NATIVITY OF OUR LORD THE CHRIST MASS December 24, 2017 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. MUSIC OF WELCOME Christmas Is Here - arr. Dale Wood Good Christian Friends - arr. Wilbur Held Faith Ringers: Lo, How a Rose E re Blooming Kenneth T. Kosche (please stand) PROCESSIONAL HYMN: O 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: Oh, come, let us adore him, oh, come, let us adore him, Oh, come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord! The highest, most holy, light of light eternal, Born of a virgin, a mortal he comes; Son of the Father now in flesh appearing! Oh, come, let us adore him, oh, come, let us adore him, Oh, come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord! 1
Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation, Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above! Glory to God in the highest: Oh, come, let us adore him, oh, come, let us adore him, Oh, come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord! Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born this happy morning; Jesus, to thee be glory giv n! Word of the Father, Now in flesh appearing: Oh, come, let us adore him, oh, come, let us adore him, Oh, come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord! CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS All may make the sign of the cross, the sign marked at baptism, as the presiding minister begins. Blessed be the Holy One of Israel, the Word made flesh, the Power of the Most High, one God, now and forever. Amen. Gathered in the name of Jesus, let us confess our sin against God and our neighbor. Silence for reflection and self-examination. Gracious God, in Christ Jesus you come among us as light shining in darkness. We confess our failure to welcome this light. Forgive us and renew our hope, so that we may live in the light of your grace, and welcome the truth of Christ the Lord. Amen. 2
I bring you good news of great joy for all the people: To you is born a Savior, Christ the Lord. Your sins are forgiven in Jesus name. Amen. GREETING Today Christ is born: Alleluia, alleluia! 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. (please be seated) SOLO: Annalise Staudt PRAYER OF THE DAY Let us pray together: Almighty God, you made this holy 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 only Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen ANTHEM: Thou Shalt Know Him Chancel Choir FIRST 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, 3
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. ANTHEM: All is Well Chancel Choir (please stand) SECOND READING: Luke 2:1-7 In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. 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. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 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. 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. 4
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! THIRD READING: Luke 2:8-14 In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 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: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors! (please be seated) ANTHEM: Noel, Noel, A Boy is Born Chancel Choir (please stand) FOURTH READING: Luke 2:15-20 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. So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. CAROL: 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!" 5
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!" (please be seated) CHRISTMAS MEDITATION Pastor Liz Williams (please stand) CAROL: 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. PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION The prayers are prepared locally for each occasion. The following examples may be adapted or used as appropriate. This night the eternal Word of God is born in us. We pray for Christ s light of life to take flesh in the church, the creation, and all people of God. A brief silence. 6
We bring to the manger our longing for the visible unity of the church of Jesus Christ, that undivided it proclaim the one whose birth brings good news of glad tidings to all people. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. We bring to the manger hope for the well-being of creation, that every valley be exalted and every rough place be made plain so that every living thing may flourish. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. We bring to the manger a vision of the reign of the Prince of Peace, that the nations, tribes, and peoples of this world will see and cherish in each other the very image of Christ, whose scepter is mercy and whose judgment is love. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. We bring to the manger concern for those who have no place to lay their heads this night and for those who dwell in the shadow of loneliness, despair, illness, or death (especially). We come begging that the child for whom there was no room will open the doors of our hearts to the needs of our neighbors and ourselves. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. We bring to the manger all people who, like the holy family, gather with children in the splendor of this most holy night, that the gift of faith be lavished on another generation. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Here other intercessions may be offered either silently in our hearts or aloud with our voices. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. 7
We bring to the manger the hopes and dreams of all the years, that with Mary and Joseph, angels and archangels, saints and martyrs, loved ones of every time and every place, our prayers and praises join in a common song uniting heaven and earth in a single peace. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Into your outstretched arms, O God, we commend ourselves and all for whom we pray, trusting in Jesus Christ, the light and life of the world. Amen. PEACE The peace of Christ be with you always. And also with you. OFFERING The Table is prepared as the offering is received. (please be seated) OFFERING ANTHEM Before the Marvel of This Night Carl Schalk (please stand) OFFERTORY HYMN: It Came Upon the Midnight Clear It came upon a midnight clear That glorious song of old, From angels bending near the earth To touch their harps or gold: Peace on the earth, good will to all, from heav n s all-gracious king. The world in solemn stillness lay To hear the angels sing. For lo! The days are hast ning on, By prophets seen of old, When with the ever-circling years 8
Shall come a time foretold, When peace shall over all the earth Its ancient splendors fling, And all the world give back the song Which now the angels sing. OFFERTORY PRAYER Assisting Minister: God with us: You came as a baby to a manger. You slept on straw and greeted shepherds. You come again in bread and wine. Remind us how good you are at blessing ordinary things. And then, through these gifts, help us to bless the lives of others in the strength of your holy name. 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 our thanks and praise. It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God, through our Savior Jesus Christ. In the wonder and mystery of the Word made flesh you have opened the eyes of faith to a new and radiant vision of your glory, that, beholding the God made visible, we may be drawn to love the God whom we cannot see. As the angels sang glory to you in the highest and peace to your people on earth, so with your people on earth and all the company of heaven we praise your name and join their unending hymn: 9
