Normal Presbyterian Church

4316 Winchester Ave. Ashland, Kentucky 41101

(606) 324-0382

The Rev. Brian H. Steele

December 24, 2009

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

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PRELUDE O Little town of Bethlehem Jeff Grimm

ACOLYTES Melanie and Kimberly

CALL TO WORSHIP (responsive)

The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

And also with you.

Jesus Christ, the son of Mary, the son of God is born this night.

God's word has been made flesh among us.

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.

Those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness - on them a light has shined.

You, O Lord, have multiplied the nation. You have increased its joy. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder.

His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

He is also called Emmanuel, for in him God is with us.

SOLO “O Come O Come Emmanuel” Joe Caudill

OPENING PRAYER (Responsively) Courtney Hayes

Good and gracious God, on this Holy night you gave us your Son, The Lord of the universe wrapped in swaddling clothes, the Savior of all lying in a manger.

On this Holy night draw us into the mystery of your love.

Join our voices with the Heavenly Host that we may sing your glory on high.

Give us a place among the shepherds that we may find the one for whom we have waited, Jesus Christ, the Messiah and Lord,

Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen

FIRST READING The Birth in Bethlehem Titus 2:11-14 - Luke 2:1-7

SOLO “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” Kelson Grimm

SECOND READING Angels and Shepherds worship

Luke 2:8-14 - Luke 2:15-20

LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE Victoria Grimm

One: Hope, peace, joy, and love. Four candles, four promises continually offered to us by God, and all of them manifest in this one we light tonight: the Christ candle. In Christ we find the hope of transformation, the peace that follows justice, the joy of self-fulfillment in community, and the love that encompasses us in all our diversity, empowering us to make our own unique contribution to this world. In Christ we find light and life, and the courage to be like him, answering his call and following in his footsteps.

SOLO “O Holy Night” Leslie Moyer- Caudill

LIGHTING THE CHURCH ( Congregation will file through the center aisle and light their candle and stand in the outer wings, Acolytes will hold tapers unlit)

BENEDICTION

* HYMN “Silent Night, Holy Night”

ACOLYTES EXTINGUISH THE CANDLES (tapers lit) will lead the congregation (their candles lit) through the center aisle out the church.)



The Savior Is Born