122414 Chrismas Eve B ltr

Zion Lutheran Church, ELCA
Christmas Eve
Building on the
1st
100 Years!
Love is spoken here!
Be the living Eucharist!
GATHERING
PRELUDE
CALL TO WORSHIP
The Holy Spirit calls us in community as the people of God.
Hark the Herald Angels Sing
December 24, 2014
The assembly stands to collectively center for worship and contemplate God’s graciousness.
The world is on the edge, taut with expectation, breathless with imminence, caught up in anticipation!
Some thing is going to change. Something . . .
Something hovers just out of sight
Beyond our imagining
Beyond our dreaming
Beyond our hoping
God moves
And we are on the brink of the incredible. Come, Emmanuel, come!
GREETING The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all!
And also with you!
GATHERING SONG
O come, O come, Emmanuel
ELW (red book) 257
Verse 1 – solo, Verse 2 – men, Verse 3 – choir, Verse 4 – women, Verse 5 - all
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Let us pray: Almighty God, You made this holy night shine with the brightness of the true Light. Please grant that here on
earth we may walk in the light of Jesus’ presence and in the last day wake to the brightness of his glory; through Your
Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
WORD
God speaks to us in poetry, creative writing, scripture, preaching, and song.
PSALM 107:1-15
read responsively
O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever.
Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, those he redeemed from trouble and gathered in from the lands, from the
east and from the west, from the north and from the south.
Some wandered in desert wastes, finding no way to an inhabited town; hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted within them.
Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
and he delivered them from their distress; he led them by a straight way, until they reached an inhabited town.
Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wonderful works to humankind.
For he satisfies the thirsty, and the hungry he fills with good things.
Some sat in darkness and in gloom, prisoners in misery and in irons, for they had rebelled against the words of God, and
spurned the counsel of the Most High. Their hearts were bowed down with hard labor; they fell down, with no one
to help. Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
and he saved them from their distress; he brought them out of darkness and gloom, and broke their bonds
asunder. Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wonderful works to humankind.
SONG
Comfort, comfort now my people
A READING FROM HEBREW SCRIPTURE (Tanakh): Isaiah 9:2-7
ELW 256
SONG
ELW 242
Common English Bible*
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light. On those living in a pitch-dark land, light has dawned.
3
You have made the nation great; you have increased its joy. They rejoiced before you as with joy at the harvest, as
those who divide plunder rejoice.
4
As on the day of Midian, you’ve shattered the yoke that burdened them, the staff on their shoulders, and the rod of their
5
oppressor. Because every boot of the thundering warriors, and every garment rolled in blood will be burned, fuel for the
fire.
6
A child is born to us, a son is given to us, and authority will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor,
Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
7
There will be vast authority and endless peace for David’s throne and for his kingdom, establishing and sustaining it with
justice and righteousness now and forever. The zeal of the LORD of heavenly forces will do this.
2
pg. 1
Awake! Awake and greet the new morn
A READING FROM CHRISTIAN SCRIPTURE: Titus 2:11-14
Common English Bible*
12
The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people. It educates us so that we can live sensible, ethical,
13
and godly lives right now by rejecting ungodly lives and the desires of this world. At the same time we wait for the
14
blessed hope and the glorious appearance of our great God and savior Jesus Christ. He gave himself for us in order to
rescue us from every kind of lawless behavior, and cleanse a special people for himself who are eager to do good actions.
11
SONG
PSALM 96
It came upon a midnight clear
ELW 292
read responsively
96 Sing to the LORD a new song! Sing to the LORD, all the earth!
2
Sing to the LORD! Bless his name! Share the news of his saving work every single day!
3
Declare God’s glory among the nations; declare his wondrous works among all people
4
because the LORD is great and so worthy of praise. He is awesome beyond all other gods
5
because all the gods of the nations are just idols, but it is the LORD who created heaven!
6
Greatness and grandeur are in front of him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.
7
Give to the LORD, all families of the nations—give to the LORD glory and power!
8
Give to the LORD the glory due his name! Bring gifts! Enter his courtyards!
9
Bow down to the LORD in his holy splendor! Tremble before him, all the earth!
10
Tell the nations, “The LORD rules! Yes, he set the world firmly in place; it won’t be shaken. He will judge all
people fairly.”
11
Let heaven celebrate! Let the earth rejoice! Let the sea and everything in it roar!
