First United Methodist Houston, Christmas Eve 11 am Family Service, December 24, 2023

Join us live online tonight for the 7pm (USA-CST) Candlelight Service! Visit https://www.FMHouston.com/online/ PRELUDE Chinese Dance and Dance of the Reed Flutes by P. Tchaikovsky CHORAL PRELUDE Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies by P. Tchaikovsky *CALL TO WORSHIP O Come, All Ye Faithful (vs. 1, 3, & 6) arr. John Rutter *WELCOME Rev. Dr. Eric Pugh *CAROL OF WELCOME Sing We Now of Christmas (vs. 1, 2, & 3) UMH 237 IFE OF THE CHURCH Celebration of 2023 Ministry & Christmas Offering Rev. Lance Richards OFFERING PRAYER Rev. Dr. Eric Pugh OFFERING OUR GIFTS TO GOD MINISTRY IN MUSIC Do You Hear What I Hear? by Harry Simeone Sanctuary Choir *OFFERING RESPONSE In the Bleak Midwinter (v. 4) UMH 221 TIME FOR CHILDREN Courtney Hutchins CAROL OF PREPARATION Angels from the Realms of Glory (v. 1) UMH 220 THE FIRST READING Luke 1:26-38 (NRSV) Brynn Peugnet CAROL OF THE MOTHER What Child is This? (v. 1) UMH 219 THE SECOND READING Matthew 1:18-25 (NRSV) Tallis Peugnet CAROL OF THE FATHER Joseph’s Carol (sung to the tune of UMH 218: It Came Upon the Midnight Clear) When Joseph came to Bethlehem his life seemed all awry. His fair young bride was great with child he knew not how nor why. The angel told him not to fear to trust God’s guiding hand. His Mary, whom he held so dear, was central to God’s plan. THE THIRD READING Luke 2:1-5 (NRSV) Ashley Davis CAROL OF BETHLEHEM O Little Town of Bethlehem (vs. 1) UMH 230 THE FOURTH READING Luke 2:6-7 (NRSV) Nathaniel Richards CAROL OF THE MANGER Away in a Manger (v. 1) UMH 219 THE FIFTH READING Luke 2:8-14 (NRSV) Tess Montgomery CAROL OF THE SHEPHERDS Hark! the Herald Angels Sing (v. 1) UMH 240 THE SIXTH READING Luke 2:15-20 (NRSV)Anna Montgomery CAROL OF BLESSING Angels We Have Heard on High (R, vs. 1, 2, 3, 4,& R) UMH 238 INVITATION, CONFESSION AND PARDON Rev. Lance Richards PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING Rev. Lance Richards GIVING OF THE BREAD AND CUP Congregation THE LORD’S PRAYER UMH 895 (SPOKEN) Rev. Lance Richards COMMUNION MUSIC Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence by Craig Courtney LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE The Margle Family *CAROL OF LIGHT Silent Night arr. Mark Hayes *BENEDICTION Rev. Lance Richards *CAROL OF JOY Joy to the World (vs. 1 & 4) UMH 246 POSTLUDE Good Christian Men Rejoice arr. by J. S. Bach