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CHRISTMAS EVE
ORDER OF WORSHIP

Pastor: Rev. Kendra Balliet
Organist: Jim Ross
PRELUDE - Fantasy on "Puer Nobis"- Richard Warner

 WELCOME
  
*CALL TO WORSHIP - God Loved the World (St. Crispin LM)
Leader: God loved the world so that he gave, His only Son the lost to save,
People: That all who would in him believe, should everlasting life receive.
Leader: Christ is the solid rock of faith, who was made flesh and suffered death.
People: All who confide in him alone are built on this chief cornerstone.
 
*OPENING HYMN “Joy to the World” #246
 
*LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH
Leader: Tonight, we light the center candle of the Advent wreath as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the Light of the world. He came to bring us hope, peace, joy and love. He came to bring us salvation through faith in his name.
People: Glory to God in the highest!
Leader: On the first Christmas night, shepherds in the fields near Bethlehem saw the light of God’s glory and heard the glad news: “Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”
People: Glory to God in the highest!
Leader: The shepherds hurried to Bethlehem to see the Holy Child. Tonight, we share the joy of those shepherds as, by faith, we too gather to worship our Savior.
People: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!
(Three purple, one pink, and center white candles are lit on the Advent wreath.)

 *CONFESSIONAL PRAYER
Pastor: On this holy night, let us confess our sins to God and ask his forgiveness.
People: Almighty God, although we gather to glorify your holy name, we too often seek glory for ourselves. We follow our own selfish desires instead of loving and serving others as we should. We try to exalt ourselves instead of giving glory to our Lord and Savior. Have mercy on us and forgive us for Jesus’ sake. Lead us by your Spirit to glorify your name in our thoughts, words and actions.
Pastor: In mercy and love, God sent his Son to be our Savior. The Holy Child of Bethlehem was born to die as the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the world. By grace through faith in Jesus, we rejoice in God’s favor and in his peace. I announce to you that your sins are forgiven in the name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
People: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!
 
RESPONSE “Light the Advent Candle” #2090 vs 5
 
HYMN “Infant Holy, Infant Lowly” #229

CHILDREN'S CHAT

MUSIC MINISTRY/OFFERTORY - Only a Baby Came-Natalie Sleeth (Virtual Choir)

DOXOLOGY/PRAYER OF GRATITUDE
 
SCRIPTURE READING 1: Luke 2:1-7
HYMN “O Little Town of Bethlehem” #230 vs. 1
 
SCRIPTURE READING 2: Luke 2:8-14
HYMN “Angels We Have Heard on High” #238 vs. 1-2
 
SCRIPTURE READING 3: Luke 2:15-20
HYMN “Away in a Manger” #217 vs. 1

SERIES: The Light of Grace
SERMON: “Glory: Shepherds”
 HYMN - “Amazing Grace” #378 vs. 1
 
COMMUNION
 
CLOSING HYMN "Silent Night, Holy Night" #239 
 
ACTIONS STEPS & BENEDICTION
Pastor: And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 
People: And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 
Pastor: And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 
People: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” 
Pastor: The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
People: Amen.

POSTLUDE - All My Heart this Night Rejoices- Carson Cooman
 

Thank you for sharing in this worship service. Please continue to stay in touch through our website (stoneumc.org) and/or by following us on Facebook (Stone UMC). If you have joys or concerns that you would like lifted up in prayer, please fill out the Prayer Card in the pew, on the website, share them by contacting us at 814-724-6736 or churchoffice@stoneumc.org

The poinsettias on the altar today are given to the glory of God in honor of Jessica & Cruz Dragosavac, Pat Lafferty, the Shields family, Garald & Phyllis Stockton and in loving memory of Michael Allan Dallas, Genevieve Dallas, Finney family members, Jonathan A. Pears, Byron Ray, Ron & Marlene Burchfield, Donald Shea, Alice & Clarence Cornell, Deanna Stright, Helen & Stanley Shea and Lois Snow.