Welcome to New Hope! December 24, 2018 Christmas Eve Sand Creek 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. 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. + Please, no applause during tonights worship service. + PRELUDE CALL TO WORSHIP Once, in David s Royal City 1
CHRISTMAS LITANY Leader: Our Savior s birth is celebrated with bold faith. All: May our hearts be willing. Leader:: Like Mary, who showed humble surrender: All: May our hearts be willing. Leader:: Like Joseph, who exhibited unconditional trust: All: May our hearts be willing. Leader:: Like the shepherds, who displayed awestruck wonder: All: May our hearts be willing. Leader:: Like the angels, who sang glorious praise: All: May our hearts be willing. Leader:: For all who are willing to receive the gift of the Savior born in Bethlehem: All: Grant that we might have the peace of Christ as we wait, the love of Christ as we act, and the grace of Christ as we speak. + Please stand as you are able. + HYMN O Come, All Ye Faithful 1. O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant! O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem; come and behold him, born the king of angels: Refrain: O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord! 2 Men/boys: The highest, most holy, light of light eternal, born of a virgin, a mortal he comes; Son of the Father now in flesh appearing! Refrain 3 Women/girls: Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation, sing, all ye citizens of heaven above! Glory to God in the highest: Refrain 4 Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born this happy morning; Jesus, to thee be glory giv'n! Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing: Refrain 2
PRAYER OF THE DAY All: Almighty God, you made this holy night shine with the brightness of the true Light. Grand 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. Amen. + Please be seated. + CHOIR ANTHEM O, Holy Night OLD TESTAMENT READING: Isaiah 9:2-7 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. 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. 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. For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. 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. 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. 3
CAROL First verse in Norwegian: I Am So Glad Each Christmas Eve Jeg er så glad hver julekveld, ti da blev Jesus født; da lyste stjernen som en sol, og engler sang så sødt. All: I am so glad each Christmas Eve, the night of Jesus birth! Then like the sun the star shone forth, and angels sang on earth. Women/girls: The little child in Bethlehem, he was a king indeed! For he came down from heav n above to help a world in need. Men/boys: He dwells again in heaven s realm, the Son of God today; and still he loves his little ones and hears them when they pray. All: And so I love each Christmas Eve, and I love Jesus too; and that he loves me ev ry day I know so well is true. NEW TESTAMENT 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. The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are selfcontrolled, upright, and godly, while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. 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. Reader: All: Word of God. Word of Life. Thanks be to God. 4
CHILDREN S TIME SONG Ave Maria Carol McDowall + Please stand for a reading from the life of Jesus Christ + Gospel: Luke 2:1-14 [15-20] In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3All went to their own towns to be registered. 4Joseph 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. 5He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 7And 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. 8In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid; for see I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger. 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest heaven, 5
Leader: The Gospel of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God. and on earth peace among those whom he favors! 15When 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. 16So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. 17When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. 19But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. + Please be seated. + HOMILY Pastor Michael D. Sparby OFFERINGS will be received as we sing the Carol CAROL Angels We Have Heard On High Angels we have heard on high, Sweetly singing o er the plains, And the mountains in reply, Echoing their joyous strains. Glor ia in excelsis Deo; Glor ia in excelsis Deo. 6
Shepherds, why this jubilee? Why your joyous strains prolong? What the gladsome tidings be Which inspire your head n y song? Glor ia in excelsis Deo; Glor ia in excelsis Deo. Come to Bethlehem and see Him whose birth the angels sing; Come, adore on bended knee, Christ the Lord, the newborn king. Glor ia in excelsis Deo; Glor ia in excelsis Deo. OFFERING PRAYER All: 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. GREAT THANKSGIVING (Sung) Green hymnal pages 68-69 Pastor: The Lord be with you. All: And also with you. P: Lift up your hearts. All: We lift them to the Lord. P: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. All: It is right to give God thanks and praise. P: It is indeed right and salutary All: Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive its King; Let every heart prepare him room And heaven and nature sing, And heaven and nature sing, And heav n, and heaven and nature sing. No more let sin and sorrow grow, Nor thorns infest the ground; He comes to make his blessings flow, Far as the curse is found, Far as the curse is found, Far as, far as the curse is found. 7
