First Presbyterian Church

December 24, 2019 • 10:30 p.m.

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*Please stand, in body or in spirit. Text printed in bold italics to be read in unison.

Prelude Chorale Prelude on “In dulci jubilo” Bach/arr. Ryan

Welcome

Introit (hymn 125) Before the marvel of this night, adoring, fold your wings and bow; then tear the sky apart with light and with your news the world endow. Proclaim the birth of Christ and peace, that fear and death and sorrow cease; sing peace, sing peace, sing gift of peace; sing peace, sing gift of peace.

*Call to Worship and Lighting of the Advent Candles The grace of God has appeared! A child has been born for us, a Son has been given to us. His name is Jesus: the Messiah, God-with-Us. Hope, peace, joy, and love. Four candles and four promises offered by God. And in the center is the light of the world, which the darkness cannot overcome. Glory to God in the highest! And on earth, peace, goodwill to all!

*Hymn 134 Joy to the World

*Litany of Adoration Gracious God, on this night of expectant wonder we travel again the path to Bethlehem to adore the gift of your Son—holy child and promised Savior. We join the angels in praising you with joyful song. We marvel with the shepherds at this wondrous thing that has come to pass. We stand in awe of the depth of your love for this world and all who dwell in it. Let your light shine in our darkness and illumine our way. Let your peace take root within us and among us. The peace of the Christ child be with you all. And also with you. Let us share the peace of Christ with one another.

*Sung Response Gloria in excelsis Deo; Gloria in excelsis Deo!

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FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Oak Ridge, Tennessee

A Congregation of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

December 24, 2019 Christmas Eve

First Reading Isaiah 9:2, 6-7

Anthem Angel’s Carol Rutter

Have you heard the sound of the angel voices ringing out so sweetly, ringing out so clear? Have you seen the star shining out so brightly as a sign from God that Christ the Lord is here? Have you heard the news that they bring from heaven to the humble shepherds who have waited long? Gloria in excelsis Deo, gloria in excelsis Deo! Hear the angels sing their joyful song. He is come in peace in the winter’s stillness, like a gentle snowfall in a gentle night; He is come in joy like the sun at morning filling all the world with radiance and light. He is come in love as the child of Mary; in a simple stable we have seen his birth: Gloria in excelsis Deo, gloria in excelsis Deo! Hear the angels singing “Peace on earth!” He will bring new light to a world in darkness, like a bright star shining in the skies above; He will bring new hope to the waiting nations when He comes to reign in purity and love. Let the earth rejoice at the Savior’s coming; let the heavens answer with the joyful morn: Gloria in excelsis Deo, gloria in excelsis Deo! Hear the angels singing “Christ is born!”

Second Reading Luke 2:1-20

Meditation Sharon Youngs

*Hymn 133 O Come, All Ye Faithful

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

Invitation to the Table

Great Prayer of Thanksgiving

The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord. It is right to give our thanks and praise. Lord, we greet you this happy night … the company of heaven who forever sing to the glory of your name: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. Holy God, we give you thanks that in the fullness of time … and live a new life. Great is the mystery of faith: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again. And so, O God, come among us ... all glory is yours, Triune God, now and forever. Amen.

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

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Breaking of the Bread, Pouring of the Cup

Sharing of the Elements (Elders will serve you at your seat. Please hold the bread to eat together to symbolize the unity we share in Christ. Drink the cup as you receive it to acknowledge the personal need for forgiveness by God’s grace.)

Prayer after Communion O God, we have heard your glad tidings of great joy. We have tasted the goodness of your great love. Now fill us with hope and fix our gaze on your Light that has come into the world; in the name of the newborn Christ child we pray. Amen.

The Gathering of Our Gifts

Offertory Christmas Pastorale Murray & Gruber/arr. Hughes

*Doxology (hymn 606) and Prayer of Dedication

*Sharing the Light

*Hymn 122 Silent Night

Silent night, holy night! All is calm, all is bright ‘Round yon virgin mother and child! Holy Infant, so tender and mild, Sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace.

