(Parking Lot Service and hymns can be found below this service.)
CANDLELIGHTING
Creator of the Stars of Night—all verses as candles lit.
Creator of the Stars of Night—all verses as candles lit.
INVOCATION AND RESPONSE
Leader: In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Come and see the Christ Child, whose birth we celebrate this night, God in flesh come to live among us. Come worship our Lord and God, who through this gift of his own Son has come to reach you.
All: O come, all who are faithful.
Leader: Come and see what God has done for you. This child so small will grow, and is destined to take on all the forces of evil and darkness. This child will teach you, lead you, give his life for you, suffer and die for you. This child will rise from the dead in power and glory, that you might also receive the gifts of God’s kingdom, everlasting life and salvation.
All: O come, all who are faithful. Come and worship Christ Jesus our Lord.
HYMN OF PRAISE—“O Come, All Ye Faithful,” ELW #283—digital choir
Leader: In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Come and see the Christ Child, whose birth we celebrate this night, God in flesh come to live among us. Come worship our Lord and God, who through this gift of his own Son has come to reach you.
All: O come, all who are faithful.
Leader: Come and see what God has done for you. This child so small will grow, and is destined to take on all the forces of evil and darkness. This child will teach you, lead you, give his life for you, suffer and die for you. This child will rise from the dead in power and glory, that you might also receive the gifts of God’s kingdom, everlasting life and salvation.
All: O come, all who are faithful. Come and worship Christ Jesus our Lord.
HYMN OF PRAISE—“O Come, All Ye Faithful,” ELW #283—digital choir
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
L: Let us confess our sins before God and one another. Ever-present God,
All: From time to time we dream radical dreams. We dream of freedom for the imprisoned, food for the hungry, and equality for all. We dream bold, radical dreams, until the world tells us that these dreams are impossible. And when that happens, we are tempted to tuck our dreams into coat pockets and let them collect dust on the shelves of our hearts. Forgive us for giving up so easily. Give us the courage to dust old dreams off the shelf with the confidence that with you, the impossible is possible. With you, a light always shines in the darkness. With you, our dreams become our mission and purpose. Amen.
ABSOLUTION
L: God has promised to be with us, and God keeps God’s promises. In the birth of Jesus Christ, our dreams have become reality, our lives are given new meaning, + and our sins lose their grip on our hearts. Body of Christ, you are forgiven and sent to the world to tell others of the great dream of God’s love for us all.
All: Amen.
Hymn--“Away in a Manger”, ELW #277 (vs. 1 & 3)/ELW #278 (vs. 2)
L: Let us confess our sins before God and one another. Ever-present God,
All: From time to time we dream radical dreams. We dream of freedom for the imprisoned, food for the hungry, and equality for all. We dream bold, radical dreams, until the world tells us that these dreams are impossible. And when that happens, we are tempted to tuck our dreams into coat pockets and let them collect dust on the shelves of our hearts. Forgive us for giving up so easily. Give us the courage to dust old dreams off the shelf with the confidence that with you, the impossible is possible. With you, a light always shines in the darkness. With you, our dreams become our mission and purpose. Amen.
ABSOLUTION
L: God has promised to be with us, and God keeps God’s promises. In the birth of Jesus Christ, our dreams have become reality, our lives are given new meaning, + and our sins lose their grip on our hearts. Body of Christ, you are forgiven and sent to the world to tell others of the great dream of God’s love for us all.
All: Amen.
Hymn--“Away in a Manger”, ELW #277 (vs. 1 & 3)/ELW #278 (vs. 2)
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WORD
SCRIPTURE
Isaiah 9:2-7
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness— on them light has shined. You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
Word of God; Word of Life.
Thanks be to God.
Luke 2:1-20
In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
The Gospel of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
MESSAGE--Pastor Tobi White
HYMN OF THE DAY “What Child is This?,” ELW #296
SCRIPTURE
Isaiah 9:2-7
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness— on them light has shined. You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
Word of God; Word of Life.
Thanks be to God.
Luke 2:1-20
In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
The Gospel of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
MESSAGE--Pastor Tobi White
HYMN OF THE DAY “What Child is This?,” ELW #296
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
L: Let us confess our faith together:
All: We believe that God has come to us;
That this God gave us breath and purpose and dreamed us into existence;
That we have been blessed to be a blessing to others,
That we have fallen short of God’s dream and struggle to wake up to God’s promise and purpose for us.
