Christmas Eve (I) 7:30 PM Worship
Nativity of Our Lord I: Christmas Eve
ELW Holy Communion Setting Four
Saturday, December 24, 2022
PRELUDE
“Silent Night, Holy Night” arr. Jay Rouse
“Away In A Manger” arr. Robert Powell
“A La Nanita Nana” arr. Robert Powell
“A Christmas Pastorale” Charles Callahan
Flute is played by Heather Caporaso
Gathering
The Holy Spirit calls us together as the people of God.
Christmas Proclamation
Many ages from the time when God created the heavens and the earth
and then formed man and woman in his own image;
long after the great flood,
when God made the rainbow shine forth as a sign of the covenant;
twenty-one centuries from the time the promise was given to Abraham and Sarah;
thirteen centuries after Moses led the people of Israel out of Egypt and Miriam danced in freedom;
eleven hundred years from the time of Ruth and the judges;
a thousand years from the anointing of David as king,
in the sixty-fifth week, as Daniel’s prophecy takes note;
in the one hundred and ninety-fourth Olympiad;
the seven hundred and fifty-second year from the foundation of the city of Rome;
the forty-second year of the reign of Octavian Augustus;
in the sixth age of the world,
all earth being at peace
Jesus Christ, eternal God and Son of the eternal Father,
willing to hallow the world by his coming in mercy,
was born of the virgin Mary in Bethlehem of Judea
Today is the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ
God made flesh.
God made flesh.
Gathering Song
“O Come All Ye Faithful” ELW 283
Greeting
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.
Greeting
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.
Canticle of Praise
“Angels We Have Heard on High” ELW 289
* Prayer of the Day
Let us pray. 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 Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Word
God speaks to us in scripture reading, preaching, and song.
Children’s Time
First Reading
Isaiah 9:2-7
A reading from Isaiah.
2The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness—
on them light has shined.
3You 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.
4For 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.
5For all the boots of the tramping warriors
and all the garments rolled in blood
shall be burned as fuel for the fire.
6For 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.
7His 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.
The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
HYMN
“Joy to the World” ELW 267
Second Reading
Titus 2:11-14
A reading from Titus.
11The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, 12training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly, 13while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. 14He 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.
The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Gospel Acclamation
“Angels, from the Realms of Glory” ELW 275 Stanza 1
*Gospel
Luke 2:1-14 [15-20]
The holy gospel according to Luke. Glory to you, O Lord.
1In 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,
and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”
The gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
Gospel RESPONSE
“Angels, from the Realms of Glory” ELW 275 Stanza 4
4 All creation, join in praising
God, the Father, Spirit, Son,
evermore your voices raising
to the eternal Three in One.
Come and worship, come and worship,
worship Christ, the newborn king.
Sermon
Pastor Eric Trozzo
Hymn of the Day
“Hark, The Hearld Angels Sing” ELW 270
Prayers of Intercession
With wonder and thanksgiving for Christ’s coming into the world, we pray for the church, the life of the earth, and the whole human family.
Response: God of grace, Hear our prayer.
Pondering the mystery of eternal love made flesh in Christ Jesus, we commend all for whom we pray to the mercy of God. Amen.
*Peace
The peace of Christ be with you always. And also with you.
SOLO
“In the Bleak Midwinter” sung by Aurelia Harp
Congregation is invited to follow the text of ELW 294.
Meal
God feeds us with the presence of Jesus Christ.
OFFERTORY
“What Child Is This” ELW 296 Stanza 3
Offering Prayer
Let us pray. Good and loving God, we rejoice in the birth of Jesus, who came among the poor to bring the riches of your grace. As you have blessed us with your gifts, let them be blessing for others. With the trees of the field, with all earth and heaven, we shout for joy at the coming of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Great Thanksgiving
*Preface
It is indeed right, our duty and our joy,
that we should at all times and in all places …
we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
* Holy, Holy, Holy
* Thanksgiving at the Table
Holy One, the beginning and the end, the giver of life:
Blessed are you for the birth of creation.
Blessed are you in the darkness and in the light.
Blessed are you for your promise to your people.
Blessed are you in the prophets’ hopes and dreams.
Blessed are you for Mary’s openness to your will.
Blessed are you for your Son Jesus,
the Word made flesh.
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.
All praise and glory are yours,
Holy One of Israel,
Word of God incarnate,
Power of the Most High,
one God, now and forever.
Amen.
* Lord’s Prayer
Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us.
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.
Invitation to Communion
Come to the banquet, for all is now ready.
COMMUNION HYMNS
“Away in the Manger” ELW 278
“The First Noel” ELW 300
“O Little Town of Bethlehem” ELW 279
“Once In Royal David’s City”
Post Communion Blessing
May the body and blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in God’s grace. Amen
Prayer after Communion
Let us pray. Radiant God, with our eyes we have seen your salvation, and in this meal we have feasted on your grace. May your Word take flesh in us, that we may be your holy people, revealing your glory made known to us in Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Sending
God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world.
Candle Lighting Ceremony
In the beginning and in the midst of darkness, God spoke.
Let there be light.
In the beginning was the Word. And the Word came and dwelt among us. And the Word was the light of all peoples.
Let there be light.
We light our candles in gratitude for the love that shines through the babe born in
Bethlehem who became the Redeemer of us all.
Let there be light.
Solo
“Oh Holy Night” Adolphe Adam
Sung by Aurelia Harp
Carol
“Silent Night, Holy Night!: Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht!” ELW 281
Blessing
May Christ, lowly born, dwell in your hearts and lives this Christmas. May the Holy Spirit enliven you with joy. May God, creator, fill your hearts with peace. Almighty God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless you now and forever. Amen.
Dismissal
Go in peace. Christ is with you. Thanks be to God!
SENDING SONG
“Go Tell It On The Mountain” ELW 290
POSTLUDE
“Go Tell It On The Mountain” arr. John Behnke
From sundaysandseasons.com. Copyright © 2022 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.