The Choral Eucharist On The Feast Of The Nativity Of Our Lord

Transcription

1 104 Union Street South Concord, North Carolina December 24, :30 p.m. Pre-Service Music 11:00 p.m. Festival Choral Eucharist Office Phone: Office Fax: Web Site: The Choral Eucharist On The Feast Of The Nativity Of Our Lord The Introduction To Today s Liturgy... On a long winter evening we gather to proclaim the coming of the light. Isaiah announces that the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. Paul reminds us that the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all. In the familiar account of Christ's birth, the evening sky is bright with the heavenly host singing, "Glory to God in the highest." Amid our broken world we proclaim that the prince of peace is born among us. God comes to us in human flesh in Christ's body and blood so that we may be bearers of divine light to all the world. The Nativity Stained Glass Window Propst Saint Lutheran Church THE FChapel, EAST O F TJames HE N ATIVITY OF OUR LORD Page 1 SAINT JAMES CHURCH, ELCA

2 Welcome! We welcome everyone on this Lord s Day to the liturgy of Holy Eucharist. To all who are spiritually weary and seek rest; to all who mourn and long for comfort; to all who struggle and desire victory; to all who sin and need a Savior; to all who are strangers and want fellowship; to all who hunger and thirst after righteousness; and to all who will come, this parish opens wide her doors and offers welcome in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ! Newcomers and visitors, we hope that you will feel at home in this place and in this liturgy. Ushers are available in the narthex during the liturgy should you have any questions or concerns. If you are a visitor or guest, please be sure and sign the guestbook located in the Narthex and introduce yourself to the Pastor or to an usher so that we can extend to you a warm welcome. Although there are customary postures (such as standing and kneeling) in Lutheran worship, you are invited to be seated at any point, according to your needs and comfort. Saint James offers two weekly worship services. The 10:00 a.m. Sunday Choral Eucharist is held in the Nave and the 12:05 Wednesday Mid-week Eucharist is held in the Chapel. The Eucharist is celebrated weekly during both worship services. This Service Leaflet contains all of today s hymns and liturgy. Children are most welcome in worship at Saint James Church. Special age-appropriate bulletins are available from the ushers. For those who desire it, nursery care is provided on the first floor of the Education Building. Invitation to Communion: All baptized Christians who seek God and desire a deeper, stronger life in Christ are invited to receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion. The Pastor will bring the sacrament to persons in the pews who are unable to come forward. Please advise an usher if you wish the pastor to do so. The First Aid Kit and the Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) are located outside the church office door, immediately behind the sanctuary. Fire Extinguishers are located in the Sacristy and in the Narthex. If you are interested in membership to this parish or desire a call from the Pastor, please indicate this to an usher or to the Pastor. Restrooms are available on the first and second floors of the Education Building. About the Liturgy During Christmas and Epiphany T he celebration of Jesus birth and his manifestation as the Son of God comes in a pair of seasons with common characteristics. These seasons have been particularly popular in western Christendom and were, in the past, times of such levity and rejoicing that puritans in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries sought to do away with them. In the last century, when the puritan influence had waned, Christmas became popular in this country again, but by then the churches had all but lost their memory of the old feast. As a result, Epiphany season and the intervening Twelve Days of Christmas were not part of the secular celebration. A host of new secular customs and legends developed during Advent primarily as a means of supporting business. We need to recover our own special heritage if we are to make Christmas and Epiphany central to our faith and life. U nderlying these two feasts, then, is the central proclamation of Christianity: the dying and rising of Jesus. Recovery of this earliest level of meaning can help us rescue Christmas from a limited emphasis on the birth of a baby; for that birth is of ultimate importance only because of the saving event of his death and resurrection. T he period of Christmas and Epiphany has three primary days and themes: Christmas, or the Nativity of Christ (December 25th); Epiphany, or the Manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles (January 6th); and the First Sunday after Epiphany: the Baptism of Christ. Other celebrations came to be associated with this time as well. I n the weeks after Epiphany, other events in Jesus ministry are celebrated, events such as his first miracle, changing water into wine; his first healing; his calling of the disciples; his first preaching. These events reveal him as God s Son and help us explore more deeply the unlimited extent of his love and our role as the members of his Body in revealing him to the world. THE FEAST OF THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD Page 2 SAINT JAMES CHURCH, ELCA