We believe that God is coming to us;
That God will not abandon us in our sin;
That God will come in flesh and bone to prepare the way for our restoration and wholeness
That God’s path will show us the extent of God’s love.
We believe that God will come to us;
That God will have the final word, and that Word will be good;
That in the coming, God’s dreams for us will be renewed;
That with God’s help, we are sent out to sow joy in the world,
To dream of what could be,
And to proclaim the good news of what already is.
Amen.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Joining our voices with the song of the angels, let us pray for the church, the world, and all who are in need.
The shepherds sing, “Jesus Christ is born!” Let your church throughout the world proclaim this good news, over the hills and everywhere. Unite the voices of all your faithful people in songs of praise and rejoicing. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Heaven and nature sing, “Joy to the world!” Give respite to flocks, fields, and those who tend them. Come near to us in the beauty of nighttime, the shining of the stars, and the hush of a world at rest. May our wonder at your creation rouse our care for all the earth. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
The angels sing, “Peace on earth!” Come quickly to still the strife of this world. Hush the noise of war and violence in places of unrest. Inspire leaders of nations to seek lasting peace and sustainable provision for all in their care. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Mary sings melodies of comfort to her newborn child. Bring rest and reassurance to those facing struggles this night. Shelter travelers and those without homes. Console those who lie awake due to pain or anxiety. Heal those who are sick or hurting (especially Diana, Addie, Rod, Victoria, Nancy, Dennis, Jordan, Darla, Marvin, Nicky, Rachel, Bruce, Charlotte, Mary Jo, Cathy, Branden, Bobby, Audrey, Julie, Lee, Meko, Margaret, Bonnie, Jodi, Clarence, Barbara, our homebound…Betty, Cooper, Mark, Sandee, Darlene, Eloise, Maxine, Naomi, Wayne, Jenifer, Margaret, Gene, Dorothy, and Shari). Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Love sings through the sound of a new baby’s cry. Bless new parents and expectant parents. Comfort those who long for children, especially those running out of hope or options. Surround families of every shape and size with your love and care. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
The heavenly chorus sings, “Glory to God in the highest!” We give you thanks for all the saints who have proclaimed your glory in word and deed. Let us join them this night in joyful praise around your eternal throne. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
God of mercy, come quickly to us with grace upon grace as we lift these and all our prayers to you, in the name of Jesus.
Amen.
OFFERING OF MUSICAL GIFTS
“Infant Lowly, Infant Holy”
Bells of OSLC
MEAL
PASSING THE PEACE
L: The peace of Christ be with you always.
All: And also with you.
PRAYER OF OFFERING DEDICATION
L: God of our wildest dreams, you have given us the imagination and inspiration to dream of a world that is so much better than what it is today. With the offerings we make, give us the courage and strength to work toward these dreams, placing our trust in one who began as a dream in a mother’s eye, the Word that spoke in the beginning, the hope of future resurrection and restoration, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
HYMN OF THANKSGIVING (sung)--“Of the Father’s Love Begotten,” ELW #295
All: (Stanza 1) Of the Father’s love begotten
ere the worlds began to be,
he is Alpha and Omega, he the source, the ending he,
of the things that are, that have been, and that future years shall see.
evermore and evermore.
Leader: It is our duty and delight . . . we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
All: (Stanza 4) Let the heights of heav’n adore him;
angel hosts, his praises sing;
pow’rs, dominions, bow before him and extol our God and King;
let no tongue on earth be silent, ev’ry voice in concert ring
evermore and evermore. Amen
WORDS OF INSTITUTION
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.
PARTAKING OF COMMUNION
POST-COMMUNION BLESSING & PRAYER
L: The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace.
All: Amen.
L: On this day, O God, you gave us Christ the Son to save us. As you sent the one foretold, send us now with good news for all people. Let the gladness of this feast have no end as we share with others the joy that fills us; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
All: Amen.
CANDLE-LIGHTING
CAROL—“Silent Night,” ELW #281
L: Let us confess our faith together:
All: We believe that God has come to us;
That this God gave us breath and purpose and dreamed us into existence;
That we have been blessed to be a blessing to others,
That we have fallen short of God’s dream and struggle to wake up to God’s promise and purpose for us.
We believe that God is coming to us;
That God will not abandon us in our sin;
That God will come in flesh and bone to prepare the way for our restoration and wholeness
That God’s path will show us the extent of God’s love.
