Christmas Eve - Luke 2: 1-20

                      Christmas Eve Service                                       
 
Choir              “O Holy Night”
 
Announcements:
 
ADVENT:  The Bell Family
 
CALL TO WORSHIP:
O what a great darkness that sin had left us in
    O how we longed to once again know the light
Then in an instant everything changed.
On that night, lying in a manger was the brightest light that ever shone.  Wrapped in swaddling clothes laid all of our hope and joy.
Praise be to God that when we think of that baby in Bethlehem thousands of years ago, we see the hope of all God’s people made complete and all of God’s promises fulfilled.  Let us worship our God who is worthy of every praise from generation to generation.
 
INVOCATION

*HYMN:     “O Come, All Ye Faithful”                                # 133   
 
*PRAYER OF CONFESSION:
Lord Jesus Christ, at Your birth the angels gave glory to God in the highest heaven and offered peace on earth to all humankind. We struggle to follow the heavenly host.  All too often we focus on giving glory to ourselves, trying to impress our friends, coworkers, and family.  We make no move to further peace in our polarized world; we forget that You have called us to be ambassadors of reconciliation.  Forgive us for these and all our sins, and strengthen us to join the angels in singing “glory be to our God forever.”
Time of silent prayer.
 
Assurance of Pardon
Response – Gloria Patri     # 581
* Passing of the peace
 
Scripture:  Psalm 96    Diana Donaldson
 
Sermon text:  Luke 2: 1-20
 
*HYMN     “Angels We Have Heard on High”    # 113
*Apostles Creed  (next to Prayer List)
 
Presentation of tithes and offering
Offertory
*Doxology
*Prayer of dedication
 
The Lord’s Prayer
 
*HYMN      ”Silent Night, Holy Night”           # 119
*Benediction
        *Postlude       Blessed Christmas Eve