104 Union Street South Concord, North Carolina 28025 Office Phone: 704.786.0166 Office Fax: 704.786.0299 Web Site: www.sjnc.net Growing in Christ Through Worship, Learning, Fellowship, and Service December 24, 2018 5:00 p.m. in the Nave The Family Eucharist On The Feast Of The Nativity Of Our Lord The Introduction To Today s Liturgy... 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. THE FEAST OF THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD Page 1 SAINT JAMES CHURCH, ELCA
Welcome! We welcome everyone on this Lord s Day to the liturgy of Holy Eucharist. To all who are spiritually weary and seek rest; to all who mourn and long for comfort; to all who struggle and desire victory; to all who sin and need a Savior; to all who are strangers and want fellowship; to all who hunger and thirst after righteousness; and to all who will come, this parish opens wide her doors and offers welcome in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ! Newcomers and visitors, we hope that you will feel at home in this place and in this liturgy. Ushers are available in the narthex during the liturgy should you have any questions or concerns. If you are a visitor or guest, please be sure and sign the guestbook located in the Narthex and introduce yourself to the Pastor or to an usher so that we can extend to you a warm welcome. Although there are customary postures (such as standing and kneeling) in Lutheran worship, you are invited to be seated at any point, according to your needs and comfort. Saint James offers two weekly worship services. The 10:00 a.m. Sunday Choral Eucharist is held in the Nave and the 12:05 Wednesday Mid-week Eucharist is held in the Chapel. The Eucharist is celebrated weekly during both worship services. This Service Leaflet contains all of today s hymns and liturgy. Children are most welcome in worship at Saint James Church. Special age-appropriate bulletins are available from the ushers. For those who desire it, nursery care is provided on the first floor of the Education Building. Invitation to Communion: All baptized Christians who seek God and desire a deeper, stronger life in Christ are invited to receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion. The Pastor will bring the sacrament to persons in the pews who are unable to come forward. Please advise an usher if you wish the pastor to do so. The First Aid Kit and the Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) are located outside the church office door, immediately behind the sanctuary. Fire Extinguishers are located in the Sacristy and in the Narthex. If you are interested in membership to this parish or desire a call from the Pastor, please indicate this to an usher or to the Pastor. Restrooms are available on the first and second floors of the Education Building. T he celebration of Jesus birth and his manifestation as the Son of God comes in a pair of seasons with common characteristics. These seasons have been particularly popular in western Christendom and were, in the past, times of such levity and rejoicing that puritans in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries sought to do away with them. In the last century, when the puritan influence had waned, Christmas became popular in this country again, but by then the churches had all but lost their memory of the old feast. As a result, Epiphany season and the intervening Twelve Days of Christmas were not part of the secular celebration. A host of new secular customs and legends developed during Advent primarily as a means of supporting business. We need to recover our own special heritage if we are to make Christmas and Epiphany central to our faith and life. U nderlying these two feasts, then, is the central proclamation of Christianity: the dying and rising of Jesus. Recovery of this earliest level of meaning can help us rescue Christmas from a limited emphasis on the birth of a baby; for that birth is of ultimate importance only because of the saving event of his death and resurrection. T he period of Christmas and Epiphany has three primary days and themes: Christmas, or the Nativity of Christ (December 25th); Epiphany, or the Manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles (January 6th); and the First Sunday after Epiphany: the Baptism of Christ. Other celebrations came to be associated with this time as well. THE FEAST OF THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD Page 2 SAINT JAMES CHURCH, ELCA
JOY TO THE WORLD, THE LORD IS COME *The People respond with the embolden text. The Opening Voluntary Angels We Have Heard on High, Setting by Timothy Albrecht The People stand. The Announcement Of Christmas O Christ, light of the world, come to our lives and reveal meaning and truth. O Christ, hope of the despairing, come to our lives and teach us simple joy. Jesus Christ, bread of the soul, come to us and nourish us to true and eternal life. Jesus Christ, shepherd of the flock, come and lead us to springs of living water. Living Christ, just and gentle judge, come and reveal us to ourselves. Living Christ, healer of the wounded, come make us whole. Show us the way to new life. Son of God, Holy Child, whose birth makes holy all human births: be born again in us today. The Gathering Hymn: Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful Oh, come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant! Oh, come, ye, oh, come ye to Bethlehem; Come and behold him born the King of angels: Refrain: Oh, come let us adore him, Oh, come, let us adore him, Oh, come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord! Sing, choirs of angels, Sing in exultation, Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above! Glory to God in the highest: Refrain. Refrain: Oh, come let us adore him, Oh, come, let us adore him, Oh, come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord! THE FEAST OF THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD Page 3 SAINT JAMES CHURCH, ELCA
The Christmas Greeting A child has been born for us, a Son given to us. He is called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the Communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. And also with you. The Gloria Angels we have heard on high, sweetly singing o er the plains, And the mountains in reply, echoing their joyous strains. Gloria in excelsis Deo; Gloria in excelsis Deo. The Prayer of the Day The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us pray. Almighty God, you made this 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. LET EARTH RECEIVE HER KING Slient Night Lauren Popovichi The Christmas Gospel: Saint Luke 2:1-14 The Holy Gospel according to Saint Luke, the second chapter. Glory to you, O Lord. n those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world I should be registered. 2 This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 All went 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. O Little Town of Bethlehem The Davis Family THE FEAST OF THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD Page 4 SAINT JAMES CHURCH, ELCA
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. Away in a Manger The Children s Choir 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!" Joy to the World The Davis Family 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. Silent Night The Children s Choir When the shepherds 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. In the Bleak Midwinter The Children s Choir THE FEAST OF THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD Page 5 SAINT JAMES CHURCH, ELCA
