Christmas Eve 8 p.m. 2024
NATIVITY OF OUR LORD
CHRISTMAS EVE
December 24, 2024
8:00 p.m.
IN THE NAME OF JESUS, WELCOME TO ST. PAUL’S!
The Holy Boy Organ John Ireland
From Heaven Above Jubilation Choir Text: Martin Luther Setting: Ralph C. Shultz
Two Settings: In dulci jubilo Organ Paul Manz
Away in a Manger Jubilation Choir Text: W. J. Kirkpatrick
Setting: Ralph C. Schultz
In the Bleak Midwinter Jubilation Choir Text: Chrisina Rossetti
Music: Harold Darke
Trumpet Sonata in D – Finale Trumpet / Organ Henry Purcell
Arr: S. Drummond Wolff
Greensleeves Flute / Trombone / Organ
Setting: R. Vaughn Williams / S. Roper
Arr: A. Jansen
Flute: Stephanie Poore
Trombone: August Jansen
Trumpet: Amelia Jansen
Jubilation Choir: Linda Berg, Tamara Brown, Melissa Hecht,
Janet Poore, Arthur Erbert, Mauro Erbert,
Jim Easterly, Richard Huber, Bob Juenger,
Jerry Meyer, Pastor Mark Shaltanis
Choirmaster and Organist: Kantor Aaron Jansen
CALL TO WORSHIP (Stand) We Praise You, Jesus, at Your Birth LSB 382
1 We praise You, Jesus, at Your birth;
Clothed in flesh You came to earth.
The virgin bears a sinless boy
And all the angels sing for joy.
Alleluia!
2 Now in the manger we may see
God’s Son from eternity,
The gift from God’s eternal throne
Here clothed in our poor flesh and bone.
Alleluia!
4 The Light Eternal, breaking through,
Made the world to gleam anew;
His beams have pierced the core of night,
He makes us children of the light.
Alleluia!
5 The very Son of God sublime
Entered into earthly time
To lead us from this world of cares
To heaven’s courts as blessèd heirs.
Alleluia!
INVOCATION
In the name of the Father and of the Son ✠ and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
INTROIT from Psalm 98
Oh sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things!
His right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.
The LORD has made known his salvation;
He has revealed his righteousness in the sight of the nations.
He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel.
All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of God.
PRAYER
Let us pray. Almighty God, you made this holy night shine with the brightness of the
true Light.
Grant that here on earth we may walk in the light of Jesus’ presence and in the last
day wake to the brightness of his glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
PROCESSIONAL HYMN O Come All Ye Faithful LSB 379
(As the cross is brought forward, the Congregation turns to face the front)
1 O come, all ye faithful,
Joyful and triumphant!
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem;
Come and behold Him
Born the king of angels: Refrain
Refrain
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord!
2 Highest, most holy,
Light of Light eternal,
Born of a virgin, a mortal He comes;
Son of the Father
Now in flesh appearing! Refrain
3 Sing, choirs of angels,
Sing in exultation,
Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above!
Glory to God
In the highest: Refrain
CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION
Dearly beloved of God, we come together on this night to hear of the great miracle whereby God became flesh and dwelt among us. Because He did this in order to free us from our sin, let us first consider our transgressions and confess these before God and one another.
(We kneel for silent reflection and confession)
God of our Salvation:
we have sinned in our relationships with you and with one another. We have hurt others through our words and actions and have failed to respond to your life-giving Spirit. Have mercy on us for the sake of Jesus. Forgive us by grace, renew us in love and lead us with joy, that we may bear your peace to all the world. Amen.
To all who receive Him, who believe in His name, He gives the right to become children of God. Upon this, your confession, I, by virtue of my office, as a minister of the Word, announce the grace of God unto all of you, and in the stead and by the command of my Lord Jesus Christ I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the ✠ Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
HYMN OF PRAISE Let Our Gladness Have No End LSB 381
1 Let our gladness have no end, alleluia!
For to earth did Christ descend, alleluia! Refrain
Refrain
On this day God gave us
Christ, His Son, to save us;
Christ, His Son, to save us.
