Christmas Eve Candlelight Service December 24, 2016

Transcription

1 Christmas Eve Candlelight Service December 24, 2016 Saint James Evangelical Lutheran Church 460 West Annapolis Street - West Saint Paul, MN Church Office: (651) Fax: (651) stjlc@saintjameslutheran.com Visit our web site: Pastor Michael Albrecht malbrecht@saintjameslutheran.com Pastor Dale Critchley dcritchley@saintjameslutheran.com Terese Thune Youth Director tthune@saintjameslutheran.com Pastor Ralph Rokke rrokke@saintjameslutheran.com Pastor Richard Stadler rstadler@saintjameslutheran.com Shirley Hess Parish Nurse pnstjlc@saintjameslutheran.com

2 WELCOME TO WORSHIP! Christmas Eve The Nativity of Our Lord December 24, 2016 Cover art by Jeanne Van The original is hanging in the Fireside Room. PREPARING FOR WORSHIP You are invited to ponder Martin Luther s Christmas hymn, From Heaven Above to Earth I Come (Christian Worship #38) We long to be home for Christmas, because this is a time for family and faith and laughter and love. When you can t be home for Christmas, do you take it personally? No matter where you are, and no matter how you happen to be feeling, the message of the Christmas angel is intended for you: I bring you good news of great joy. Unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. GUESTS AND VISITORS, we are delighted that you are worshiping with us today! Please take a moment to fill out a Welcome, Guest card which is available in the pew racks and place it in the offering. For every guest who completes this form, Saint James will donate $5 to the Neighbor s Food Shelf. Also, stop by the Visitor Welcome Center as you leave and pick up a small gift. Thank you for coming, and please come back and visit again soon. You are always welcome here at Saint James. THE NURSERY is not staffed but is available for parents who have young children who become noisy or restless during the service. We are thankful for families who teach their children to worship by bringing them to church. When your little ones become noisy, feel free to take them to the narthex or the nursery to settle them down. The service can be seen and heard on TV in both locations. THE ORDER OF SERVICE ORGAN PRELUDE: (1:30) Beautiful Savior... Charles W. Ore What Child Is This Richard Purvis La Nativité Jean Langlais (La Crêche - Les Anges - Les Bergers - La Sainte Famille) SAINT JAMES HANDBELLS: (4:00) Christmas Bell Rejoicing It Came Upon a Midnight Clear God Rest Ye Merry Silent Night Ryan... Kinyon Dobrinski Moklebust OPENING HYMN: Christian Worship #50 Once in Royal David s City Stanza 1: Hannah Critchley, soloist Stanzas 2-4: Congregation Those able, please stand PASTORAL GREETING Pastor Albrecht INVOCATION P: God gathers His baptized children in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. C: (sing) Amen. 2

3 P: The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. O come, let us worship Him. CHRISTMAS CAROL: Christian Worship #55 Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful OLD TESTAMENT READING: Isaiah 9:2-7 2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. 3 You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil. 4 For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. 5 For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire. 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. Please be seated Two chapters before this God gave wicked King Ahaz the promise that the virgin would bear a Son who will be Immanuel. Now we hear that the virgin s Son will be Mighty God and Prince of Peace. Reading Response P: This is the Word of the Lord. C: Thanks be to God! SAINT JAMES CHOIR: The Yearning Craig Courtney There is a yearning in hearts weighed down by ancient grief and centuries of sorrow. There is a yearning in hearts that in the darkness hide and in the shades of death abide, a yearning for tomorrow. There is a yearning for the promised One, the Firstborn of creation. There is a yearning for the Lord who visited His own, and by His death for sin atoned, to bring to us salvation. Emmanuel, within our hearts the yearning. There is a yearning that fills the hearts of those who wait the day of His appearing. There is a yearning when all our sorrows are erased and we shall see the One who placed within our hearts the yearning. Emmanuel, within our hearts the yearning. ~ Words by Susan Bentall Boersma 3

4 CHRISTMAS CAROL: Christian Worship #35 stanzas 1-3 Of the Father s Love Begotten At Christmas the grace of God arrived to save all of us from our inborn sinful passions, and to make us His holy people. EPISTLE READING: Titus 2: For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live selfcontrolled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. Reading Response P: This is the Word of the Lord. C: Thanks be to God! CHRISTMAS CAROL: Christian Worship #65 stanzas 1 & 3 O Little Town of Bethlehem Those able, please stand The journey to Bethlehem and the Christmas angels combine to bring good news to the shepherds. CHRISTMAS EVE GOSPEL: Luke 2:1-14 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. 2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. 8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, 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, And on earth peace, Good will toward men. 4

5 CAROL: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing 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 th angelic host proclaim, Christ is born in Bethlehem! Hark! The herald angels sing, Glory to the newborn King! Please be seated 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 th incarnate Deity! Pleased as Man with man to dwell, Jesus, our Immanuel! Hark! The herald angels sing, Glory to the newborn King! Hail, the heavenly 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! CHRISTMAS EVE GOSPEL: Luke 2: And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. 16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. 18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. Those able, please stand The shepherds bring good news to many other people. Gospel Response P: This is the Gospel of the Lord. C: Praise to You, O Christ! SAINT JAMES CHOIR: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel Pearson Please be seated 5

