Christmas Eve
That we ourselves, opening a stall (a latch thrown open countless times before), might find them breathing there. Foreknown: The Child bedded in straw, the mother kneeling over Him, the husband standing in belief he scarcely can believe, in light that lights them from no source we see.
AT SECOND-PONCE
An April morning’s light, the air around them joyful as a choir. We stand with one hand on the door, looking into another world that is this world. The pale daylight coming just as before, our chores to do, the cattle all awake, our own frozen breath hanging in front of us; and we are here as we have never been before, sighted as not before, our place Holy, although we knew it not.
PRELUDE Fantasia on Greensleeves (Hymn 148, What Child is This) Ralph Vaughan Williams Pastorale—Gesù Bambino (on Adeste fideles, Hymn 103, O come, all ye faithful) Pietro Yon Silent Night (from Christmas) Dudley Buck
HYMN
CHIMING OF THE HOUR
God rest ye merry, gentlemen, let nothing you dismay, remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas day, to save us all from Satan's pow'r when we were gone astray;
Jack Mitchener, organ
CALL TO WORSHIP
Bill Gabbard Good people all, this Christmas time, Consider well and bear in mind What our good God for us has done, In sending His beloved Son. With Mary holy we should pray To God with love this Christmas Day; In Bethlehem upon the morn There was a blest Messiah born.
HYMN NO. 148
What Child Is This?
WELCOME & INVOCATION LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE READING
A Christmas Verse by Eugene Field
God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
Refrain: O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy, O tidings of comfort and joy. From God our heav'nly Father, a blessed angel came; and unto certain shepherds brought tidings of the same: how that in Bethlehem was born the son of God by name, [Refrain] "Fear not, then," said the angel, "let nothing you affright; this day is born a Savior of a pure virgin bright, to free all those who trust in him from Satan's pow'r and might." [Refrain]
GREENSLEEVES
STORY TIME
Rev. Ronnie Brewer
SCRIPTURE
Anne Marie Alexander
HYMN NO. 132 READING
Rev. Brewer
DUET
Adam
O Holy Night
Jeanne and Denise Williams; Joy Callaway, piano
LIGHTING OF CANDLES
Silent Night, Holy 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. Glory streams from heaven afar, heavenly hosts sing "Alleluia, Christ the Savior is born, Christ the Savior is born."
GREEN CARD: FOR FIRST TIMERS Use it to share as much information as you like and drop it in the offering plate. We understand that some people are hesitant to fill out church cards. It's true—a member of our pastoral staff will reach out, but you won't be flooded with communication. Engagement with us will be at your own pace. RED CARD: FOR RETURNING GUESTS & SPDL MEMBERS If you're a guest who's ready to take the next step or a church member who wants to deepen your involvement, fill out the red pew card—I'm a Regular—and drop it in the offering plate. Let us know how we can help.
Grant
Christmas Poem (Wendell Berry, from “Sabbath Poems”) Lynn Handley
Remembering that it happened once, we cannot turn away the thought: As we go out, cold, to our barns toward the long night’s end, that we ourselves are living in the world it happened in when it first happened.
BENEDICTION POSTLUDE
Jack Mitchener, organ
If you are unable to comfortably stand in line to receive Communion, please remain seated and an usher will bring you the elements. Those seated in the Balcony are invited to join the rest of the congregation on the main floor in receiving the Lord's Supper.
JOINING SECOND-PONCE Rev. Brewer
Variations on the Noël Il est né, le divin enfant
Also known as Communion, the Lord's Supper reminds us of Jesus' ultimate act of love—dying for our sins. The crackers and juice symbolize the sacrifice of His body and blood. All those who proclaim Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior are welcome to join with Second-Ponce in this sacred ritual.
Your financial support of Second-Ponce allows us to carry out the mission God has for our church. There are Virtual Offering Plate cards in the pew racks that utilize a QR code and Text to Give options for making gifts online. You may also place it in the designated plates just outside of the Sanctuary entrances. Thank you.
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.
CAROL
THE LORD'S SUPPER
GIVING AN OFFERING
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.
Rev. Allie Osborne It Came upon the Midnight Clear
Rev. Brewer
THE LORD'S SUPPER
Therefore bells for Christmas ring, Therefore little children sing.
PASTORAL PRAYER
Luke 2:1–20
(p. 832–833 in your pew Bible)
MEDITATION
There a darling baby lay, Pillowed soft upon the hay. And its mother sung and smiled: "This is Christ, the holy Child!"
Breath of Heaven
USING THE PEW CARDS
Rev. Jonathan Hall
The Harle Family
Once a lovely shining star, Seen by shepherds from afar, Gently moved until its light Made a manger's cradle bright.
Whitney Anderson, soprano; Joy Callaway, piano
Welcome to church! Make yourself at home here.
The shepherds at those tidings rejoiced much in mind, and left their flocks a-feeding, in tempest, storm, and wind, and went to Bethlehem straightway, the Son of God to find. [Refrain]
Why do the bells of Christmas ring? Why do little children sing?
MUSICAL OFFERING
GOD REST YE MERRY
Newcomers INFO FOR
Achille Philip
Please extinguish your candle at your seat and place it in one of the baskets at the door as you leave. We ask that you reverently refrain from conversation until you have exited the Sanctuary.
Second-Ponce enthusiastically welcomes you to make a commitment to Christ and our community of faith. After the service, simply walk to the front of the Sanctuary where a member of our ministry team will greet you with warmth and joy. If you're uncomfortable being "in the spotlight," but still want to join–that's ok! Speak with one of our ministers after the service or stop by during the week and they'll walk you through an alternate plan.