Independent Presbyterian Church Christmas Eve Worship Services DECEMBER 24, 2025 | 4:00 P.M. AND 6:00 P.M.
Welcome to IPC! Founded in 1915, Independent Presbyterian Church has long held a commitment to glorifying the triune God through worship, the use of beauty and the arts, and serving our community in Jesus’ name. From the beginning, our founders sought to establish a church reflecting God’s love for humanity and humanity’s love for God. Today, we continue this legacy by cultivating meaningful worship, nurturing our congregation to grow as disciples of Jesus, and engaging in acts of service that reflect Christ’s command to love God and love our neighbors. Whether you are a life-long follower of Jesus, a new believer, or still curious, know that all are welcome here. If this is your first visit, you are invited to join us at the Welcome Table in the Parlor following the service. We look forward to meeting you and sharing more about the life of our church. Children are always welcome to worship with us in the Sanctuary. Materials to build a Worship Bag are in the Parlor before each service. Please replace the items when the service ends. We are so grateful that you are here. Please sign the friendship pad located in the pew racks, so we know you are worshiping with us this evening.
The Ceremony of Lights Worshippers will receive candles with paper wax-guards upon entering the nave. Battery-operated candles are available for children and for anyone who would feel more comfortable using one instead of a traditional candle. These will be used only during the Ceremony of Lights near the end of the service. The acolytes will light the first candle in each pew on the aisle, and each worshipper will share the light, representing the presence of Christ in the world, with their neighbor. Please note, however, in no case should a lit candle be tilted; rather, the unlit candle should be tilted over the lit one. Worshippers remain seated during the ceremony and are invited to sing “Silent Night” with the choir. When the ministers have extinguished their candles, the worshippers will do likewise. After the service, please deposit your candle in the appropriate vessel at the door. Your help is greatly appreciated.
THE COVER features an artistic rendering inspired by the central panel of The Nativity of Christ stained glass window series, found in the Children’s Chapel in the West Transept.
A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols P R E LU D E “Festive Organ Music of the Season” The service of worship begins with the music of the organ. Through its power and brilliance may you feel the majesty and glory of God; in its quietness, His peace.
PROCESSIONAL HYMN
“O Come, All Ye Faithful”
ADESTE FIDELES
O come, all ye faithful, Joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem; Come and behold him, Born the King of angels; O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord. True God of true God, Light from Light eternal, Born of a virgin, a mortal he comes; Very God, Begotten, not created! Refrain Sing, choirs of angels, Sing in exultation, Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above; Glory to God in the highest; Refrain Yea, Lord, we greet thee, Born this happy morning, Jesu, to thee be glory given; Word of the Father, Now in flesh appearing: Refrain W E L C O M E
Rev. Long
T H E BI D D I N G A N D T H E L O R D ’S P R AY E R 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, for ever. Amen. LI G H T I N G O F T H E C H R I ST C A N D LE
Rise in body or spirit.
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F I R ST LE S S O N
Rev. Seamon
Genesis 3:8-15, O.T. pg. 2 God announces in the Garden of Eden that the seed of woman shall bruise the serpent’s head. C AROL “Adam Lay Ybounden” Richard Webster Adam lay ybounden, bounden in a bond; four thousand winter thought he not too long. And all was for an apple, an apple that he took, as clerkes finden written in their book. Ne had the apple taken been, the apple taken been; ne had never our Lady a-been heavene queen. Blessed be the time that apple taken was, therefore we moun singen Deo gratias! 15th Century
S E C O N D LE S S O N
Rev. Clayton
Genesis 22:15-18, Pew Bible, O.T. pg. 14 God promises to faithful Abraham that in his seed shall the nations of the earth be blessed. C AROL Craig Phillips
“Hodie Christus Natus Est” Today is Christ born; today the Savior has appeared; today the Angels sing, the Archangels rejoice; today the righteous rejoice, saying: Glory to God in the highest. Alleluia!
Hodie Christus natus est hodie Salvator apparuit: hodie in terra canunt Angeli; laetantur Archangeli: hodie exsultant justi, dicentes: Gloria in excelsis Deo, alleluja. T H I R D LE S S O N
Rev. Newton
Isaiah 9:2, 6, 7, Pew Bible, O.T. pg. 486 Christ’s birth and kingdom are foretold by Isaiah. HYMN “O Little Town of Bethlehem” O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie! Above thy deep and dreamless sleep, The silent stars go by. Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting Light. The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight. For Christ is born of Mary; and gathered all above, While mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wondering love. O morning stars, together proclaim the holy birth! And praises sing to God the King, and peace to men on earth.