6 CHRISTMAS CAROL: Before the Marvel of This Night All rights reserved. Reprinted under OneLicense.net A CHRISTMAS CREED: Martin Luther s Explanation of the Second Article I believe that Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of the Father from 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 sufferings 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. CHRISTMAS CAROL: Christian Worship #38 stanzas 1, 2, 4 From Heaven Above to Earth I Come 6

7 SERMON: Text: Luke 2:10-12 Title: You Can Take This Personally RESPONSE TO THE SERMON: Christian Worship #38 stanzas From Heaven Above to Earth I Come Those able, please stand OFFERING: We express our gratitude to God for the gift of His Son. OFFERTORY: Organ: (1:30) The Fifers J. Francis d Andrieu Please be seated Give online at give.4gvn.us Saint James Handbells: (4:00) Angels and Shepherds Lamb HYMN OF REDEDICATION: Christian Worship #67 stanza 3 So Bring Him Incense, Gold, and Myrrh SAINT JAMES CHOIR: Beautiful Star of Bethlehem Boyce/Fettke CHRISTMAS EVE COLLECT: P: O God, because You once caused this holy night to shine with the brightness of the true Light, grant that we who have known on earth the wonder of that Light may also behold Him in all His glory in the life to come; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. C: (sing) Amen. LIGHTING THE CHRIST CANDLE: In the midst of silence, she brings forth the Word. In the midst of darkness, she gives birth to Light. Many ages after the world was created, when God, in the beginning, formed the heavens and the earth; long after the great Flood; some two thousand years after the birth of Abraham; fifteen centuries after Moses and the passing over of Israel; a thousand years after 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 Octavian Augustus rule; in the sixth age of the world, all the earth being at PEACE, JESUS CHRIST, Eternal God, Son of the Father, willing to hallow the world by His coming in mercy, was born of the Virgin Mary in Bethlehem of Judah, GOD MADE FLESH. During the Advent season, we have lit the Prophecy Candle, the Bethlehem Candle, the Shepherds Candle and finally the Angels Candle. Today, as a member of this year s confirmation class lights the center white candle, the Christ Candle, we commemorate the birth of the Baby born in Bethlehem to be the Light of the world and the Savior of the world. 7

8 After singing the first stanza in English, you are invited to sing the German stanza before we sing stanzas 2 and 3 in English. Thank you to the Altar Guild and Volunteers for decorating the Sanctuary. THANK YOU to Mike Krikava, Bob Bahls, Steve Lehman, Ken Christiansen, Roger Schmidt, Dick Miller, who harvested the trees, transported them and hauled them into the church, assisted by Bill Grabuski. Assisting with the installation of the trees: Don Rosvold, supervising and technical support, Ken Noack, Roger Schmidt, Marty Levine, Dick Miller, Bill Grabuski Project Manager, John Fahey Thank you to the Saint James family who donated the two Christmas trees for our chancel. You are invited to return CHRISTMAS DAY FESTIVAL SERVICE 10:30 a.m. tomorrow with Holy Communion Pastor Rokke preaching Welcome, Prince of Peace! CHRISTMAS CAROL: Christian Worship #60 Silent Night! Holy Night! Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht! Alles schlaeft, einsam wacht Nur das traute, heilige Paar. Holder Knabe im lokkigen Haar, Schlaf in himmlischer Ruh, Schlaf in himmlischer Ruh. PRAYER FOR PEACE P: O God, from whom all holy desires, all good counsels and all just works do proceed, give unto Your servants that peace which the world cannot give, that our hearts may be set to obey Your commandments, and also that we, being defended by You from the fear of our enemies, may pass our time in rest and quietness, through the merits of Jesus Christ, our Savior, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. C: (sing) Amen. INTERCESSORY PRAYER SAINT JAMES CHOIR: Riu, Riu, Chiu Greenberg LORD S PRAYER BENEDICTION P: Go forth into the world in peace; be of good courage; hold fast that which is good; render to no one evil for evil; strengthen the fainthearted; support the weak; help the afflicted; honor all people; love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit. And the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you forever. C: (sing) Amen. Amen. Amen. CLOSING CAROL: Christian Worship #57 Go, Tell It on the Mountain ORGAN POSTLUDE: Noel Louis Claude Daquin SERVING IN OUR WORSHIP TODAY Pastor Michael Albrecht (preaching) Pastor Ralph Rokke Pastor Dale Critchley Organist: Tom Rowland Acolyte: (1:30) Grace Bluhm (4:00) Bryce Hadlich Ushers: (1:30) Len Bohrer, Steve & Kathy Lehmann, Bob Leverton (4:00) John Atvars, Dave Miller, Jerry Peterson, Judy Score Audio Video Team: Hannah Critchley, Sharon Ferrara, Glenn & Wendy Gatzke, Jerry Hinz, Becky Martinez, Len & Diane Munson, Jerry Peterson, Lorna Redding, Leif Thune and Gil Ude Screen Slide Production: Ami Heesch 8