But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.
The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Luke 2:19–20 (NIV)
Dear Friends,
Christmas Eve gives us a rare gift—the chance to pause and take in what God has done. We gather by candlelight to remember the birth of Jesus, but more than that, to receive again the grace and nearness of God with us. This is not a story we rush past, but one we are invited to hold with care.
From the very beginning, this story is marked by attentiveness. God comes quietly, unexpectedly, and personally. He meets people not in grand declarations, but in moments that must be noticed, remembered, and treasured deep within.
And yet, this gift is never meant to remain only within us.
The good news of Christ has a way of turning wonder into joy and encounter into movement. Those who first witnessed the miracle of Christ’s birth did not leave unchanged. They carried with them a renewed sense of hope, a deeper trust in God’s promises, and a story too good to keep to themselves.
Tonight, wherever you find yourself—full of joy or carrying weariness—I pray that you will know the peace of Emmanuel, God with us. May this holy night anchor your heart, renew your faith, and quietly shape the days that follow, drawing you ever closer to Christ in the year ahead.
Thank you for worshiping with us this Christmas Eve. May the light of Christ shine upon you and those you love, tonight and always.
With Christmas joy,
Dr. Richard Kannwischer Peachtree Church Atlanta, Georgia
ORDER OF WORSHIP
PRELUDE
Personent Hodie | ARR. BRIAN MANN
INTROIT
Wexford Carol | ARR. BRIAN MANN
CONGREGATIONAL CAROL †
O Come, All Ye Faithful | ARR. DAVID WILLCOCKS | HYMN #781
SCRIPTURE READING
CONGREGATIONAL CAROL †
Angels (Glory to God) | PHIL WICKHAM
CHRISTMAS REFLECTION
ANTHEM
What Sweeter Music | JOHN RUTTER
CHRISTMAS PRAYER
† Those who are able, please stand.
ORDER OF WORSHIP
OFFERTORY ANTHEM
Festival First Nowell | ARR. DAN FORREST
CHRISTMAS MESSAGE
DR. RICHARD KANNWISCHER · SENIOR PASTOR
CANDLE LIGHTING
ANTHEM
O Holy Night | ADOLPHE ADAM, ARR. JOHN RUTTER
CONGREGATIONAL CAROL
Silent Night, Holy Night | STILLE NACHT | HYMN #737
BENEDICTION
DR. RICHARD KANNWISCHER · SENIOR PASTOR
CONGREGATIONAL CAROL†
Joy to the World | ANTIOCH | HYMN #780
POSTLUDE
† Those who are able, please stand.
LEADING MUSIC IN WORSHIP
Mary Hoffman | SENIOR DIRECTOR OF MUSIC MINISTRY
Brian Mann | SENIOR DIRECTOR OF WORSHIP AND CREATIVE ARTS
Todd Fields | CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP LEADER
Steven Wooddell | ORGANIST
Jason Maynard | PIANIST
Elizabeth Castillo | SOLOIST (DEC 21)
Indra Thomas | SOLOIST (DEC 23 & 24)
Timothy Miller | SOLOIST (DEC 24 AT 8PM)
Serai Hoard | VOCALIST
LEADING THE WORSHIP
Dr. Richard Kannwischer SENIOR PASTOR
Rev. Vicki Harrington Franch PASTOR FOR PASTORAL CARE
Dr. Jay Madden EXECUTIVE PASTOR
Rev. Wes Nichols PASTOR FOR COMMUNITY LIFE
Dr. Joe Skillen PASTOR FOR TEACHING
Dr. Deanne Townsend PASTOR FOR CONGREGATIONAL LIFE
Rev. Scott Tucker PASTOR FOR GRAND ADULTS
LIGHTING THE ADVENT WREATH
December 21 6:00 pm
Janine and John McKenney; Jack McKenney
December 23 · 4:00 pm
Laura and Greg Belatti; Julia, Graham and Kate
December 23 · 6:00 pm
Saretta and John Griner; Lele and Lucy; Allison and Russell Sewell
December 24 2:00 pm
Trenton and Jon Chasteen; Sam, Sally and Ann Reeves
December 24 · 4:00 pm
Missie and Doug Gooding; Haley Gooding; Emily and James Kennedy
December 24 · 6:00 pm
Laura and Philip Green; Elizabeth, Caroline and Abby
December 24 · 8:00 pm
Suzann and Terry Moore; Kate and Terry; Asa Bondeson
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Each Christmas Eve, our Peachtree Church family unites in generosity to sponsor a home for a family in need with Atlanta Habitat for Humanity. Because of your past faithful giving, 162 families are celebrating the birth of our Savior in homes built with love and care.
This year, not only are we sponsoring our 163rd home, but we are participating in the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project where 24 homes will be built for families.
Your gift this Christmas Eve will help transform lives and build a brighter future for families in Atlanta. Join us in this faith-filled Peachtree tradition of giving and making a lasting impact this Christmas Eve.
Give Scan the QR code to give.
Give Text CHRISTMAS to 50700
Help build a Habitat house
“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and the one who is wise saves lives.”
—Proverbs 11:30 (NIV)
In January, Peachtree Church will begin a yearlong journey through Cultivate: Life Together in the Spirit, inviting our whole congregation to grow in faith together. Every month we will explore a different fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—and discover how God nurtures these qualities in our lives. Join us as we look forward to a year of deeper transformation and a closer walk with Jesus.
WORSHIP WITH US SUNDAY MORNINGS
Traditional Worship: 8:30 and 9:45am | Contemporary Worship: 11:15am
