Ward Hill Church of Christ the King

A Christ-Centered Community of Faith, Hope, & Love

The Eve of Christmas Day in the Year of our Lord 2022

Service of the Holy Birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ

Please speak bold words and sing italicized words. * – We invite you to stand as able.

Organ Prelude                                                                                 Anne Smith, organ

Brass Prelude   Adeste Fideles – arr. Kelley and Klintworth       Christ the King Brass

   In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

   In Jesus is life, the life that is the light of all people.

   Jesus is the true Light which enlightens everyone, and He has

   come into the world.

* Hymn 227   On Christmas Night All Christians Sing                 SUSSEX CAROL

* Invocation & the Lord’s Prayer: Our Father… (saying ‘debts’)

* Christmas Greeting  The peace of Christ be with you. And also with you.

Welcoming Christmas with the Advent and Nativity Candles

Brass Carol   Away in a Manger – arr. Kelley and Klintworth   Christ the King Brass

Welcoming the Children

* Hymn 201   O Little Town of Bethlehem                                        ST LOUIS

Gathering Prayer (Collect for Christmas Eve): O God, you have caused this holy night to shine with the brightness of the true Light: Grant that we, who have known the mystery of that Light on earth, may also enjoy him perfectly in heaven; where with you and the Holy Spirit he lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

The Prophecy of Isaiah 9:2,6-7  The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Choral Carol   Wexford Carol  – arr. Victor Johnson             Ward Hill Church Choir

The Nativity in Luke 2:1-14      The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

* Hymn 214   Angels We Have Heard on High                          GLORIA

Homily  “Out of the Shadows and Into the Light”               Pastor Alex Burgess

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* Hymn 217   All My Heart This Night Rejoices WARUM SOLLT’ ICH MICH

  DENN GRAMEN

* Carols by Candlelight         Please form a circle around the meetinghouse.

Lower the unlit candle to receive the flame from the lit candle.

 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.

 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.

 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.

 Silent night, holy night, Wondrous Star, lend thy light,

 With the angels let us sing Alleluias to our King;

 Christ the Savior is born, Christ the Savior is born.

 Joy to the World! The Lord is come; let earth receive her King;

 Let ev’ry heart prepare Him room, and heav’n and nature sing.

 He rules the world with truth & grace, & makes the nations prove

 The glories of His righteousness, and wonders of His love.

* Christmas Benediction:  May the One, who by His Incarnation gathered into one things earthly and heavenly, fill you with the sweetness of inward peace and goodwill; and the blessing of God, the love of Christ, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit remain with you always. Go forth in peace and joy.

We give thanks to God. Alleluia!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

¡Feliz Navidad y Feliz Año Nuevo!

We hope you will have a most blessed Christmas time as you celebrate the Nativity of Jesus Christ! We also pray that God will bless and keep you in the Year of Our Lord, Two Thousand Twenty-Three!

Christmas and Epiphany Services, 2022-23

Nativity of Christ – Christmas Day, December 25 at 10 am

Holy Name of Jesus – New Year’s Day, January 1 at 10 am

Baptism of Christ – Sunday, January 8 at 10 am