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Rise in body or spirit.
ST. LOUIS
O holy Child of Bethlehem! Descend to us, we pray. Cast out our sin, and enter in, be born in us today. We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell. O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel! Phillips Brooks
F O U RT H LE S S O N
Rev. Seamon
Isaiah 11:1-9, Pew Bible, O.T. pg. 488 The peace that Christ will bring is foreshown. C AROL “Little Lamb” IPC Trebles Gregg Smith Little Lamb, who made thee? Dost thou know who made thee? Gave thee life, and bid thee feed, By the stream and o’er the mead. Gave thee clothing of delight, Softest clothing woolly, bright. Gave thee such a tender voice, Making all the vales rejoice. He is called by thy name, For he calls Himself a Lamb, He is meek and mild, He became a child, I a child, thou a lamb, We are called by His name. Little Lamb, God bless thee. William Blake
F I F T H LE S S O N
Rev. Clayton
Luke 1:26-35, 38, Pew Bible, N.T. pg. 43 The angel Gabriel salutes the Blessed Virgin Mary. T H E C H R I ST M A S E V E O F F E R I N G Each year on Christmas Eve, we receive a special offering. This year’s Christmas Eve Offering will benefit IPC Social Services. If you would like your gift designated otherwise, please note that on your check or envelope. You may also give online through text messaging. Text CHRISTMAS to (205) 927-3100 to support IPC Social Services, or text GIVE to (205) 927-3100 to select a different fund. C AROL Alan Bullard “Gabriel’s Message” from O Come, Emmanuel The angel Gabriel from heaven came, his wings as drifted snow, his eyes as flame; “All hail,” said he, “thou lowly maiden, Mary, most highly favored lady,” Gloria! “For know a blessed Mother thou shalt be, all generations laud and honor thee, thy Son shall be Emmanuel, by seers foretold, most highly favored lady,” Gloria! Then gentle Mary meekly bowed her head, “To me be as it pleaseth God,” she said, “my soul shall laud and magnify His holy Name.” most highly favored lady,” Gloria! Of her, Emmanuel, the Christ was born in Bethlehem, all on a Christmas morn, and Christian folk throughout the world will ever say most highly favored lady,” Gloria Trad. Basque Carol; paraphr. Sabine Baring Gould
Rise in body or spirit.
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S I X T H LE S S O N
Rev. Newton
Matthew 1:18-23, Pew Bible, N.T. pg. 1 St. Matthew tells of the birth of Jesus. HYMN “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”
MENDELSSOHN
Hark! The herald angels sing, Glory to the newborn King! Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled! Joyful, all ye nations, rise, join the triumph of the skies With the angelic host proclaim, Christ is born in Bethlehem! Hark! The herald angels sing, Glory to the newborn King! Christ, by highest heaven adored; Christ, the everlasting Lord. Late in time behold him come, offspring of the Virgin’s womb. Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; hail the incarnate Deity, Pleased as man with man to dwell; Jesus, our Emmanuel! Hark! The herald angels sing, Glory to the newborn King! Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace! Hail the Sun of Righteousness! Light and life to all he brings, risen with healing in his wings. Mild he lays his glory by, born that man no more may die, Born to raise the sons of earth, born to give them second birth. Hark! The herald angels sing, Glory to the newborn King! S E V E N T H LE S S O N
Rev. Seamon
Luke 2:8-16, Pew Bible, N.T. pg. 44 The shepherds go to the manger. C AROL “No Small Wonder” Paul Edwards Small wonder the star, small wonder the light, the angels in chorus, the shepherds in fright, but stable and manger for God - no small wonder! Small wonder the kings, small wonder they bore the gold and the incense, the myrrh to adore, but God gives his life on a cross - no small wonder! Small wonder the love, small wonder the grace, the power, the glory, the light of his face, but all to redeem my poor heart - no small wonder! Paul Wigmore
E I G H T H LE S S O N
Rev. Clayton
Matthew 2:1-11, Pew Bible, N.T. pg. 2 The Wise Men are led by the star to Jesus.
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Rise in body or spirit.
