Christmas Eve Candlelight Service (2023)
GROVEPORT UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
CANDLELIGHT SERVICE
DECEMBER 24, 2023 7:00 PM
OPENING & PRELUDE “Angels We Have Heard on High”
INVOCATION
CALL TO WORSHIP:
All people are welcome here tonight.
We have gathered to hear the story of Jesus’ birth.
All who walk in darkness,
come see a great light.
All who hope to see God,
come see the glory of our savior, Jesus Christ.
All who are simply waiting to see what’s next,
come see the good news God brings.
Rejoice before God in the light and glory of this night.
We rejoice that God’s grace has appeared, bringing salvation
to all.
HYMN “O Come, All Ye Faithful” #234
Verse 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:
O come, let us adore him, O come let us adore him,
O come let us adore him, Christ the Lord.
Verse 3: Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation;
O sing, all ye citizens of heaven above!
Glory to God, all glory in the highest;
Verse 4: See how the shepherds, summoned to his cradle,
Leaving their flocks, draw nigh to gaze,
We too will thither bend our joyful footsteps;
Verse 6: Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born this happy morning,
Jesus to thee be all glory given.
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing:
SCRIPTURE READING: Isaiah 9:2-3, 6-7
LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH – The Hertl Family
RESPONSE: “Emmanuel, Emmanuel” #204
Emmanuel, Emmanuel, his name is called Emmanuel.
God with us, revealed in us, his name is called Emmanuel. (repeat)
EVENING PRAYER:
We often come to Christmas longing for a cozy story of a baby born in
a manger. But this baby will change the world.
He is called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Prince of Peace.
Something strong and powerful began with that infant.
He brings justice and righteousness for all the world.
Enlarge our minds, increase our vision, and strengthen our
commitment, that we too may work for justice and righteousness.
Help us walk faithfully with him, and lead us on your paths of
peace. AMEN
HYMN “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” #240
Verse 1: Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King”
Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!”
Joyful, all ye nations rise, join the triumph of the skies;
With th’angelic host proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem!”
Refrain:
Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!”
Verse 2:
Christ, by highest heaven adored; Christ, the everlasting Lord;
Late in time behold him come, offspring of a virgin’s womb.
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; hail th’incarnate Deity,
Pleased with us in flesh to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel.
Verse 3:
Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace! Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings, risen with healing in his wings.
Mild he lays his glory by, born that we no more may die,
Born to raise us from the earth, born to give us second birth.
CHILDREN’S MOMENTS
CHRISTMAS OFFERING “Christmas Blessing” - Chancel Choir
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
SCRIPTURE READING Luke 2:1-20
SERMON: “What Gift Do You Bring?”
LIGHTING OF THE CANDLES
CLOSING HYMN “Silent Night” #239
Verse 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.
Verse 2: Silent night, holy night, shepherds quake at the sight;
Glories stream from heaven afar, heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ the Savior is born, Christ the Savior is born!
Verse 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.
Verse 4: Silent night, holy night, wondrous star, lend thy light;
With the angels let us sing, Alleluia to our King;
Christ the Savior is born, Christ the Savior is born!
POSTLUDE “Joy to the World”