WORDS OF INSTITUTION 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. +You may be seated + Yes! You are welcome at the Lord s Table! Today Holy Communion is served at stations. As you come, you will receive a wafer of bread, and dip it in the chalice, choosing either the red wine or, if you prefer, the white grape juice. In the Sacrament of the Altar Christ offers forgiveness of sin, life and salvation to all who trust in Him. If you are new to this community in Christ, and seek greater understanding of this means by which God comes to us, please contact the pastor. Children not yet receiving the sacrament, and others who wish not to receive it, are invited forward to receive a blessing. Simply cross your hands over your chest. Ushers will direct you forward. If coming forward is difficult, please inform an usher and servers will come to you where you are sitting. CAROL Lo, How a Rose E er Blooming Lo, how a Rose e er blooming, From tender stem hath spring! Of Jesse s lineage coming, As men of old have sung. It came, a flower bright, Amid the cold of winter When half-spent was the night. This Flower, whose fragrance tender, With sweetness fills the air, Dispels with glorious splendor, The darkness everywhere. True man, yet very God, From sin and death He saves us And lightens every load. 8
CAROL O Little Town of Bethlehem O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie! Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent starts go by; Yet in the dark streets shineth the everlasting light. The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight. For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above While mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wond ring love. O morning stars, together proclaim the holy birth, And praises sing to God the king, and peace to all the earth! CAROL Away in a Manger Away in a manger, no crib for his bed, the little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head; The stars in the sky looked down where he lay, the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay. Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask you to stay close by me forever and love me, I pray. Bless all the dear children in your tender care and fit us for heaven to live with you there. CAROL Go Tell It On the Mountain Refrain: Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and ev ry where; Go tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born! While shepherds kept their watching o er silent flocks by night, Behold, throughout the heavens there shone a holy light. Refrain The shepherds feared and trembled when, lo, above the earth Rang out the angel chorus that hailed our Savior s birth. Refrain 9
CAROL Your Little Ones, Dear Lord Your little ones, dear Lord, are we, And come your lowly bed to see; Enlighten every soul and mind, That we the way to you may find. Oh, draw us wholly to you, Lord, And to. Us all your grace accord; True faith and love to us impart, That we may hold you I our heart. CAROL Angels from the Realms of Glory Angels, from the realms of glory, Wing your flight our all the earth; Once you sang creation s story; Now proclaim Messiah s birth: Come and worship come and worship, Worship Christ, the newborn king. Shepherds, in the fields abiding, Watching o er your flocks by night, God with us is now residing, Yonder shines the infant light. Come and worship come and worship, Worship Christ, the newborn king. CAROL The Bells of Christmas The bells of Christmas chime once more; The heav nly guest is at the door. He comes to earthly dwellings still with new year gifts of peace, goodwill. This world, though wide and far outspread, Could scarcely find for you a bed Your cradle was a manger stall, No pearl nor silk nor kingly hall. 10
CANDLELIGHT As the acolytes and ushers pass the light to the people, please pass it to the person next to you. Let the unlighted candle be tipped to be lighted. PLEASE DO NOT TIP a lighted candle. 1. 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. 2. Silent night, holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight; Glories stream from heaven afar, Heav'nly hosts sing, Alleluia! Christ, the Savior, is born! Christ, the Savior, is born! + Please lift your candles + 3. Silent night, holy night! Son of God, love's pure light Radiant beams from your holy face, With the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord, at your birth, Jesus, Lord, at your birth. PRAYER Leader: God of wonder, in Jesus we behold the light of the world come near. As you have come among us now, send us out in joy, hastening to share the good news of your love. We ask this in the name of Jesus, through the Spirit dwelling among us now and forever. Amen. Please extinguish your candles, holding them upright for a moment so the wax hardens 11
BENEDICTION HYMN 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 you nations, rise; join the triumph of the skies; with angelic hosts proclaim, "Christ is born in Bethlehem!" Refrain Hark! The herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn king!" 2 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, incarnate deity! Pleased as man with us to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel! Refrain 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 we no more may die, born to raise each child of earth, born to give us second birth. Refrain SENDING L: Go in peace. Serve the newborn King! All: Thanks be to God. Christ is born! POSTLUDE The Mission of New Hope Lutheran Church: To be a Welcoming Community of Faith inspired by God s Grace to Love + Grow + Serve If you are searching for a spiritual home, we d love to have you join us! 12