HYMN “What Child Is This”
GREENSLEEV ES
What Child is this, who laid to rest, On Mary’s lap is sleeping? Whom angels greet with anthems sweet While shepherds watch are keeping? This, this is Christ the King, Whom shepherds guard and angels sing; Haste, haste to bring Him laud, the Babe, the Son of Mary! Why lies He in such mean estate Where ox and ass are feeding? Good Christian, fear; for sinners here, The silent Word is pleading. Refrain So, bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh; Come, one and all, to own Him. The King of Kings salvation brings; Let loving hearts enthrone Him. Refrain N I N T H LE S S O N
Rev. Long
John 1:1-14, Pew Bible, N.T. pg. 70 St. John unfolds the great mystery of the Incarnation. H O M I LY T H E C O LLE C T Minister: People: Minister:
Rev. Newton
The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us pray.
The Ceremony of Lights C AROL “Still, Still, Still” Norman Luboff Still, still, still one can hear the falling snow. For all is hushed, the world is sleeping, Holy star its vigil keeping. Still, still, still one can hear the falling snow. Sleep, sleep, sleep, ‘tis the eve of our Saviour’s birth. The night is peaceful all around you, close your eyes, let sleep surround you. Sleep, sleep, sleep, ‘tis the eve of our Saviour’s birth. Dream, dream, dream of joyous day to come. While guardian angels without number watch you as you sweetly slumber. Dream, dream, dream of the joyous day to come. Austrian Carol: Marilyn Keith and Alan Bergman
Rise in body or spirit.
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HYMN “Silent Night”
STILLE NACHT
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.
The Sending BE N E D I C T I O N
Rev. Long
HYMN “Joy to the World!”
AN TIOCH
Joy to the world! The Lord is come: Let earth receive her King. Let every heart prepare Him room, And heaven and nature sing, And heaven and nature sing, And heaven, and heaven and nature sing. Joy to the world! The Savior reigns: Let us our songs employ While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains Repeat the sounding joy, Repeat the sounding joy, Repeat, repeat the sounding joy. No more let sins and sorrows grow, Nor thorns infest the ground; He comes to make His blessings flow Far as the curse is found, Far as the curse is found, Far as, far as the curse is found. He rules the world with truth and grace, And makes the nations prove The glories of his righteousness, And wonders of His love, And wonders of His love, And wonders, wonders, of His love. V O LU N TA R Y “In Thee Is Gladness,” BWV 615
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Rise in body or spirit.
J. S. Bach
Flowers The flowers in the chancel are given in memory of Mr. & Mrs. Euell E. McCoy (Evelyn Glass). The wreath in the chancel is given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Mr. & Mrs. Paul A. Porter, Mr. & Mrs. Francis Crockard, and Mr. & Mrs. Donald McCormick. The flowers on the War Memorial are given to the Glory of God and in honor of all past and present military personnel.
Crèche The beautiful crèche displayed annually in the Parlor is made possible through the generosity of Robin and Jim Sulzby. The crèche is a family heirloom passed down by Robin’s grandmother, Mrs. C. Eugene Ireland. Mrs. Sulzby estimates that the crèche is over 100 years old. IPC members and staff are so grateful to Robin and her family for sharing this special gift each Advent season.
Announcements At the conclusion of the 4:00 p.m. service, the congregation is requested to leave promptly to facilitate preparation for the next service. Please exit through the Parlor and side nave doors. The entire Staff of Independent Presbyterian Church would like to wish everyone a blessed Christmas and a New Year filled with joy and peace. Independent Presbyterian Church will be closed December 25 and 26 and January 1 and 2. The church will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on December 24 and 31. We will observe our Holiday Worship Schedule on Sunday, December 28 and January 4, with only one combined worship service at 10:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary on each of these dates. Sunday School and the Table Service will resume Sunday, January 11.