2 Prophesied in days of old, alleluia!
God has sent Him as foretold, alleluia! Refrain
3 See, the loveliest blooming rose, alleluia!
From the branch of Jesse grows, alleluia! Refrain
4 Into flesh is made the Word, alleluia!
He, our refuge and our Lord, alleluia! Refrain
OLD TESTAMENT READING (Be seated) Isaiah 9:2-7
The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,
on them has light shined.
You have multiplied the nation;
you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
as with joy at the harvest,
as they are glad when they divide the spoil.
For the yoke of his burden,
and the staff for his shoulder,
the rod of his oppressor,
you have broken as on the day of Midian.
For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult
and every garment rolled in blood
will be burned as fuel for the fire.
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and of peace
there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
This is the Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
ANTHEM JUBILATION CHOIR Shepherds, Come A-Running
Setting: Henry V. Gerike
Shepherds, come a-running now to Bethlehem
See the newborn King, the branch of Jesse’s stem.
Glory to God in heaven – Glory to God in heaven!
Peace on earth – Peace on earth!
Angel voices sing the message from the sky;
Now to you is born the Savior from on high,
Glory to God in heaven – Glory to God in heaven!
Peace on earth – Peace on earth!
Bowing low, we worship Christ our Savior King!
Thankful hearts with joy eternal gladly sing:
Glory to God in heaven – Glory to God in heaven!
Peace on earth – Peace on earth!
NEW TESTAMENT READING Titus 3:3-7
For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
This is the Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL HYMN (Stand) From Heaven Above to Earth I Come LSB 358
1 “From heav’n above to earth I come
To bear good news to ev’ry home;
Glad tidings of great joy I bring,
Whereof I now will say and sing:
2 “To you this night is born a child
Of Mary, chosen virgin mild;
This little child of lowly birth
Shall be the joy of all the earth.
3 “This is the Christ, our God Most High,
Who hears your sad and bitter cry;
He will Himself your Savior be
From all your sins to set you free.
4 “He will on you the gifts bestow
Prepared by God for all below,
That in His kingdom, bright and fair,
You may with us His glory share.
THE CHRISTMAS GOSPEL Luke 2:1-20
The Holy Gospel according to St. Luke, the 2nd chapter.
Glory to You, O Lord.
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria. And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; because he was of the house and lineage of David; to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her first born son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, 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, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”
And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they had heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. (KJV)
This is the Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to You, O Christ.
SERMON (Be seated)
Grace, mercy and peace be to you from God our Father and from our Lord and Savior Jesus. Amen. Dear friends in Christ:
The angels that sang at Christ’s birth sang of peace. Tonight I’d like us to think about the peace to which those angels were referring, and to consider what this peace means for us today.
I chose the topic of peace because of its inclusion in our Advent midweek series this year. The series focused on the prophecy of Isaiah chapter nine – the one we read as our Old Testament reading this evening – and specifically the part where the child to be born would be called “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (9:6).” At our Advent midweek services we examined the first three of these names. Tonight we are examining the last one – the name “Prince of Peace.”
Before drilling down on what this name means, let me first speak to just how greatly our world is lacking in peace. We live in a world where peace’s opposite – war – can be found each and every day. Around the world there are always nations at war with one another and nations at war within themselves. Because of these wars, many of our soldiers are stationed in foreign lands right now when we would much rather have them home celebrating Christmas with us. But the wars go on.
And let’s remember, also, that it’s not just nations that are at war. Individual people, too, strive against each other in many ways. People fight with one another over politics, skin color, religious beliefs, and because they covet what other people have. They let their fears and concerns and jealousies fester inside of them instead of placing them before God in repentance and faith. And this leads to hatred. And hatred leads to war.
In tonight’s second reading, Paul speaks to this as he reminds Titus and those under his care what life was like before they all learned to take their concerns to God. He writes: “For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.” Paul’s words remind us that people engage in great ugliness and evil, and that if the condition leading to these actions is not addressed, more and more wars will take place.
Sadly, even those of us who have learned to trust in God still find ourselves at war. These wars are sometimes sparked by others – through something sinful they have done. But at other times the wars are started by our own sinful choices. Much of the time the start of the war can’t even be traced, because the tension has been there so long. These are the wars too often found in marriages, families, neighborhoods, and even churches.
