WELCOME TO WORSHIP
Welcome in the name of the Christ-child! In our service we gather before the almighty God and
Savior to offer him our worship and praise. We also gather to hear God’s holy, powerful Word
and celebrate his life-giving Sacraments. Through Word and Sacrament the Lord strengthens our
faith and walks us ever closer to our eternal home with him.
INFORMATION
RESTROOMS are located down a hallway on the opposite side of the fellowship hall.
A NURSERY AREA is available, if your child needs a moment, in the fellowship hall.
CHILDREN’S ACTIVITY SHEETS provide activities pertaining to the Scripture lessons for the day.
A GUEST BOOK is located on the back table, to remember your visit and record your information.
YOUTH & CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS SERVICE
Still, Still, Still
“Be still, and know that I am God”
(Psalm 46:10)
Because this service is worship of our Savior and King, we kindly ask members and guests not
to take photos during the service. Video cameras may be discreetly used behind the seating.
HYMN
SERVICE NOTES
THE SEASON OF CHRISTMAS
The Christmas season celebrates the incarnation of the Son of God. The eternal
Word became flesh that he might be the Christ, anointed to redeem God’s
people. God had to become man to live under the law and die in our place. Christ’s birth, then,
is inextricably connected to his death: Good Friday necessitated Christmas. So great is the love
of God that, even though our sin required such a sacrifice, the Light of the world still descended
into our darkness as Savior.
TODAY’S THEME
For many years people have loved singing both the German and English translations of the
simple Austrian carol, “Still Still Still”. Though the author is no longer known, the song continues
to remind us of that first Christmas night in Bethlehem, when God became man to save us from
the curse of sin. This worship service takes the listener back to Bethlehem as they hear those
closest to the event tell their story.
SERVING IN WORSHIP
Presiding Minister
Organist
CONTACT
204 Deerfield Road (Box 237)
Marshall, WI 53559
Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful |55
Oh, come, all ye faithful, Joyful and triumphant,
Oh, come ye, oh, come ye to Bethlehem;
Come and behold him, Born the King of angels.
Oh, come, let us adore him … Christ the Lord.
Sing, choirs of angels, Sing in exultation;
Sing, all ye citizens of heav’n above.
Glory to God, all Glory in the highest.
Oh, come, let us adore him … Christ the Lord.
God from true God, and Light from Light eternal,
Born of a virgin, to earth he comes,
Only begotten Son of God the Father.
Oh, come, let us adore him … Christ the Lord.
PRAYER
Pastor Arthur Faught
Delores Schoeneck
St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church (WELS)
(608) 655-4179
[email protected]
stpaulmarshall.com
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Artwork by Ian M. Welch. ©2013 Ian M. Welch. All Rights Reserved.
©2007 Kremer Publications, Inc. Edited by Cathy Millin for Saint Paul Ev. Lutheran Sunday School 2014
P: Let us pray.
Gracious Lord God, Father of the universe, ruler of our hearts, and Savior of all people, come
to us tonight with the beautiful and precious sounds of that first Christmas. Fill our hearts
with the same joy felt by Mary and Joseph, with the same hope that was enjoyed by the
shepherds, and with the same praise that was uttered by the angel hosts. May the sounds
of Christmas be heard not only tonight, but throughout our lives, until we behold the long
awaited concert that only heavenly voices can present. We ask this in the name of the Baby
in Bethlehem, the Sacrificial Lamb, and the risen King, our ascended Lord and Savior Jesus
Christ.
C: Amen.
J:
INTRODUCTION
K: “Be still, and know that I am God.”
(Psalm 46:10)
K: Shhh! We must be very quiet!
K: We cannot make a noise!
K: If you listen carefully, you will begin to hear some special sounds.
My name is Joseph. No doubt you’ve all heard of me and even read about me. I can even
imagine that at this very moment you have me standing somewhere near your Christmas
tree. In your crèche that’s me right beside my wife Mary. We’re both looking down at our
new baby boy. The Bible lists my name in the line of my son’s ancestors. Because I am
David’s descendant, Mary and I had to leave our hometown of Nazareth and travel to
Bethlehem, David’s birthplace, to be counted in the Roman census.
