Christmas Eve Service
December 24, 2020
Our Service is live at 7 p.m. with prelude music at 6:30 p.m. You can watch the live stream and follow along with the order of worship below.
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; long after the great flood, when God set the rainbow in the clouds as a sign of the covenant; 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; 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, 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. Today is the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, God made flesh.
Entrance Carol “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”
Verse 1
Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn king;
Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled.”
Joyful, all ye nations, rise; join the triumph of the skies;
With angelic hosts proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem!”
Refrain
Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn king!”
Verse 2
Christ, by highest heav’n adored, Christ, the everlasting Lord
Late in time behold him come, offspring of a virgin’s womb.
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see! Hail, incarnate deity!
Pleased as man with us to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel! (Refrain)
Verse 3
Hail the heav’n-born Prince of peace! Hail the Sun of righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings, ris’n with healing in his wings.
Mild he lays his glory by, born that we no more may die,
Born to raise each child of earth, born to give us second birth. (Refrain)
Text: Charles Wesley, 1707-1788, alt.
Christmas Dialogue
Leader: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light!
People: And the people who sat in great darkness, on them a great light has shined.
Leader: Jesus, the bright Morning Star, shines light in the world.
People: By day and night he shines for all to see.
Leader: Jesus was born in the midst of injustice and poverty
People: That the world may see the justice and richness of God.
Leader: God so loved the world that God sent Jesus,
People: So that all who believe in him may not perish but have eternal life.
Leader: Jesus is the light of the world.
People: Jesus is the light of our lives.
Leader: The grace and loving kindness of our Savior Jesus Christ, word made flesh, born of the virgin Mary, be with you all.
People: And also with you.
HYMN OF PRAISE “Oh, Come All Ye Faithful”
Verse 1
Oh, come all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant!
Oh, come ye, oh come ye to Bethlehem;
Come and behold him, born the king of angels:
Refrain
Oh, come let us adore him, oh, come let us adore him,
Oh come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord!
Verse 2
The highest, most holy, light of light eternal,
Born of a virgin, a mortal he comes;
Son of the Father now in flesh appearing! (Refrain)
Verse 3
Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation,
Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above!
Glory to God In the highest. (Refrain)
Verse 4
Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born this happy morning;
Jesus, to thee be glory giv’n!
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing. (Refrain)
Text: attr. John Francis Wade, 1711-1786; tr. Frederick Oakley, 1802-1880, sts. 1, 3-4; tr. unknown, st. 2
Christmas Prayer
Leader: Holy Child of Bethlehem, come to us. We open wide the doors to our hearts. Come, let your love shine in us to ease our fears and calm our worry. Come fill us with a joy that knows no boundaries. Come fill us with light that brightens every corner of darkness. Holy Child of Bethlehem come to us again. Lift us from the routine into the splendor of your holy night; carry us away from the extravagant into the simple wonder of your humble birth.
People: Holy Child of Bethlehem, come to us; be born in us. Even now. Amen.
Lighting of the Christmas Candle
First Lesson Isaiah 9:2-7
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness on them light has shined. You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onwards and for evermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
Gospel Acclamation “What Child Is This” (vs. 1)
What child is this, who, laid to rest, on Mary’s lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet while shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the king, whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
Haste, haste to bring him laud, the babe, the son of Mary!
Leader: The Holy Gospel according to Saint Luke, the second chapter.
People: Glory to you, O Lord.
Gospel Lesson Luke 2:1-20
In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph 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. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And 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.
In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!’
When 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.’ So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
Leader: This is the Gospel of the Lord.
Gospel Response: “What Child Is This” (vs. 2)
Why lies he in such mean estate where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian, fear; for sinners here the silent Word is pleading.
Nails, spear shall pierce him through, the cross be borne for me, for you;
Hail, hail the Word made flesh, the babe, the son of Mary!
Text: William C. Dix, 1837-1898
Christmas Message by Art Mory
Carol “O Little Town of Bethlehem”
Verse 1
O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by;
Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light.
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
Verse 2
For Christ is born of Mary, and, gathered all above
While mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wond’ring love.
O morning stars, together proclaim the holy birth,
And praises sing to God the king, and peace to all the earth!
Verse 2
How silently, how silently the wondrous gift is giv’n!
So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of his heav’n.
No ear may hear his coming; but, in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive him, still the dear Christ enters in.
Verse 4
O holy child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray;
Cast out our sin, and enter in, be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell;
Oh, come to us, abide with us, our Lord Immanuel!
Text: Phillips Brooks, 1835-1893
The Prayers of the People
Leader: Gracious God, tonight we give thanks as we remember that you have come from heaven into the midst of our world.
People: Fill our hearts with the joy of the angels at your birth.
Leader: You come into the lowliest of human conditions.
People: Watch over those in need, the sick, the hungry, the grieving.
Leader: You come to walk the way of the cross.
People: Help us to follow your way. We lay our sins at the foot of the cross, trusting in you for forgiveness, mercy, and peace.
Leader: You come to become flesh and live among us.
People: May we see your glory, full of grace and truth. Amen.
The Peace We share a sign of God’s Peace with one another
Leader: The Peace of the Lord be with you always!
People: And also with you.
The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the
power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under
Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Peace We share a sign of God’s Peace with one another
Leader: The Peace of the Lord be with you always!
People: And also with you.
Special Music “Christmas Day”
Offering Prayer
Leader: Almighty God, we rejoice in the birth of Jesus, who came among the poor to bring the riches of your grace. As you have blessed us with your gifts, let them be a blessing for others. With all earth and heaven, we shout for joy at the coming of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
People: Amen.
