Mifflin Avenue United Methodist Church

Christmas Eve Worship

December 24, 2012

We consider Christmas as the encounter, the great encounter, the historical encounter,

the decisive encounter, between God and mankind. He who has faith knows this truly;

let him rejoice!

-Pope Paul VI

*Those who are able are invited to stand

Gathering “Once in Royal David’s City” D. Johns

Video -- A Very special Christmas --

Song “Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus”

Voices of the Prophets

Video -- Isaiah 9 --

*Song “O Come All Ye Faithful” #234

*Opening Prayer

Scripture Isaiah 9:2-7

Lighting of the Advent Candle Alfieri Family

Children’s Message

Video -- Retooning the Nativity –

Anthem “On Christmas Day” Choir

Scripture Luke 2:1-20

Message Who Has Come?

Prayer Song “What Child is This” #219

Silent Prayer/Pastoral Prayer/Lord’s Prayer

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 forever. Amen.

Video -- He Came --

Offering our Gifts and Tithes

Offertory “Winter Snow”

*Doxology “Angels We Have Heard on High” (REFRAIN) #238

*Offering Prayer

Glory to God in Highest Heaven! In the greatest act of giving, you present the

world with a Savior, a great light that shines for a people who had walked in

darkness! Remind us, as we receive this gift and as we give our humble gifts in

response, that we are called to carry that light into the world. When we would

choose instead to stay here with the manger and the warm glow of candles and

the soothing sounds of familiar songs, you call us to take the light from here and

carry it to those who don't know your love and who find themselves in the cold

of that darkness. May the gifts we give empower your church to take this light

and proclaim it like the angels did: "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on

earth peace among those whom he favors!" In the name of Christ, the Light,

we pray. Amen.

Lighting Our Candles “Silent Night” #239

(During the song, worshippers will form a circle around the sanctuary. After the circle is formed,

the sanctuary will be dimmed and the pastor will pass the light of Christ to the Ushers who will

then pass the light through the circle. Please pass the light of Christ by tipping your unlit candle

to the lit candle of the person next to you.)

*Benediction

*Final Chorus “Joy to the World” #246

Postlude “Let Us All With Gladsome Voice” W. Held

The staff of Mifflin Ave UMC would like to wish everyone a

Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year.