Christmas Eve
December 24th, 2024

Prelude
A Cradle in Bethlehem (Alfred Bryan)

Sing sweet and low a lullaby
Till angels say,"Amen."
A mother tonight is rocking a cradle in Bethlehem.

While wise men follow through the dark
A star that beckons them,
A mother tonight is rocking a cradle in Bethlehem.

A little child shall lead them
The prophet said of old
In storm and tempest heed them
Until the bell is tolled.

Sing sweet and low a lullaby
Till angels say,"Amen."
A mother tonight is rocking a cradle in Bethlehem.


Welcome
The Lord be with you
And also with you.

Beloved in Christ, it is our care and delight this Christmas Eve to prepare ourselves to hear again the message of the angels: in heart and mind to go even unto Bethlehem and see this thing which is come to pass, and with the Magi adore the Child lying in his Mother's arms.

But first let us pray for the needs of his whole world; for peace and goodwill over all the earth; for unity and mutuality within the Church he came to build; within our country, within this city of Nashville, and our community: And let us at this time remember in his name the poor and the helpless, the cold, the hungry and the oppressed; those who suffer in body and in mind and them that mourn; the lonely and the ignored; the aged and the little children; and all who need the loving kindness of God.

Lastly let us remember before God all those who rejoice with us, but upon another shore and in a greater light, that multitude which no person can number, whose hope was in the Word made flesh, and with whom we for evermore are one. Amen.

Opening Song
O Come, All Ye Faithful

O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye, to Bethlehem.
Come and behold him, born the king of angels;

O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord.

Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation;
O sing, all ye citizens of heav’n above!
Glory to God, all glory in the highest;

O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord.

Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born this happy morning;
Jesus, to thee be all glory giv’n;
Word of the father, now in flesh appearing.

O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord.


The Collect of the Day
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.

Let us pray. God of all hope and joy, open our hearts in welcome, that your Son Jesus Christ at his coming may find in us a dwelling prepared for himself; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Magnificat (arr. Rain for Roots)

My soul magnifies the Lord
My spirit rejoices in God
My soul magnifies the Lord
My spirit rejoices in God

For he who is mighty
Has done great things for me!
Holy, holy, holy, holy
Holy, holy is His name

Gospel Acclamation
The First Noel (Anonymous)

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
Born is the King of Israel.

The Gospel Reading          Luke 2:1-20

+ This is the Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to St. Luke.
Glory to you, Lord Christ.


In those days Caesar Augustus declared that everyone throughout the empire should be enrolled in the tax lists. This first enrollment occurred when Quirinius governed Syria. Everyone went to their own cities to be enrolled. Since Joseph belonged to David’s house and family line, he went up from the city of Nazareth in Galilee to David’s city, called Bethlehem, in Judea. He went to be enrolled together with Mary, who was promised to him in marriage and who was pregnant. While they were there, the time came for Mary to have her baby. She gave birth to her firstborn child, a son, wrapped him snugly, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the guestroom.

Nearby shepherds were living in the fields, guarding their sheep at night. The Lord’s angel stood before them, the Lord’s glory shone around them, and they were terrified.

The angel said, “Don’t be afraid! Look! I bring good news to you—wonderful, joyous news for all people. Your savior is born today in David’s city. He is Christ the Lord. This is a sign for you: you will find a newborn baby wrapped snugly and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great assembly of the heavenly forces was with the angel praising God. They said, “Glory to God in heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors.”

When the angels returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go right now to Bethlehem and see what’s happened. Let’s confirm what the Lord has revealed to us.” They went quickly and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. When they saw this, they reported what they had been told about this child. Everyone who heard it was amazed at what the shepherds told them. Mary committed these things to memory and considered them carefully. The shepherds returned home, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. Everything happened just as they had been told.

This is the Gospel of the Lord.

Praise to you, Lord Christ.

Gospel Acclamation
The First Noel (Anonymous)

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
Born is the King of Israel.

Homily

A Creed from the United Church of Canada

We are not alone,
    we live in God’s world.

 We believe in God:
    who has created and is creating,
    who has come in Jesus,
       the Word made flesh,
       to reconcile and make new,
    who works in us and others
       by the Spirit.

We trust in God. 

We are called to be the Church:
    to celebrate God’s presence,
    to live with respect in Creation,
    to love and serve others,
    to seek justice and resist evil,
    to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen,
       our judge and our hope.

In life, in death, in life beyond death,
    God is with us.
We are not alone.

    Thanks be to God.

The Prayers of the People
adapted from the Church of Scotland

In the promise which is everywhere about us
Hold us, God.

In the longing for a new world and new living
Cradle us, God.

In the need to see Advent’s revelation in our world
Direct us, God.

In the silence of memories that haunt us
Comfort us, God.

In the hunger for justice that aches in us
Feed us, God.

In the yearning for love in each of our days
Reassure us, God.

In the setting out of truth in our political world
Aid us, God.

In the call for peace in our weary world
Hear us, God.

In the search for healing in our broken world
Find us, God.

In the gathering round the table
Gather with us, God.

In the breaking of bread and spilling of wine
Share with us, God.

In the community of faith
Reveal yourself, God.

And now we pray for ourselves and for others:
You may add your own prayers, silently or aloud.

In the name of Christ we pray: 
Amen.

The Peace
The peace of God be with you all.
In God’s justice is our peace.

