{"id":3079,"date":"2020-12-25T00:08:42","date_gmt":"2020-12-25T06:08:42","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/firstlutheranri.org\/?p=3079"},"modified":"2020-12-25T00:08:42","modified_gmt":"2020-12-25T06:08:42","slug":"christmas-eve-worship-service-nativity-of-our-lord-24-december-2020","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/firstlutheranri.org\/?p=3079","title":{"rendered":"Christmas Eve Worship Service: Nativity of Our Lord: 24 December 2020"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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I pray this worship shines bright in your homes and witnesses to the gift of the Christ child in your lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Peace, Pastor Chris Lee<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Order of Worship, Nativity of Our Lord, December 24, 2020<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Prelude:<\/strong> “Zu Bethlehem Geboren” (“Born in Bethlehem”) – Walcha. Organist, Pam Edwards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Confession and Forgiveness<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Blessed be the holy Trinity, \u2629 one God, who was in the beginning, who makes a dwelling among us, who covers us with justice and mercy. Amen.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

God of goodness and lovingkindness, we confess that we have sinned against you<\/strong> and our neighbors.<\/strong> We have turned away from your invitation to new life.<\/strong> We have turned away from the lowly and downtrodden.<\/strong> In your abundant mercy, forgive us our sins,<\/strong> those we know and those known only to you,<\/strong> for the sake of the one who came to live among us,<\/strong> Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hear the good news of peace and salvation! God forgives us all our sins, not through our own work, but through \u2629 Jesus Christ, made known to all people. With all who come to the manger, rejoice in this amazing gift of grace. Amen.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Opening:<\/strong> ELW 283- “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” all verses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prayer of the Day<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Almighty God, you made this holy night shine with the brightness of the true Light. Grant that here on earth we may walk in the light of Jesus\u2019 presence and in the last day wake to the brightness of his glory; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Amen.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

First Reading: Isaiah 9:2-7<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This poem promises deliverance from Assyrian oppression, a hope based on the birth of a royal child with a name full of promise. While Judah\u2019s king will practice justice and righteousness, the real basis for faith lies in God\u2019s passion for the people: The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this!<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u20032<\/sup>The people who walked in darkness
\u2003\u2003have seen a great light;
\u2003those who lived in a land of deep darkness\u2014
\u2003\u2003on them light has shined.
\u20033<\/sup>You have multiplied the nation,
\u2003\u2003you have increased its joy;
\u2003they rejoice before you
\u2003\u2003as with joy at the harvest,
\u2003\u2003as people exult when dividing plunder.
\u20034<\/sup>For the yoke of their burden,
\u2003\u2003and the bar across their shoulders,
\u2003\u2003the rod of their oppressor,
\u2003\u2003you have broken as on the day of Midian.
\u20035<\/sup>For all the boots of the tramping warriors
\u2003\u2003and all the garments rolled in blood
\u2003\u2003shall be burned as fuel for the fire.
\u20036<\/sup>For a child has been born for us,
\u2003\u2003a son given to us;
\u2003authority rests upon his shoulders;
\u2003\u2003and he is named
\u2003Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
\u2003\u2003Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
\u20037<\/sup>His authority shall grow continually,
\u2003\u2003and there shall be endless peace
\u2003for the throne of David and his kingdom.
\u2003\u2003He will establish and uphold it
\u2003with justice and with righteousness
\u2003\u2003from this time onward and forevermore.
\u2003The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gospel: Luke 2:1-20<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

God\u2019s greatest gift comes as a baby in a manger. Angels announce the \u201cgood news of great joy\u201d and proclaim God\u2019s blessing of peace.<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1<\/sup>In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2<\/sup>This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3<\/sup>All went to their own towns to be registered. 4<\/sup>Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. 5<\/sup>He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. 6<\/sup>While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 7<\/sup>And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
\u2003 8<\/sup>In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9<\/sup>Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10<\/sup>But the angel said to them, \u201cDo not be afraid; for see\u2014I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11<\/sup>to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12<\/sup>This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.\u201d 13<\/sup>And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,
\u200314<\/sup>\u201cGlory to God in the highest heaven,
\u2003\u2003and on earth peace among those whom he favors!\u201d

