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December 24, 2025 – Christmas Eve 

REV. KENDRA BALLIET

ORGANIST JIM ROSS  

 

* Please Stand If Able  

Prelude – Musical Offering by Clark Barnes (piccolo, flute, saxophone) 

Largo, Second Sonata – Veracini 

“Sketch”-Shepherds Play in the Moonlight – Krug 

Romance - Schumann 

* Opening Hymn – “Joy to the World” #154 

 Welcome & Announcements 

 *Call to Worship 

PASTOR: Just as our theme carol asks, “What child is this?” we, too, have come with our questions this day. We go into the world with answers of Good News, being the Body of Christ through our words and deeds. 

PEOPLE: We Ask, We Answer 

PASTOR: As we prepare to go into the world, let us ask and answer the question we came with. 

PEOPLE: What child IS this? 

PASTOR: This is the one born into a time when hope was hard. 

PEOPLE: What child IS this? 

PASTOR: This is the one whose lowly status would send a message of peace with justice. 

PEOPLE: What child IS this? 

PASTOR: This is the one who promises us joy even when life is difficult. 

PEOPLE: What child IS this? 

PASTOR: This is the “King of Kings”who shows us the way of true love for all people. 

PEOPLE: What child IS this? 

PASTOR: This, this, is the babe whose Light spreads through our lives to others and to the world. 

Lighting of the Advent Wreath – see insert 

 

Opening Prayer 

Gracious God, With joy and thanksgiving, we gather as your people. We have come to hear the timeless story of Christ’s birth again. In the excitement of this night, quiet our hearts that we may know the peace and fullness of this holy time. Shine, O Light, in the darkness of our world. Sing, O angels, in the stillness of our hearts, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those God favors.” This we pray in the name of the Child of Bethlehem. Amen. 

 

Children’s Chat 

 

The Candlelight Nativity 

The Coming of Jesus Is Announced to Mary and Joseph  

Luke 1:26-38; Matthew 1:18-25 

Musical Offering by Donald Olah – It’s Christmas Time-Joe Collins 

 

The Preparations for the Birth of Jesus 

Luke 2:1-5 

“O Little Town of Bethlehem” #230 vs. 1 

 

Jesus is Born 

 Luke 2:6-7 

“Away in a Manger” #217 

 

Jesus' Birth is Announced to the Shepherds  

 Luke 2:8-18 

“Angels We Have Heard on High” # 238 

 

The Wise Men Bring Their Gifts to Jesus  

Matthew 2:1-11 

“The First Noel” # 245 vs. 1, 2, & 5 

 

Series: “What Child IS This: Beyond the Lullaby” 

Message: “Anthems Sweet” 

 

“We Keep Watch” – Prayers and Christmas Offering 

Offertory – How Brightly Shines the Morning Star – William Nevins 

*Doxology – Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow #94 

 

Communion - Insert 

 

*Closing Hymn – “Silent Night” #239 

  1. 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. 

  1. 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! 

  1. 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. 

  1. 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! 

 

Action Steps and Benediction 

Postlude – God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen – Barry Holden 

Thank you for sharing in this worship service. 

Prayer Cards are in your pew if you have a 

joy or concern to be included in prayer today. 

 **This service is recorded and is subject to change upon the movement of the Holy Spirit.**