We could go on and on mentioning the various ways people are at war with one another. But I’m sure by now you get the point. We don’t have peace on earth. And this is discouraging. Because peace is something we all want and need.
The Bible teaches that war first entered the world when Adam and Eve sinned. They declared war, in effect, by deciding to act against God’s rules. Perhaps they convinced themselves that they were standing up for their rights and their freedoms. Or perhaps they were just hungry and couldn’t help themselves. In the end, it doesn’t really matter.
The Bible also teaches that it’s not just Adam and Eve who have rebelled against God, but also every single one of us. We have all taken forbidden fruits. Oftentimes we do this out of weakness. But at other times we do it out of malice. In either case, our actions start wars and further wars.
Though we don’t like to hear it, the fact is that in our natural state we are not only at war with others but also at war with God. We know this because of our human lineage, through which we have inherited Adam’s sin (Rom. 5:12). But we also know it because our natural self sees God as an enemy. We resent his power and authority, and we do not trust him.
Something needs to be done about this war we foolishly carry on. For without being at peace with God we will never achieve peace with others and will never be at peace ourselves.
This is why we need to pay very close attention to the true message of Christmas. For the message of Christmas is about what God has done to save us from our wars. It tells us that God has sent the Prince of Peace, Jesus, to be our Savior.
Jesus came into this world to give us peace. But the peace he gives only happens when he first brings us into a loving relationship with God. In other words, if we are going to be at peace with others, and find peace ourselves, then we first need to be at peace with God.
When Isaiah announced that the child to be born and given for us was to be called “Prince of Peace,” he did this to indicate both Christ’s rule and Christ’s gift. The child is called “Prince” because he rules over us, and he is a “Prince of Peace” because of the nature of his rule. Isaiah tells of this directly when he says: “Of the increase of His government and of peace there will be no end” (9:7).
And here Isaiah is speaking about Jesus, the very Son of God, who lived on this earth for a time but is now reigning from heaven where he is seated at God’s right hand. Jesus is the Prince and King who is Emmanuel – God with us – and who possesses all authority in heaven and earth.
And yet tonight we remember how Prince Jesus also submitted himself to a humble birth, and that he took on the form of a servant. What’s more, in this life of service he was rejected by men, beaten by them, and nailed to a cross where he was left to die.
This life of service was prophesied too. Just as Isaiah told about the child’s greatness, so also, he told about his great service as well. We see this much later in his prophecy, chapter 53, where he tells of God’s servant being “pierced for our transgressions and crushed for our iniquities.” And here we should note that Isaiah also mentions the peace this service gives. “Upon him,” says Isaiah, “was the chastisement that brought us peace.”
Many years later, the apostle Paul wrote about this wonderful Good News in his letter to the Romans, chapter five. There he says: “For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die—but God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by His blood, much more shall we be saved by Him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by His life” (vv. 6–10).
Note that Paul pointed out how we were once God’s enemies. But note also that he points even more to our reconciliation with God. Christ’s death paid for our sins. And because of this, we have been declared righteous and just – the declaration needed to make our reconciliation possible.
This is what brings us peace. And Paul states this very concisely in his first sentence of the chapter, by saying: “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (v. 1).
Yes, we have peace with God. When we place our faith in Jesus, we are no longer at war with him and no longer his enemies. Our Prince of Peace has interceded for us. We are now at peace.
When Jesus appeared to his disciples following his resurrection, do you remember what he first said to them? He said: “peace to you” (Luke 24:36, John 20:19). This statement shows that everything which needed to happen to bring peace with God had been accomplished. Those who lived and trusted in that peace would experience the true freedom it brings.
This is the peace which the angels proclaimed to the shepherds on that first Christmas when they sang: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.” All who place their faith in Jesus will have this peace, for they are then reconciled to God and justified before him.
By the way, the translation “goodwill toward men,” which comes from the King James Version, is sometimes mistakenly understood as indicating a virtue which Christ gives us – meaning that he will teach us to be people of goodwill. And because of this misunderstanding, many other Bible translations will use a different English phrase. But I find that all of these other phrases can be misunderstood too. And therefore I like sticking with the King James for this reading. I find it to be more beautiful as well.
