WORSHIP ORDER
December 24, 2024 – Christmas Eve, “Love Knows Your Name”
WELCOME, GREETING, & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Rev. Scott Sears & Schauna Chambers
PRELUDE
Acolyte: Blessed Child of God Cross Bearer: Blessed Child of God
As the Light of Christ passes you, stand as you are able and remain standing through the Congregational Song
*LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH
In a weary and worn world,
How do we begin again?
Where do we start?
Let us begin with hope.
Let us begin with peace.
Let us begin with joy.
And let us begin with love.
Yes, let us start with love,
For surely, love knows your name.
Today in addition to the candles of hope, peace, joy, and love, we light the Christ candle.
For surely God is in this place.
Surely the Spirit is near.
Surely love knows our name.
May we rest in that good news.
Unto us a child is born.
A light shines in the darkness and the darkness cannot overcome it.
Glory to God in the highest heaven!
Amen
CONGREGATIONAL SONG
#217 Away in a Manger
CHILDREN’S MOMENTS
Scott Sears
SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM (11:00pm service only)
This night we welcome Reid Patrick Adkins into the family of Baptized followers of Christ.
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
Loving Christ, when the shepherds heard that you were born, they dropped their things and ran. They trusted the angels’ invitation. They believed that your love existed for them. We wish that we were more like that. Instead, somewhere between the angels’ song and the manger, we tend to lose our way. We doubt ourselves. We doubt the invitation. We doubt that love could know our names. Remind us that your love is personal and specific. Remind us that the good news of this day is for us. With hope we sing, we pray, and we run. Amen.
SCRIPTURE READING
Isaiah 9:6
*CONGREGATIONAL SONG
#219 What Child Is This
SCRIPTURE READING
Luke 2:1-20
SERMON
Love Knows Your Name
Scott Sears
*SACRAMENTAL RESPONSE
Holy Communion – page 15 of UMH
Responses to the Great Thanksgiving are found on these pages. As we share the bread and cup, you are invited to come forward to the Chancel Rail to pray, leave your offering, and greet one another in the Peace of Christ. (Offerings left in the PLATES will go towards the general budget. Offerings left on the RAIL will be used to purchase food cards and bus passes for those in our community who may have need for them.)
SPECIAL MUSIC DURING COMMUNION
5:00pm We Three Kings
Randall Adkins, Jay Brooks, & Ross Cummings
11:00pm Star Child
Tess Anderson & Alexa Hensley
*CONGREGATIONAL SONG
#239 Silent Night
During the singing of this hymn, the lights, including all candles but the Christ Candle, will be extinguished. The pastor will pass a lighted candle to members of the congregation. You are asked to share this light with your neighbors to help all candles to burn brightly in remembrance of the presence of Jesus Christ, the source of all our light.
BENEDICTION AND BLESSING
Scott Sears
May you have a blessed Christmas.
