Christmas Eve

December 24, 2025 7 pm

Prelude: Fantasia on Greensleeves (arr. cello/piano) Ralph Vaughan Williams

Four Familiar Nativity Melodies by Alice Jordan, Away in a Manger--arr. Weldon Whipple; O Little Town of Bethlehem--arr. Weldon Whipple

Processional Hymn: #83 O Come All Ye Faithful (vv1-3,6)

Opening Acclamation

Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
And blessed be his kingdom, now and forever. Amen.

Collect of the Day

The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us pray.

O God, you make us glad by the yearly festival of the birth of your only Son Jesus Christ: Grant that we, who joyfully receive him as our Redeemer, may with sure confidence behold him when he comes to be our Judge; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

The Word of God

Old Testament Lesson:  Isaiah 9:2-7

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness--on them light has shined. You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

Reader: The Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God.

Psalm 96

The Psalm will be read responsively by half verse.

1 Sing to the Lord a new song; *
sing to the Lord, all the whole earth.

2 Sing to the Lord and bless his Name; *
proclaim the good news of his salvation from day to day.

3 Declare his glory among the nations *
and his wonders among all peoples.

4 For great is the Lord and greatly to be praised; *
he is more to be feared than all gods.

5 As for all the gods of the nations, they are but idols; *
but it is the Lord who made the heavens.

6 Oh, the majesty and magnificence of his presence! *
Oh, the power and the splendor of his sanctuary!

7 Ascribe to the Lord, you families of the peoples; *
ascribe to the Lord honor and power.

8 Ascribe to the Lord the honor due his Name; *
bring offerings and come into his courts.

9 Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness; *
let the whole earth tremble before him.

10 Tell it out among the nations: "The Lord is King! *
he has made the world so firm that it cannot be moved;
he will judge the peoples with equity."

11 Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad;
let the sea thunder and all that is in it; *
let the field be joyful and all that is therein.

12 Then shall all the trees of the wood shout for joy
before the Lord when he comes, *
when he comes to judge the earth.

13 He will judge the world with righteousness *
and the peoples with his truth.

New Testament Lesson: Titus 2:11-14

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly, while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds.

Reader: The Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God.

Gospel Acclamation: #87 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

The Gospel:  Luke 2:1-14

Gospeller: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke.
People: Glory to you, Lord Christ.

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for see-- I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,

"Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!"

Gospeller: The Gospel of the Lord. People: Praise to you, Lord Christ.

The Homily: The Rev. Terry McGugan

Prayers of the People

On this most Holy Night, O Father, we give you heartfelt thanks, for giving us the matchless gift of your Son––Jesus––born for the salvation of the world.

We thank you for establishing your Church, that nations would stream to your light and kings to the brightness of your dawn.

We pray that, amid all the injustice, unrest, and brokenness of this world, our confidence would be renewed in the Prince of Peace––who has come to set all things right under his most gracious rule.

We pray for the sick and the suffering, the destitute and discouraged, the homeless and the homebound, the lonely and languishing, any in need or trouble that we remember before you now:

May they sense your presence, Emmanuel, God with us, Savior in suffering.

And we thank you for all the blessings of this life, including those we name now:

May we acknowledge you as the giver of all good gifts, the source of life itself, and bestower of every blessing.

Almighty God, you have come among us in great humility. Accept our prayers as we lift them to your throne. Grant that we may work and witness to your kingdom here as in heaven. Amen.

The Holy Communion

The Peace & Offertory Sentence

Through Christ let us continually offer to God the sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his Name. But do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. Hebrews 13:14, 15

Offertory Music: Christmas Day - Gustav Holst

Good Christian men rejoice
With heart, and soul, and voice;
Give ye heed to what we say:
News! News!
Jesus Christ is born today:
Ox and ass before him bow,
And he is in the manger now.
Christ is born today!

God rest you merry, gentlemen,
Let nothing you dismay,
Remember Christ our Saviour
Was born on Christmas day,
To save us all from woe and sin,
When we were gone astray.
O tidings of comfort and joy.

In Bethlehem, in Jewry,
This blessed Babe was born,
And laid within a manger,
Upon that holy morn;
The which his mother, Mary,
Did nothing take in scorn.
O tidings of comfort and joy.

Good Christian men, rejoice
With heart, and soul, and voice;
Now ye hear of endless bliss:
Joy! Joy!
Jesus Christ was born for this!
He hath oped the heav’nly door,
And man is blessed evermore.
Christ was born for this!

Come, ye lofty, come, ye lowly,
Let your songs of gladness ring;
In a stable lies the Holy,
In a manger rests the King;
See, in Mary’s arms reposing,
Christ by highest heav’n adored;
Come, your circle round him closing,
Pious hearts that love the Lord.

The first Nowell the angels did say,
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay;
In fields where they lay keeping their sheep,
On a cold winter’s night that was so deep.
Nowell, Nowell, Nowell,
Born is the King of Israel.

Come, ye poor, no pomp of station
Robes the child your hearts adore:
He, the Lord of all salvation,
Shares your want, is weak and poor:
Oxen, round about behold them;
Rafters naked, cold and bare,
See the shepherds, God has told them
That the Prince of Life lies there.

Come, ye children, blithe and merry,
This one child your model make;
Christmas holly, leaf and berry,
All be prized for his dear sake;
Come, ye gentle hearts, and tender,
Come, ye spirits, keen and bold;

All in all your homage render,
Weak and mighty,young and old.
High above a star is shining,
And the Wisemen haste from far:
Come, glad hearts, and spirits pining:
For you all has risen the star.
Let us bring our poor oblations,
Thanks and love and faith and praise:
Come, ye people, come, ye nations,
All in all draw nigh to gaze.