God does want us to be people of goodwill toward one another. And he wants us to be at peace with one another. But our ability to do this is entirely dependent on God acting first. He brings us peace through the ministry of Jesus. And in this we see his goodwill towards us – something which we can also describe as his favor or his pleasure.
Sadly, God’s favor does not rest on some people in this world. But that’s not because God doesn’t want it to rest on them. God’s favor, goodwill and peace are absent only when people refuse to repent of their sin and to trust in the Prince of Peace.
Maybe you know someone who has given up on finding peace or who is trying to find it without God. Maybe you’ve been guilty of such folly yourself.
God doesn’t want you to be at war with him. And he doesn’t want you to be at war with other people. God wants his favor to rest on you so that you can receive peace from the Prince of Peace.
When we bow before the Lord and offer him our humble worship and praise, he comes to us and extends his peace. When we turn to him in faith and ask for his forgiveness, he works in our hearts to know and feel this peace.
And this same Prince of Peace who has reconciled you to God can also heal the broken relationships you have with others. For as the love and mercy of God fills your heart, you will be moved to show love and mercy to others—even forgiving those who have hurt you. And this will bring you closer to ending those wars you’ve been fighting.
Because of Jesus, we can begin to have peace on earth. Once we are reconciled with God, peace will come in greater and greater measure as love increases, faith strengthens, and as forgiveness is extended.
At the same time, we must understand that this side of heaven we will never have complete peace on earth. Complete and perfect peace on earth will only occur when Jesus comes again to establish his new creation – a day for which we wait with great anticipation.
Nevertheless, we believers can still live in peace because our hope for the future is certain! We can live in peace because we know that our sins are forgiven and we are reconciled to God through Jesus.
Jesus will return someday soon, as he has promised. And then all wars will come to an end. And if we die before his return, then our death is that blessed rest which brings an end to our wars. For those who die in faith live beyond the grave, having been saved from their sin.
This is the sentiment behind that great hymn from faithful Simeon, the old man who rejoiced to see the Christ child born before he died. He sang: “Lord, you now let your servant depart in peace, according to your word. For my eyes have seen your salvation.” We sing this song too, in our worship, in order to learn its great message.
When sad divisions cause painful conflict and war in your life, or when you look at the state of the world and begin to despair, remember that the Prince of Peace has already come. His government of peace is established and is growing even now through his Church.
His kingdom’s power may not always be obvious. In fact, in many ways it is definitely hidden. But each time we forgive one another, extend grace, or pray for reconciliation, we reflect his kingdom’s power and help to move it forward.
The Lord Jesus is our Prince of Peace. May you believe this with all your heart, so that you may know the peace he gives. In his holy name. Amen.
HYMN (Stand) Let All Together Praise Our God LSB 389
1 Let all together praise our God
Before His glorious throne;
Today He opens heav’n again
To give us His own Son,
To give us His own Son.
2 He leaves His heav’nly Father’s throne,
Is born an infant small,
And in a manger, poor and lone,
Lies in a humble stall,
Lies in a humble stall.
3 Within an earthborn form He hides
His all-creating light;
To serve us all He humbly cloaks
The splendor of His might,
The splendor of His might.
4 He undertakes a great exchange,
Puts on our human frame,
And in return gives us His realm,
His glory, and His name,
His glory, and His name.
7 Your grace in lowliness revealed,
Lord Jesus, we adore
And praise to God the Father yield
And Spirit evermore;
We praise You evermore.
NICENE CREED Hymnal, back cover
I believe in one God,
the Father Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth
and of all things visible and invisible.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ,
the only-begotten Son of God,
begotten of His Father before all worlds,
God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made,
being of one substance with the Father,
by whom all things were made;
who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven
and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary and was made man;
and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate.
He suffered and was buried.
And the third day He rose again according to the Scriptures
and ascended into heaven
and sits at the right hand of the Father.
And He will come again with glory to judge both the living and the dead,
whose kingdom will have no end.
And I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the Lord and giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified,
who spoke by the prophets.