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the
entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was
governor of Syria.)
And everyone went to his own town to register.
K: These are the sounds of Christmas.
K: “Be still, and know that I am God.”
(Psalm 46:10)
SONG
Still, Still, Still
Still, still, still, he sleeps this night so chill!
The virgin’s tender arms enfolding,
Warm and safe the Child are holding,
Still, still, still, he sleeps this night so chill!
C:
“So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem
the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.” (Luke 2:1 – 4)
J:
When you hear the story of my son’s birthday, you notice that I was living in Nazareth as a
carpenter, and engaged to my lovely Mary. But all was not well. My world fell to pieces
when I heard the news that my betrothed was expecting a baby. This was a disgrace that
was punishable by death.
C: Dream, dream, dream, he sleeps the Savior King.
The night is peaceful all around you.
Close your eyes, let sleep surround you.
Dream, dream, dream, he sleeps the Savior King.
Sleep, sleep, sleep, he lies in slumber deep.
While angel hosts from heav’n come winging,
Sweetest songs of joy are singing,
Sleep, sleep, sleep, he lies in slumber deep.
N: Tonight we will stroll down the streets of a quiet Judean village named Bethlehem. There
we will have an opportunity to listen in on the conversations taking place in a darkened
stable just behind a very busy inn. We will also wander out into the fields surrounding this
village, and notice the commotion taking place there. I think I can hear some sounds –off in
the distance. Let’s all be still, still, still. I think I can hear a father welcoming a new addition
into his family.
PART I: BE STILL, AND HEAR A FATHER WELCOMING
K: Shhh!
N: As we take a little peak, we hear Joseph start to speak.
K: Tell us all, what do you know, about that night so long ago?
This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about:
His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together,
she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.
Men:
J:
“Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to
public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.”
(Matthew 1:18, 19)
But I soon discovered that God had a plan for Mary and me. The situation was well within
his almighty hands.
Women: “But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream
and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife,
because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.
All:
“ ‘She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will
save his people from their sins.’ ”
(Matthew 1:20, 21)
N: From that day on Joseph’s life could never be the same. His future was planned out for him.
He was to be the step-father of not only a newborn son, but also of his Savior and his God.
Is it any wonder his mind was filled with all these things as he tended to his pregnant Mary
on that 70-mile trip from Nazareth down to Bethlehem? And how his heart sank when he
learned there were no rooms available for them. There was no comfortable place for her to
give birth. They finally settled in a stable, certainly far from ideal, but at least it was safe and
dry.
J:
How I scrambled to clean out a cattle trough, to light the few lamps, and to find warm water
and clean cloths for my wife and my baby! But the Lord was gracious to Mary and me, and
all went well in the quiet, quiet town.
SONG
Quiet, Quiet Town
Quiet, quiet town, Bethlehem sleeps well.
No one is around; none could ever tell
Just a baby’s cry from a distant cattle stall.
No one dares come nigh – quiet, quiet town.
C: Lovely, lovely girl, by the Father blest,
God’s own Priceless Pearl held against her breast,
Guarding every word deep within her humble heart,
Every whimper heard – lovely, lovely girl.
Stand
Priceless, priceless gift sent from God above.
Now our voices lift praises of his love,
Filling all the earth with the sound of happiness;
Telling of his birth – priceless, priceless gift.
Be seated
Quiet, quiet town, Bethlehem sleeps well.
No one is around; none could ever tell
Just a baby’s cry from a distant cattle stall.
No one dares come nigh – quiet, quiet town.
PART II: BE STILL, AND HEAR A MOTHER PRAYING
K: Shhh!
N: There’s Mary, Jesus’ mother mild, she’s caring for the little child.
K: Tell us all, what do you know, about that night so long ago?
