Christmas Eve Worship

Mifflin Avenue United Methodist Church

December 24, 2015

*Those that are able are invited to stand

Christmas Countdown

- Gathering into worship -

Prophecy Isaiah 9

*Hymn “Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus” #196

*Call to Worship

One: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.

All: Those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined.

One: The light shines in the darkness.

All: And the darkness did not overcome it.

One: For Christ is born in Bethlehem.

All: Come, let us adore him.

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

*Opening Prayer

Almighty God,

Christ your Word became flesh and dwelt among us, born in Bethlehem.

May we receive Christ into our lives and become, through him, your blessed children who walk in the light you have sent into our world.

Through Christ we pray. Amen.

*Chorus “Emmanuel, Emmanuel” #204

Emmanuel, Emmanuel, his name is called Emmanuel.

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

- the Christmas experience -

Visual Illustration First Christmas : Mary

Hymn “What Child Is This” #219

Prayer

Visual Illustration First Christmas : Joseph

Song “Away in a Manger” Libby and Peter Alfieri

Prayer

Visual Illustration First Christmas : Shepherd

Song “God is With Us” Pastor Kelly

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 –

Scripture Luke 2:1-7

Video Kids Talk Christmas

Children’s Sermon

Scripture Luke 2:8–20

Sermon Let Go, Let God

- Sharing our blessings -

Offering Our Gifts and Tithes

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Offertory

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

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

*Offering Prayer

On this glad new day for all the earth we are grateful for giving hearts made joyful in the gift of your Son.

For you, O God, are generosity itself.

Bless these gifts we offer to the benefit of those in need.

Bless our lives in service of sharing your love in the world;

through Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

- Celebrating the light -

*Hymn “Silent Night” #239

(During the song, worshippers will remain in the pews and pass the light of Christ by tipping your unlit candle to the lit candle of the person next to you.)

*Reading “Finding Joy in Unexpected Places” Barbara Thaw

*Benediction

*Chorus “Joy to the World” #246

Postlude

Our thanks goes out to our special musicians, Libby, Eli and Peter Alfieri and Gary Burdick, who helped make our worship special.

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

Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year.