The Greatest Gift - An Interactive Christmas Eve Service Outline Series

2019.12.24.Christmas Eve Service. The GREATEST GIFT

William Akehurst, HSWC

INSTRUCTIONS: This service is done with giving pieces of the Nativity Set to individuals to present and bring to the Manager Scene and assemble together as the Christmas Story is read. The Nativity is set up in the front of the Church for all to see.

In the End, the question comes from the song, "What can I give HIM?" leading into an invitation to receive the GREATEST GIFT to mankind, JESUS the Savior.

SCRIPTURE READING The Prophetic Word Unison

Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Joseph Matthew 1:18-25

The Virgin Mary Luke 1:26-38

Luke 2:1-5 #29 Oh Little Town of Bethlehem (Mary & Joseph)

Luke 2:6-7 #39 Away in a Manger (The baby Jesus)

LET’S SING! #38 Silent Night Congregation

"OH HOLY NIGHT" - SOLOIST

Luke 2:8-14 #32 Hark The Herald Angels Sing (Angels)

Luke 2:15-16 #34 The First Noel, The Angels Did Say (Shepherds)

Luke 2:17-20 #33 Angels We Have Heard on High

Then about 2 years later…

Matthew 2:1-12 #36 Oh Come All Ye Faithful (Wise Men)

MESSAGE The Greatest Gift

*LET’S SING! #27 “Joy to the World” Congregation

*BENEDICTION (*please stand)

Matthew 1:18-25 (JOSEPH)

18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.

20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,

23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:

25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

Luke 1:26-38 (MARY)

26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,

27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.

28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.

29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.

30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.

31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.

32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:

33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?

35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

36 And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.

37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.

38 And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

Luke 2:1-5

1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.