Christmas Eve Worship

Mifflin Avenue United Methodist Church

December 24, 2014

*Those that are able are invited to stand

Christmas Countdown

- Gathering into worship -

Video Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus

Christmas Eve Call to Worship

*Opening Hymn “O Come All Ye Faithful” (verses 1-3, 6) #234

*Opening Prayer

Glorious God, on this Christmas Eve, we sing beloved carols of Bethlehem, of shepherds and angels, of Mary and Joseph, and the infant Jesus, our Savior.

Is there yet a new song we can sing to you?

A song to be learned from the heavens and the earth: where the roar of the sea, the exultation of the fields, and the joy of the trees are already raised in a chorus of glad rejoicing, ready to welcome you.

Even if no ear may hear your coming, help us hear the music of creation.

Then, with the whole cosmos, we will sing of your salvation,

declare your glory, and in a crescendo of praise, bless your name:

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace! Amen.

*Chorus “Emmanuel, Emmanuel” #204

Emmanuel, Emmanuel, his name is called Emmanuel.

God with us, revealed in us, his name is called Emmanuel.

Scripture Isaiah 9:2–7

Advent Wreath Meditation Allison and Kevin Gilpatrick

- Offering our prayers -

(You are invited to share your prayer concerns with the congregation by writing them on the

Prayer Request cards in the pews and placing them in the offering plate.)

Prayer Hymn “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.

- Encountering a Savior –

Children’s Sermon

Scripture Luke 2:1–20

Prayer of Illumination

We would make room for you this night of all nights, dear Lord:

room in our minds and hearts; room also in our life together.

Let your word be born in us anew so that, by the power of the Holy Spirit, your splendor shines in us and through us.

In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Sermon “Greatest Gift of All”

Video Social Network Christmas

- Sharing our blessings -

Offering Our Gifts and Tithes

To give electronically from your mobile device visit donate.mifflinave.org or scan this code

Offertory

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

Gloria, in excelsis Deo! Gloria, in excelsis Deo!

*Offering Prayer

Glorious God, we sing with the angels to celebrate the tremendous gift of your Son Jesus!

We rejoice with gladness.

You give us wonderful joy and peace in our Savior.

May we exult in your goodness with the exhilaration of children opening presents.

As we bring our offerings, we ask that our lives would reflect your joy and generosity. We pray through Christ our Lord. Amen.

- Celebrating the light -

*Closing Hymn “Silent Night” #239

(During the song, worshippers will form a circle around the sanctuary and pass the light of Christ by tipping your unlit candle to the lit candle of the person next to you.)

*Benediction

*Chorus “Joy to the World” #246

Postlude

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

Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year.