December 24, 2024 Six Thirty in the Evening
Minister: The Reverend Robert E. Malsbury
Bolded Cross indicates congregational participation.
THE PROCLAMATION
Leader: Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
People: Let us now go even unto Bethlehem and see this things which is come to pass!
Leader: Unto us a child is born; unto us a Son is given.
ALL: Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward all people!
Hymn [Blue #41, GTG#133] O Come, All Ye FaithfulLIGHTING of the ADVENT CANDLES
Christmas Eve Reading by Sue Crawford, Andrew Crawford, Holly Crawford, Scott Crawford, Elizabeth Watt, Andy Watt, Madeline Watt, and Evangeline Watt.
OFFERTORY The Joy Gift Offering
Let There Be Christmas arr. Joseph Martin
Feat. Sharon Fortin & Ron Palmisano
DOXOLOGY[BLUE#592] [GTG# 606]
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God above, ye heavenly hosts;
CHRISTMAS LESSONS
The Prophecy Micah 5:2-4 Dale Casey
“In the Bleak Midwinter” Alice Hull, Soloist
The Foretelling Isaiah 9:2-7 Norman Albright
“O Come, O Come Emmanuel” [Blue#9, GTG#88] The Pronouncement Luke 1:26-35 Denis McCrea
Poem: “Sing Peace” Jaroslav Vajda
The Gospel of Christmas Luke 2:1-14 Raju Thomas
Poem: “A Cradle Song” Padraic Colum
The Message of Christmas John 1:1-4, 14 Suzanne Wooderson
“Angels We Have Heard On High” [Blue#23, GTG#113]THE MEDITATION
“So Hallowed is the Time” Rev. Robert E. Malsbary
THE LIGHTING of the CHRIST CANDLE
THE CHRISTMAS PRAYER
Hymn [Blue#60, GTG#122] Silent Night Lighting of the candles
POEM:
“Christmas Eve” by David Adam
“I open the stable door,
I kneel before the infant.
I worship with the shepherds.
I adore the Christ child.
I ponder the Word made flesh.
I absorb the love of God.
I sing Glory with the angels.
I offer my gifts with the Magi.
I have come from lands afar.
I receive the living Lord.
I hold him in my hands.
I go on my way rejoicing.
Glorifying and praising God.”
THE BENEDICTION
Hymn [Blue#40, GTG#134] Joy to the World!
Thank you to all who have joined us and participated in this special celebration of our Lord.
Greeters: Evelyn Tobey, Sandy Cranfill, Janet Capiton, and Paula Palermo
Lighters of Silent Night: Jeremy Moore and Tony Hill
Officiant: Rev. Robert E. Malsbary
Pianist/Organist: Kelly Cuppett, MM, MMT, MT-BC, Music Director
Audiovisual: Michael Fortin