The People stand. The Apostles Creed God has made us his people through our Baptism into Christ. Living together in trust and hope, we confess our faith. I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. The Prayers Of The People With all our heart and with all our mind, let us kneel and pray for the church, those in need, and all of God's creation. The People kneel or sit as able. A brief silence is held for reflection. Wonderful Counselor, in the fullness of time you became one of us and your wisdom from on high came down to make a home among us. On this holy night, establish and uphold our world with your justice and righteousness. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Mighty God, when the time had been fulfilled, you came down from heaven and became one with your creation by taking on our humanity. On this holy night, enable and empower your church to embrace your beloved humanity in its many and varied expressions. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Everlasting Father, when all was in readiness, you became flesh and blood to heal and redeem the world. On this holy night, may the light of Christ banish the darkness of war and global strife, that the nations may rejoice in your light. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Prince of Peace, at the moment of your birth the night sky rang out with the song of the angels. On this holy night, preserve the earth, sea, and skies, the forests, fish, and fields, that peace on earth might extend to every living creature. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Word of life, on the night of your birth you hallowed all time and all flesh. On this holy night, expand the vision of this faith community to recognize and welcome your holy face in every human being, and acknowledge your sacred fingerprint on every living thing. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. THE FEAST OF THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD Page 6 SAINT JAMES CHURCH, ELCA
God with us, in every time and place the voices of saints and angels together proclaim the good news of great joy which is for all people. Blend our voices with theirs, and at the last day assemble us all around your heavenly throne to forever sing a joyful song to you. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. God of darkness and silence, you have pierced the quiet of this night by the utterance of your word in our flesh. May our words of praise and petition be strong echoes of your Christmas word, so that all might come to the peace you promise in Jesus, who is Lord and God this night and forever. Amen. The People stand. The Peace The peace of the Lord be with you always. And also with you. The peace that passes understanding is Christ s gift to us. As brothers and sisters in Christ, we share a gesture of peace with each other. THE FEAST OF THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD Page 7 SAINT JAMES CHURCH, ELCA
LET EV RY HEART PREPARE HIM ROOM The People sit. The Offering: The First Noel The Davis Family The People stand. The Carol At The Presentation: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing 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!" Hark! The herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn king!" The Offertory Prayer Let us pray. Merciful God, it would have been enough for you to give us the fruit of the earth by which we live. But in this meal, by your promise, you also give us your self. Use what we have gathered here in feeding the hungry world with your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The Great Thanksgiving The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give God thanks and praise. The Great Thanksgiving 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. 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. THE FEAST OF THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD Page 8 SAINT JAMES CHURCH, ELCA
The Lord s Prayer And now as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to pray: 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. Amen! The People sit. The Distribution All baptized Christians are welcome to Holy Communion at Saint James Church. If you desire to receive the Sacrament at the High Altar, please proceed through the Choir to approach the High Altar and kneel at the communion rail for the reception of the Blessed Sacrament. If you desire to receive the Sacrament at the Communion Station located below the pulpit in the Nave, please proceed toward the Chancel steps for the reception of the Blessed Sacrament from the Communion Assistant on the Nave level. The Sacrament is administered by the method of Intinction. Take the wafer from the Assistant then dip it in the wine. The Pastor will bring the sacrament to persons in the pews who are unable to come forward. Please advise an usher if you wish the pastor to do so. THE FEAST OF THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD Page 9 SAINT JAMES CHURCH, ELCA
The Communion 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 stars go by; Yet in thy 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. How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is giv n! So God imparts to human hearts, the blessings of his heav n. No ear may hear his coming; but, in this world of sin, Where meek souls will receive him, still the dear Christ enters in. O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray; Cast out our sin, and enter in, be born in us today. We hear the Christmas angels, the great glad tidings tell; Oh, come to us, abide with us, our Lord Immanuel. The People stand. The Blessing The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace. Amen. The Post-communion prayer Let us pray. Child of Bethlehem, you have loved us without limit or condition; may your hand be always upon us and may your heart be within us so that we too may become bread and peace for one another. Send us forth from this assembly to live in hope and peace until we gather again at this table. This we ask in the name of Jesus the Lord. Amen. THE FEAST OF THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD Page 10 SAINT JAMES CHURCH, ELCA
AND HEAVEN AND NATURE SING The Candle lighting The ushers will light the candles of each person nearest the center aisle. Please tilt only unlit candles. Parents with small children please use discernment and caution. The Carol of Light: Silent Night, Holy Night 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! 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. The Christmas Blessing God and Father of Jesus, you have sent your Son to be our Savior: Our light in the midst of darkness, Our hope in the face of threats, Our peace amid turmoil. In this Word and Sacrament we have seen him And know that his promises are true. May you be filled with the wonder of Mary, the obedience of Joseph, the joy of the angels, the eagerness of the shepherds, the determination of the magi, and the peace of the Christ child. Almighty God, Father, (+) Son, and Holy Spirit bless you now and forever. Amen. THE FEAST OF THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD Page 11 SAINT JAMES CHURCH, ELCA
Please extinguish your candle. The Carol of Joy: Joy to the World Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive its King; Let ev'ry heart prepare him room and heav'n and nature sing, and heav'n and nature sing, and heav'n, and heav'n and nature sing. He rules the world with truth and grace and makes the nations prove the glories of His righteousness, and wonders of His love, and wonders of his love, and wonders, wonders of his love. The Dismissal Let us dance with delight in the Lord, And let our hearts be filled with rejoicing, For eternal salvation has appeared on the earth. Alleluia! Thanks be to God! The Closing Voluntary: Celtic Toccata on Angels We Have Heard on High Setting by Grimoaldo Macchia THE FEAST OF THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD Page 12 SAINT JAMES CHURCH, ELCA