\u2003 15<\/sup>When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, \u201cLet us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.\u201d 16<\/sup>So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. 17<\/sup>When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; 18<\/sup>and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. 19<\/sup>But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. 20<\/sup>The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sermon:<\/strong> Pastor Chris Lee<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hymn of the Day:<\/strong> ELW 270- “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing,” all verses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prayers of Intercession<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Joining our voices with the song of the angels, let us pray for the church, the world, and all who are in need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The shepherds sing, \u201cJesus Christ is born!\u201d Let your church throughout the world proclaim this good news, over the hills and everywhere. Unite the voices of all your faithful people in songs of praise and rejoicing. Hear us, O God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your mercy is great.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Heaven and nature sing, \u201cJoy to the world!\u201d Give respite to flocks, fields, and those who tend them. Come near to us in the beauty of nighttime, the shining of the stars, and the hush of a world at rest. May our wonder at your creation rouse our care for all the earth. Hear us, O God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your mercy is great.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The angels sing, \u201cPeace on earth!\u201d Come quickly to still the strife of this world. Hush the noise of war and violence in places of unrest especially Rock Island and the Quad-Cities area. Inspire leaders of nations to seek lasting peace and sustainable provision for all in their care. Hear us, O God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your mercy is great.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mary sings melodies of comfort to her newborn child. Bring rest and reassurance to those facing struggles this night. Shelter travelers and those without homes. Console those who lie awake due to pain or anxiety. Heal those who are sick or hurting especially Candi Wheeler; Susan Leyendecker; Bryant Crawford; Helen Schubert; Woody and Luellen Kasselman; Greg, Judy and Kristine Mayer; Mariah Pearson; Jeanna LaRue; Louise Larson; Karen Bemowski; and Dan Wolever. Hear us, O God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your mercy is great.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Love sings through the sound of a new baby\u2019s cry. Bless new parents and expectant parents. Comfort those who long for children, especially those running out of hope or options. Surround families of every shape and size with your love and care. Hear us, O God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your mercy is great.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The heavenly chorus sings, \u201cGlory to God in the highest!\u201d We give you thanks for all the saints who have proclaimed your glory in word and deed. Let us join them this night in joyful praise around your eternal throne especially with Dylan McCalester. Hear us, O God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your mercy is great.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

God of all mercy, come quickly to us with grace upon grace as we lift these and all our prayers to you, in the name of Jesus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Amen.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Offering:<\/strong> ELW 281- “Silent Night,” all verses. Vocalists” Brittany Anderson & Pam Edwards. Signers: Claire, Grace & Luke Gustafson; Amaya & Abbigail Lee; Alexa Wehrheim; & Vivian Wright.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Lord\u2019s Prayer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Communion Anthem:<\/strong> ELW 294- “In the Bleak Midwinter,” all verses. Vocalist: Brittany Anderson.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prayer after Communion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We give you thanks, gracious God, that you have once again fed us from your very self with the body and blood of Christ. Through this mystery, send us forth to proclaim your promise to a world in need, through the same Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Blessing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Almighty God, who sent the Holy Spirit to Mary, proclaimed joy through the angels, sent the shepherds with good news, and led the magi by a star, bless you this day \u2629 through the Word made flesh. Amen.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sending Hymn: <\/strong>ELW 267- “Joy to the World,” all verses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lighting of the Candle. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dismissal<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Go in peace. Share the good news and the gift of Christ. Thanks be to God.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Postlude:<\/strong> “Prelude in Classic Style,”- Young. Organist: Pam Edwards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Facebook link to Christmas Eve service:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/190629367619921\/videos\/201414981692898<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Image credits: Nativity, free image by Gerd Altmann, Pixabay and Baby Jesus, free image by Falco, Pixabay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Music credits:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Organist\/Pianist: Pam Edwards. Song leaders: Brittany & Miriam Anderson.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Zu Bethlehem Geboren” (“Born in Bethlehem”) – Walcha.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“O Come, All Ye Faithful.” Text: attr. John Francis Wade, 1711 – 1786; tr. Frederick Oakeley, 1802 – 1880, sts. 1, 3-4; tr. unknown, st. 2. Music: attr. John Francis Wade. Public domain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Hark, the Herald Angels Sing.” Text: Charles Wesley, 1707 – 1788, alt.. Music: Felix Mendelssohn, 1809 – 1847; arr. William H. Cummings, 1831 – 1915. Public domain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Silent Night.” Text: Joseph Mohr, 1792 – 1849; tr. John F. Young, 1820 – 1885. Music: Franz Gruber, 1787 – 1863. Public domain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“In the Bleak Midwinter.” Text: Christina Georgina Rossetti, 1830 -1894. Music: Gustav Holst, 1874 – 1934. Public domain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Joy to the World.” Text: Isaac Watts, 1674 – 1748. Music: English melody, 18th cent.; arr. Lowell Mason, 1792 – 1872. Public domain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Prelude in Classic Style,”- Young. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sundays and Seasons.com. Copyright 2020 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Reprinted\/ streamed with permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #SAS006904.\u00a0Duplication in any form is prohibited without permission or valid license from the copyright administrator.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

I pray this worship shines bright in your homes and witnesses to the gift of the Christ child in your lives. Peace, Pastor Chris Lee Order of Worship, Nativity of Our Lord, December 24, 2020 Prelude: “Zu Bethlehem Geboren” (“Born in Bethlehem”) – Walcha. Organist, Pam Edwards. Confession and Forgiveness Blessed be the holy Trinity, … [Read more…]<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"entry","1":"post","2":"publish","3":"author-flcadmin","4":"post-3079","6":"format-standard","7":"category-uncategorized"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/firstlutheranri.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3079","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/firstlutheranri.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/firstlutheranri.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/firstlutheranri.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/firstlutheranri.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=3079"}],"version-history":[{"count":50,"href":"https:\/\/firstlutheranri.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3079\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3133,"href":"https:\/\/firstlutheranri.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3079\/revisions\/3133"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/firstlutheranri.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=3079"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/firstlutheranri.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=3079"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/firstlutheranri.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=3079"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}