Christmas Eve Worship 2017 – Candlelight Worship

DECEMBER 24, 2017 – 11:00 p.m.

PART 1 

  • The Ringing of the Bell
  • Words of Welcome – Reverend Joel Weible, Pastor
  • Opening Music:  Dulcimer Suite – Lynne Anderson
    • Silent Night – arr. L. THOMAS
    • Patapan – TRADITIONAL FRENCH CAROL
    • Noel Nouvelet – arr. J. MARSHALL 
  • Lighting of the Christ Candle

PART 2 

                     

  •  Opening Prayer (unison):
    • Living God, on this Holy Night we gather – to stand with shepherds, amazed at your glory; to sing with angels, rejoicing in your work; to wait with Joseph, trusting in your promises; to sit with Mary, cradling your love.  May the good news of this night inspire us to tell the world of great joy:  to us is born a Savior, the Messiah, the Lord.  Amen.
  •  Reading:  A Warning:  Genesis 3:1-7a
  •  Hymn 41:  O Come, All Ye Faithful – ADESTE FIDELES

PART 3 

  • Reading:  A Prophecy:  Isaiah 11:1-2, 6-9

PART 4 

  • Anthem:  Behold a Star from Jacob Shining – F. Mendelssohn

PART 5 

  • Reading:  A Foretelling:  Luke 1:26-35, 38
  • Anthem:  Sweet Little Jesus Boy – Robert MacGimsey
    • Soloist – Don Whitehouse

PART 6 

  • Reading:  A Birth:  Luke 2:1-7
  • Anthem:  The Bethlehem Carol

PART 7

  • Reading:  A Visit:  Matthew 2:1-12
  • Anthem:  Every Valley – J. Ness Beck

PART 8 

  • Reading:  Good News of Great Joy:  Luke 2:8-20
  • Anthem:  Come, Shepherds, Rise! – Keith Christopher

PART 9 

  • Homily:  WHAT’S IN A NAME? – Reverend Joel Weible, Pastor

PART 10  

  • Hymn 31:  O Little Town of Bethlehem – ST. LOUIS

PART 11 

  • Offertory – PVPC HANDBELL ENSEMBLE
    • Hark! The Herald Angels Sing – Mendelssohn/Thompson
    • Ukrainian Bell Carol – Leintovich/Thompson
  • Doxology 592:  Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow
  • Prayer of Dedication (unison): 
    • We give you thanks and praise, O God, that you have built us up in faith and bound us together in love.  By your grace, may all that we do show the glory of your name and serve the good of your people through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.
  • Reading:  A New Beginning:  John 1:1-5, 14
  • Christmas Prayer:  FROM THE IONA COMMUNITY

PART 12  

  • LIGHTING OF THE CANDLES
  • Hymn 60:  Silent Night, Holy Night – STILLE NACHT
  • Charge and Benediction – Reverend Joel Weible, Pastor

PART 13 

  • Benediction Response:  The Hallelujah Chorus – G.F. HANDEL
  • The Ringing of the Bell
  • Postlude:  Joy to the World  – G.F. Handel (with “The Little Prelude” from J.S. Bach) – arranged by Matt Limbaugh

HEAR OTHER SERVICES…