M: What words can I find to tell you the marvels that I have seen in my life? How can I begin to
share with you the miracles I’ve experienced, the joy that I’ve known, and the sorrow I’ve
endured? Together with my loving husband Joseph, we raised the Savior of all people. My
memories go very deep. Not only did I spend many loving years with my son Jesus, I also
carried him within my very womb. It all began so strangely.
The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with
you.
“Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God.
“You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus.
He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.
“The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow
you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.“ (Luke 1:28, 30 – 32, 35)
SONG
When God’s Wonderful, Wonderful Word Came Down
When God’s wonderful, wonderful Word came down,
To Mary, a young, humble maid,
When God’s wonderful, wonderful Word came down,
Said Gabriel, “Don’t be afraid!
I bring news of a promise and dream fulfilled:
You’ll carry God’s own child.”
When God’s wonderful, wonderful Word came down,
To a sweet, young virgin mild.
C: When God’s wonderful, wonderful Word came down,
The village of Bethlehem slept.
When God’s wonderful, wonderful Word came down,
His promises made were all kept:
The incarnate one, Jesus, was Word made flesh,
A baby born so small.
When God’s wonderful, wonderful Word came down,
To a lonely cattle stall.
When God’s wonderful, wonderful Word came down,
To shepherds that first Christmas night,
When God’s wonderful, wonderful Word came down,
They saw the spectacular sight,
Of the heavenly doors bursting wide with songs
of peace on earth again.
When God’s wonderful, wonderful Word came down,
O’er the fields of Bethlehem.
Stand
C: When God’s wonderful, wonderful Word came down,
The little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay.
Inspired in heaven above.
When God’s wonderful, wonderful Word came down,
It brought me God’s wonderful love.
Now it guides me, upholds me, and gives me peace,
It tells me I’m set free.
When God’s wonderful, wonderful Word came down,
God gave eternity.
The cattle are lowing, the Baby awakes,
But little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes.
I love thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky,
And stay by my cradle till morning is nigh.
Be seated
M: My life was a simple life in Nazareth. I had so looked forward to my marriage with Joseph. I
was not a special person, and in no way did I deserve to be chosen apart from all the women
throughout history to carry God’s Son and deliver him to a world condemned by sin. I will
never forget the long and painful trip to Bethlehem. I will never forget the pains I felt giving
birth in that stable. I will never forget hearing the first whimper from the lips of my baby. I
will never forget the look on Joseph’s face as he tried so hard to comfort me and help in any
way he could. I will never forget the awe that came over me when I held my Lord for the
very first time … right in my own arms.
C: Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask thee to stay,
Close by me forever, and love me, I pray.
Bless all the dear children in thy tender care,
And take us to heaven to live with thee there.
K: Little Baby Jesus, sleeping on the hay,
Came to earth to save us – What a happy day!
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in
him shall not perish but have eternal life.
(John 3:16)
PART IV: BE STILL, AND HEAR THE ANGELS PRAISING
N: And she would never forget that breathless band of shepherds who had hurried into town
to see their Savior. She would never forget any of these things. They are far too wonderful
to ever forget.
K: Shhh!
M: And yet, I am not to be praised for my part. It is Jesus who deserves all the praise and
worship and glory.
K: Tell us all, what do you know, about that night so long ago?
“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” (Luke 2:19)
C:
PART III: BE STILL, AND HEAR A BABY CRYING
K: Shhh!
N: There’s the baby, O so small, giving peace and hope to all.
While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her
firstborn, a son.
She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for
them in the inn.
(Luke 2:6, 7)
HYMN
Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
The little Lord Jesus lay down his sweet head.
The stars in the sky looked down where he lay,
Away in a Manger |68
N: Angels filled the sky that night, wearing robes of clothing bright.
A: Oh, the night of Jesus’ birth: Never in the history of this world has there been singing like
that night over Bethlehem. Can you imagine how we rejoiced at the birth of Jesus? God was
now descending from his throne on high to become a man for the purpose of rescuing all
people. Such an event as this had never happened before and will only happen once more –
when Jesus comes back as a victor and judge. The Lord wanted us to provide a heavenly
concert to an unlikely group of shepherds minding their flocks on the hills around
Bethlehem. Can you imagine their amazement when at first a single angel was sent to make
the announcement?
