MT. TABOR LUTHERAN CHURCH. The Nativity of Our Lord 7:00 P.M. December 24, 2018

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1 MT. TABOR LUTHERAN CHURCH The Nativity of Our Lord 7:00 P.M. December 24, 2018

2 Mt. Tabor Lutheran Church 1000 B Avenue, West Columbia, South Carolina Phone: (803) Fax: (803) Gathering, Serving, Spreading Communion. Normally, com munion is celebrated with wine and bread; however, those with allergies may choose to receive communion in one kind either bread or wine. Either is an acceptable practice. Grape juice is also available. Candles & Holders. W e ask that you handle the individual candles with great care. Please give the candles/holders to the ushers or put them in the boxes on your way out. Altar Flowers. T he A ltar Flowers are given to the glory of God in loving m emory of M r. & Mrs. C.K. Wise and Delores Hutchinson by the Carroll Hutchinson & Robert Wise Families. Bulletin Covers. T he Bulletin Covers are given to the glory of God in mem ory of John S. Timmerman by Penny Timmerman. Church Office. T he Church Office will be closed December 25th & 26th and January 1st. May God bless and keep you in this Holy Christmas Season and throughout the New Year. Staff Reverend Wade T. Roof, III, Senior Pastor Reverend Emily Willhide, Pastor of Faith Formation Reverend Rus Stilwell, Pastor of Visitation Ms. Sharon Witherell, Director of Music/Organist Luke Delason, Seminarian

3 CANDLELIGHT SERVICE OF HOLY COMMUNION The Nativity of Our Lord, Setting Four Monday, December 24, :00 p.m. INTRODUCTION 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. What Child is This? Joy to the World Carol of the Bells Love Has Come He Is Born Oh Little Town of Bethlehem It Came Upon the Midnight Clear Silent Night Breath of Heaven Prelude Selections Emily Hutto, piano Jack Fisher, piano Transfigure Ringers Callie Fisher, piano Leah Conrad, soprano English Carol N. Faber M. Leontovich French Carol Sandra Eithun Linda Lamb Franz Gruber Lloyd Larson Carols of Christmas String Ensemble CANDLE LIGHTING: EMMANUEL (Choir) Of the Father s love begotten, ere the world began to be, He is Alpha and Omega, He the source, the ending He. (REFRAIN) RESPONSIVE LITANY Tonight, we conclude our Advent journey as we light the Christ Candle, welcoming the one promised in scripture. He is called Emmanuel: God with us!

4 We celebrate the hope brought to earth by our Wonderful Counselor. He is called Emmanuel: God with us! We sing of peace on earth and good will to all people. He is called Emmanuel: God with us! We rejoice in the strength and power of a Mighty God. He is called Emmanuel: God with us! And we lift our hearts in praise to our Everlasting Father. He is called Emmanuel: God with us! Joy to the world, the Lord has come! Tonight we light the candles of hope, peace, joy and love as we celebrate the birth of Christ. As the light from these candles fills the room, we light the Christ Candle, welcoming the newborn King: Emmanuel, God with us, Jesus the Christ child. (Choir) Let the heights of heaven adore him; angel hosts his praises sing: powers, dominions, bow before him, and extol our God and King. (REFRAIN) (Choir) Evermore and evermore, Emmanuel. Let us pray: Gracious God, throughout this Advent season we have come to know you by many names. Tonight we celebrate your birth and thank you for being our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. Remind us that no matter where we are, or where we have been, you are with us. We gather in the glory of this night to welcome you as Jesus, Emmanuel, God with us. We pray this in the name of Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen. GATHERING SONG Joy to the World Hymn 267 GREETING The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, Word made flesh, born of Mary, be with you all. And also with you. CANTICLE OF PRAISE Christmastime Lloyd Larson PRAYER OF THE DAY 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. HANDBELL VOLUNTARY Go, Tell It on the Mountain Joel Raney

5 FIRST 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! 2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a 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. The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. ANTHEM All is Well Ron Huff SECOND 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. 11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, 12 training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. 14 He 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. The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. GOSPEL PROCESSIONAL (verse 1) Angels We Have Heard on High Hymn 289 GOSPEL Luke 2:1 20 The holy gospel according to Luke Glory to you, O Lord. 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 In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 All went

6 to their own towns to be registered. 4 Joseph 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. 5 He 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. The gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ. GOSPEL PROCESSIONAL (verse 2) Angels We Have Heard on High Hymn 289 SERMON Pastor Wade Roof HYMN OF THE DAY Hark! The Herald Angels Sing Hymn 270 NICENE CREED God has sent his Son to be our Way, our Truth and our Life. Living together in trust and hope, we confess our faith. We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father; through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary and became truly human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.

7 We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen. PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer. PEACE The peace of Christ be with you always. And also with you. OFFERING ANTHEM Night of Silence John Ferguson OFFERTORY HYMN (verse 1) What Child Is This Hymn 296 OFFERING PRAYER Let us pray. Holy God, your beauty shines forth from the manger and your love flows from the cross. As you gather us around these signs of your love come among us, warm us to extend your care among the hungry and all in need. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. CONGREGATIONAL SONG (verse 1) Love Has Come Hymn 292 THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE 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. CONGREGATIONAL SONG (verse 2) Love Has Come Hymn 292 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. CONGREGATIONAL SONG (verse 3) Love Has Come Hymn 292 LORD'S PRAYER Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done,

8 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. INVITATION TO COMMUNION The gifts of God for the people of God. Welcome to the Lord s table. COMMUNION COMMUNION SONG p. 154 Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us. Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us. Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; grant us peace, grant us peace. ANTHEM Do You Hear What I Hear? Harry Simeone HYMNS DURING COMMUNION O Little Town of Bethlehem Hymn 279 Good Christian Friends, Rejoice Hymn 288 Away in a Manger Hymn 277 It Came upon the Midnight Clear Hymn 282 PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION Let us pray. Radiant God, with our eyes we have seen your salvation, and in this meal we have feasted on your grace. May your Word take flesh in us, that we may be your holy people, revealing your glory made known to us in Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. THE LIGHTING OF CANDLES Those leading worship will bring the light of Christ to the person on the inside of each pew. After all have received the flame, the choir will lead us in the singing of Silent Night, Holy Night. CANDLELIGHTING HYMN Silent Night, Holy Night! Hymn 281 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 dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus Lord, at Thy birth. Jesus Lord, at Thy birth.

