Christmas Eve

Gather

Today, at last, is the conclusion of the season of Advent; it is a conclusion that truly is just the beginning of the story. For weeks, we have been looking ahead for the coming of the Promised One. And although the nights are long…

…and the darkness deep…

…the reason for our hope, our faith, our joy and our peace draws near. Even as many in the advent story encountered God in unexpected ways, we too, have seen how He is still at work in and around us during this season.

Confession

Giver of light…

…we confess to You that the darkness which surrounds us so often has its source in our own deeds and thoughts, for we turn away from the light to embrace those things which conceal our need for You, rather than be exposed by it. Forgive us, O Lord.

Song – We Have Waited

Prayers of the People

God of the hopeful as well as the hopeless, we pray this day for those in our community who are struggling during this time. God of the faithful as well as the doubting, we pray this day for those in our community who feel tossed aside and forgotten during this time. God who is with us, in our joy as well as our sorrow, we pray this day for those in our community who hurt underneath the superficial appearance of merriment during this time. God of peace in times of turmoil and uncertainty, we pray this day for those in our community who are in need of the rest only You can provide. Help us serve those who bear these burdens, that we all may experience the hope You give, for this life and the one to come.

Lord, in Your mercy…

…Hear our prayer.

Into Your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in Your mercy; through Your Son Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Amen.

Lighting of the Advent Candle/Song – In This Season (Week 4)

Reading – Luke 2:1-7

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

Devotion

Carol – O Holy Night

Peace/Benediction

We will conclude with the singing of Silent Night by candlelight. Afterwards, you may stay and reflect or depart in silence. Go in hope, faith, joy and peace to love and serve the Lord.

Amen.

Carol – Silent Night

Next: Christmas Day

Wintertide daily liturgy index

The Nativity is set up on Christmas eve, with Jesus in the manger, Mary and Joseph and the animals surrounding. On Christmas day, the angels and shepherds are added, and on Epiphany, the Three Wise Men.