EBENEZER UNITED
(410)795-6136
Rev.
Judith A. Emerson, Pastor
December 24, 2011
8:00 PM
Christmas Eve Worship
PRELUDE “Away
in a Manger”
“Isn’t He”
INTROIT “On This Day Earth Shall Ring” Chancel Choir
*CALL TO WORSHIP
Light dispels the shadows in which we have lived.
A child is born; an heir is given.
We want to share
the light by responding to those in need,
as the shepherds
responded to the angels’ song.
Let us praise and glorify God
and ready ourselves to share the good news!
*HYMN “Hark!
The Herald Angels Sing”
OPENING PRAYER
God of grace and
truth, in Jesus Christ you came among us
as light shining in darkness. Even though there are times when we have not
welcomed the light, or trusted good news to be good, we come this night seeking
renewed hope, so that we may receive the fullness of your grace, and live in
the truth of Christ the Lord. Loving God, your grace has appeared for
the salvation of all. May we accept your truth in new ways and experience the
good news of great joy with fresh enthusiasm as we glorify and praise you for
all we have heard and seen. We pray in the name of the Christ Child, Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.
ANTHEM “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” Chancel Choir
LIGHTING THE CANDLE Luke 2:6-7
Lighting the Advent Wreath: The Middleton Family
Congregational Response
Tonight we give thanks for every child
among us. Each new birth,
regardless
of circumstances, reminds us of the
preciousness of
life,
the potential of tomorrow, the promise of God.
Sung
Response “Love Came Down at Christmas”
SCRIPTURE LESSSON To Us a Child Is Born Isaiah 9:2‑7
ANTHEM “Gentle Mary” Chancel Choir
SCRIPTURE LESSONS God's Grace Has Appeared Titus 2:11‑14
The Birth Of Jesus Luke 2:1‑12
HYMN “Away in a Manger”
SCRIPTURE LESSON Adoration of the Shepherd Luke 2:15‑20
CHRISTMAS OFFERING
Offertory “Great, Great Joy” Chancel Choir
*Presentation of Gifts
*Doxology “In the Bleak Midwinter”
What Can I give him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;
If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part;
Yet what I can I give him: give my heart.
*Prayer of Dedication
O God, we give because we believe in the
way of peace that Christmas
proclaims. May your peace reign here and
spread through all those causes
and persons whom we serve in Jesus’ name. Amen.
REFLECTION “To You” Rev. Judy Emerson
HYMN “Angels We Have Heard on High”
REFLECTION “From
God” Rev. Ann Adams
HYMN “Good Christian Friends Rejoice” UMH No. 224
SHARING THE CHRISTMAS LIGHT
Jesus is the light of the world. As
his followers we are called to receive his light and carry him into the
darkness of today. Watch the light grow as each of us receives the light of
Christ.
HYMN "Silent Night"
CHRISTMAS PRAYER
Eternal God, by the birth of Jesus
Christ you gave yourself to the world. Grant that, being born in our hearts, he
may save us from all our sins, and restore within us the image and likeness of
our Creator, to whom be everlasting praise and glory; world without end. Amen.
*CLOSING HYMN “Joy to the World”
*CHORAL BENEDICTION “A Christmas Blessing” Chancel Choir
*POSTLUDE
CHRISTMAS
No Sunday school
Worship at 10:00 AM Only