9 BLESSING May your days be blessed by moments of quietness, light in your darkness, strength in your weakness, grace in your meekness, joy in your gladness, and peace in your stillness. May your Christmas day be blessed in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. DISMISSAL Go in Peace! Proclaim the good news of the Christ child born for us. Thanks be to God. Greeters Acolyte Crucifer Bible Bearer Banner Bearer Torch Bearers Ushers Worship Assistants Pastor Rus & Barbara Stilwell, Janet Smith Jensen Redmond Cooper Redmond Hannah Vallejo Christian Hall Christian Vallejo, Owen Plane Tommy Smith, Ed Fuson, Foster McLeod, Travis Spainhour, Joe Vasquez Communion Assistants Lectors Worship Assistant Miley Rhodes, Adam Davis, Alexis Spainhour Mary Davis, Kendrick Kerr Natalie Cook Musicians Youth Choir, Adult Choir, Mt. Tabor Ringers, Seraph Singers, Laura Moye, violin; Scott and Sam Herring, percussion; Kristen Kirby, cello; Tyler Henderson, viola; Amy Evers, violin

10 The Advent Wreaths are given to the Glory of God: In memory of Thomas Hazlett Stork, Jr., who passed away December 7, 1996, and in honor of Charlotte Jeffcoat on her birthday, November 28, by Tom & Carol Stork. In memory of Virgil & June Byrd by Lynda Mason and Bruce & Vicki McFarland. In memory of David Mattern by Sharon Mattern. In memory of Mom & Dad, Aunt Eunice, and Uncle Everette by Rachel Bundrick. The Door Wreaths are given to the Glory of God: In memory of Rudy & Becky Jones by Larry & Jolene Marchant. In memory of Rudy & Becky Jones by The Eptings Charles, Mitzi, Will, Drew & Cole. In memory of Robert & Barbara McLeod by Bobby & Gale McLeod. In memory of Linda Vallejo by The Cousins Club Owen, Christian, Hannah & Bennett. In memory of Lauren Creasman by Carolyn Creasman. In honor of Garrett, Michelle & Anna Creasman by Carolyn Creasman. The Greenery is given to the Glory of God: In memory of Jarvis & Arlene Klapman and Linda Vallejo by Tom & Janet Smith. In honor of the Pastors and Staff of Mt. Tabor by Penny Timmerman. In honor of the Augsburg Sunday School Class by Penny Timmerman. In honor of Kim, Ed, Frazier, Cooper & Jensen Redmond and Eric & Natalie Smith by Tom & Janet Smith. The Poinsettias are given to the Glory of God: In memory of Cathy Sox by Mary Sox. In memory of Lauren Creasman by Erica Collum. In memory of Jeanette Wilson by Carolyn Creasman. In memory of Helen R. Culpepper by Laurie Culpepper. In memory of A.J. Culpepper by Laurie Culpepper. In memory of Carl W. Harmon by Elise M. Harmon. In memory of Ira & Lois Shealy by Nancy Allen. In memory of Cathy Sox by Chris & Kayla Sox. In memory of Mama Becky & Daddy Rudy Jones by Jeannie, Drew, Drewbe & Becca McQuillen. In memory of Linda Vallejo by Fred Vallejo. In memory of Jarvis & Arlene Klapman, Horry & Nancy Wessinger, and Linda Vallejo by Randy & Elizabeth Klapman.

11 In memory of David Mattern by Sharon Mattern. In memory of Wayne Mattern by Sharon Mattern. In memory of Linda Vallejo by Sharon Mattern. In memory of Eldon & Florence Shealey by Bob & Betty Wise. In memory of Mr. & Mrs. C.K. Wise by Bob & Betty Wise. In memory of Mr. & Mrs. E.C. Monts by Bob & Betty Wise. In honor of The Bobby McLeod Family by Bob & Betty Wise. In honor of The Allen Wise Family by Bob & Betty Wise. In honor of Sarah Mattern by Sharon Mattern. In honor of Julie Epting by Sharon Mattern. In honor of his grandchildren Owen, Christian, Hannah, and Bennett by Fred Vallejo. In honor of Thomas Shealy for his baptism on December 23 by Grandma Shealy. In honor of Foster & Debbie McLeod by Michael & David Cook. In honor of Murray & Pam Hoskins by Natalie Cook. In honor of the Friends and Followers Sunday School Class by Mike & Christie Cook. In honor of Foster & Debbie McLeod for taking such good care of and loving Mama Mert by Randy, Lynn, Kert, Jerod & Heath. In honor of Brandon, Megan, & James Sluder by Ellis & Tammy Quarles. In honor of Ashley Quarles by Ellis & Tammy Quarles. In honor of Bob & Raye Livingston from The Floras, Livingstons, Sippels, Popkowskis, Bryants, Morrises, & Riches. In honor of Bob & Barbara Livingston from The Floras, Livingstons, Sippels, Popkowskis, Bryants, Morrises, & Riches.

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