Christmas Eve 2022
SERVICE OF LESSON & CAROLS
COME, LET US ADORE HIM
PRELUDE “Still, Still, Still”
“O Little Town of Bethlehem” Orlay Alonso, keyboard
“Night of Silence” Daniel Kantor/arr. Robert J. Ward
Sanctuary Bells with Skye Johnson, soloist
“Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming” Orlay Alonso, keyboard
*PROCESSIONAL HYMN “Once in Royal David’s City” IRBY
Verses 1-2, sung by the choir alone. All are invited to stand to sing verses 3-4
WELCOME Rev. Trip Porch
CANDLE LIGHTING Poems by Ann Weems The Bird Family
“Into this Silent Night”
Into this silent night
as we make our weary way
we know not where,
just when the night becomes its darkest
and we cannot see our path,
just then
is when the angels rush in,
their hands full of stars
“Godburst”
When the Holy Child is born into our hearts
there is a rain of stars
a rushing of angels
a blaze of candles
this God burst into our lives.
Love is running through the streets
*HYMN No. 583 “Gloria, Gloria” GLORIA (Taizé)
Repeat many times
*THE BIDDING PRAYER written by Rev. Eliza Buchakjian-Tweedy Mark Phlegar
One: We have waited for a long time
for your hope, your peace, your joy, your love
to shine in the darkness of this world, Almighty God.
Even now, in our gathering here, we await you.
In our hearts, we still hope that your light will blaze forth,
banishing the shadows of this world
and guiding all the people closer to you.
All: Yet you did not come into this world
in a show of power and glory.
You did not shine forth for all of creation to behold at once.
You came as a tiny spark –
a newborn baby,
visible to parents and curious animals.
A host of angels –
away from the populated areas,
singing to migrant workers.
A sparkling star – guiding foreigners to see what neighbors could not.
One: Open our hearts, merciful God,
to the sparks of your presence still in this world.
Open our eyes,
that we might behold your presence in the least likely of places,
and among the least likely of people.
All: God with us,
Ignite your spirit within us, that together
we may shine forth your light into the shadows of this world,
we might proclaim through our life your Christmas miracle:
God, Emmanuel, is with us in this world, now and evermore.
One: Magnify your love within our hearts, gracious God,
that we might speak anew your word in these words,
And have this ancient story retold afresh this night. Amen.
*RESPONSE OF PRAISE #113 “Angels We Have Heard on High” (refrain only) GLORIA
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
THE FIRST LESSION Isaiah 9:2, 6–7 Caroline Fortman
CHOIR CAROL “Unto Us a Child is Born” arr. David Wilcocks
THE SECOND LESSON Luke 1:26–35 Peter Maurath
CHILDREN’S CHOIR ANTHEM “Bells Over Bethlehem” Andalusian Folk Song
WORD WITH CHILDREN Rev. Trip Porch
THE THIRD LESSON Luke 2:1–20 Mike Ayers
*CAROL #119 “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” MENDELSSOHN
MEDITATION Rev. Trip Porch
*HYMN # 133 “O Come, All Ye Faithful” (verses 1, 3, 4) ADESTE FIDELES
PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH
THE LORD’S PRAYER
CALL TO OFFERING
OFFERTORY “O Holy Night” Adolf Adam
Soloist: Betsy Tullis, soprano
THE FOURTH LESSON John 1:1–14 Susan Warrener Smith
SHARING THE LIGHT OF CHRIST
As you receive the light, please tip the unlit candle to receive the light from the lit candle.
*CAROL “Silent Night” STILLE NACHT
All are invited to sing each verse.
Silent night, holy night! Silent night, holy night!
All is calm, all is bright, Shepherds quake at the sight
Round yon virgin mother and Child! Glories stream from heaven afar,
Holy infant, so tender and mild, Heavenly hosts sing: “Alleluia;
Sleep in heavenly peace, Christ the Savior is born,
Sleep in heavenly peace. Christ the Savior is born.”
Verse 3: Lifting candles
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.
BENEDICTION
Leader: May the Christ, who, by his incarnation, gathered into one the things of heaven and earth,
fill you with the sweetness of inward peace and goodwill, and the blessing of God Almighty,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you always.
People: Alleluia!
Leader: Go forth in peace and joy.
People: Thanks be to God! Amen.
CHORAL RESPONSE “Away in a Manger” Cradle Song The IPC Children’s Choir
We invite you to extinguish your candles using the communion cups provided.
CLOSING CAROL #134 “Joy to the World” ANTIOCH
POSTLUDE “Fugue in E-minor” BWV914 J.S. Bach
Acknowledgments: Unless otherwise indicated, all texts and music are printed and broadcast under OneLicense.net license #A-702452
Tonight’s Participants
WORSHIP LEADERS
Pastor – Rev. Trip Porch
Liturgists – Mark Phlegar
Caroline Fortman
Peter Maurath
Mike Ayers
Susan Warrener Smith
Children’s Message – Trip Porch
MUSIC LEADERS
Children’s Choir
Chancel Choir
Sanctuary Bells
Soloist – Skye Johnson
Soloist – Betsy Tullis
Organist – Orlay Alonso
Director of Music – Christopher Dent
Assoc. Director of Music – Ariel Alvarado
Director Children’s Choir - Mary Rebekah Fortman
Asst. Children’s Choir – Sharon Renkes