And I believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church,
I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins,
and I look for the resurrection of the dead
and the life T of the world to come. Amen.
OFFERING
Offerings support the church’s mission work – both here and through our many partners. Offerings may be placed in the box at the sanctuary entrance or sent to the church through our website or the mail. Fellowship Cards help us welcome new people and track participation. Please fill one out and place it in the offering box following the service.
PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH
Let us pray for the whole Church of God in Christ Jesus and for all people according to their needs.
Lord God Almighty, on this most holy night we wonder at the majesty of the incarnation of Your Son, Jesus Christ. With joy we greet our newborn King, the Savior of the nations. Lead Your Church throughout the world to proclaim the glad tiding of His birth with faithfulness and enthusiasm, so that all people may know the peace He brings. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Remember all families, Lord. Make each household a place of prayer and devotion to Your Word. Bless parents of young children with patience. Give comfort to the childless. Abide with the fatherless, widows and orphans, the lonely and those separated from their families, and let your favor rest upon them. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Remember our nation, O Lord, as well as all nations of the world. Grant leaders wisdom and justice as they exercise Your authority to punish wrongdoers and protect the righteous. Move all citizens to speak in defense of the defenseless. Abide with those who labor on behalf of others, especially all who must work this night for our protection. And bring wars to an end, that the peace you bring to our hearts would be lived among us. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Heavenly Father, in the birth of Your Son You have visited and redeemed Your people. Continue to visit those who are lonely, sick, recovering or near death. Let Your presence comfort them and lead them to persevere in faith until that time when You grant full healing in the life to come. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Send Your Spirit to us, O Lord, that all who commune may do so in true faith for their souls’ well-being and strength. Let us take to heart the glad tidings of great joy that today, in bread and wine, we will receive Christ’s body and blood for our forgiveness. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord God, in the birth of Your Son You have called people from every time and place into His Body, the Church. We give You thanks for the believers who went before us, especially those who were with us in Christmases past and who now live with You. Grant us sure confidence in the promise of resurrection and eternal life and bring us with them at last into Your presence; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
✠✠✠
COMMUNION LITURGY
PREFACE (Stand) LSB 160
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.
PROPER PREFACE
It is truly good, right, and salutary . . . evermore praising You and saying:
SANCTUS LSB 161
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
THE WORDS OF OUR LORD
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 and ever. Amen.
AGNUS DEI LSB 163
DISTRIBUTION (Be seated)
Those wishing to commune at the foot of the steps should come forward first. Those wishing to commune at the altar rail should come forward after these, front rows first, from both sides of the aisle. After receiving, all should return to their seats. A common dismissal will be given at the end.
Where Shepherds Lately Knelt Setting: C. Callahan
Arr. A. Jansen (violin and organ)
COMMUNION HYMN Where Shepherds Lately Knelt LSB 369
1 Where shepherds lately knelt and kept the angel’s word,
I come in half-belief, a pilgrim strangely stirred;
But there is room and welcome there for me,
But there is room and welcome there for me.
2 In that unlikely place I find Him as they said:
Sweet newborn babe, how frail! And in a manger bed:
A still, small voice to cry one day for me,
A still, small voice to cry one day for me.
3 How should I not have known Isaiah would be there,
His prophecies fulfilled? With pounding heart I stare:
A child, a son, the Prince of Peace for me,
A child, a son, the Prince of Peace for me.
4 Can I, will I forget how Love was born, and burned
Its way into my heart—unasked, unforced, unearned,
To die, to live, and not alone for me,
To die, to live, and not alone for me?
COMMUNION HYMN Infant Holy, Infant Lowly LSB 393
1 Infant holy,
Infant lowly,
For His bed a cattle stall;
Oxen lowing,
Little knowing
Christ the child is Lord of all.
Swiftly winging,
Angels singing,
Bells are ringing,
Tidings bringing:
Christ the child is Lord of all!
Christ the child is Lord of all!
2 Flocks were sleeping,
Shepherds keeping
Vigil till the morning new
Saw the glory,
Heard the story,
Tidings of a Gospel true.
Thus rejoicing,
Free from sorrow,
Praises voicing,
Greet the morrow:
Christ the child was born for you!