3 The Preparation for Worship All worshipers are invited to remain reverently silent before the service, and to join fervently in prayer, enthusiastically in praise, and heartily in song during the service. As we prepare our hearts and minds for worship this evening, we make a transition from the hustle and bustle in our lives to that ardent and humble devotion. We quiet ourselves and center ourselves on God. We remind ourselves, Surely the Lord is in this place...this is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven. Out of respect for the liturgy we are about to celebrate and those sitting around you, help us create sacred space by powering down your cell phones and electronic devices. THE SILENT PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP From the very beginning was your Word, which spoke this world into being; Your Word, which thunders from the skies; Your Word, which flows like mountain streams; Your Word, which whispers in morning breeze; Your Word, revealed through kings and prophets; Your Word, revealed through Angels' praise; Your Word, revealed in humble service; Your Word, revealed through a tiny child; Your Word, alive from the beginning of all things and to eternity. Personal prayer in preparation for worship: Prepare my heart, O God, to accept your Word. You have given me a mind to know you, a heart to love you, and a voice to sing your praises. Fill me with your Spirit, that I may celebrate your glory and worship you in spirit and in truth. Speak to me, Lord, for you have the words of eternal life. Amen. The Liturgy begins with the music of the organ. The organ voluntary is a veil drawn reverently between the cares of the week and the time of worship where all are welcome to experience the presence of God with the people of God. Through its power and brilliance may you feel the majesty and glory of God, and in its quietness, His peace. THE ORGAN MUSIC PRIOR TO THE LITURGY DER TAG, DER IST SO FREUDENREICH, BWV 605 Johann Sebastian Bach ( ) O hail this brightest day of days, all good Christian people! For Christ hath come upon our ways; of a maiden pure is He the Son; Forever shall thy praise be sung, sing ye all the glorious birth. Lo, How A Rose is Blooming Johannes Brahms ( ) Cantilena on Hark! The Herald Angels Sing James Biery (b.1956) Silent Night, Holy Night Charles Callahan (b.1951) Good Christian Friends, Rejoice! Marcel Dupré ( ) Angels We Have Heard On High Timothy Albrecht (b.1955) THE FEAST OF THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD Page 3 SAINT JAMES CHURCH, ELCA

4 Choir: Awake, my spirit, awake, lute and harp; I will awake at the dawn of day. I will confess You, O Lord among the nations. I will raise a psalm to You, for Your love is wide as the heavens, and Your truth reaches to the skies! Wake, awake, for night is flying; the watchmen on the heights are crying; awake, Jerusalem, at last. Midnight hears the welcome voices, and at the thrilling cry rejoices: Come forth, you maidens! Night is past. The bridegroom comes, awake; your lamps with gladness take! Alleluia! Prepare ourselves to meet the Lord, whose light has stirred the waiting guard. Now let all the heavens adore You, and saints and angels sing before You. The harps and cymbals all unite. Of one pearl each shining portal, where, dwelling with the choir immortal, we gather round Your dazzling light. No eye has seen, nor ear has yet been trained to hear. What joy is ours! Crescendos rise; your halls resound. Hosannas blend in cosmic sound. Arise, O Jerusalem! Arise clothed in light! Your light has come, and the glory of God upon your hearts will shine. Alleluia! Words: adapted from Psalm 57:8-9; Philip Nicolai Music: David Danner ( ) The stand (shouted) THE PROCLAMATION OF THE BIRTH OF CHRIST The services on Christmas Eve may begin with the proclamation of the birth of Christ, taken from the ancient martyrology. The proclamation should be understood as the announcement of the incarnation within human history rather than a literal counting of years. The proclamation is said by the at the entrance to the church. Many ages after God created the heavens and the earth, when man and woman were formed in God's own image; long after the great flood, when God set the rainbow in the clouds as a sign of the covenant; twenty-one centuries from the time of Abraham and Sarah; thirteen centuries after Moses led God's people to freedom; eleven centuries from the time of Ruth and the judges; a thousand years from the anointing of David as king; in the sixty-fifth week as Daniel's prophecy takes note; in the one hundred and ninety-fourth Olympiad; the seven hundred and fifty-second year from the founding of the city of Rome; the forty-second year of the reign of Octavian Augustus; in the sixth age of the world, all earth being at peace, Jesus Christ, eternal God, Son of the eternal Father, willing to hallow the world by his coming in mercy, was born of the virgin Mary in Bethlehem of Judea. The glory of the Lord has been revealed; And all flesh shall see the salvation of our God. Today is the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, God made flesh. Glory to God in the highest! At this point, all lights in the church are turned on simultaneously and a trumpet fanfare is played, after which follows the Hymn at the Procession. THE FEAST OF THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD Page 4 SAINT JAMES CHURCH, ELCA

