PRELUDE: “Carol” It Came Upon the Midnight Clear by Richard Storrs Willis arr. by Richard Ellsasser
WELCOME
CHORAL CALL TO WORSHIP: Night of Wonder by Karen E. Black; Mark Waters, tenor solo; Emily Lacina, piano
What have we to ponder on this night of wonder? Bethlehem’s stillness, starry night. Gentle snow, world shimmering bright. Still our minds that we might gently think on this. Beauty. Wonder. Ponder this; ponder hope. What have we to ponder on this night of wonder? Mary, Joseph’s dauntless faith. Infant one ordained for grace. Still our souls that we, as they, will think on this. Faith and grace. Ponder this; ponder love. What have we to ponder on this night of wonder? Angels’ chorus, shepherd’s awe. Sacred space, yet cattle stall. Tune our hearts that they may sing and think on this. Timeless gift. Ponder hope. Ponder love. [Paul Hoffman]
PRAYER
HYMN: Good Christian Friends, Rejoice [In Dulci Jubilo]
PRAYER
LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH: Light of Light
INVITATION: Hope Is a Star
Choir: Joy is a song that welcomes the dawn, telling the world that the Savior is born. Love is a flame that burns in our hearts, Jesus has come and will never depart.
Congregation: When God is a child there’s joy in our song. The last shall be first and the weak shall be strong. And none shall be afraid, none shall be afraid.
RESPONSIVE LITANY:
Leader: This evening we mark the end of the anticipation and the start of the greatest story.
People: Hallelujah, Christ is born!
Leader: Our hopes have become reality. We walk into the light.
People: Hallelujah, Christ is born!
Leader: Let peace reign throughout the world. Let our hearts find calm.
People: Hallelujah, Christ is born!
Leader: May we feel the joy of his coming long after the season ends.
People: Hallelujah, Christ is born!
Leader: Love has come down from heaven and is all around us.
People: Hallelujah, Christ is born!
CANDLE LIGHTING
All singing: When God is a child there’s joy in our song. The last shall be first and the weak shall be strong. And none shall be afraid, none shall be afraid.
PRAYER
SCRIPTURE LESSON: Luke 2:1-14
HYMN: Angels We Have Heard on High [Gloria]
SERMON: “Confounding Glory”
ANTHEM: Gentle Mary Laid Her Child; Emily Lacina, piano
Gentle Mary laid her child lowly in a manger; lying there the undefiled, to the world a stranger. Such a child in such a place, can He be the Savior? Ask the saved of all the race who have found his favor. Angels sang about His birth, wise-men sought and found Him. Heaven’s star shone brightly forth, glory all around Him. Gloria! Shepherds saw the wondrous sight, heard the angels singing. All the plains were lit that night, all the hills were ringing. Joy to the world, the Lord is come! He is come, no more a stranger. He is still the undefiled, but no more a stranger. He is Son of God of humble birth, beautiful the story. Praise His name, all the earth, hail the King of Glory! Gentle Mary laid her child, hail the King of Glory! [Joseph Simpson Cook]
PRAYER
HYMN: Silent Night, Holy Night [Stille Nacht]
BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE: Postlude on “Adeste Fideles” by Eric H. Thiman
Virtual Gathering at 11:30 p.m. tonight (December 24, 2022) Ushering in Christmas — Visit Meet.Google.com with the code: goe-umjn-wgq or dial in by phone: 1-209-781-9485 & enter this PIN: 443 527 177#
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