Christ the child was born for you!
BLESSING
POST-COMMUNION PRAYER (Stand)
O God, as you make us glad by the yearly festival of the birth of your only-begotten 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.
SHARING THE CANDLELIGHT
(The congregation’s candles are lighted from the Christ Candle. In passing the flame, DO NOT TIP A LIGHTED CANDLE. The candles remain burning until after the benediction.)
HYMN Silent Night, Holy Night! LSB 363
1 Silent night, holy night!
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon virgin mother and child.
Holy Infant, so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace,
Sleep in heavenly peace.
2 Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight;
Glories stream from heaven afar,
Heav’nly hosts sing, Alleluia!
Christ, the Savior, is born!
Christ, the Savior, is born!
3 Silent night, holy night!
Son of God, love’s pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth.
PRAYER
BLESSING (Extinguish candles following the Blessing)
HYMN Joy to the World LSB 387
1 Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let ev’ry heart prepare Him room
And heav’n and nature sing,
And heav’n and nature sing,
And heav’n, and heav’n and nature sing.
2 Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ,
While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.
3 No more let sins and sorrows grow
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as the curse is found.
4 He rules the world with truth and grace
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders of His love.
DISMISSAL
Go in peace. Serve the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE WITH TRUMPET Joy to the World Setting: Kristina Langlois
THOSE SERVING :
- Greeter: Steve Berg
- Reader: Dan Buuck
- Communion Assistant: Jill Hecht
- Acolytes: Andreas Buuck, and Miriam Buuck
- Violin: Shaw-Hwa Yang
Acknowledgments
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Created by Lutheran Service Builder © 2024 Concordia Publishing House.
382 We Praise You, Jesus, at Your Birth Text (st. 1): German, c. 1380; (st. 1): tr. Gregory J. Wismar, 1946; (sts. 2, 4): tr. F. Samuel Janzow, 1913–2001; (sts. 2, 4–5): Martin Luther, 1483–1546; (st. 5): tr. Lutheran Service Book, 2006 Tune: Eyn Enchiridion oder Handbüchlein, 1524, Erfurt Text (sts. 1, 5): © 2006 Concordia Publishing House; (sts. 2, 4): © 1978 Concordia Publishing House. Used by permission: LSB Hymn License no. 110005326 Tune: Public domain
379 O Come, All Ye Faithful Text: tr. Frederick Oakeley, 1802–80, alt. Text and tune: John F. Wade, c. 1711–1786 Text and tune: Public domain
381 Let Our Gladness Have No End Text (sts. 1, ref, 3–4): tr. unknown, alt.; (st. 2): tr. Vincent Pisek, 1859–1930 Text and tune: Bohemian, 15th cent. Text and tune: Public domain
358 From Heaven Above to Earth I Come Text: Martin Luther, 1483–1546; tr. Catherine Winkworth, 1827–78, alt. Tune: Geistliche lieder, Leipzig, 1539, ed. Valten Schumann Text and tune: Public domain
389 Let All Together Praise Our God Text (sts. 1, 3–4, 7): tr. F. Samuel Janzow, 1913–2001; (st. 2): tr. August Crull, 1845–1923, alt. Text and tune: Nicolaus Herman, c. 1480–1561
Text (sts. 1, 3–4, 7): © 1969 Concordia Publishing House. Used by permission: LSB Hymn License no. 110005326 Text (st. 2) and tune: Public domain
369 Where Shepherds Lately Knelt Text: Martin Luther, 1483–1546; tr. Catherine Winkworth, 1827–78, alt. Tune: Geistliche lieder, Leipzig, 1539, ed. Valten Schumann Text and tune: Public domain
393 Infant Holy, Infant Lowly Text: tr. Edith M. G. Reed, 1885–1933, alt. Text and tune: Polish Text and tune: Public domain
363 Silent Night, Holy Night Text: Franz Joseph Mohr, 1792–1848; tr. John F. Young, 1820–85 Tune: Franz Xaver Gruber, 1787–1863 Text and tune: Public domain
387 Joy to the World Text: Isaac Watts, 1674–1748 Tune: George Frideric Handel, 1685–1759, adapt. Text and tune: Public domain