5 The Entrance Rite The Holy Spirit gathers us in unity on the first day of the week, the day of Christ s resurrection The stand THE HYMN AT THE PROCESSION THE CHRISTMAS GREETING The Lord be with you. And also with you. Arise, shine, for your light has come, And the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ, the Lord. Glory to God in the highest heaven, And on earth peace among those whom he favors! THE FEAST OF THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD Page 5 SAINT JAMES CHURCH, ELCA

6 THE GLORIA THE SALUTATION AND COLLECT OF THE NATIVITY The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us pray. Almighty God, you made this holy night shine with the brightness of the true Light. Grant that here on earth we may walk in the light of Jesus presence and in the last day wake to the brightness of his glory; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. THE LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE Good news and great joy to all the world: today our savior is born in Bethlehem. O come let us adore him! Let every heart prepare him room! And heaven and nature sing! The Acolyte lights the Christ Candle. A family of the Parish We light this white Christ candle as a visible sign that Jesus Christ is at the center of our lives and at the heart of this church. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead. THE FEAST OF THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD Page 6 SAINT JAMES CHURCH, ELCA

7 The Liturgy of the Word God speaks to us in scripture reading, preaching, and song The sit THE OLD TESTAMENT READING Isaiah 9:2-7 This poem promises deliverance from Assyrian oppression, a hope based on the birth of a royal child with a name full of promise. While Judah's king will practice justice and righteousness, the real basis for faith lies in God's passion for the people: The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this! Lector A reading from Isaiah, the ninth chapter. he people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a T land of deep darkness on them light has shined. 3 You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. 4 For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. 5 For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. 6 For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. Lector The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. THE EPISTLE READING Titus 2:11-14 The appearance of God's grace in Jesus Christ brings salvation for all humanity. Consequently, in the present we live wisely and justly while also anticipating the hope of our Savior's final appearance. Lector A reading from Titus, the second chapter. or the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, 12training us to F renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly, 13while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. 14He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds. Lector The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. THE FEAST OF THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD Page 7 SAINT JAMES CHURCH, ELCA

8 The stand AT THE GOSPEL PROCESSION DIVINUM MYSTERIUM Oh, that birth forever blessed, when the virgin, full of grace, by the Holy Ghost conceiving, bore the Savior of our race, and the babe, the world's redeemer, first revealed his sacred face, evermore and evermore. THE CHRISTMAS GOSPEL Saint Luke 2:1-20 God s greatest gift comes as a baby in a manger. Angels announce the good news of great joy and proclaim God s blessing of peace. Gospeller The Holy Gospel according to Saint Luke, the second chapter. Glory to you, O Lord. n those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world I should be registered. 2 This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 All went to their own towns to be registered. 4Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. 5He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. 8 In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before 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 see I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11 to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger." 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, 14 "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!" 15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us." 16 So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. 17 When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. Gospeller The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ. AT THE GOSPEL PROCESSION This is he whom seers in old time chanted of with one accord, whom the voices of the prophets promised in their faithful word; now he shines, the long-expected; let creation praise its Lord evermore and evermore. DIVINUM MYSTERIUM The sit THE HOMILY The Rev. Dr. Tom Ridenhour THE FEAST OF THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD Page 8 SAINT JAMES CHURCH, ELCA

9 The stand THE APOSTLES CREED God has made us his people through our Baptism into Christ. Living together in trust and hope, we confess our faith. I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. THE FEAST OF THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD Page 9 SAINT JAMES CHURCH, ELCA