12
Let the countryside and everything in it celebrate! Then all the trees of the forest too will shout out joyfully
13
before the LORD because he is coming! He is coming to establish justice on the earth! He will establish justice in the
world rightly. He will establish justice among all people fairly.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
The assembly stands to welcome Jesus, the living Word, in song!
O come, all ye faithful
ELW 283
Preface The Holy Gospel according to Luke! Glory to you, O Lord!
A READING FROM THE HOLY GOSPELS (Good News): Luke 2:1-7
Common English Bible*
2
2 In those days Caesar Augustus declared that everyone throughout the empire should be enrolled in the tax lists. This
3
4
first enrollment occurred when Quirinius governed Syria. Everyone went to their own cities to be enrolled. Since Joseph
belonged to David’s house and family line, he went up from the city of Nazareth in Galilee to David’s city, called
5
Bethlehem, in Judea. He went to be enrolled together with Mary, who was promised to him in marriage and who was
6
7
pregnant. While they were there, the time came for Mary to have her baby. She gave birth to her firstborn child, a son,
wrapped him snugly, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the guestroom.
CHILDREN’S CHOIR ANTHEM
Just one candle
Pastor Andrew lights a large candle from the paschal candle, which symbolizes Christ, the Light of the world. The ushers light their
candles from the pastor's candle and then light the candle of each worshiper nearest the aisle.
CONTINUED READING FROM THE HOLY GOSPEL OF LUKE
8
9
Nearby shepherds were living in the fields, guarding their sheep at night. The Lord’s angel stood before them, the
Lord’s glory shone around them, and they were terrified.
10
11
The angel said, “Don’t be afraid! Look! I bring good news to you—wonderful, joyous news for all people. Your savior is
12
born today in David’s city. He is Christ the Lord. This is a sign for you: you will find a newborn baby wrapped snugly and
13
lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great assembly of the heavenly forces was with the angel praising God. They said,
14
“Glory to God in heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors.”
SONG
Away in a manger
CONCLUDING READING FROM THE HOLY GOSPEL OF LUKE
ELW 277
15
When the angels returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go right now to Bethlehem and see
16
what’s happened. Let’s confirm what the Lord has revealed to us.” They went quickly and found Mary and Joseph, and
17
18
the baby lying in the manger. When they saw this, they reported what they had been told about this child. Everyone
19
who heard it was amazed at what the shepherds told them. Mary committed these things to memory and considered
20
them carefully. The shepherds returned home, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. Everything
happened just as they had been told.
This is the Gospel of our Lord! Praise to you O Christ!
SONG
Silent night, holy night
ELW 281
At the conclusion of Silent Night the hand candles are extinguished.
MESSAGE
pg. 2
Pastor Andrew
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Rejoicing in the light of Christ that shines upon us, we pray for the church, the world, and all according to their needs.
A brief silence
Petitions follow:
The responses are… Lord, in your mercy. Hear our prayer.
Please hear the hopes and prayers of our hearts on this holy night, O God, and magnify our joy at the birth of your Light
among us, Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
CONFESSION
Blessed be the Holy Trinity, + one God, the Maker of heaven and earth, the Word made flesh, the Lord and giver of life. Amen.
Let us come to the light of Christ, confessing our need for God’s mercy.
Silence is kept for reflection
God of peace, we confess that we are not at peace-with others or with ourselves. We bring to You all that tears us
apart: discord in our families, violence in our world, our own conflicted hearts.
In Your mercy, please mend us and reconnect us to one another and to You, let peace reign over all the earth,
through the Prince of peace, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
In the Word who has come to dwell with us, God has given us grace upon grace: forgiveness that is stronger than our
separateness in sin and love which can heal every broken heart. Hear this word of God’s pardon and peace: in the name of +
Jesus our Savior, we are free from all our sins. Rise, shine, for our light has come! Thanks be to God, Amen!
SHARING OF THE PEACE
All are encouraged to greet others in Christ’s name.
As we are forgiven and reconciled to God through Christ Jesus, let us be reconciled to each other.
The peace of the Lord be with you all. And also with you.
MEAL
God feeds us with the presence of the risen and ascended Christ!
GATHERING OF GIFTS
Dona Nobis Pacem
Senior Choir
As the gifts of bread, wine, and currency are brought forward, the assembly stands.
OFFERTORY
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
What child is this
ELW 296
Let us pray: Good and loving God, we rejoice in the birth of Jesus, who came among the poor to bring the riches of Your grace.