(sung) Holy, holy, holy Lord, Lord God of pow r and might: Heav n and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. Holy are you, and blessed is your Son Jesus Christ. As Mary and Joseph went from Galilee to Bethlehem and there found no room, so Jesus went from Galilee to Jerusalem and was despised and rejected. As in the poverty of a stable Jesus was born, so by the baptism of his suffering, death, and resurrection you gave birth to your Church, delivered us from slavery to sin and death, and made with us a new covenant by water and the Spirit. As your Word became flesh, born of woman, on that night long ago, so on the night in which he gave himself up for us Jesus took bread, gave thanks to you, broke the bread, gave it to his disciples, and said: Take and eat; this is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me. When the supper was over, he took the cup, gave thanks to you, gave it to his disciples, and said: Drink from this, all of you; this is my blood of the new covenant, poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of sin. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me. And so, in remembrance of these your mighty acts in Jesus Christ, we offer ourselves in praise and thanksgiving as a holy and living sacrifice, in union with Christ s offering for us, as we proclaim the Lord s death, until he comes: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again. Pour out your Holy Spirit on us, gathered here, and on these gifts of bread and wine. Make them be for us the Body and Blood of Christ, that we may be for the world the Body of Christ, as we await his coming in power to share with us the great and promised feast: 10
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. By your Spirit make us one with Christ, one with each other, and one in ministry to all the world, until Christ comes in final victory and we receive our inheritance with all your saints in light. Amen. Come, Holy Spirit. Through your Son Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit in your holy church, all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and forever. Amen. As Jesus has taught us, we 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 and ever. Amen. RECEPTION OF HOLY COMMUNION You are welcome to receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion at Faith Lutheran Church. Please come forward at the direction of the ushers. You will first receive the bread. Then you are invited to either dip your bread (intinction) into the chalice which is divided so that part of it contains wine (dark in color) and the other part grape juice or eat your bread and sip from the chalice.. The mystery hidden for the ages is revealed for us in this meal. Come, behold and receive your God. (please be seated) DISTRIBUTION ANTHEM: Were You There on That Christmas Night? Chancel Choir Voluntary: A Christmas Lullaby Faith Ringers CAROL: The First Noel The first Noel the angel did say Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay; 11
In fields where they lay, keeping their sheep, On a cold winter s night that was so deep. Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel! Born is the King of Israel. They looked us 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. Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel! Born is the King of Israel. This star drew near to the northwest, O er Bethlehem it took its rest; And there it did both stop and stay Right over the place where Jesus lay. Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel! Born is the King of Israel. (please stand) PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION Assisting Minister: On this day, O God, you gave us Christ the Son to save us. As you sent the one foretold, send us now with good news for all people. Let the gladness of this feast have no end as we share with others the joy that fills us; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. 12
LIGHTING OF CANDLES The Presiding Minister lights a large candle from an altar candle, which symbolizes Christ, the Light of the world of whom John s gospel speaks. The ushers light their candles from the minister s candle, then light the candle of each worshiper nearest the aisle. The lighted candle is never tilted, but is always held upright when giving light to another. THE GOSPEL OF THE INCARNATION: John 1:1-14 Pastor Liz Williams In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father s only son, full of grace and truth. HYMN OF LIGHT: Silent Night vs. 1, 2, 3, 1 (please raise candles on the repeat of verse one) 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! Shepherds quake at the sight; Glories stream from heaven afar, heav'nly hosts sing, Alleluia! 13
Christ, the Savior, is born! Christ, the Savior, is born! 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. 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. CHRISTMAS BLESSING God s Word has come to earth to bring us together in love. May Christ be your light, this night and forevermore. May the song of the angels, the joy of the shepherds, and the peace of the Christ child + be with you this day and always. Amen The candles are extinguished. RECESSIONAL HYMN: 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, Gloria in excelsis Deo; Gloria in excelsis Deo. Shepherds, why this jubilee? Why your joyous strains prolong? What the gladsome tidings be Which inspire your heavn ly song? 14
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. See him in a manger laid Whom the choirs of angels praise; Mary, Joseph, lend your aid, While our hearts in love we raise. Gloria in excelsis Deo; Gloria in excelsis Deo. DISMISSAL Assisting Minister: Go in peace. Christ is with you. Thanks be to God! CLOSING VOLUNTARY: Vom Himmel hoch 15
Contributions toward Poinsettias and Christmas Eve Musicians Poinsettias Pat Kilday, in Memory of Bub Hallberg and Harvey Kilday George and Pat Motschall, in memory of Greg Nelson and Karen Hall, in memory of Roanna Harris Geraldine Witwer, in memory of Ernie Witwer Glenda Kirker, in memory of Kelly Kirker Becky Malinowski, in memory of Scott Malinowski and Edward Malinowski Norma Burwell, in loving memory of Kiel and baby Carrie Liz and Enoch Williams, in memory of Charles H. Kalbach, Vernice Williams, and Britch Williams Music Ned Morgan and family, in memory of Susan Morgan Bud and Diane Watson, for thanks to God for his many blessings Nelson and Karen Hall, in honor of Steve Hooker Geraldine Witwer, in honor of Dwane Scales Carol Jensen, in honor of our Family David and Bonnie Strack, in honor and memory of our parents 16