Mill Plain UMC
Sunday December 24, 2023
Linda Comes to Christmas Eve
Scripture
Luke 2: 1-20
Music
Angels We Have Heard on High
The First Noel
Go Tell it on the Mountain
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Mill Plain UMC
December 24, 2023
10 a.m.
Christmas Eve
Praise Song
Greeting
Call to Worship
Lighting of Advent Candle
Leader: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.
People: In the darkest night and the brightest noontide, the joy of the Lord is my strength.
Leader: For a child has been born for us who is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.
People: The joy of the Lord is my strength.
Leader: Today we light all four Advent Candles and the Christ Candle, for truly Christ has come and the joy of the Lord is my strength.
Three blue, one pink, and one white candle are lit as the congregation sings The Joy of the Lord is My Strength.
Opening Prayer
Our God, we rejoice this morning that you came to us as a little baby who grew and got stronger and wiser like all of us. Fill us with the joy of the shepherds and the songs of the angels. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Praise Songs Angels We Have Heard on High #238
Young Disciples Moment
Silent Prayer
Pastoral Prayer
Lord’s Prayer
Offertory
Presentation of Offerings
Doxology
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.
Hymn The First Noel #245 verses 1 & 2
Sermon Linda Comes to Christmas Eve
Prayer
As we grow and learn, Jesus, we remember that you too grew and learned.
When we skin our knees and cry, Jesus, we remember that you cried. When we laugh at something silly, we remember that you laughed.
When we know the comfort of our parents’ hugs, we remember that your mother hugged you.
Help us now to recognize you as you continue to live among us through your Holy Spirit. Amen.
Hymn Go, Tell It on the Mountain #251
Benediction
Pastor: Go forth in peace and joy to live in goodwill with all people.
People: Thanks be to God! Alleluia!