Great Thanksgiving
Leader: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Leader: Lift up your hearts.
People: We lift them to the Lord.
Leader: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People: It is right to give God thanks and praise.
Leader: It is indeed right, our duty and our joy … we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
The Eucharistic Prayer
Leader: Holy One, the beginning and the end, the giver of life: Blessed are you for the birth of creation. Blessed are you in the darkness and in the light. Blessed are you in your promise to your people. Blessed are you in the prophet’s hopes and dreams. Blessed are you for Mary’s openness to your will. Blessed are you for your Son Jesus, the Word made flesh.
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:
People: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.
Leader: With this bread and cup we remember the Word living among us, full of grace and truth. We remember our new birth in his death and resurrection. We look with hope for his coming.
People: Come, Holy Spirit.
Leader: All praise and glory are yours, Holy One of Israel, Word of God incarnate, Power of the Most High, one God, now and forever.
People: Amen.
Words Of Institution
Leader: In the night in which he was betrayed…
The Lord’s Prayer
Leader: Lord, remember us in your kingdom, and teach us to pray:
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.
“Infant Holy, Infant Lowly”
Verse 1
Infant holy, infant lowly, for his bed a cattle stall;
Oxen lowing, little knowing Christ the child is Lord of all.
Swiftly winging, angels singing, bells are ringing, tidings bringing:
Christ the child is Lord of all! Christ the child is Lord of all!
Verse 2
Flocks were sleeping, shepherds keeping vigil till the morning new,
saw the glory, heard the story, tidings of a gospel true.
Thus rejoicing, free from sorrow, praises voicing, greet the morrow:
Christ the child was born for you! Christ the child was born for you!
Text: Polish carol; tr. Edith M. G. Reed, 1885-1933, alt.
Hymns During the Meal
“Away in a Manger”
Verse 1
Away in a manger, no crib for his bed,
The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head;
The stars in the sky looked down where he lay;
The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.
Verse 2
The cattle are lowing; the poor baby wakes,
But little Lord Jesus no crying he makes.
I love you, Lord Jesus; look down from the sky
And stay by my cradle till morning is nigh.
Verse 3
Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask you to stay
Close by me forever and love me, I pray.
Bless all the dear children in your tender care
And fit us for heaven, to live with you there.
“O Holy Night”
O holy night, The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of our dear Savior’s birth
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
‘Til He appeared and the soul felt its worth
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!
Fall on your knees,
O hear the angels’ voices!
O night divine,
O night when Christ was born
O night divine,
O night divine,
O night divine!
Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by his cradle we stand.
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,
Here came the wise men from Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus in lowly manger,
In all our trials born to be our Friend!
He knows our need; to our weakness is no stranger.
Behold your King; before Him lowly bend!
Behold your King; before Him lowly bend!
Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His Gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother
And in His Name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy Name!
Christ is the Lord! O praise His name forever!
His power and glory evermore proclaim!
His power and glory evermore proclaim!
Post-Communion Blessing
Leader: The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace.
People: Amen.
Post Communion Prayer
Leader: Almighty God, you have gathered us around gifts of bread and wine, the body and blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Let your light shine bright in our hearts and lives this evening, as we celebrate your birth and, like the shepherds, we are sent forth to proclaim all we have seen and heard, praising you for the gift of Jesus, our Savior and Lord.
People: Amen.
Benediction
Leader: May you be filled with the wonder of Mary, the obedience of Joseph, the joy of the angels, the eagerness of the shepherds, the determination of the magi, and the peace of the Christ child. And may almighty God, Father, † Son, and Holy Spirit bless you now and forever.
People: Amen.
Lighting of the Candles
“Silent Night, Holy Night!”
Verse 1
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.
Verse 2
Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight;
Glories stream from heaven afar,
Heav’nly hosts sing, alleluia!
Christ, the Savior, is born! Christ, the Savior, is born!
Verse 3
Silent night, holy night!
Son of God, love’s pure light
Radiant beams from your holy face,
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at your birth, Jesus, Lord, at your birth.
“Joy to the World (Unspeakable Joy)”
Verse 1
Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her king;
Let ev’ry heart prepare him room
And heav’n and nature sing, and heav’n and nature sing,
And heav’n, and heav’n and nature sing.
Verse 2
Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns! Let all their songs employ,
While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains
Repeat the sounding joy, repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.
Verse 3
No more let sin and sorrow grow, nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make his blessings flow
Far as the curse is found, far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as the curse is found.
Verse 4
He rules the world with truth and grace and makes the nations prove
The glories of his righteousness
And wonders of his love, and wonders of his love,
And wonders, wonders of his love.
Sending
Leader: Go in peace. Share the good news!
People: Thanks be to God!
Receiving the Offering
All Saints can now accept online donations through a credit card. Visit our Online Donation Page to make a one-time donation or set up a weekly offering.
Checks may be mailed to All Saints Lutheran Church, 4325 SW Green Oaks, Arlington TX 76017. You may also be able to use online bill payment through your bank and set up recurring payments.
Our Christmas Poinsettias are sponsored by:
The Gustafson Family in memory of our parents Kermith Gustafson & Lila Christensen
Beverly Byers in memory of loved ones
John Barnes in memory of loved ones
Mary Rosas in memory of loved ones
The Shimek Family in memory of loved ones
The Lindstrom Family
View our weekly Connection Newsletter for upcoming events and announcements.