THE SERVICE OF LESSONS AND CAROLS FOR CHRISTMAS EVE

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2 THE SERVICE OF LESSONS AND CAROLS FOR CHRISTMAS EVE December 24, :00 p.m. * All who are able may stand Congregation reads aloud the bold print PRELUDE Chris Braddock guitar What Songs Were Sung Bettye Shirar mezzo soprano INTROIT O Come, O Come Emmanuel 9 th Century Plainsong Chancel Choir LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLES AND THE CHRIST CANDLE *CALL TO WORSHIP Darkness and stillness on a clear night; Unsuspecting shepherds huddle against the cold. A night like so many other nights; A night just like tonight, When stars may stray from their course And carols echo in the heavens; When our hearts sense something And our bodies tingle with expectation. It could happen again; It is happening now; Tonight and every night, When hearts are open and spirits are ready. We come to Bethlehem, once again! Rev. Kathie S. Pownall *PROCESSIONAL CAROL O Come, All Ye Faithful NO. 133, vs. 1 & 3 CHRISTMAS PRAYER Rev. Elizabeth Lyman

3 PRAYER OF CONFESSION AND RECONCILIATION Blessed are those who believe what the Lord has spoken to them. Therefore, let us come before the Lord with our prayers of confession and reconciliation. Let us pray; God of grace and glory, illumine our lives this night. Too often, we have lost sight of your guiding star we have been far to harried this month; we have forgotten the message of peace, hope, joy, and love born this beautiful night; we have neglected our relationship with you, which draws us to this place; we have neglected our relationships with others, which nurture and strengthen us. Forgive us, we pray when we walk in darkness; when we no longer reflect your light and your glory. Bathed in glorious light, inspire us to live lives of love and joy. Stir our hearts to return to you, through the wondrous gift of Christ born in us anew each day. Amen. (Time of silent confession) ASSURANCE OF PARDON As we receive God s grace and mercy, we are reminded of angels and shepherds and the words of comfort and joy: Do not be afraid: for see I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a savior who is the Messiah, the Lord. In Christ, we have received grace upon grace. In Christ, salvation is available to all. Praise to God, for in Christ we are forgiven! *PASSING OF THE PEACE Children of light, share this joyous news with one another! Love has come! Grace is ours! Christ is born this night! And may the Peace of Christ be with all of you! And also with you! (We greet each other: The peace of Christ be with you. ) *RESPONSE OF PRAISE Angels We Have Heard on High NO. 113, v. 3 Come to Bethlehem and see Him whose birth the angels sing; Come, adore on bended knee Christ, the Lord, the newborn King. Gloria in excelsis Deo; Gloria in excelsis Deo.

4 SERVICE OF LESSONS AND CAROLS ANTHEM In the Bleak Midwinter Harold Darke Chancel Choir, Chip Hazel soloist, Chris Braddock guitar THE BIDDING PRAYER AND THE LORD S PRAYER *CAROL O Little Town of Bethlehem NO. 121, vs. 1 & 4 THE FIRST LESSON Luke 1:26-35, 38 Cynthia Miller The Angel Gabriel visits the Virgin Mary. CAROL Born in the Night, Mary s Child NO. 158 THE SECOND LESSON Matthew 1:18-21 Jan Moore OFFERING OF OURSELVES AND OUR GIFTS St. Matthew tells the birth of Jesus. OFFERTORY Sussex Carol arr. Elaine Hagenberg Chancel Choir (The congregation is invited to sing see HYMN NO. 112.) v. 1 high voices v. 2 low voices v. 3 choir v. 4 all *PRESENTATION HYMN In the Bleak Midwinter NO. 144, v. 4 What can I give him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb. If I were a wise man, I would do my part. Yet what I can I give him: give my heart. *PRAYER OF DEDICATION On this Christmas night, we offer ourselves and our gratitude in remembrance for your gracious presence in our lives and in our world. Be born in us anew and shine your light through these gifts we now bring. Surround us with your glory, that we, like shepherds long ago, might sing your praises and reveal your grace in all that we say and in all that we do. Amen.

5 THE THIRD LESSON Luke 2:1-6 Carol Haas In Bethlehem, Mary gives birth to her firstborn son, Jesus. MEDITATION No Man s Land Rev. Elizabeth Lyman SOLO Christmas in the Trenches John McCutcheon THE FOURTH LESSON Luke 2:8-14 Carol Lind Shepherds are visited by God s messengers. CAROL Hark! The Herald Angels Sing NO. 119 THE FIFTH LESSON Luke 2:15-20 Rev. Kathie Pownall The shepherds visit the manger. *CAROL Joy to the World NO. 134 SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION INVITATION TO THE TABLE THE GREAT THANKSGIVING God of light, in whom there is no shadow, your gifts to us are from the very beginning of time. They began with creation, when your Spirit gave form to the chaos of energy and matter, and when your word brought forth light on the face of the earth. They continued with our ancient ancestors, like Noah, whom you blessed with the colorful promise of the rainbow. And like Sarah and Abraham, whom you blessed with a child whose descendants, as many as the stars of the sky, were to be a light to the nations. In the desert, you gave the gifts of manna and of living water to the weary pilgrims whom you led with a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. At last, you sent your light into the world in the form of a tiny child, fragile and vulnerable, who grew to be the very Light of Light, full of grace and truth, revealing your glory on earth. (cont d)

