Christmas Eve December 24, 2016 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Emmanuel Lutheran Church York, Nebraska Nativity of Our Lord December 24, 2016 Welcome to Worship on this Christmas Eve. In one sense, it s a simple story. She gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped Him in cloths and placed Him in a manger (Luke 2:7). In another sense, there is a profound mystery here - too great for our small world of knowledge to contain. That s God in the manger, wearing diapers!
That s God, frail, weak and vulnerable, so that some 30 years later, He might die on the cross for our sin. The carol, This Little Babe, by William Southwell conveys this mystery: This little Babe so few days old, Is coming to rile Satan s fold; All he doth at His presence quake, Though He himself for cold do shake. May God, our heavenly Father, bless your worship and fill you with the joy and peace which comes from the Child of Bethlehem. Join us for Worship Christmas Day Service New Year s Eve Communion Service 9:00 am 7:00 pm WELCOME *We are glad you have joined us in praise and worship to our Lord Jesus Christ. If you have questions speak to the pastors or one of the ushers. *If you do not have a church home, please consider us. Call the church office at 402-362-3655. AVAILABLE FOR YOUR USE Restrooms located down the east hallway and to the left Emergency Restroom located in the entry A nursery located in the north basement Ask an usher for hearing devices. ORDER OF SERVICE + PREPARATION + CALL TO WORSHIP.. Ancient Words..(see page 6) OPENING P: Unto us a child is born C: Unto us a son is given P: and the government will be on His shoulders C: And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. P: Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David s throne and over His kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. C: The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. CHRISTMAS MEDLEY Emmanuel (Hallowed Manger Ground).. (see page 7-8) Welcome to our World. (see page 9-10)
PRAYER All: Dearest Jesus, hear our humble prayer on this Christmas Eve, as we gather to celebrate the wonders of Your holy birth. We confess that all the words that we speak and sing to Your glory this night fall far short of the praise we sinners owe You, our God, who left the throne of heaven to appear in lowliness as our Savior. A stable was Your first home, a manger, Your first bed. Yet for our sakes, You endured far deeper humiliation than this: for You came to bear the cross, the shame, the suffering, and even the death, which we sinners deserve for our sins. We thank You for coming here and sharing our human nature, for You did this that we might share Your glory and immortality in heaven. We thank You for Your marvelous love, which made You willing to sacrifice Yourself on the cross for us. We thank You for the joy of our salvation and the privilege of living our lives in You. Receive our praises that flow from our glad and sincere hearts. Amen. RESPONSE.. Joy to the World..#387 FIRST LESSON Genesis 3:1-15 RESPONSE Hark! The Herald Angels Sing Come, desire of nations come, fix in us Thy humble home; Rise, the woman s conquering seed, bruise in us the serpent s head. Adam s likeness now efface; stamp Thine image in its place. Second Adam, from above, reinstate us in Thy love. Hark! The herald angels sing, Glory to the newborn King! Christ, by highest heav n adored, Christ the everlasting Lord, Late in time behold Him come, offspring of a virgin s womb. Veiled in flesh the Godhead see! Hail the incarnate deity! Pleased as man with us to dwell Jesus, our Emmanuel. Hark! The herald angels sing, Glory to the newborn King! Hail the heav n born Prince of Peace! Hail the sun of righteousness! Light and life to all He brings, ris n with healing in His wings. Mild He lays His glory by, born that we no more may die, born to raise each child of earth, born to give us second birth. Hark! The herald angels sing, Glory to the newborn King! SECOND LESSON Isaiah 7:10-14 RESPONSE Of the Father s Love Begotten.#384, v. 1,2,3 THIRD LESSON Micah 5:2-4 RESPONSE.. O Little Town of Bethlehem #361
FOURTH LESSON Luke 1:26-45 RESPONSE What Child is This?.....#370 FIFTH LESSON Matthew 1:18-25 RESPONSE Unto us a child is given; unto us a son is born. Down from glory as our Savior, Christ the eternal loving Lord. Alleluia, alleluia, praise to You who came to earth. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia without end. From the manger You are beaming, hidden in humility. God with us in human likeness, to redeem from sin and death. Alleluia, alleluia, praise to God who sent His Son. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia without end. For the gift of our salvation, hear our heartfelt praises God. By your grace we re heirs of heaven; loved, forgiven by You Lord. Alleluia, alleluia, praise to You, You bless our lives. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia without end. Give us lips to sing Your glory, tongues Your mercy to proclaim throats that shout the hope that fills us, mouths to speak Your holy name. Alleluia, alleluia, on this very Christmas Eve, Fill our songs with alleluias, alleluias without end. SIXTH LESSON Luke 2:1-7 RESPONSE.. Away in a Manger #364 SEVENTH LESSON Luke 2:8-20 RESPONSE O Come, All Ye Faithful.....#379 CHRISTMAS EVE MESSAGE RESPONSE Joy has Dawned...(see page 11) CHRISTMAS TITHES & OFFERINGS FOR THE SAVIOR (Please sign and pass the Friendship pad during the offering) PRAYER/LORD S PRAYER BENEDICTION
P: The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look upon you with His favor and give you peace. C: Amen. RESPONSE Silent Night....#363 POSTLUDE Have a Blessed Christmas!