St. John’s Lutheran Church

The Nativity of Our Lord

Christmas Eve 2019

Welcome Visitors!

Out of a broken and divided world, all people are welcomed into the whole body of Jesus Christ at St. John’s. As children of one God, together we join in worship to experience the transforming love of our Savior.

All who seek the Lord are invited to share in Holy Communion. We believe that Christ is present in the bread and wine with his own body and blood.

Tonight we commune by intinction - the bread will be placed in your hand and you will dip it in the wine. Those who cannot take the wine are assured that the whole body and blood of Christ is present in the bread alone. Gluten free bread is available - please ask the server.

Those who do not wish to commune may come forward for a blessing, indicating this by crossing the hands at the heart.

A nursery is available for children during the service.

Personal Listening Devices and Large Print Bulletins are available by request from an usher.

www.StJohnsBeaufort.org

Christmas Eve 2019 - 7:00 pm

PRESERVICE MUSIC Coventry Carol Kelly

Annette Godsey, Rudy Bishop

What Child Is This Smith

Annette Godsey, Emily Hauge, Rudy Bishop

Away In A Manger Wilson

Emily Hauge, Rudy Bishop, Jordan Plair

Still, Still, Still McLaughlin

Jordan Plair

I Wonder As I Wander Nevue

Jordan Plair

O Holy Night Adam

Annette Godsey, Jim Colwell

CHIMING OF THE HOUR THE PROCLAMATION OF THE BIRTH OF CHRIST

Many ages after God created the heavens and the earth, when man and woman were formed in God's own image;

twenty-one centuries from the time of Abraham and Sarah; thirteen centuries after Moses led God's people to freedom; eleven centuries from the time of Ruth and the judges; a thousand years from the anointing of David as king; in the sixty-fifth week as Daniel's prophecy takes note;

in the one hundred and ninety-fourth Olympiad; the seven hundred and fifty-second year from the founding of the city of Rome; the forty-second year of the reign of Octavian Augustus; in the sixth age of the world, all earth being at peace,

Jesus Christ, eternal God, Son of the eternal Father, willing to hallow the world by his coming in mercy, was born of the virgin Mary in Bethlehem of Judea.

This night is the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, God made flesh!

PROCESSIONAL O Come, All Ye Faithful St. John’s Brass Ensemble

Verses 1 & 2: All Verse 3: choir Verse 4: All Refrain: All

Choir only:

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS GREETING

In the Word who has come to dwell with us, God has given us grace upon grace: forgiveness that is stronger than our sins, love that can heal every broken heart.

The grace and peace of Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh, be with you all. And also with you.

HYMN OF PRAISE Angels We have Heard on High St. John’s Brass Ensemble The congregation is invited to sing harmony on the refrain.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Let us pray. Almighty God, you made this holy night shine with the brightness of the true Light. 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. FIRST READING Isaiah 9:2-7

A reading from Isaiah.

2The people walking in darkness have seen a great light. On those living in a pitch-dark land, light has dawned. 3You 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. 4As on the day of Midian, you’ve shattered the yoke that burdened them, the staff on their shoulders, and the rod of their oppressor. 5Because every boot of the thundering warriors, and every garment rolled in blood will be burned, fuel for the fire. 6A 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. 7There 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 word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Hark! The Herald Angels Sing St. John’s Brass Ensemble We sing verses 1 & 2

GOSPEL Luke 2:1-20

The good news of Christ’s Birth, according to St. Luke. Glory to you, O Lord.

1In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3All went to their own towns to be registered. 4Joseph 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. 5He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 7And 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. 8In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, 14“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!” 15When 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.” 16So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. 17When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. 19But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

The gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Hark! The Herald Angels Sing Previous pages St. John’s Brass Ensemble We sing verse 3 SERMON HYMN OF THE DAY O Little Town of Bethlehem St. John’s Brass Ensemble

Verse 1: All Verse 2: Women & Girls Verse 3: Men & Boys Verse 4: All

All

Women/Girls

Men/Boys

All

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION

Gathered with all who seek the Christ child, let us pray for the church, the world, and all who are in need .

Each petition ends: Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Into your gracious hands we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your steadfast mercy; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. PEACE

The peace of our Lord Jesus - the Word made flesh, the Light of the world, God with us, Emmanuel - be with you always. And also with you. OFFERING OFFERTORY ANTHEM Born In the Night, Mary’s Child Adult Choir

OFFERTORY Bright and Glorious Is the Sky

OFFERING PRAYER

Let us pray. God with us, you came as a baby to a manger. You slept on straw and greeted shepherds. You come again in bread and wine. Remind us how good you are at blessing ordinary things. Through these gifts which we bring, help us to bless the lives of others in the strength of your holy name. Amen.

LITURGY OF HOLY COMMUNION

PREFACE HOLY, HOLY, HOLY

THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE

Holy One, the beginning and the end, the giver of life: Blessed are you for your promise to your people. Blessed are you in the prophets' hopes and dreams. Blessed are you for your Son Jesus, Emmanuel, God with us.

In the night in which he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks; broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take and eat; this is my body, given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.

Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it for all to drink, saying: This cup is the new covenant in my blood, shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin. Do this for the remembrance of me.

Let us proclaim the mystery of faith: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.

All praise and glory are yours, Holy One of Israel, Word of God incarnate, Power of the Most High, one God, now and forever. Amen. 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 COMMUNION - An invitation to communion & instructions are inside the front cover COMMUNION MUSIC It Came upon the Midnight Clear

What Child Is This

BLESSING AFTER COMMUNION

The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace. Amen. CANDLELIGHTING

We light candles as a sign of the light of Christ shining in the darkness. The ushers will light a candle at the end of each row. When lighting candles, please tip the unlighted candle. Silent Night, Holy Night!

Away in a Manger

Joy to the World St. John’s Brass

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.

Almighty God, Father, + Son, and Holy Spirit, bless you now and forever. Amen. DISMISSAL

Glory to God in the highest! Peace to God’s people on earth! Go in peace. Share the gift of Jesus. Thanks be to God! POSTLUDE

Please extinguish your candle before leaving your seat,

and return candles to an usher.

The Liturgy is from Sundays and Seasons.com. Copyright 2008 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #26619.

New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

You are invited for worship on the Fifth Day of Christmas, Sunday, December 29, 2019 + 8:15 am & 10:30 am

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Mission Statement:

Sharing God’s Grace, Serving Through Love

Core Values: We hear the Good News of God’s Love in worship and scripture.

All are welcome and valued, with no exceptions. We serve and help our neighbors, community, and those who are in need.

We love, care for, nourish, and support one another. We are boldly generous with time, talents, space, and resources.

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Pastor P. Shannon Mullen Director of Music/Organist Jordan Plair Trumpet Richard Anderson St. John’s ensembles: Adult Choir Brass Ensemble

www.StJohnsBeaufort.0rg