6 We thank you, O God, that you have sent Jesus Christ to bring life and immortality to light. Help us to receive your gifts with joy and humility: as we receive this bread and cup, may we open our hearts to receive your love and grace in Jesus Christ, and receive the love and support of one another. Be born among us, that we may give Christ s love to the world, through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. Amen. WORDS OF INSTITUTION SHARING THE MEAL (The elements of bread or gluten-free crackers and unfermented juice will be served today in the front of the Sanctuary. Please leave your pew by the center aisle and return via the side aisles.) COMMUNION MUSIC Pie Jesu Andrew Lloyd Weber Carol Lind, Bettye Shirar soloists PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION (The Canticle of Simeon) Having travelled to Bethlehem together and having beheld the child, born a king, let us pray using the words of Simeon, a righteous and devout man who looked forward to the consolation of Israel and who beheld his coming: Lord, let your servants now depart in peace, according to your word; for our eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light to lighten the Gentiles and the glory of your people Israel. *SHARING OF THE LIGHT OF CHRIST A candle will be lit from the Christ Candle and spread throughout the church by lighting the candle of the first person in each pew. That person will in turn light the candle of his or her neighbor as we share the light of Christ that has come into the world. Please always dip the unlighted candle into the lighted one. *HYMN NO. 122 Silent Night, Holy Night vs. 1-3 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!

7 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. *BENEDICTION POSTLUDE Chris Braddock, guitar Please extinguish all candles before exiting. You are urged to take your candle home as a reminder that the darkness never overcomes the light. Welcome visitors! We are glad that you have chosen to join us this evening for our joyful celebration of Christ s birth. We hope that you will visit again in the new year for Sunday morning worship and fellowship. We encourage everyone to visit Concord s website for additional information about our schedule, activities, and community outreach. Assisting in the service of worship are: Deacon-in-Charge: Paul Pringle Ushers: Aggie Pringle, Melanie Slezak Communion Servers: Gayle Hazel, Christopher Hazel, Jan Moore Sound & Lighting: Bob Brown EPIPHANY SERVICE Sunday, December 30 10:30am in the Sanctuary Guest preacher Rev. Kathie S. Pownall Called to Christmas Call of The Wise If you have ever felt clueless when called to do something you were unsure about, you may identify with these not-so-wise men. (No Sunday School classes)

8 MANY THANKS TO ALL WHO CONTRIBUTED TO THE CHRISTMAS FLOWER FUND. YOU HAVE HELPED TO SPREAD THE JOY OF THE SEASON BY ENABLING OUR FLOWER GUILD TO DECORATE THE SANCTUARY AND CHURCH DOORS FOR THE HOLIDAYS. MERRY CHRISTMAS! Richard & Peggy Carter in memory of our parents In memory of loved ones by Jo Ann Cipolla Sally Coulson in memory of my husband Jim Coulson Lucy Dunn in loving memory of my parents Edith & Richard Dunn and my brother-in-law David Collins With thanks for Elizabeth s ministry amongst us from Don & Gail Greene Susan & George Hofmann Alan & Kay Jewett in loving memory of Alan s parents, Mel & Janet Jewett, and Kay s father, Paul Lynam Marj Johnson in remembrance of refugees around the world Steve Longacre & family in memory of his dad, Sherman (Jim) Longacre, and Robert Klippel, Robert Sproul, and Ralph Gerrick Dottie & Al Lund in memory of Dottie s parents Mary Maxine & Dorris Ruark In memory of Dick Polleck by Connie Polleck The Rudolphs in memory of Samuel F. Rudolph, Jr. and John W. Runkle June Tshudy in memory of my husband Harry Tshudy & loved ones Daniel Voelker in loving memory of my wife Hildegard In memory of Arnold Studer by Steve & Raven Studer CONCORD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 1800 FAIRFAX BOULEVARD WILMINGTON, DELAWARE (302) info@concordpc.org The Rev. Elizabeth Lyman elizabeth.lyman@concordpc.org The Rev. Kathie S. Pownall, Pastoral Care kspownallkathie@aol.com Christina Pressley, Director of Children s & Youth Ministries christina.pressley@concordpc.org Matthew Pressley, Minister of Music matthew.pressley@concordpc.org