1 CHRISTMAS EVE COMMUNION SERVICE SAINT PAUL, NORTHVILLE December 24, 2018 10:00pm Fear Not, the Light of Christ is WITH US! AS WE GATHER The angels brought good news of great joy to the shepherds. The Savior is born! We have heard the truth of Christ s birth so many times that we sometimes forget how astounding it is. On Christmas Eve we celebrate the source of our Christian faith God Himself comes to us to save us by grace. And He comes not as a king or a hero. He comes as a fragile, human baby as one of us. All other religions see God as a more distant being who shows you how you might achieve salvation, but only if you are good enough, smart enough, or do enough. Tonight, we rejoice in the Good News that God Himself comes to us as one of us. He comes not so that we can save ourselves, but to save us by grace through faith in the one named Jesus, Immanuel, the Prince of Peace. PRELUDE Noel C. Daquin WELCOME Pastor Christopher Fairbairn RINGING OF THE BELL
2 PROCESSIONAL HYMN O Come, All Ye Faithful INVOCATION In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
3 OPENING SENTENCES Isaiah 9:6 Joy to the world! 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 Women: Wonderful Counselor, Men: Mighty God, Children: Everlasting Father, ALL: Prince of Peace. CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION Isaiah 9:2 In our Christmas joy, let us confess our sins. Mighty God, on this day of celebration, we confess our sin to You. We are by nature sinful. Without Your help, we are powerless to overcome it. We confess our impatience with You and with others, our seeking after worldly passions, and our self-indulgent ways of life. By our sin, we have hurt others, ourselves, and You. We plead with You to forgive our sins for the sake of Christ and to transform our broken lives. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light, and the light shines on them. The grace of God has appeared through the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ, bringing salvation to all people. I, a called servant of Christ, by His authority, forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
4 LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE Advent is past, Christmas has come. We light the Christ Candle to remind us that Jesus said, "I am the light of the world; whoever follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12 We also remember that Simeon called the Christ Child "a light to lighten the Gentiles." Luke 2:32, adapted With candles burning to symbolize the Lord's presence, we worship Him, who is our newborn King. Jesus is born! He is born indeed. Let us rejoice! 366 It Came upon the Midnight Clear
5 Let us pray. God our Father, on this night You sent Your Son into our broken world as a vulnerable infant. Angels glorified You and shepherds rejoiced in Your coming. Draw us together to rejoice tonight in the salvation You freely offer us through a child born in a manger. Bring us like the angels to sing Your glory, like the shepherds to rejoice, and like Mary to keep on pondering the wonder of it all; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. OLD TESTAMENT Isaiah 9:2 7 (The prophet proclaims the birth of Him who sits on David s throne and who will be known as the Prince of Peace.) Reader: 2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. 3 You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder. 4 For as in the day of Midian s defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor. 5 Every warrior s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire.
6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the greatness 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. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. 6 Reader: This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. EPISTLE Titus 2:11 14 (A people zealous for good works) Reader: Reader: 11 For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. 12 And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, 13 while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. 14 He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds. This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
RESPONSE 338 Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus 1 Come, Thou long-expected Jesus, Born to set Thy people free; From our fears and sins release us; Let us find our rest in Thee. Israel s strength and consolation, Hope of all the earth Thou art, Dear desire of ev ry nation, Joy of ev ry longing heart. 7 2 Born Thy people to deliver; Born a child and yet a king! Born to reign in us forever, Now Thy gracious kingdom bring. By Thine own eternal Spirit Rule in all our hearts alone; By Thine all-sufficient merit Raise us to Thy glorious throne. HOLY GOSPEL Luke 2:1 20 (The birth of Jesus) Reader: Reader: In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register. 4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. 8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to 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. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.
8 Reader: Reader: 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests. This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to You, O Christ CREED I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of His Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made; who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate. He suffered and was buried. And the third day He rose again according to the Scriptures and ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of the Father. And He will come again with glory to judge both the living and the dead, whose kingdom will have no end.
9 And I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified, who spoke by the prophets. And I believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church, I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins, and I look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen. (please be seated) CAROL Hark! The Herald Angels Sing 1 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 the_angelic host proclaim, Christ is born in Bethlehem! ref Hark! The herald angels sing, Glory to the newborn King! 3 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 man no more may die, Born to raise the sons of earth, Born to give them second birth. Refrain MESSAGE - Pastor Christopher Fairbairn
10 PRAYER OF THE CHURCH This Christmas Eve, we come before our Lord in prayer rejoicing that for to us a child is born, to us a son is given. To us a Child is born, to us a Son is given! Lord, as we hear the angels words, Fear not, let us take their admonishment to heart. In the face of fears and anxiety, grant us peace in the Savior born for us. O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord! To us a Child is born, to us a Son is given! Lord, during this season of celebration, cheer those who are lonely or mark this season with a painful grief. Give them the true joy that comes from the Savior born for us. O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord! To us a Child is born, to us a Son is given! Lord, You chose Mary and Joseph to care for Your Son. Bless all those with whom You have given the vocation of mother or father, grandmother or grandfather that they care for the children entrusted into their care, sharing with them the Savior born for us. O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord! To us a Child is born, to us a Son is given! Lord, continue to watch over those who suffer in body and spirit. Grant them healing and restoration from their afflictions according to Your gracious will. Give them peace in their affliction through the Savior born for us. O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord! 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. Amen.
OFFERING OF OUR TITHES AND GIFTS 11 We invite you to fill out our Friendship Card during the offering which is found on the back of the pew. Please pass your card to the center aisle and leave in pew. At the Offering Gesu Bambino P. Yon Kylie Kreucher, soprano The Lord be with you. 2 Timothy 4:22 And also with you. Lift up your hearts. Colossians 3:1 We lift them to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. Psalm 136:1 It is right to give Him thanks and praise. LORD'S PRAYER 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. WORDS OF INSTITUTION The peace of the Lord be with you always. John 20:19 Amen. Please see our communion policy stated on the inside front cover.
12 THE DISTRIBUTION OF HOLY COMMUNION COMMUNION WINE: For those who may not be able to take regular wine, we offer non-alcoholic wine. The non-alcoholic wine is the light colored wine in the center of the communion tray. O Holy Night Kylie Kreucher A. Adam O Little Town of Bethlehem
386 Now Sing We, Now Rejoice 13
14 376 Once in Royal David's City 5 Not in that poor, lowly stable With the oxen standing by Shall we see Him, but in heaven, Set at God s right hand on high. Then like stars His children, crowned, All in white, His praise will sound!
15 THE BLESSING OF THE COMMUNICANTS O God, You make this most holy night shine with the brightness of Your holy light. Grant that we know the mysteries of that light on earth and that we also come to the fullness of His joys in heaven; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. [Pastor will light the candles of ushers, who light the candles of people sitting by the aisles, who in turn light those next to them, tipping unlit candles toward lit ones. Lights will be dimmed as the candlelight increases.] Silent Night, Holy Night [PLEASE EXTINGUISH ALL CANDLES AND PLACE THEM ON THE TABLE AS YOU LEAVE THE CHURCH]
16 BENEDICTION Rejoice, for the grace of God has appeared! God has stirred up the power of joy! Christ is born! 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 favor and give you peace. Amen. 387 Joy to the World POSTLUDE Antioch H. Gehrke PLEASE JOIN US FOR WORSHIP TOMORROW AT 10:00AM ON CHRISTMAS DAY!