Christmas Eve; “Jesus Is the Reason” Jesus is the reason we can have hope, peace, joy, and love in our life. Jesus is the reason we can have salvation and eternal life. Jesus is the reason for a multitude of blessings for us, and for a multitude of reasons this is why we believe Jesus is the reason. Scriptures: Matthew 1:18-23; Matthew 2:1-8; Luke 2:1-20
Christmas Eve – Jesus Is the Reason
Trinity UMC Milford on Vimeo.
PRELUDE
Bells
WELCOME
CALL TO WORSHIP
OPENING HYMN
“It Came Upon the Midnight Clear” #218 (Verses 1,3,4)
OPENING PRAYER
FIRST LESSON: Genesis 3:8-15
God announces that in a fallen world, the offspring of the woman will defeat our Adversary
LIGHT THE CANDLE OF HOPE
CAROL
“Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus” #196
SECOND LESSON Isaiah 9: 6-7
The prophet announces the birth of a King to a people in darkness
LIGHT THE CANDLE OF LOVE
CAROL
“Hail to the Lord’s Anointed” #203
THIRD LESSON Isaiah 11:1-4a, 6-9
The peace that Christ will bring is foreshown
LIGHT THE CANDLE OF PEACE
CAROL “O Little Town of Bethlehem” #230 (Verses 1,2,4)
FOURTH LESSON Luke 1:26-35,38
The angel Gabriel announces to the Virgin Mary that she will give birth to God’s promised Son.
LIGHT THE CANDLE OF JOY
CAROL
“O Come, All Ye Faithful” #234 (Verses 1,2,6)
FIFTH LESSON Luke 2:1-7
Against a backdrop of emperors, taxes, and no room, Jesus is born.
LIGHT THE CHRIST CANDLE
CAROL
“Breath of Heaven” (Rosetta Brewer, Melody Gulleman)
SIXTH LESSON Luke 2:8-20
Responding to the angel’s announcement,
the shepherds go to see the Savior of the world, and find him lying in a manger.
CAROL
“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” #240
SEVENTH LESSON Matthew 2:1-8
The wise men follow a star, seeking to find the child King of the Jews
CAROL
“God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen/We Three Kings” (Trinity Live)
EIGHTH LESSON John 1:1-14
John unfolds the great mystery of the Incarnation
CHOIR ANTHEM
“A Great Light”
INTRODUCTION TO CANDELIGHTING
MUSICAL INTRODUCTION
Harp & Guitar (Lindsey Pertuset & Jacob Lewis)
CANDLELIGHTING
“Silent Night” (Trinity Live)
BENEDICTION
SENDING FORTH
“Joy to World” #246 (Verses 1 & 2)