EBENEZER UNITED
(410)795-6136
Rev.
Judith A. Emerson, Pastor
December 24, 2011
10:00 PM
Christmas Eve Worship
PRELUDE “Variations on What Child is This” Dolmetsch
*CALL TO WORSHIP
How beautiful upon the mountains
are the feet of one who brings good tidings.
We rejoice in the One who brings salvation
and carries good news of peace.
The Word became flesh and dwelt among us,
full of
grace and truth.
The Word
was light and life to all,
and the
darkness has not overcome it.
Come to share the joy and give honor to God’s
name. Amen.
Amen.
*HYMN “Joy to the World”
*OPENING PRAYER
God of grace and truth, in Jesus Christ you came among us
as light
shining in darkness. May our hope be renewed once again 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. We come this night to glorify and praise you, O God, for all
we have heard and seen. We pray in the name of the newborn King, Jesus Christ,
our Lord. Amen.
LIGHTING THE CHRIST CANDLE Luke 2:6-7
Lighting the Advent Wreath: The Roelle 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 “Infant Holy, Infant Lowly”
SCRIPTURE LESSON To Us a Child Is Born Isaiah 9:2‑7
SPECIAL MUSIC
SCRIPTURE LESSON God's Grace Has Appeared Titus 2:11‑14
HYMN "The
First Noel”
SCRIPTURE LESSON The Birth Of Jesus Luke 2:1‑12
HYMN “What Child Is This”
SCRIPTURE LESSON Adoration of the Shepherd Luke 2:15‑20
CHRISTMAS OFFERING
Offertory
*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 “O Little Town of Bethlehem”
SHARING THE LIGHT OF CHRIST
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.
SPECIAL MUSIC “O Holy Night” Ken Middleton
*BENEDICTION
*POSTLUDE
Christmas Day and New Year’s Day
Worship 10:00 AM Only
No Sunday school