December 24, 2023 1 PM Worship
PRELUDE Ethel Ashenfelter, Organist
*CALL TO WORSHIP
L: The Star over Bethlehem is God’s sign of peace to all of humanity.
P: We welcome the arrival of the Prince of Peace in our midst.
L: The baby born to a poor peasant girl is God’s gift of love. Christ came into this world; he lived and died for us while we were yet sinners. That proves God’s love toward us.
All: We thankfully accept God’s gift; we rejoice over God’s love for us!
*JOY TO THE WORLD #246
*OPENING PRAYER “Christmas”(Unison) #231
ADVENT/CHRISTMAS EVE CELEBRATION Pastor Walt & Carol
To you is born a Savior! (Based on Luke 2:1-14)
(Light Four candles on the wreath)
Leader: There were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.
People: Then an angel of the Lord stood before the, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
Leader: But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.”
People: Suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!” We light the Christ candle to remind us that the Savior is born!
SPECIAL MUSIC Judy Haynicz
CHRISTMAS PRAYER
*Hark, The Herald Angels Sing UMH #240
SCRIPTURE LESSON Luke 2:8-20
THE MESSAGE: “Blue Christmas”
Rev. Dr. Walter Jesuncosky III, Preacher
*LIGHTING OF CANDLES
L: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.
P: You are the light of the world;
L: Be Light in our darkness, O Christ.
P: O come, let us adore him, Christ, the Lord.
(please pass the flame along to your neighbor)
*SILENT NIGHT, HOLY NIGHT UMH# 239
*BENEDICTION
*POSTLUDE