PLEASE NOTE: CHRISTMAS EVE COMMUNION
ST. DAVID'S PORT HASTINGS 4:00
ST. MARK'S PORT HAWKESBURY 6:00
The Congregations of St. Mark’s and St. David’s
United Church of Canada
Port Hawkesbury/Port Hastings, NS
Office: 625-2229, Fax 625-3597, e-mail: stmarksuc@gmail.com
Blog: http://ourcontactonline.blogspot.com/
Presbytery Website: inverguyunited.ca
Ministers: Whole People of God
Minister: Nan Corrigan D. M. Minister of Music: Al Fougere
December 24th, 2017
Christmas Eve-A Service of Light
Scripture, Carols, and Communion
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| Silent Night, Holy Night |
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| Christmas Eve Communion St. David's |
* Introit Angels from the Realms of Glory VU 36
The Advent Candles are lit during the singing.
WE GATHER TO WORSHIP GOD
*Welcome and greeting one another with the Peace of Christ.
One: The Holy Child of Peace comes to dwell among us!Let us now share the peace with one another.
The peace of Christ be with you. All: And with your spirit.
*The Call to Worship
One: Night approaches; All: shepherds lie awake.One: Angels appear; All: shepherds begin to quake.
One: Good news is proclaimed; All: this is no mistake.
One: Tonight the Christ is born;
All: shepherd’s praises we now make.
*Hymn O Come, All Ye Faithful VU 60
WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD
Prepare the way for the people.
Isaiah 62:6–12
Prepare the way of the Lord! Prepare the way of the Lord!
Make a straight path for him, make a straight path;
Prepare the way of the Lord!
The Preparations for the Birth of Jesus
Luke 2:1-5
O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by;
yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light;
the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
Jesus is Born
Luke 2:6-7
Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
the little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head.
The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay,
the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.
Placement of Baby Jesus in Nativity
Jesus' Birth is Announced by Angels
Luke 2:8-14
*It came upon the midnight clear, that glorious song of old,
from angels bending near the earth to touch their harps of gold,
“Peace on the earth, good will to all,
from heaven's all gracious King!”
The world in solemn stillness lay to hear the angels sing.
The Shepherds Find the Baby Jesus
Luke 2:15-18
While shepherds watched their flocks by night
all seated on the ground,
the angel of the Lord came down,
and glory shone around.
'Fear not,' said he, for mighty dread
had seized their troubled mind;
'glad tidings of great joy I bring
to you and humankind.
Mary Treasured All These Words
Luke 2:19-20
*What child is this, who laid to rest,
on Mary's lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
while shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King,
whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
haste, haste to bring him laud,
the Babe, the Son of Mary
Opening the Word
WE RESPOND IN FAITH
Offering Our Gifts to God
Choir Offering Calypso Allelu Words & Music by Jill Gallina
* Offering Prayer
Sacrament of Communion
We give you thanks and praise, God of life, for on this holy night, you came among us, born in a stable in Bethlehem.By the birth of Jesus, son of Mary, you show us that you love us so much that you would become human, like us, so that we might learn to be holy like you.
In Jesus, your child, you bring light to the world, hope in the midst of darkness and joyful celebration to everyone.
As we celebrate his birth, so we commemorate his time among us.
We remember, how, on the night that Jesus was betrayed,
he sat at supper with his disciples.
We remember that at that meal, Jesus got up from the table,
he tied a towel around himself and washed the feet of those gathered.
And after he had finished, he said,
“I have set an example for you; do as I have done to you.”
While they were eating, Jesus broke bread
and as he shared it said, “remember me.”
Later he took a cup of wine and shared it
with the words, “remember me.”
And so, as Christ did, we bless these gifts and share them,
and in doing so we remember. Christ’s presence with us – always.
Therefore, as we gather this Christmas Eve to share this meal, we give you thanks and praise, singing: VU 37
Gloria, gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Gloria, gloria, alleluia, alleluia.
Glory to God, glory to God, glory in the highest!
Glory to God, glory to God, hallelujah, hallelujah!
Distribution Hymn O Holy Night Printed
(St. Mark's—congregation will come forward;
St. David's—served in pews.)
WE GO TO SERVE GOD
Candlelight Liturgy & Prayers of the People
One: Faithful God, on this night, the story of the shepherds reminds us that great news can come from unexpected places. We await such news. We await you.All: With our whole being, we wait for Love to be born.
Two: As the night grows deeper, sentinels keep watch over the city and shepherds watch over the fields. You have called us also, O God, to keep such a watch as we wait for Christ. But we do not always know how to be steadfast. Give us strength to carry through the night.
All: With our whole being, we wait for Love to be born.
Three: The temperature drops and the night has grown still. We are weary. We are tired. We are wondering if, indeed, we are a city that has been abandoned. Remind us of your faithfulness.
All: With our whole being, we wait for Love to be born.
Four: Ever-loving God, we wish for the sun to shine. We wish for the morning dew. Remind us that our wait is for your shining glory and your beloved child. Faithful love is yours. Our great redemption lies in you, our holy Shepherd.
All: With our whole being, we wait for Love to be born.
Light the white Christ candle at the centre of the wreath.
Five: Like a seed planted in the darkest of soils that rises to meet the sun’s warming rays, so love emerges from the deepest places.
Despite our willing it, and without the force of hand, may love rise graciously to life.
All: This, then, is how Love is born.
Six: As the morning slowly dawns – first a sliver, then a burning horizon – causing the night to fade away, so love transforms our sorrow and fear. Into our need, moving against resistance,
may love change things in our lives and in the world.
All: This, then, is how Love is born.
Seven: As winter’s gentle hibernation gives way to the bursting of spring and the delights of summer, so love is woven through every season. Amidst our doubts and disappointments, when the sands seem to shift under our feet, may love be steadfast and present at all times.
All: This, then, is how Love is born. Amen.
(electric lights are dimmed for singing of final hymn)
