumpet................................................................................................................................... Paul Kassulke
Saxophone ............................................................................................................................ Jeremy Snavely
Vocal Trio............................................................................. Teri Guenther, Naomi Kassulke, Kathy Parra
Greeters...........................................................................................................................Chris & Cora Stuhr
Ushers...............Dylan Guenther, Ferdie Kramm, Stanley Mead, Rick Street, Chris Stuhr, Vic Thornton
Sound and Recording Techs.......................................... Jeremy Snavely, Danny Koehler, Sam Kassulke