Mifflin Avenue United Methodist Church

7:00 PM Worship Christmas Eve 24 December 2011

GATHERING

Of the Father’s Love Begotten F. Peeters

GREETING AND WELCOME

*INTROIT

*CALL TO WORSHIP

Jesus Christ is born!

O come, let us adore him!

*HYMN UMH 234

O Come, All Ye Faithful (verses 1-5) Adeste Fideles

PRAYER in unison

Gracious God,

you have brought us again to the glad season

when we celebrate the birth of your Son, our Savior.

Grant that his Spirit may be born anew in our hearts this night

and that we may joyfully welcome him to reign over us.

Open our ears that we may hear again the angelic chorus of old.

Open our lips that we, too, may sing with uplifted hearts.

Glory to you in the highest,

and on earth, peace, goodwill toward all;

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

ANTHEM

On Christmas Night R. Artman

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

FIRST READING

Isaiah 9:2-7

SECOND READING

Luke 2:1-20

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

LIGHTING OF CHRIST CANDLE

We light the Christ candle and joyfully receive the gift of the Savior,

whose light dispels the darkness of the world.

Pour forth your blessings upon us as we light the Christ candle.

May its light reflect the splendor of our Lord, both now and forever.

Amen.

THE CHRISTMAS STORY

All children are invited to come to the front of the sanctuary for the sharing of the Christmas

story by Rev. Hornyak. Children may sit on a chair or on the floor.

*HYMN see insert

Come and See the King R. Brand

PRAYER FOR CHRISTMAS

THE LORD’S PRAYER in unison

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.

*THE PEACE

OFFERING

Lo, How a Rose Is Growing W. Vogel

*DOXOLOGY UMH 95

*PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

What can I give you, poor as I am?

If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;

if I were a wise man, I would do my part;

yet what can I give you:

give my heart.

*HYMNS see insert

Joy to the World Antioch

Silent Night Stille Nacht

During the singing of Joy to the World, worshipers are invited to form a circle around the sanctuary.

When the sanctuary is in darkness, the Light of Christ will be passed around the circle. As you share

the Light, please tip your unlit candle to the flame of the person beside you.

*BENEDICTION

Go in peace and joy to love and serve the Lord.

We are sent in the name of the Christ Child.

Let us bless the Lord.

Thanks be to God! Alleluia!

*GOING FORTH

The First Noel H. Gehrke

*Those who are able are invited to stand.