Now to the Lord sing praises,
All you within this place,
And with true love and brotherhood
Each other now embrace;
This holy tide of Christmas
All others doth deface.
O tidings of comfort and joy.

Good Christian men, rejoice
With heart, and soul, and voice;
Now ye need not fear the grave:
Peace! Peace!
Jesus Christ was born to save!
Calls you one, and calls you all,
To gain his everlasting hall:
Christ was born to save!

Doxology

The Great Thanksgiving

The Lord be with you. And also with you.

Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give him thanks and praise.

It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. Because you gave Jesus Christ, your only Son, to be born for us; who, by the mighty power of the Holy Spirit, was made perfect Man of the flesh of the Virgin Mary his mother; so that we might be delivered from the bondage of sin, and receive power to become your children.

Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who for ever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:

Holy and gracious Father: In your infinite love you made us for yourself, and, when we had fallen into sin and become subject to evil and death, you, in your mercy, sent Jesus Christ, your only and eternal Son, to share our human nature, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to you, the God and Father of all. He stretched out his arms upon the cross, and offered himself, in obedience to your will, a perfect sacrifice for the whole world.

On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, "Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me."

After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, "Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me."

Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.

We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, O Father, in this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Recalling his death, resurrection, and ascension, we offer you these gifts. Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the Body and Blood of your Son, the holy food and drink of new and unending life in him. Sanctify us also that we may faithfully receive this holy Sacrament, and serve you in unity, constancy, and peace; and at the last day bring us with all your saints into the joy of your eternal kingdom.

All this we ask through your Son Jesus Christ: By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and forever. AMEN.

And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say,

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, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Breaking of the Bread

Celebrant breaks Bread; silence is kept.

Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us; Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia.

The Gifts of God for the People of God.

Communion Music

Noel 

Love incarnate, love divine
Star and angels gave the sign
Bow to babe on bended knee
The Savior of humanity
Unto us a Child is born
He shall reign forevermore

Noel, Noel
Come and see what God has done
Noel, Noel
The story of amazing love!
The light of the world, given for us
Noel

Son of God and Son of man
There before the world began
Born to suffer, born to save
Born to raise us from the grave
Christ the everlasting Lord
He shall reign forevermore

Noel, Noel
Come and see what God has done
Noel, Noel
The story of amazing love!
The light of the world, given for us
Noel

CHOIR ANTHEM: The First Noel arr. Willcocks

Post-Communion Prayer

Let us pray.

God our Father,
on this night you have made known to us again
the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ;
confirm our faith and fix our eyes on him
until the day dawns and Christ the Morning Star rises in our hearts.
To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

Candle Lighting

Hymn: Silent Night

The Blessing

May Almighty God, who sent his Son to take our nature upon him, bless you in this holy season, scatter the darkness of sin, and brighten your heart with the light of his holiness. Amen.

May God, who sent his angels to proclaim the glad news of the Savior’s birth, fill you with joy, and make you heralds of the Gospel. Amen.

May God, who in the Word made flesh joined heaven to earth and earth to heaven, give you his peace and favor. Amen.

And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you for ever. Amen.

Recessional Hymn: #100 Joy To The World

The Dismissal

Jesus said: “You are the light of the world… let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)

Let us then go in the peace of Christ this holy night and let the light of hope burn bright within us.
Thanks be to God!

Postlude: Good Christian Men, Rejoice! arr. Alice Jordan

Christmas Flower Dedications

In remembrance of Catherine (Kaki) Kolb. June 16, 1947 - January 26, 2013 by Graham Kolb.

In loving memory of my wonderful husband, Lee, my parents, Donna & Ralph Ritter, my stepson, Brent, my brother-in-law, Frank, my sister-in-law, Kelly Ritter, and my niece, Hailey Ritter by Gail Egbert.

In Loving memory of my Grace-filled father, William C. Jackson by Jan Klima by Jan Klima.

In remembrance of my love, Tim Ulon by Meredith Ulon.

In remembrance of my beloved husband, Ken, and deceased members of our Extended Family Life Group: Roger Dailey, Kathy Freese, Charlie Green, Catherine Groton, Karl Wesselhoeft,Ursula Wesselhoeft, and Dick Wise by Fran Berry.

In remembrance of Jim and Sue Barcus. With love, Kevin and Jennifer Stromberg Family.

In remembrance of my parents, Virginia & Owen Russell, Jr; my brothers, Phillip (Buddy) & Robert (Robin) Russell; and grandnephew, George Allen Russell, Jr. by Fran Berry.

In remembrance of Jim Stromberg. With love, Kevin and Jennifer Stromberg Family.

In celebration of the birth of our lord Jesus by The Bowermaster Family.

In remembrance of Corny and John Kerr by The Stein Family.

In Thanksgiving for Ian, Megan and Moira McRae by Cyndy McRae.

In honor of our parents by Matt and Erin Potts.

In honor of our children and grandchildren by Matt and Erin Potts.

In loving remembrance of The Rev. Deacon Catherine Groton by the Groton Family.

In celebration of my wonderful family by Judy Boyles.

In loving memory of Tom Davidson by Joanne Davidson.

In remembrance of my beloved Paul and my sister Becky and mom Betty. Never forgotten - always remembered in our hearts. Debbie Jonas.

In Thanksgiving for my parents, Don and Jean Ann Gage.

In remembrance of Karl Wesselhoeft by Kris Kenyon.

In remembrance of our loving parents Max & Edith Rush and Elden & Harriet Ann Walker by Rick & Betsy Rush.

The Devanny family in Thanksgiving of Christ Church! Happy Birthday Jesus!