“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.
“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” (Luke
2:10, 11)
A: As those words ended, the heavens opened wide, and the joy that had been hidden within
us for so long was about to be unleashed. Thousands upon thousands of angels joined in a
praise song that filled the air.
N: The beauty and splendor of that moment lit up the Judean hills. All the radiance and strength
of heaven was witnessed by those shepherds.
S: He said the Messiah was born, right there in Bethlehem. He even told us what to look for.
He gave us all the details.
A: Heaven could not contain our happiness, and we sang in holy harmony:
C:
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”
(Luke 2:14)
Angels We Have Heard on High |63
HYMN
Angels we have heard on high,
Sweetly singing o’er the plains,
And the mountains in reply,
Echoing their joyous strains.
Gloria in excelsis Deo. Gloria in excelsis Deo.
Be seated
PART V: BE STILL, AND HEAR THE SHEPHERDS TELLING
K: Shhh!
N: After the angels left, the heavens once again returned to the dark black they were used to.
S: We looked at each other in amazement, and everyone shouted, “Let’s go!”
C:
S: Where do we begin with our story? How could anyone believe what we had seen? Herding
sheep night after night is a lonely and boring job. We had just bedded down for the night.
Our sheep were in the fold, and quite content. We were used to the light of a full moon,
and we had seen our share of shooting stars in that dull black sky. But angels were
something we didn’t quite expect. It began with one angel who spoke to us. It was bright!
But when God’s glory shone around us, that sight was awesome!
An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them,
and they were terrified.
(Luke 2:9)
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the
manger.
“When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them
about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to
them.”
(Luke 2:16 – 18)
S: How do you keep a story like this all to yourself? We were bursting with news to tell anyone
we happened to meet – not just that night, but for days – no, for years after it happened!
Go, Tell It on the Mountain |57
HYMN
Go, tell it on the mountain, Over the hills, and ev’rywhere;
Go, tell it on the mountain, That Jesus Christ is born!
Down in a lowly manger, The humble Christ was born;
And God sent us salvation, That blessed Christmas morn.
Go, tell it on the mountain, Over the hills, and ev’rywhere;
Go, tell it on the mountain, That Jesus Christ is born.
N: Shepherds ran to see the child, nestled in that manger mild.
K: Tell us all, what do you know, about that night so long ago?
(Luke 2:12)
S: Just then my mouth dropped and my knees began to shake as the heavens opened up with a
sight I can’t begin to explain. It was too marvelous to put into words.
Stand
C: Come to Bethlehem and see,
Him whose birth the angels sing;
Come adore on bended knee,
Christ the Lord, the newborn King.
Gloria in excelsis Deo. Gloria in excelsis Deo.
“You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
PART VI: BE STILL, AND HEAR GOD’S PEOPLE REJOICING
N: We’ve heard the sounds of the first Christmas. They came to us from a happy father and a
loving mother. We heard them in the soft whimper of a baby and in the glorious noise of all
God’s angels. These are all sounds that could be heard that first Christmas so very long ago,
so very far away, on a still, still night.
SONG
Silent night! Holy night! All is calm, all is bright,
Round yon virgin mother and child. Holy Infant so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace, Sleep in heavenly peace.
N: The angel spoke forcefully yet tenderly. He wanted to give them a message.
C: Silent night! Holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight.
Silent Night |60
Glories stream from heaven afar; Heav’nly hosts sing, Alleluia;
Christ, the Savior, is born! Christ, the Savior, is born!
Silent night! Holy night! Son of God, love’s pure light
Radiant beams from thy holy face With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at thy birth, Jesus, Lord, at thy birth.
P: As we return to our hurried lifestyles, our busy homes, all the worries, cares and problems
that are part of our everyday life, we can find great hope and comfort in remembering that
on that first Christmas night, God sent a message to the world.
Children, what is that message?
“Be still, and know that I am God.”