We believe that God will come to us;
That God will have the final word, and that Word will be good;
That in the coming, God’s dreams for us will be renewed;
That with God’s help, we are sent out to sow joy in the world,
To dream of what could be,
And to proclaim the good news of what already is.
Amen.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Joining our voices with the song of the angels, let us pray for the church, the world, and all who are in need.
The shepherds sing, “Jesus Christ is born!” Let your church throughout the world proclaim this good news, over the hills and everywhere. Unite the voices of all your faithful people in songs of praise and rejoicing. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Heaven and nature sing, “Joy to the world!” Give respite to flocks, fields, and those who tend them. Come near to us in the beauty of nighttime, the shining of the stars, and the hush of a world at rest. May our wonder at your creation rouse our care for all the earth. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
The angels sing, “Peace on earth!” Come quickly to still the strife of this world. Hush the noise of war and violence in places of unrest. Inspire leaders of nations to seek lasting peace and sustainable provision for all in their care. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Mary sings melodies of comfort to her newborn child. Bring rest and reassurance to those facing struggles this night. Shelter travelers and those without homes. Console those who lie awake due to pain or anxiety. Heal those who are sick or hurting (especially Diana, Addie, Rod, Victoria, Nancy, Dennis, Jordan, Darla, Marvin, Nicky, Rachel, Bruce, Charlotte, Mary Jo, Cathy, Branden, Bobby, Audrey, Julie, Lee, Meko, Margaret, Bonnie, Jodi, Clarence, Barbara, our homebound…Betty, Cooper, Mark, Sandee, Darlene, Eloise, Maxine, Naomi, Wayne, Jenifer, Margaret, Gene, Dorothy, and Shari). Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Love sings through the sound of a new baby’s cry. Bless new parents and expectant parents. Comfort those who long for children, especially those running out of hope or options. Surround families of every shape and size with your love and care. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
The heavenly chorus sings, “Glory to God in the highest!” We give you thanks for all the saints who have proclaimed your glory in word and deed. Let us join them this night in joyful praise around your eternal throne. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
God of mercy, come quickly to us with grace upon grace as we lift these and all our prayers to you, in the name of Jesus.
Amen.
OFFERING OF MUSICAL GIFTS
“Infant Lowly, Infant Holy”
Bells of OSLC
MEAL
PASSING THE PEACE
L: The peace of Christ be with you always.
All: And also with you.
PRAYER OF OFFERING DEDICATION
L: God of our wildest dreams, you have given us the imagination and inspiration to dream of a world that is so much better than what it is today. With the offerings we make, give us the courage and strength to work toward these dreams, placing our trust in one who began as a dream in a mother’s eye, the Word that spoke in the beginning, the hope of future resurrection and restoration, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
HYMN OF THANKSGIVING (sung)--“Of the Father’s Love Begotten,” ELW #295
All: (Stanza 1) Of the Father’s love begotten
ere the worlds began to be,
he is Alpha and Omega, he the source, the ending he,
of the things that are, that have been, and that future years shall see.
evermore and evermore.
Leader: It is our duty and delight . . . we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
All: (Stanza 4) Let the heights of heav’n adore him;
angel hosts, his praises sing;
pow’rs, dominions, bow before him and extol our God and King;
let no tongue on earth be silent, ev’ry voice in concert ring
evermore and evermore. Amen
WORDS OF INSTITUTION
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.
PARTAKING OF COMMUNION
POST-COMMUNION BLESSING & PRAYER
L: The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace.
All: Amen.
L: On this day, O God, you gave us Christ the Son to save us. As you sent the one foretold, send us now with good news for all people. Let the gladness of this feast have no end as we share with others the joy that fills us; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
All: Amen.
CANDLE-LIGHTING
CAROL—“Silent Night,” ELW #281
BENEDICTION
L: May Christ, who by his incarnation has filled us with grace and truth, give you peace this Christmas and always. Almighty God, Father, + Son, and Holy Spirit, bless you now and forever
All: Amen.
SENDING
ANNOUNCEMENTS
DISMISSAL
L: Go in peace. Live the dream of Christ.
All: Thanks be to God.
SENDING MUSIC “Joy to the World,” ELW #267
L: May Christ, who by his incarnation has filled us with grace and truth, give you peace this Christmas and always. Almighty God, Father, + Son, and Holy Spirit, bless you now and forever
All: Amen.
SENDING
ANNOUNCEMENTS
DISMISSAL
L: Go in peace. Live the dream of Christ.
All: Thanks be to God.
SENDING MUSIC “Joy to the World,” ELW #267
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