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Advent and Christmas Flowers The flowers and greenery during the Advent Season have been made possible by gifts. Below are names of loved ones for whom the gifts were given to the glory of God and in loving memory and honor. MEMORIALS Mr. & Mrs. Anson Warren Allen Mr. & Mrs. James Clifton Barton, Sr. Mr. & Mrs. Rolla Earl Beck, Jr. Rolla Earl “Reb” Beck III Margaret Palmer Benton Mr. & Mrs. Oscar Robert Berney Ceylon Blackwell, Jr. Jane McClare Blaum Mrs. Eileen Bostick Nancy Starrett Boyd Mr. & Mrs. Clyde R. Brown Mr. William T. Brown Mr. & Mrs. Albert Francis Caley, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Byram Cantley Mr. & Mrs. David W. Carr Mr. George T. Carr Mrs. Kathryne F. Carr Terry Vantuyl Chase Mr. & Mrs. Beach Mead Chenoweth Mr. & Mrs. James Barnett Chenoweth Hon. Preston Copeland Clayton & Mrs. Jewel Gladys Clayton Mr. Robert S Clayton, Jr. Dorothy Harris Coleman Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Coleman, Sr. Mr. & Mrs. George W. Connors, Sr. Mr. & Mrs. George W. Connors, Jr. Una Webster Connors David Giger Cook William Ralph Cook Rose & Jim Cooley Lee Cooper James S. & Esther S. Cooper Mary Elizabeth Hobbs Cornelius Mr. Milton Brock Craig, Jr. Mrs. Elizabeth Greene Craig Mr. Milton Brock (Dickie) Craig III Mr. & Mrs. Francis Crockard
Joseph Andrew Crumpton Charles Henry Deer Walter D. Dickson, Sr. Virginia Kidd Dickson Wiel Dielen Mr. Robert Mack Dixon & Mrs. Mary Clayton Dixon Mr. & Mrs. Charles Perkins Duggan Kelly Rebecca Duggan Dr. & Mrs. Henry M. Edmonds Mr. & Mrs. William F. Edmonds Katherine Binford Ennis Dr. John Roberts Faucette William W. Featheringill Mr. & Mrs. Dwight Foust Louise Foust James Foust Dr. & Mrs. Henry C. Frech Mr. Mack Freeman Raymond Joseph Gaillard Mary & Mac Gant Herbert E. Gay Dr. Janice Templeton Gay Judy Glanders Ernest Glass, Jr. Betty Glass Vann Goodner Mr. & Mrs. Robert Sheffie Graham Mr. & Mrs. Henry Vance Graham Mr. & Mrs. Louie Grizzle Billy D. Grover Pam Hagan Mr. & Mrs. Mitchell Hall, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Warren D. Hall Kathryn Taylor Hamilton Suzy Hammonds Mr. & Mrs. Jack DeWitt Hance Mr. & Mrs. Angelo Chapman Harris, Jr. Sandra Harris
Anne Hauck James (Jamey) Hollingsworth Mr. & Mrs. Harry Claypool Howell, Jr. Miss Lottice Howell Mr. & Mrs. William Jinks Samuel Crow Johnson Patricia Schreiber Jones Betty T. Jones Mr. & Mrs. Martin J. Kelly Dr. Willem & Dorothea Klip Mr. & Mrs. Harold Knox Louis & Florence Krannich Mr. & Mrs. John Lanier Mr. & Mrs. William Leary Kathleen Liles Mr. & Mrs. Henry Sprott Long Dr. & Mrs. John N. Lukens Dr. John M. Lyons Mr. & Mrs. James Llewellyn Mann W. Fred Martens Mr. & Mrs. W.A. Martens Scott & Margaret McClare Mr. & Mrs. Don McCormick Mr. & Mrs. Joe McDavid, Sr. Mr. Joe McDavid, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. A.B. McDougald, Sr. Mr. A.B. McDougald, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. James E. McGinnis, Jr. Mary & Jesse McGlothlin Gerald Finleigh McKenzie Betsy Brasell McKenzie Hobart A. McWhorter, Jr. Michael Daniel Medeiros Dr. Mark L. Miller Edward Miller Ann M. Monk Mr. & Mrs. Richard H. Monk, Sr. Mr. & Mrs. Stanley T. Moodie William Simms Moor
