DECEMBER 25 CHRISTMAS DAY SERVICE

Prelude Praise band - “Little Drummer Boy”

Call to Worship

Leader: Rejoice!
People: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light;
Leader: those who lived in a land of deep darkness — on them light has shined.People: For a child has been born for us, Leader: a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders;
People: He is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
All: Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

Hymn       “Good Christian Friends, Rejoice”      #224

Advent and Christ Candle Lighting

(Light all candles except the Christ/white candle.)

LEADER: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace! (Luke 2:14).

PEOPLE: Today we experience the fulfillment of our anticipation, our waiting. Just as Jesus enters the world, we welcome him to enter our lives.

LEADER: We have lit the candles of advent, now we gather around the wreath to light the Christ candle, the candle of fulfillment.

(Light the white candle in the center of the Advent wreath.)

All Sing

Light the Christmas candles, now:  Sing of donkey, sheep, and cow; birthday candles for the King, let the alleluias ring.  Candle, candle, burning bright, shining in the cold winter night; candle, candle burning bright, fill our hearts with Christmas light.

LEADER: Let us pray, Dear God, we confess that often the tinsel and glitter of Christmas occupy more of our thoughts and time than the Christ Child. We pray that this time of fulfillment will transform our lives; and fulfilled, that we will serve you the whole year through.
PEOPLE: Amen, So let it be!

Special Music by Lois Reichert – “You’re Here”

Scriptures:           Psalter: Psalm 98 Response #2 Page 818

  Hebrews 1:1-4 and John 1:1-14

Hymn                “I Saw Three ships”                (*see below)

Homily

Hymn            “Sing We Now of Christmas”              #237

Holy Communion

Postlude Praise Band – “Go Tell it on the Mountain”

“I Saw Three Ships”

I saw three ships come sailing in On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day; I saw three ships come sailing in On Christmas Day in the morning.

And what was in those ships all three, On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day? And what was in those ships all three, On Christmas Day in the morning?

The Virgin Mary and Christ were there, On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day; The Virgin Mary and Christ were there, On Christmas Day in the morning.

Then let us all rejoice again, On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day; Then let us all rejoice again, On Christmas Day in the morning.