Christmas Eve December 24, 2008

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The Prelude

Opening Hymn: #380 “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”

Order of Confession and Absolution (Hymnal, page 184)

Old Testament Responsive Reading: (from Isaiah 9)

P: The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;

C: On those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.

P: You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy;

C: They rejoice before You as people rejoice at the harvest.

P: For to us a Child is born,

C: To us a Son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders.

P: And He will be called:

C: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

P: Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end.

C: He will reign on David's throne and over His kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness forever.

The First Christmas Reading: Luke 2: 1-5

Hymn: #361 “O Little Town of Bethlehem”

The Second Christmas Reading: Luke 2: 6-7

Hymn: #364 “Away in a Manger”

The Third Christmas Reading: Luke 2: 8-14

Hymn: #368 “Angels We Have Heard On High”

The Fourth Christmas Reading: Luke 2: 15-20

Hymn: #370 “What Child is This”

The Sermon: The Light in Our Darkness

The Offering (The offering tonight will benefit Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois.)

Hymn of Response: #366 “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear”

Prayers

Communion Liturgy (Hymnal, pages 194-198)

A Litany Prayer:

P: Long ago in Bethlehem, Pure Light from heaven came down.

C: That Light was Christ; His Light was brighter than the stars.

P: Jesus, Lord, at Your birth, love's pure light beams from Your holy face.

C: The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

P: Long ago in Bethlehem, Glorious Light from heaven came down.

C: That Light was Christ; His Light was greeted by choirs of angels.

P: By Your birth in Bethlehem, You brought to light the Father's love.

C: Guide our lives with the Light of Your Truth.

P: Long ago in Bethlehem, Pure Light from heaven came down.

C: That Light was Christ; His Light was Immanuel, God with us.

P: Jesus, Lord, at Your birth, love's pure light beams from Your holy face.

C: The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

P: Long ago in Bethlehem, Glorious Light from heaven came down.

C: That Light was Christ; His Light took away the darkness of sin and death.

P: By Your birth in Bethlehem, You brought to light the Father's love.

C: Let us rejoice in the birth of Jesus Christ, the Light of the World!

The Lighting of the Candles

Please tip only an UNLIT candle for lighting.

After your candle is lit, you are welcome

to come forward and stand around the Christmas tree.

Silent Night

Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht!

Alles schlaft, einsam wacht

Nur das traute, hochheilige Paar.

Holder Knabe im lockigen Haar,

Schlaf in himmlischer Ruh,

Schlaf in himmlischer Ruh.

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! 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.

The Benediction:

P: This same Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace bless you and keep you, make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you, look upon you with favor and + grant you His peace.

C: Amen.

The Postlude

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Preacher and Liturgist: Rev. Roger Wohletz

Organist: Rev. Alan Holtz

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