Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church Christmas Eve Service December 24, 2017 5:00 PM Prelude Shepherd s Noel J. Wayne Kerr The Story Begins Anthem A Waiting Carol Treble & Cherub Choir Lighting of the Advent Candle Arriving in Bethlehem
O Little Town of Bethlehem Travelers Arrive O Little Town of Bethlehem Stars Light the Sky 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 wondering love. O morning stars, together proclaim the holy birth! And praises sing to God the King, and peace to all on earth. How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is given! So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of his heaven. No ear may hear his coming, but in this world of sin, where meek souls will receive him, still the dear Christ enters in. Anthem Away in a Manger Cherub Choir with Congregation Away in a manger, no crib for his bed, the little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head. The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay, the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.
Shepherds and Their Flocks The cattle are lowing; the poor baby wakes, but little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes. I love thee, Lord Jesus; look down from the sky, and stay by my side until morning is nigh. Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask thee to stay close by me forever and love me, I pray. Bless all the dear children in thy tender care, and fit us for heaven to live with thee there. The First Noel (Shepherds come forward) Do Not Be Afraid The first Noel the angel did say was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay; in fields where they lay keeping their sheep, on a cold winter's night that was so deep. REFRAIN: Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, born is the King of Israel. They looked up and saw a star shining in the east, beyond them far; and to the earth it gave great light, and so it continued both day and night. [Refrain] Angels We Have Heard on High (Angels come forward) 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. 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.
Wise Ones Come from Afar We Three Kings (Magi come forward) Gifts for a New Kind of King Silent Night Wondering and Coming Close We three kings of Orient are; bearing gifts we traverse afar, field and fountain, moor and mountain, following yonder star. REFRAIN: O, star of wonder, star of night, star with royal beauty bright; Westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect light. Glorious now behold him arise, King and God and Sacrifice: Alleluia! Alleluia! sounds through the earth and skies. [Refrain] 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 Thy Holy Face With the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord, at Thy Birth! Jesus, Lord, at Thy Birth! Silent Night, Holy Night Here at last, healing light From the heavenly kingdom sent, Abundant grace for our intent. Jesus, salvation for all. Jesus, salvation for all.
O Come All Ye Faithful (Children return to their seats) 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! Sing, choirs of angels; Sing in exultation; Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above! Glory to God, all glory in the highest! [Refrain] Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, Born this happy morning; Jesus, to Thee be all glory given; Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing! [Refrain] Welcome Offering Little Drummer Boy Prayer of Dedication * Joy to the World Blessing and Passing of the Peace Joy to the world! the Lord is come: Let earth receive her King; Let every heart prepare Him room, And heaven and nature sing, And heaven and nature sing, And heaven & heaven & nature sing. Mark and Eli Clevenger Joy to the world! the Savior reigns: Let us our songs employ; While fields & floods, rocks, hills, & plains Repeat the sounding joy, Repeat the sounding joy, Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.
Children, dressed as angels, shepherds, and kings, will be invited forward by the worship leaders at the appropriate time. Thank you to the Erik, Katie and Samuel Mendelssohn for playing the Holy Family tonight. Thank you to our ushers and youth who have helped with the service this evening. Thank you to Mary Elizabeth Shoop for the lighting of the Advent candles. Thank you to the Cherub and Treble Choirs for their participation, and to their leaders as well: Josie Moe and Jeff Jones. And thank you to Mark and Eli Clevenger for their music during the Offering. Parents, please return costumes to the tables in the narthex after the service. The offering tonight will be given to Asheville Writers in the Schools and Community (AWITSC). AWITSC creates safe spaces for young people of color to express themselves creatively through creative writing and the arts. Programs include "Word on the Street," a bilingual arts and culture magazine for and by youth; Family Voices, a family writing program, and residencies by local Artist Mentors. A special thank you to Marta Rosal (age 8), Lauren Barnett (age 10), Millie Stradley (age 7) and Nell Martin (age 6) for providing the bulletin artwork.
Sunday, December 31, 2016 First Sunday after Christmas Day One worship service at 10:30 AM NO 8:30 service or Education Hour Sermon: Holding On, Letting Go by Samantha Gonzalez-Block and Richard Coble Scriptures: Galatians 4:4-7; Luke 2:22-40