Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
First Presbyterian Church
On the Square, Carlisle, Pennsylvania
December 24, 2011, 8:00 PM
The prelude provides opportunity to prepare for worship in quiet expectation
and prayer. Child care is available in the nursery – lower level; use the tower stairs. An usher can assist with directions.
PRELUDE
Fantasie on PICARDY Bedard
In the Bleak Mid-Winter Haan
Bring a Torch Jeannette Isabella Uehlein
In Quiet Joy Dupre
Infant Holy, Infant Lowly Held
Jesus, Jesus, Rest Your Head Martin
Variations on In Dulci Jubilo Haan
Silent Night, Holy Night Wood
Still, Still, Still Manz
CALL TO WORSHIP with LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE
and PRESENTATION OF THE BABY JESUS
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light;
(The first Advent candle is lighted….)
Those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined. (The second Advent candle is lighted….)
For a child has been born for us, a son had been given to us.
(The third Advent candle is lighted….)
We will call him Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting
Father, Prince of Peace. (The fourth Advent candle is lighted….)
Jesus is the Promised Child and the Light of the World!
(The Christ candle is lighted….)
On this Christmas Eve we join with the angels to bring our
praise!
* CAROL #31 “Hark! the Herald Angels Sing”
* PRAYER OF ADORATION and LORD’S PRAYER
O God, you have caused this holy night to shine with the brightness of your true Light. We share in the songs of the angels, the gladness of the shepherds, and the worship of all who are drawn to the manger in Bethlehem. We offer you our grateful praise and with the angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!” In his name we pray, “Our Father . . .” (debts/debtors). Amen.
PROCLAMATION OF THE GOOD NEWS
ANTHEM “In Bethlehem’s Lowly Manger” Williams
* CAROL ##38 “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear”
ANTHEM “Angels from the Realms of Glory” Smith
OFFERING
Offertory Puer Natus Est Titcomb
* PRESENTATION OF THE OFFERING Carol #53, verse 3
“So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh; Come one and all to own Him.
The King of kings salvation brings; Let loving hearts enthrone Him.
This, this is Christ the King, Whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
Haste, haste to bring Him laud, the Babe, the Son of Mary!”
* PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
ANTHEM “What Sweeter Music” Rutter
ORGAN MEDITATION
T’was in the Moon of Wintertime Richcreek
* CAROL #41 “O Come, All Ye Faithful”
CANDLELIGHTING
Gently dip unlighted candles into the vertical flame as it is passed.
CAROL #60 “Silent Night”
PRAYER
* CAROL #40 “Joy to the World”
Please extinguish candles gently at the end of the carol.
Place candles in marked containers as you exit.
* THE PEACE of Christ be with you. And also with you.
* CHARGE and BLESSING
* RESPONSE “Gloria in Excelsis Deo”
Refrain from“Angels We Have Heard on High”(#23)
* POSTLUDE Joy to the World Haan
(* indicates that all who are able, please stand)
BULLETINS are given to the Glory of God and in loving memory of Charles and Kathryn Beckwith by the Grabey family.
THANK YOU to our choir members, organist and pianist for their music!
POINSETTIAS may be picked up after worship this evening.
SERVING TONIGHT:
Ushers: Members of the Board of Deacons& Friends
Organist: Shirley King
Pianist: Arthur Thompson
Pastor: Rev. Jon Black
Director of Educational Ministry: Debby Madden
Choir Director: Susan Shuey
Lighting of the Advent & Christ candles: Madison Ellis, MacKenzie Ellis,
Kara Fetter, Brianna Fetter, Jenna Fetter
JOIN US TOMORROW MORNING, CHRISTMAS DAYfor worship at
10:45 AM. The service will include carols, lessons, and Communion.
Dress is informal. There will be no regular education classes.