Rev Ed Sunday-Winters – Service
Hal Parker – Musical Director
Priscilla Bonney-Smith – Flowers
Christmas Eve Service
December 24, 2023
5:00pm
Reading: Luke 2: 1-20
Reading: Matthew 2: 1-11
*Hymn #132 (Songs of Spirit) O Come, All Ye Faithful
*Hymn #151 (Songs of Spirit) O Little Town of Bethlehem
*Hymn #150 (Songs of Spirit) Away in a Manger
*Hymn #137 (Songs of Spirit) Hark! the Hearld Angels Sing
*Hymn #162 (Songs of Spirit) We Three Kings of Orient Are
Prelude: Trio Sonata in F Major by G F Handel (1685-1759), Allegro
Gina Jenkins and Tom Anastasio, recorders, Hal, harpsichord
Welcome & Opening Prayer
The 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 debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
forever.
*Hymn #132 (Songs of Spirit) O Come, All Ye Faithful
Lighting The Christ Candle
One: How does a weary world hold onto hope, practice peace, spread joy, or know love?
Many: How does a weary world combat cruelty?
One: How does a weary world shine a light into our bleakest night?
Many: We do all these things with God’s help. For tonight, a child is born in Bethlehem.
One: Tonight, Christ draws near.
Many: Tonight, we light the Christ Candle.
One: Tonight, we are not alone.
Many: God is near. Love has drawn close. Rejoice! For God loves this weary world.
Amen.
Reading: Luke 2: 1-5
*Hymn #151 (Songs of Spirit) O Little Town of Bethlehem
Reading: Luke 2: 6-7
*Hymn #150 (Songs of Spirit) Away in a Manger
Reading: Luke 2: 8-14
*Hymn #137 (Songs of Spirit) Hark! the Hearld Angels Sing
Reading: Luke 2: 15-20
Anthem: “O Holy Night” by Adolphe Adam & John Dwight
Keilah Figueroa-Ussi, soprano
Reading: Matthew 2: 1-11
*Hymn #162 (Songs of Spirit) We Three Kings of Orient Are
Anthem: “In the Bleak Midwinter” by G Holst and C Rosetti
GUCC choir, Gina Jenkins, recorder
Sermon We Make Room
Silence
Offertory
*Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God for all that love has done; Creator, Christ, and Spirit, One. Amen.
*Unison Prayer of Dedication
Holy God, tonight we give believing in a God who makes room for us, and not just for us, but for all of us. We give believing in a God who welcomes our neighbors, those we know and those we have not yet met. We give believing in a God whose love is so truly loving that it makes room for those who sometimes behave as enemies. Therefore, we pray that our gifts, in all the ways that they will be used, will make all your children feel welcomed in this life we share together. Amen.
*Musical Benediction: Hymn # 142 Silent Night