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Welcoming Words
(Portions of the service printed in bold are spoken by the whole congregation. The asterisk (*) indicates congregation stands, but please feel free to sit at any time. Children are always welcome at our services. Books/toys are available at the front and back of the sanctuary.)

Centring Meditation & Lighting Advent Candles:
Lighting a candle is a symbol and a parable: A symbol of love and hope, of light and warmth; a parable in that it burns itself out giving light to others even as Jesus gave himself for the world. (Adapted from “Lord Have Mercy”, Canterbury Cathedral)

*Hymn: It Came Upon the Midnight Clear” #44 VU (vs 1 & 4)

Call to Worship
Like the shepherds, we come to the stable,
uncertain of what we have heard and seen,
longing to hear a word of peace and joy.

Like the wise ones, we have journeys to make,
gifts to offer, and hope in our hearts,
that this world can change for the better.

Here, in the stillness of a winter’s night,
we gather to share the light of Christ,
a light that shines in the nightfall.
We gather in the wonder of this night
to share our joy and thanks for new life.
https://www.united-church.ca/sites/default/files/christmas-eve-liturgy.docs

Lighting the Christ Candle at the Centre of the Wreath
God came in the night when all was still. God enters our lives again this night with the Light of God’s presence. In that light we are called to a new life in and for the One who lives and reigns with and within us all.

Special Music: Come and See the Light, by David Goodwin, accompanied by Barbara Lynn Goodwin… (the congregation remains seated and is welcome to join in the lyrics of the chorus)
Come, come, see the light
Come and see the light burning bright
Come, come, see the light
Come and see the wonder in the night

Poem~Prayer: In Search of our Kneeling Places
(responsively)
In each heart lies a Bethlehem,
an inn where we must ultimately answer whether there is room or not.
When we are Bethlehem-bound we can no longer look the other way, conveniently not seeing stars, not hearing angel voices. We can no longer excuse ourselves by busily tending our sheep or our kingdoms.
This Advent let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that the Lord has made known to us.
In the midst of shopping sprees, let’s ponder in our hearts the Gift of Gifts. Through the tinsel let’s look for the gold of the Christmas Star. In the excitement and confusion, in the merry chaos, let’s listen for the brush of angel’s wings.
This Advent, let’s go to Bethlehem and find our kneeling places.
written by Ann Weems
(pause for silent prayer and reflection)
Amen.

*Medley Of Christmas Hymns: 1st verses of #64, 48, 60, 58, 47 VU
(O Little Town of Bethlehem; Hark! the Herald Angels Sing; O Come, All Ye Faithful; Infant Holy, Infant Lowly; Still, Still, Still)

Sharing the Christmas Eve Scriptures

*Hymn: The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy #73 VU

Readers’ Theatre: “Welcome to Our World” (Readers =
http://engageworship.org/ideas/Welcome_to_Our_World
These three interwoven monologues tell the Christmas story from the point of view of a shepherd, a king and an angel. The drama is based on Luke 2: 8-20 and Matthew 2: 1-12 and aims to bring out the contemporary themes of economic uncertainty, difficult relationships, celebrity culture and the search for meaning in life.

*Hymn/Invitation for Offering: Jesus Came, a Child like Me #583 God surprises us and showers us with love as we hear again the Christmas story. We return this love in our gifts and by our lives as we’re renewed by the wonder of Christmas. Let us give with a full and joyful heart.

Dedication Prayer:
God of wonder and worldliness, there are so many things to be thankful for tonight. We offer ourselves and our gratitude for your gracious presence in our lives and in the life of the world.
Be born in us anew. Shine your light through our lives. May that which we share become Emmanual, God-with-us, for Jesus’ sake, as we join in extending the miracle of love offered, and love found. Amen.

Lighting Our Christmas Candles:
(Please light your candle by tipping your unlit candle into the flame, and then pass the light to your neighbor holding your lit candle straight up. We ask that you remain seated as we pass the light, and then sing Silent Night)
In Christ there is a love that radiates in the world and calls us to another way of living. Receive the gift of the light of Christ. Let it shine in your life, for the world.

Prayers of the Gathered Community
& The Prayer Jesus Taught


A Hymn by Candle Light: “Silent Night” #67 VU
(Amber, Matt and Greta Dorsett come forward to represent the Holy Family.)
Christmas Blessing:
May God give us
The strength and determination of a woman
labouring to deliver new life
The encouragement and wisdom of a midwife
helping another to bring forth new life
The care and nurture of a shepherd
fiercely protecting new life
The wonder and curiosity of a baby
discovering the happiness and work of life
The joy and thanksgiving of angels
delighting in new life
And grace in receiving
The most humble of gifts
May we keep all these things and ponder them in our hearts.
Nativity used with permission of the artist, Carol Aust, Blessing by Lynn Willis
https://waytolead.org/christmas-blessing/
(candles are extinguished)

*Recessional: “Emmanuel, Emmanuel”,
words & Music: Bob McGee. Copyright (c) 1976 C.A. Music (div. of C. A. Records, Inc.)
Emmanuel, Emmanuel, his name is called Emmanuel
God with us, revealed in us, his name is called Emmanuel.