Christmas Eve - Rev Nancy Baseel - Dec 24 2024 - 1st Presbyterian Church of Hartford

Christmas Eve - Tuesday, December 24, 2024 - 4:00 p.m. First Presbyterian Church of Hartford - Rev. Nancy Baseel, Pastor GATHERING IN GOD’S NAME OPENING MUSIC Christmas Eve Ensemble O Come, O Come Emmanuel, Twelfth Century Melody Of the Father’s Love Begotten, Fifth Century Tune, Divinum Mysterium What Child is This, Traditional English Carol Angels We Have Heard on High, French Carol WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS INTROIT Love Has Come, French Melody CALL TO WORSHIP (adapted from Luke 2:1-14) One: In those days, in the beginning, Joseph and Mary traveled to Bethlehem. He was to be registered, and she was expecting a child. The time came for Mary to give birth, so she delivered her child, wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger. Many: And the angels sang, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth, peace to all whom God favors.” One: Let us worship our God, together. Many: Let us sing songs of praise! HYMN #133 O Come All Ye Faithful verses 1-3 CALL TO CONFESSION A TIME OF UNSPOKEN PRAYER PRAYER OF CONFESSION ALL: Loving Christ, when the shepherds heard that you were born, they dropped everything and ran. They trusted the angels’ invitation. We wish that we were more like that. Instead, somewhere between the angels’ song and the manger, we tend to lose our way. We doubt ourselves. We doubt the invitation. Remind us that your love is relentless and makes all things new. With hope, we sing and we pray. Amen. ASSURANCE OF GRACE One: Family of faith, the angels are singing: unto you a child is born. Hear and believe the good news of the Gospel: God dwells among us, near and far. God’s love claims you. ALL: Glory to God in the highest heaven! Glory to God here and now. Alleluia! Amen. SUNG RESPONSE O Come All Ye Faithful verse 4 LIGHTING OF THE CHRISTMAS CANDLE SHARING THE PEACE OF CHRIST AND THE RITUAL OF FRIENDSHIP One: May the peace of Christ be with you, Many: and also with you! SONG OF COMMUNITY a chorus of Glorias! PROCLAIMING GOD’S WORD EARLY WORD PRAYER for ILLUMINATION OLD TESTAMENT READING Isaiah 9:6 Pew Bible GOSPEL READING Luke 2:1-20 REFLECTION Rev. Nancy Baseel RESPONDING TO GOD’S WORD ANTHEM O Holy Night, by Adolphe Adam, arr. Brevik OFFERING INVITATION DOXOLOGY: Praise God from whom all blessings flow, praise Christ all creatures here below. Praise Holy Spirit, evermore. Praise Triune God whom we adore. Amen. INVITATION TO THE LORD’S TABLE THE GREAT PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING One: The Lord be with you. Many: And also with you. One: Lift up your hearts. Many: We lift them up to the Lord our God. One: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God Many: It is right to give our thanks and praise. (the prayer continues...) One: Holy, holy, holy… ALL: (sing)Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest, hosanna in the highest. PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER SHARING THE BREAD AND CUP COMMUNION HYMNS #113 Angels We Have Heard on High #129 Lo, How a Rose E’re Blooming PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION HYMN #122 Silent Night GOING FORTH TO SERVE CHARGE & BENEDICTION HYMN #134 Joy to the World POSTLUDE Bells of Christmas, Longfellow, Calvin, Wilhousky, Mykoli, Leontovych, Tabourout, arr. by Lois Mountz Merry Christmas, dear Church! May this be a time of rest, reflection, and renewal for all.