(Psalm 46:10)
MESSAGE
OFFERING
To our guests: we freely give to the Lord because of what he has given to us.
If you would like, you may join us in giving thanks to the Lord, also.
MUSICAL OFFERING
Stand
PRAYER
P: Almighty God, heavenly Father, we are thankful that you fulfilled all of your ancient
promises and sent us a Savior, who is Christ, the Lord.
C: Your Son left the glory of heaven and became flesh of our flesh. He became our brother,
so that through him we might become your children.
P: We marvel at his gracious love for us, that though he was rich, yet for our sakes he became
poor, so that we through his poverty might become rich.
C: We are indeed rich – for we have peace with you and access to your holy throne in every
need.
P: Dear Savior, give us a simple, childlike faith that sees your glory even in your lowliness. Help
us all to rejoice in your birth, in order to save us.
C: In sincere faith we join the song of the angels, share the delight of the shepherds, and
adore you with the wisemen.
P: May the truth, love, and redemption that you have brought dwell in our hearts and lives this
night and for the rest of our days.
C: Like Mary, may we keep all these things and ponder them in our hearts. And since you
came for all people, help us share the good news of great joy we have in you.
P: As you have shown us your glory on this holy evening, so one day bring us into your glory in
heaven, where we will take our places among the saints and angels.
C: There we will forever praise and glorify you for the grace and mercy you have shown to us
poor sinners. Hear us, O Lord, for the sake of your name. Amen.
P: And hear us, Lord God, as we join in the prayer our Redeemer taught us to pray:
LORD’S PRAYER
C: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us;
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory
forever and ever. Amen.
BLESSING
P: May he who by his incarnation gathered things earthly and heavenly into one, fill us with
such joy that comes with the knowledge of the forgiveness of sins and the hope of eternal
life. And the blessing of God Almighty – the Father, the Son, (†) and the Holy Spirit – be
upon you and remain with you always.
C: Amen.
Be seated
HYMN
Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let ev’ry heart prepare him room
And heav’n and nature sing.
C: Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns!
Let all their songs employ,
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy.
Joy to the World |62
No more let sins and sorrows grow
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make his blessings flow
Far as the curse is found.
THANK YOU!
We thank Mr. Harvey Heiman, Mr. Doug Millin and Mr. Lucas Millin for serving us as ushers this
evening.
WE ESPECIALLY THANK . . .
He rules the world with truth and grace
And makes the nations prove
The glories of his righteousness
And wonders of his love.
Come & adore!
So humble and mild
Was born the Christ-child,
That what we have lost
We gain by his cross.
CHRISTMAS DAY WORSHIP
9:30 A.M.
Thursday, December 25th
FIRST SUNDAY OF CHRISTMAS WORSHIP
8:00 & 10:30 A.M. Sunday, December 28th
Sunday school Staff
Mrs. Cathy Millin, Mrs. Nancy Huwe; Mr. Jim Huwe; Mrs. Lisa Skalitzky, Ms. Mandy Steindorf;
Mrs. Betsy Faught.
Youth and Children
Narrators
Heather Juedes, Dylan Kilian
Eighth & Seventh Graders
Heidi Juedes, Austin Kilian, Violet Stroschein, Trent Reynolds.
Sixth & Fifth Graders
Julia Faught, Aree Huwe, Kayden Lambert-Weber, Kenadi Reynolds, Abby Skalitzky.
Fourth thru Second Graders
Lucas Christen, Laura Faught, Nop Huwe, Noah Kilian, Wyatt Kilian, Brayden Klubertanz, Amber
Skalitzky, Colton Stroschein, Halle Weisensel, Lauryn Weisensel.
First Graders thru Pre-school
Cameron Christen, Cole Christen, Julia Kersten, Trent Kersten, Neelah Klubertanz, Kennedy
Weisensel.
Instrumentalists
Mr. Adam Stroschein.
Aree Huwe, Heidi Juedes, Violet Stroschein.
Assistants
Ms. Kelsey Bakken, Ms. Mikayla Bakken, Mrs. Carol Virden, Mr. Scott Weber.