St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church

CHRISTMAS EVE - DECEMBER 24, 2015 - 7:00 PM LESSONS & CAROLS

Welcome to tonight’s Christmas Eve Service. Assisting in the service are liturgists Claire Adams and Harrison Dunlap, as well as Elders John Geiser, Casey Morriss, Beth Poe, John Pearce, and Bruce Peterson.

ST. CHARLES AVENUE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH - CHRISTMAS EVE 7 P.M.

VOLUNTARY Assorted Carol Settings Patti Adams, flute; James Atwood, percussion; Steven Blackmon, organ*WELCOME AND CALL TO WORSHIP (responsive)

Leader: Glory to you, almighty God, for you sent your only Son,People: That we might have new life. Leader: Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ, for you became flesh and moved into our neighborhood,People: That we might become your people.Leader: Glory to you, Holy Spirit, for your presence among us, guiding our paths and connecting us to each other.People: That we might know your story and be one community of faith.All: In a Spirit of joy and new life, as one people, let us worship God together!

*CAROL 133 “O Come, All Ye Faithful” adeste fidelesProcession of Choir and Worship Leaders

PRAYER OF ADORATION AND LORD’S PRAYER FIRST LESSON Isaiah 9:2-7 CAROL “Jesus, Christ, the Apple Tree” Stopford The Chancel Choir SECOND LESSON Micah 5:2-5 *CAROL 121 “O Little Town of Bethlehem” THIRD LESSON Luke 1:26-38 CAROL “The Holly and the Ivy” Gjielo The Chancel Choir FOURTH LESSON Luke 2:1-7 CAROL “How Far Is It to Bethlehem” Wilberg The Chancel Choir*CAROL 128 “Infant Holy, Infant Lowly” FIFTH LESSON Luke 2:8-14 *CAROL 118 “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks” SIXTH LESSON Luke 2:15-20 CAROL “Angels We Have Heard on High” Courtney The Chancel Choir*CAROL 134 “Joy to the World!” antiochOFFERING “Wexford Carol” arr. Stopford JeAnne Swinley, soprano; The Chancel ChoirCHRISTMAS MEDITATION “Command Performance” Donald R. FramptonSACRAMENT OF THE LORD’S SUPPERThis sacrament is open to all baptized believers. Following the choir, proceed to the front of the sanctuary, eat the bread as it is offered, then do likewise with the cup. Gluten-free bread in small dish. *CAROL 124 “Still, Still, Still” SEVENTH LESSON John 1:1-5, 14THE LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE

When lighting candles, please keep lit candles upright; unlit candles are tipped to the flame. When nearly all candles are lit, we will stand to sing “Silent Night.” During the fourth verse please lift your candle in praise to and in worship of God.

*HYMN 122 “Silent Night” stille nacht

*BENEDICTION*VOLUNTARY *Please stand as you are able

Verse 1Silent 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.

Verse 2Silent 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!

Verse 3Silent 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.

Verse 4 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!