10 The kneel or sit as able THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE With all our heart and with all our mind, let us kneel and pray for the church, those in need, and all of God's creation. The sing the following verse two times. Intercessor Intercessor Intercessor Intercessor Intercessor Intercessor The stand Wonderful Counselor, in the fullness of time you became one of us and your wisdom from on high came down to make a home among us. On this holy night, establish and uphold our world with your justice and righteousness. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Mighty God, when the time had been fulfilled, you came down from heaven and became one with your creation by taking on our humanity. On this holy night, enable and empower your church to embrace your beloved humanity in its many and varied expressions. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Everlasting Father, when all was in readiness, you became flesh and blood to heal and redeem the world. On this holy night, may the light of Christ banish the darkness of war and global strife, that the nations may rejoice in your light. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Prince of Peace, at the moment of your birth the night sky rang out with the song of the angels. On this holy night, preserve the earth, sea, and skies, the forests, fish, and fields, that peace on earth might extend to every living creature. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Word of life, on the night of your birth you hallowed all time and all flesh. On this holy night, expand the vision of this faith community to recognize and welcome your holy face in every human being, and acknowledge your sacred fingerprint on every living thing. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. God with us, in every time and place the voices of saints and angels together proclaim the good news of great joy which is for all people. Blend our voices with theirs, and at the last day assemble us all around your heavenly throne to forever sing a joyful song to you. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. God of darkness and silence, you have pierced the quiet of this night by the utterance of your word in our flesh. May our words of praise and petition be strong echoes of your Christmas word, so that all might come to the peace you promise in Jesus, who is Lord and God this night and forever. Amen. THE PEACE The peace of the Lord be with you always. And also with you. The peace that passes all understanding is Christ s gift to us. As brothers and sisters in Christ, we share a gesture of God s peace with one another. THE FEAST OF THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD Page 10 SAINT JAMES CHURCH, ELCA

11 The Liturgy of the Eucharist God feeds us with the presence of Jesus Christ The sit THE PREPARATION OF THE ALTAR AND COLLECTION OF ALMS An offering is gathered for the mission of the church, including the care of those in need. During this time, the table is set. After the offering is gathered, the gifts are brought forward. The pew envelopes marked Special Offering are intended for use in designating offerings beyond regular contributions. Please be sure to write on the envelope to what fund or organization this offering is intended. THE ANTHEM The Parish Choir Deep in the cold of winter, darkness and silence were everywhere; softly and clearly, there came through the stillness a wonderful sound to hear: all bells in paradise I heard them ring, sounding in majesty the news that they bring; all bells in paradise I heard them ring, welcoming our Savior, born on earth a heavenly King. All bells in paradise I heard them ring: Glory to God on high the angel voices sing. Lost in awe and wonder, doubting, I asked what this sign might be: Christ our Messiah revealed in a stable, a marvelous sight to see. All bells in paradise I heard them ring, sounding in majesty the news that they bring; all bells in paradise I heard them ring, welcoming our Savior, born on earth a heavenly King. He comes down in peace, a child in humility, the keys to his kingdom belong to the poor; before him shall kneel the kings with their treasures, gold, incense, and myrrh. All bells in paradise I heard them ring, sounding in majesty the news that they bring; all bells in paradise I heard them ring, welcoming our Savior, born on earth a heavenly King. All bells in paradise I heard them ring: Glory to God on high the angel voices sing, the angel voices sweetly sing. Words and music: John Rutter (b.1945) The stand AT THE PRESENTATION, THE OFFERTORY HYMN THE OFFERTORY PRAYER Let us pray. Merciful God, it would have been enough for you to give us the fruit of the earth by which we live. But in this meal, by your promise, you also give us your self. Use what we have gathered here in feeding the hungry world with your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. THE FEAST OF THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD Page 11 SAINT JAMES CHURCH, ELCA

12 THE SURSUM CORDA The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give God thanks and praise. THE PROPER PREFACE It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. Because you gave Jesus Christ, your only Son, to be born for us; who by the mighty power of the Holy Spirit, was made perfect Man of the flesh of the Virgin Mary his mother; so that we might be delivered from the bondage of sin, and receive power to become your children. Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who for ever sing this hymn of praise to proclaim the glory of your Name: THE SANCTUS AND BENEDICTUS THE EUCHARISTIC PRAYER We give you thanks, O God, for the goodness and love which you have made known to us in creation; in the calling of Israel to be your people; in your Word spoken through the prophets; and above all in the Word made flesh, Jesus, your Son. For in these last days you sent him to be incarnate from the Virgin Mary, to be the Savior and Redeemer of the world. In the night in which he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks; broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take and eat; this is my body, given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me. Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it for all to drink, saying: This cup is the new covenant in my blood, shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin. Do this for the remembrance of me. THE FEAST OF THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD Page 12 SAINT JAMES CHURCH, ELCA