As You have blessed us with your gifts, let them be a blessing for others. With the trees of the field, with all earth and heaven,
we shout for joy at the coming of Your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
THANKSGIVING FOR JESUS’ LIFE AND OUR SALVATION
The Lord be with you! And also with you!
Open up your hearts! We open them up to the Lord!
Let us give thanks to the Lord, our God! It is right to give God thanks and praise!
Pastor Andrew gives thanks for God’s salvation in Jesus Christ.
… And so, with all the choirs of angels, with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven, we praise Your name and join their
unending song:
SANCTUS
WOV pg. 617a
Ho-ly, ho-ly, ho-ly Lord, God of pow’r and might, ho-ly, ho-ly, ho-ly Lord, God of pow’r and might:
Heav-en and earth are full, full of your glo-ry. Ho-san-na in the high-est, ho-san-na in the high-est.
Bless-ed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Ho-san-na in the high-est, ho-san-na in the high-est.
CHRIST’S WORDS OF INSTITUTION
Pastor Andrew prays for the Spirit’s presence in us who are gathered and the meal we share.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead
us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and
ever. Amen.
INVITATION TO COMMUNION
The mystery hidden for ages is revealed for us in this meal!
Come, behold and receive your God! Thanks be to God!
AGNUS DEI (Lamb of God)
Lamb of God, you take a-way the sin of the world; have mer-cy on us.
Lamb of God, you take a-way the sin of the world; have mer-cy on us.
Lamb of God, you take a-way the sin of the world; grant us peace, grant us peace.
pg. 3
ELW pg. 154
THE EUCHARIST
(intinction-dipping of host into the chalice of wine or grape juice)
Believing in the real presence of Christ, this church practices Eucharistic hospitality. All baptized persons, having previously received
communion, are welcomed to The Meal. Those who do not wish to commune may come forward for a blessing signified by crossed arms.
SONGS DURING THE EUCHARIST
POST EUCHARISTIC PRAYER
ELW 279, 300, 290
Let us pray: We give You thank, O God, that in this bread and cup of Christ’s very life, You give us food for our journey. As You
led the magi by a star, as You brought the holy family home again, guide us on the way unfolding before us. Wherever we go,
may our lives proclaim good news of great joy in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
BLESSING
May the Word that Mary brought to birth carry you into new and abundant life. Amen!
May the Word that Joseph cradled in his arms enfold you with love and strength. Amen!
May the Word that angels proclaimed in song bring harmony to our world. Amen!
And the blessing of almighty God, the Father, the + Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you always.
Amen!
SENDING
God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
SENDING SONG
DISMISSAL
Angels we have heard on high
ELW 289
Go in peace. Christ is with you! Thanks be to God!
POSTLUDE
It came upon a midnight clear
From Sundays and Seasons.com, Copyright 2014 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies
Annual License #28372. CCLI license #313059, Logos Productions, Call to Worship & Peace litany per Lisa Frenz
*Scripture translations are in the public domain and sourced through http://www.biblegateway.com
ALLERGY NOTICES
NOTE 1: The chalice next to Pastor Andrew Borden with the Assisting Minister contains wine while the small chalice on the outside with
the Acolyte contains grape juice.
NOTE 2: If you require a gluten-free offering, uncontaminated by wheat, and uncontaminated wine, please let Pastor Andrew and the
Assisting Minister know as they are available.
Serving at worship today are:
Donna Hayes – Assisting Minister
Jacob & Zachery Milton – Torch Bearers
Hannah Abbe – Reader
Hannah Abbe/Doreen Hayes-Abbe – Ushers
Cheyenne Courtney – Crucifer
The Toombs family – Greeters
This coming week at Zion
TOMORROW
10AM
Christmas Day Worship
The-Community-of-Zion-Lutheran-Worcester.org
41 Whitmarsh Avenue, Worcester, MA 01606-3296
Office: 508-853-2009 zionlutheranworc@verizon.net
The Rev. Andrew H. Borden, Pastor
pastor_andrew.b@verizon.net
http://GodTalk-Worcester.ning.com
Sally Bond, Director of Music
Stephanie Harms, Sunday School Superintendent
Donna Hayes, Council President
You may also find us on FACEBOOK @ Zion Lutheran – Worcester, MA
A RECONCILING IN CHRIST COMMUNITY
pg. 4