Today, we celebrate Christmas Eve without so much of what makes it home to us. But today we are blessed. Blessed because we have Jesus Christ. Blessed because we have the Word of our Lord. Let us treasure these words and ponder them in our hearts. Merry Christmas Meed’s UMC.
Our service is available on the side of the page, on our YouTube channel, and attached to this link.
December 24th, 2020
Christmas Eve
The Christmas Scale:*
A Christmas Poem: Henry and Jack Mylecraine
Old Testament Lesson: Isaiah 9: 2-7
Greetings of Grace and Peace:
Call to Worship:
Unexpectedly, the time came! The child was born!
The Savior of the world is here!
Unexpectedly, the angels told the shepherds of the newborn Savior;
The Savior of the world is here!
Unexpectedly, the shepherds went and found the child, lying in a manger.
The Savior of the world is here!
We wait for Christ to come again. We wait for Christ to enter our world and lives in a new way.
Come, Lord Jesus, Come!
Opening Prayer:
Loving God, moved by the coming of Christ to our lives, we seek to be your people. Help us to live in faithful covenant with you and with one another. Let the peace of Christ guide us, and let Christ’s message in all its richness live in our hearts, that we may praise you without ceasing. Amen.
Songs of Praise: Christmas Medley
Prayer of Confession:
We celebrate You and praise You,
God of new beginnings and surprising opportunities
Because You never cease to make Yourself available to us.
We appreciate You and thank You,
God of unquenchable life and irrepressible grace
Because You continue to offer us the resources of Your Spirit.
We love You and embrace You,
God of unfailing compassion and constant companionship
Because You walk beside us and transform us into agents of love.
Forgive us, O Lord,
When we seek to keep You to ourselves and shut others from Your influence.
Forgive us, O Christ,
When we wallow in our own weakness and take advantage of the weakness of others.
Forgive us, O Spirit,
When we deny Your friendship and withhold Your compassion from others.
(Silent Confession)
Heal us, restore and empower us, O God, we pray
For the sake of Your kingdom which has broken into our world.
Amen.
Gospel Reading: Gospel Lesson: Luke 2:1-20
Message: Treasure and Ponder
Lighting of the Christ Candle:
A Christmas Poem: Henry Mylecraine
Song of Praise: Mary’s Boy Child
Pastoral Prayer:
Closing Songs by Candlelight: Silent Night, Joy to the World
Dismissal with Blessing:
Recessional Music: Mary Did You Know
*Video Courtesy of Igniter Media