13 The sit THE MEMORIAL ACCLAMATION For as often as we eat of this bread and drink from this cup, we proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again. With this bread and cup we remember your Word dwelling among us, full of grace and truth. We remember our new birth in his death and resurrection. We look with hope for his coming. Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. THE LORD S PRAYER And now as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to pray: 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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen. THE INVITATION TO COMMUNION The Word was made flesh. And dwelt among us. Alleluia, alleluia! The gifts of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God! THE MINISTRATION OF HOLY COMMUNION All baptized Christians are welcome to Holy Communion at Saint James Church. If you desire to receive the Sacrament at the High Altar, please proceed through the Choir to approach the High Altar and kneel at the communion rail for the reception of the Blessed Sacrament. If you desire to receive the Sacrament at the Communion Station located below the pulpit in the Nave, please proceed toward the Chancel steps for the reception of the Blessed Sacrament from the Communion Assistant on the Nave level. THE AGNUS DEI THE FEAST OF THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD Page 13 SAINT JAMES CHURCH, ELCA

14 THE COMMUNION ANTHEM The Parish Choir Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, the little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head. The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay, the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay. The cattle are lowing; the poor baby wakes, but little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes. I love Thee, Lord Jesus! Look down from the sky and stay by my cradle till morning is nigh. Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask thee 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 thee there. Words: Verse 1 and 2, Anonymous, alt.; Verse 3, John T. McFarland ( ) Music: RIDERWOOD; Gerald Custer THE FEAST OF THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD Page 14 SAINT JAMES CHURCH, ELCA

15 THE HYMN AT THE COMMUNION After the choir has communed and returned to their places, verse 1 will be repeated. The stand After all have communed then follows, THE EUCHARISTIC BLESSING The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace. Amen. THE FEAST OF THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD Page 15 SAINT JAMES CHURCH, ELCA

16 THE SERVICE OF LIGHT WITH CANDLE LIGHTING The takes the light from the Christ Candle to the acolytes and assistants who then share the light with the. Please hold the candle upright to avoid dripping the wax. At this point, the Nave goes dark and is illumined by the candlelight. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. Those who dwelt in the land of deep darkness, on them has light shined. We have beheld Christ s glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father. For unto us a child is born, to us a Son is given. In him was life, and the life was the light of man. Let your light scatter the darkness, and illumine your Church. THE COLLECT AT THE CANDLE LIGHTING O God, as you make us glad by the yearly festival of the birth of Your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ, grant that we, who joyfully receive Him as our Redeemer, may with sure confidence behold Him when He comes to be our judge; who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. You are the light of the world. Let your light shine before everyone, that they may see your good works and give praise to your Father in heaven. THE HYMN AT THE CANDLE LIGHTING THE FEAST OF THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD Page 16 SAINT JAMES CHURCH, ELCA

17 The Sending God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world THE POSTCOMMUNION COLLECT Let us pray. Grant, we pray, O Lord our God: that we, who rejoice to celebrate the birth of our redeemer, may follow him in the way of righteousness and by your grace may be made worthy to dwell with him in heaven, who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen. THE CHRISTMAS BLESSING May the Word that Mary brought to birth carry you into new and abundant life. Amen. May the Word that Joseph cradled in his arms enfold you with love and strength. Amen. May the Word that angels proclaimed in song bring harmony to our world. Amen. And the blessing of almighty God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you now and remain with you always. Amen. The Liturgy concludes overleaf. Please feel free to take your Service Leaflet with you. However, if you would prefer to discard your leaflet, please recycle it by placing it in one of the recycling bins which are located by the doors outside the Chapel, by the front doors in the Narthex, outside the Parish Office, or by the back door at the portico entrance. THE FEAST OF THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD Page 17 SAINT JAMES CHURCH, ELCA

18 THE HYMN AT THE PROCESSION THE DISMISSAL Let us go forth in the name of the holy child of Bethlehem: Jesus Christ, our Lord. Thanks be to God! THE CLOSING VOLUNTARY Celtic Toccata on Les nos Anges dans nos campagnes Grimoaldo Macchia (b.1972) The Angels In Our Countryside; Also known as Angels We Have Heard on High THE LITURGY HAS ENDED; THE SERVICE BEGINS! Finally, brethren, farewell. Be complete. Be of good comfort. Be of one mind. Live in peace and the God of love and peace will be with you. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Corinthians 13:11-14 THE ALTAR FLOWERS FOR THIS EVENING S LITURGY The altar flowers for this evening s liturgy are given to the Glory of God and in loving honor of our family by Jo and Don Eng. THE FEAST OF THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD Page 18 SAINT JAMES CHURCH, ELCA

19 Notes From The Liturgy THE FEAST OF THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD Page 19 SAINT JAMES CHURCH, ELCA

20 THE FEAST OF THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD Page 20 SAINT JAMES CHURCH, ELCA