Announcements

Song of Preparation
Reign of Mercy (The Porter’s Gate)

Oh may our world at last be just
And hilltops echo with your peace
A harvest come from barren dust
The reign of mercy never cease
He comes as rain, upon the grass
High heaven's Son to Earth descends
Not as the seasons that will pass
But with a light that never ends

Oh come to him and find your rest
Who saw the poor and came as One
Who hears the cries of the oppressed
And rules 'till all oppression's done
Someday, he'll come to reign as king
And we will see his justice done
Our souls will magnify and sing!
The Christ whose Kingdom now is come

And all the mighty and the strong
Will bow before him on that day!
The silenced fill the world with song
The poor and lowly he will raise
And all our bitterness and tears
Our violence and our endless wars
Will end at last when he draws near
Come soon, come soon, Oh Christ our Lord!

Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise him all creatures here below
Praise him above, ye heavenly host
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen.


About Communion
On the night Jesus washed his disciples feet and promised to overcome the troubles of this world, he gave his friends a meal to remember their belonging to him and to one another. Friends of Jesus have continued to celebrate this communion meal since that night, and this table is open to all who desire the belonging and peace of Christ.

Gluten free wafers and grape juice are available if you have those health needs. An usher will invite you to approach the kneelers to receive the meal. If for any reason you’re not prepared to join us, you’re welcome to remain in your seat. If coming to the front is physically difficult for you, please let an usher know and the elements will be brought to you. If you’d like to come up and simply receive a blessing, you can put your arms across your chest and a prayer of peace will be prayed over you.


The Great Thanksgiving
from the Children’s Sabbaths Celebration — Children’s Defense Fund (adapted)

The Lord be with you
and also with you.

Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.

We give you thanks and praise, amazing God, who made heaven and earth and sea, and all that is in them, who keeps faith forever, who executes justice for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry; You watch over the strangers, uphold the children and most vulnerable caregivers, and have triumphed over sin and evil. And so we join the saints and angels in proclaiming your glory, as we say,

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.

We praise you, O God, for sending your beloved child Jesus born as a baby nurtured by his family, and protected by strangers, who grew as a child who was taught in his temple, surrounded by his community, and guided by his parents, who became an adult who loved and blessed the children, who cared for those who were sick, poor, and left out, who taught that God loves us like a parent, and who called us his friends. This one who was born a baby needing us died our Savior whom we all need, triumphant even over death, freeing us to live as your beloved children. 

On the night before he died for us, Jesus was at the table with his friends. He took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to them, and said: “Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. As you do this, remember me.”

As supper was ending, Jesus took the cup of wine. Again, he gave thanks, gave it to them, and said: “Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is poured out for you and for all for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, remember me.” 

Around your table, as your children, O God, we remember Jesus Christ, who came in love, lived in love, and died in love, who was and is and is to come. We offer to you our gifts of bread and wine, and we offer to you our lives. 

Pour out your Spirit upon these gifts that they may be for us the body and blood of Christ, that they strengthen us to welcome the children, to show your love, to work for your justice, to bring your peace. Through Christ and with Christ and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, to you be honor, glory, and praise, for ever and ever. Amen.

As Christ teaches us, we pray:

The Lord’s Prayer
You are welcome to pray in any language. 

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 debts, as we forgive our debtors. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

Padre nuestro que estás en el cielo, santificado sea tu Nombre, venga tu reino, hágase tu voluntad, en la tierra como en el cielo. Danos hoy nuestro pan de cada día. Perdona nuestras ofensas, como también nosotros perdonamos a los que nos ofenden. No nos dejes caer en tentación y líbranos del mal. Porque tuyo es el reino, tuyo es el poder, y tuya es la gloria, ahora y por siempre. Amén.

The Breaking of the Bread
The bread which we break is a sharing in the body of Christ. 
We being many are one body, for we all share in one bread.

The Invitation
The gifts of God for the people of God. 
Jesus Christ is holy, Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

Communion Music
The First Noel

The first Noel the angel did say
Was to certain poor shepherds
In fields where they lay;

In fields where they
Lay tending their sheep,
On a cold winter's night that was so deep.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
Born is the King of Israel.

They looked up and saw a star
Shining in the east, beyond them far;
And to the earth it gave great light,
And so it continued both day and night.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
Born is the King of Israel.

This star drew nigh to the northwest,
Over Bethlehem it took its rest;
And there it did both stop and stay,
Right over the place where Jesus lay.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
Born is the King of Israel.

Then let us all with one accord
Sing praises to our heavenly Lord;
That hath made Heaven and earth of naught,
And with his blood mankind hath bought.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
Born is the King of Israel.

O Holy Night (Adolphe Adam)

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 appear'd 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, 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 come 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.

Silent Night (Jospeh Mohr)

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.

Prayer after Communion
We praise and thank you, Creator God, for you have not left us alone. Each year you come to us, Emmanuel, God with us in a manger. Each time you come to us in the broken bread and the cup we share. In time or out of time you will be revealed and we shall see you face to face.

Give us courage, God our strength, to see your Christ in all who suffer, to be hands to the helpless, food for the hungry, and rescue for the oppressed. Amen.

The Blessing
May Christ the sun of righteousness shine upon you, gladden your hearts and scatter the darkness from before you: and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, be with you and remain with you always.
Amen.

Closing Song
Angels We Have Heard on High

Angels we have heard on high,
Sweetly singing o’er the plains,
And the mountains in reply
Echoing their joyous strains.

Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!

Come to Bethlehem and see,
Him whose birth the angels sing.
Come, adore on bended knee,
Christ, the Lord, the newborn King.

Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!

The Dismissal
Grace be with you.
Thanks be to God.

Go in peace.
Amen. We go in the name of Christ.