Silent night, holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight; Glories stream from heaven afar, heavenly hosts sing “Alleluia: Christ the Savior is born; Christ the Savior is born!”

Silent night, holy night! Son of God, love’s pure light Radiant beams from thy holy face, with the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord at thy birth, Jesus, Lord, at thy birth.

Silent night, holy night! Wondrous star, lend thy light; With the angels let us sing alleluia to our King: Christ the Savior is born; Christ the Savior is born.

*Charge and Blessing

Postlude From Heaven Above German Chorale/arr. Young

The poinsettias at the front of the sanctuary for the season have been given to the glory of God.

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Welcome to First Presbyterian Church! No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.

We hope you feel the love that is present and our joy in having you with us.

Children’s worship kits, large print bulletins, and hearing-assistance units are available from the ushers. Audio recordings of sermons are at fpcor.org. Call the church office [(865) 483-1318] for audio recordings of the entire service.

First Presbyterian Church—A PC(USA) Congregation

Sharon Youngs Pastor Bob Cantrell Parish Associate for Pastoral Care Anna Thomas Director of Music Ryan Tilley Director of Children & Youth Ministries

Peggy Hinkle Organist Omer Breeden Custodian

Adrienne Potter Office Manager

P.O. Box 6106 ❖ Oak Ridge, TN 37831 ❖ (865) 483-1318 ❖ fpcor.org Located at 1051 Oak Ridge Turnpike on the corner of Lafayette

Church Office Hours: 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 - 4:00 p.m. give online

Worship notes

On this holy night, we celebrate the gift of God’s love to the entire world in and through the Christ child. Our Christmas Eve service includes the long-standing practice of celebrating Communion, as well as the beloved tradition of lighting candles and singing “Silent Night.”

Christmas Joy

offering

Tonight we receive the Christmas Joy offering. This annual PC(USA) offering provides assistance for those who have dedicated their lives to the service of the church, and supports leadership development and education at Presbyterian schools and colleges. Make checks payable to FPC and put “Christmas Joy” on the memo line or use the QR code on the back to con-tribute online. Thank you!

Fifth Sunday celebration Dec. 29 Following an abbreviated, informal worship service at 10:30 a.m. in the fellowship hall, Sharon will present pictures and stories from her summer sabbatical. There will be ham biscuits, beverages, and a New Year’s toast. Wear your PJs!

Church office holiday hours The church office will be closed Dec. 25-26 and Jan. 1. Office hours the week of Dec. 30-Jan. 3 will be 9:00 a.m. to noon, and 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Today’s worship volunteers

4:30 p.m. Liturgist: Bert Everitt Acolyte: Megan Stone Time with Children: Sharon Youngs Sound: Carolyn Krause Ushers: Matt Lindsey, Walt Porter, Roger Ryburn, Susan Sharp Counter: Matt Lindsey Open/Close: Fred Allison, Dan Terpstra

10:30 p.m. Liturgist: Jim Tonne Time with Children: Sharon Youngs Sound: Sydney Murray Ushers: Carolyn Krause, Dennis Strickler Counter: Dan Terpstra Open/Close: Fred Allison, Dan Terpstra

Thank you to Everett Colverson, Hailey Dimmer, Kaylin Dimmer, Javon Goskowicz, Kendyll Hensley, Skylar Bay Hensley, Taylor Hensley, Maddie Stone, River Tilley, and Willow Tilley for presenting a nativity play during our 4:30 p.m. worship service.

Looking ahead

Sun., Dec. 29—Informal worship and Fifth Sunday celebration

Mon., Dec. 30—Coffee chat (room 6)

Sun., Jan. 5—Epiphany Sunday (Communion and star words!); Church Life & Witness meeting following worship

Wed., Jan. 8—Midweek Bible study (parlor)

Thurs., Jan. 9—Welcome Table

Sun., Jan. 12—Sacrament of Baptism

Wed., Jan. 15—Choir rehearsals resume

Sun., Jan. 26—Lasagna lunch and annual meeting of the congregation

Sunday schedule at FPC

9:00 a.m.—Sunday school for all ages 10:30 a.m.—Worship 11:30 a.m.—Refreshments and conversation