Christmas Eve Worship
Thursday, December 24, 2015 - 9:00 PM
*Congregation please stand if you are able. All items in BOLD are spoken or sung by all.
GREETING
PRELUDE…..……………….…………..…………………………..… “Christmas Angels” -arr. Schrader
Kaleb Hayes, trumpet; Skip Yingling, piano
CHORAL CALL TO WORSHIP…………………………“Carol of
the Bells” -Leontovich/Wilhousky
High School and Alumni Choir
THE LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE
Reader 1:
Reader 2:
Reader 1:
Reader 2:
Four Sundays ago we lit the Prophecy candle and remembered those who first spoke the
promise of the coming Christ child. Three Sundays ago we lit the Bethlehem candle, a
symbol of the preparations being made to receive and cradle the Christ child.
Two Sundays ago we lit the Shepherds candle, remembering the first in a long line of people
who joyfully shared the good news of the Savior's birth. Last Sunday we lit the Angels
candle, and were reminded of the hope fulfilled in the first coming of our Savior and of our
continuing hope as we anticipate his coming again.
Tonight the Advent season ends. We wait no longer. That great event for which we have
waited has happened. God's promise of a Redeemer is fulfilled. Christ Jesus is born. We
light the Christ candle with praise to our God who brings joy to the world.
Hear the word of our Lord from the Gospel of John Chapter 1 verses 14 and 16: And the
Word be came flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, full of grace and truth. From his fullness
we have all received, grace upon grace. Let us pray all together...
Dear God, in the birth of Jesus you have shown your majesty and splendor and have put a new song
in our hearts and lives. O Christ of God, be born in us today that through us your ways may be
known on earth, your salvation among all nations. In your mighty name we pray. Amen.
*HYMN NO. 41 …………….……………………….…….....… “O Come, All Ye Faithful” -Adeste Fideles
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Gracious God, when we allow darkness to overcome the light, forgive us.
When we reduce Christmas to parties and gifts, have mercy on us.
When we ignore the pain of others, forgive us and move us to have compassion for all who suffer.
When our caring does not become action, move us to act out of love for others.
Forgive us and remind us of your love that removes all barriers, for there is no obstacle to your love
for us.
PROMISE OF FORGIVENESS
Leader:
People:
Leader:
All:
SPECIAL MUSIC
My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
God has looked with favor on us; therefore, we are blessed.
The Mighty One has done great things for us, and holy is God’s name.
God’s mercy is for all from generation to generation.
…………………………….………… “Sing We Now of Christmas” -arr. McChesney
Christmas Bells Angels
The Christmas Story Told in Lessons and Carols
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
(Unison)
O Come, O Come Emmanuel,
And reveal your love through word and song
that your love may be born in us today,
through Christ our Lord, Amen.
LESSON..…………....………………………..…..……………………….……………………...…...…. Luke 2:1-7
SPECIAL MUSIC……..….……………..……….………..…………………....… “Greensleeves” -arr. H. Morris
Rev. Christa Brewer, flute; Hollie Roy, oboe; Skip Yingling, piano
LESSON..…………....………………………..………………………………………………….…...…. Luke 2:8-14
HYMN NO. 31……..………………………….………..….… “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” -Mendelssohn
LESSON..…………....……………………………………………………..…………………...…...…. Luke 2:15-20
ANTHEM……..……………………….…………………………...……………...…..……….. “Christmas Canon”
Christmas Bells Angels, Youth & Alumni Choir
Rev. Christa Brewer, flute; Susan Cadwell, piano; Ben Kellogg, violin; Katie Vaughn, violin
LESSON..…………....………………...…………………………...…………..……….......…...…. Matthew 1:18-25
Leader: :
All:
For the Word of God among us,
For the Word of God within us,
For the Word of God in Scripture,
For the Word of God in song,
For the Word of God born this night:
Thanks be to God.
THE CHRISTMAS MESSAGE …..….. “SINGING THE CHRISTMAS STORY: Christ the Savior is Born”
Rev. Dr. John C. Brearley
HYMN NO. 40, VS. 1 & 4……..………......……………...………...….… “Joy to the World” -Antioch
THE CHRISTMAS OFFERING - HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
OFFERTORY…............................................................................................................. “Stille Nacht” -arr. Garee
Christmas Bells Angels
HYMN OF DEDICATION NO. 53……………...…………...… “What Child Is This?” -Greensleeves
CHRISTMAS PRAYER
THE LORD’S SUPPER
INVITATION TO THE TABLE
PRAYER OF GREAT THANKSGIVING
WORDS OF INSTITUTION
COMMUNION OF THE PEOPLE
ANTHEM………..…………..…….…... “A Christmas Hallelujah” -arr. Cloverton
PRAYER OF COMMITMENT & THE LORD’S PRAYER
High School and Alumni Choir
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 debts, as we forgive our debtors;
and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.
THE SHARING THE LIGHT OF CHRIST
Leader:
People:
Leader:
People:
Leader:
People:
Leader:
All:
Emmanuel, God you are with us.
We have heard the promise of the prophets;
We have caught the notes of the angel’s song:
We have seen a star in the heavens, and we have believed.
We believe in you, who are the weakest and the strongest, the most humble and the
most mighty.
We believe in you, the true light of the world.
Let us go forth from this place bearing your light in the darkness.
Let us go forth crying aloud with the heavenly host: “Glory to God in the
Highest! Peace on earth and goodwill to all.”
*HYMN NO. 60 ..…………………………..…...…..…...… “Silent Night, Holy Night” -Stille Nacht
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.
Silent night, holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight,
Glories stream from heaven afar, heavenly hosts sing: “Alleluia;
Christ the Savior is born, Christ the Savior is born.”
Silent night, holy night! Wondrous star, lend thy light;
With the angels let us sing, Alleluia to our King;
Christ the Savior is born, Christ the Savior is born.
*BLESSING
*POSTLUDE…………..……………………………………….….......“Sortie pour le temps de No ël” -Vilbac
Susan Cadwell, organ
Today’s offering is for Habitat for Humanity. With your help, more deserving families will be “home” for
Christmas by this time next year. Our Christmas Eve offering will be used to build Habitat Houses for people
who need “a helping hand to live in a home of their own."
Ministers Assisting in Worship:
The Rev. Dr. John Brearley
The Rev. Christa R. Brewer
Rev. Judith L. Cettei
The Rev. Cameron W. Thomas
Director of Children, Youth & Handbell Choirs
Skip Yingling
Organist:
Susan Cadwell
Acolytes:
Parents: Dione & Rob Leak/ Amy Leak, Christine Leak, Sophie Leak
Ushers:
Jon Sell, Lisa Rogers, Stoney & Mary Anderson, Tom Nace, B.J. Thomas
Sound/Lighting:
Bob Gauss
-A Joyous Christmas to You AllDecember 27—there two services, as normal, 8:45 AM and 11:00 AM.
First Presbyterian Church of Myrtle Beach
Kings Campus: 1300 N. Kings Hwy.
Grissom Campus: 3810 Robert Grissom Parkway
(843) 448-4496 www.myrtlebeachpresbyterianchurch.org
“Where Love Makes the Difference”