M E M O R I A L S , CON T I N U E D Martha Mann Morrow Ashlea Alkire Morrow Hugh Morrow, Sr. Mr. Anson Allen Murdoch Mr. & Mrs. Donald Nelson Murdoch Mr. Donald Nelson Murdoch, Jr. Miss Elinor Murdoch Dr. & Mrs. Ray O. Noojin Mr. Charles S. Northen III Mr. & Mrs. John Huber O’Donnell, Sr. Mr. Patrick Martin O’Donnell Mr. & Mrs. Morgan Oslin Ogilvie, Sr. Jayne Walton Ogilvie Mrs. Deborah M. Overstreet Mrs. Frances Ruth Page Mr. & Mrs. Paul McFadden Pankey, Sr. Mr. Thomas Blankenship Pankey, Sr. John Milton Grosvenor Parker, Jr. Michael Parker, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Benjamin Wayne Parker Carleton Benners Parnell Dr. & Mrs. L C Parnell, Jr. Dr. Thomas Hansel Peacock, Jr. Marvin G. Perry Dr. & Mrs. A.O. Pilgrim Dr. & Mrs. David Pontius, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Paul A. Porter Ellen Hodges Powell Mr. & Mrs. W.W. Powell, Jr. Mr. John R. Prewitt, Jr. Frederick Dale Price Teresa Tanner Pulliam Edith & Jim Quarles Tom Rains
Mr. & Mrs. Henry Barnes Ray, Sr. Mr. & Mrs. R. Thomas Reed Mr. Richard Reigle Gordon & Maurine Romjue Dr. & Mrs. Walter Rountree Joy Turner Rue Joseph W. Schreiber Stella Scott Schreiber Margaret Benners Shaw Mrs. Clara Shepard Kip Simmons Richard Simmons Mr. & Mrs. Henry E. Simpson Mr. & Mrs. James A. Simpson Sara R. Sistrunk Mary Frances Mikell Sleeman William Clifford Sleeman, Jr. Mrs. J. Craig Smith Mrs. Katherine Solano Mr. Warren J. St. John Mr. & Mrs. Finis E. St. John Nancy Kays Stetler Mr. & Mrs. Herbert Stockham Mr. Benjamin Franklin Stokes III Hoyt Lee Summerford Mr. & Mrs. Leo Sumner Mr. & Mrs. Frank H. Sutherland Laurel Hexamer Sybilrud Caroline Reed Taylor Clinton Williams Taylor Mr. & Mrs. George M. Taylor, Jr. John Dorman Thomson Alexander Ogilvie Thomson Matt Tice
Mr. & Mrs. Winfred Elwood Todd Mr. & Mrs. James A. Townsend, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. David J. Turner Frances Ridout Turner Mr. & Mrs. David P. Underwood M. List Underwood, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. M.L. Underwood, Sr. Mr. & Mrs. Maurice K. Verdeyen Robert Joseph Verdeyen Mr. & Mrs. J.B. Vinson Mr. & Mrs. Donald Anthony Waitzman Barbara Noojin Walthall Mr. & Mrs. Robert L. Walthall Margaret Rush Walton Mr. & Mrs. William Morris Walton Jim & Jeanette Waters Mr. Robert Simson Watson Mr. Guy Allen Weatherford lll Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Eugene Weatherford, Sr. Mary Anne & Bob Weatherly Mr. & Mrs. W.S. Webster George (Buzzy) Wheeler, Jr. Jared White Jere F. White, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Molton Williams Sarah Anne Fitz Peacock Wilson Peggy B. & Paul S. Woodall Mr. Bill Wykle Felix Calvin Yarboro Laura Noel Yarboro Mr. & Mrs. Kapp Yarboro Lee Yeager
Betsy Faucette Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Foust Cecille Foust Ella V. Foust Margaret King Alexa Brooklyn Lane Barron Lane
Harrison Lane Dottie Lane Dr. Michael W. Parker Adam & Ginni Robertson Millard, Jessica, Charlotte & Milo Williamson
H O N O R A R I UMS Otto Chandler Cooley Chandler Alice Christensen Braylon Cooley Bronson Cooley Benton Cooley Charles Lee Cornelius, Sr.
PA RT I C I PA N T S I N T O D AY ’S S E R V I C E S : The Rev. Kevin J. Long, Pastor The Rev. Susan A. Clayton, Associate Pastor, Congregational Care & Adult Education The Rev. D. Nicole Newton, Associate Pastor, Discipleship The Rev. David J. Seamon, Associate Pastor, Mission & Outreach Dr. Jeff R. McLelland, Director of Music and Fine Arts Acolytes: (4:00 p.m.) Kate Austin, Charlotte Chambliss, Russell Chambliss, Palmer Gregg, Sutton Gregg, Andrew Grover, Walter Grover, Heidi Hollingsworth, James Inscoe, Oliver Middleton, Alex Pledger (6:00 p.m.) Jake Falls, Kate Falls, Cooper Falls, Katelyn Long, Oliver Lyons, Sam Meriwether, Layton Meriwether, AC Monk, Shep Ray, Helen Ray, Molly Wykle The Independent Presbyterian Church Choir
3100 Highland Avenue, South Birmingham, Alabama 35205 P H O N E : (205) 933-1830 O F F I C E H O U R S : 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays
This congregation is affiliated with The Presbyterian Church (USA) ipc-usa.org