Welcome – Invocation
Tonight we come to light one candle. It is a candle to remind us that Jesus is our light. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords who has come to offer salvation to all of mankind. Jesus said, “I am the way the truth and the life. No one comes to the father except through me.”
This candle stands as a light for all to see. Jesus is the “Light of the World”. This light is not hidden under a basket. This light is not placed in a closet. This light is placed for all see it for Jesus said, “If I be lifted up, I will draw all men unto myself.”
This candle is to remind us of Jesus – He is the reason for the season. He is the reason that all of us are here this evening.
(Light the candle at this time.)
Scripture Reading – Luke 2:1 – 5
“Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child.” Luke 2:1-5 (NASB)
Hymn - O Little Town of Bethlehem
Scripture Reading – Luke 2:6 – 7
“While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:6-7 (NASB)
Hymn - What Child Is This, Who, Laid to Rest?
Scripture Reading – Luke 2:8 – 15
“In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. "This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased." When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, "Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us." Luke 2:8-15 (NASB)
Hymn - Hark! The Herald Angel Sings
Scripture Reading – Luke 2:16-18
“So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds.” Luke 2:16-18 (NASB)
Hymn - Away In a Manger
Scripture Reading – Isaiah 9:2
“The people who walk in darkness Will see a great light; Those who live in a dark land, The light will shine on them.” Isa. 9:2 (NASB)
Candle Light Service
(At this point we turn off as many lights as possible. The Christ candle becomes the center of attention.)
There is darkness in the world – can you see it? Can you feel it? Yet in the midst of it there shines a light. It is the light of Christ Jesus. It is not darkness that gets rid of the dark – it is the light that dispels the darkness. He has come to overcome the darkness in our lives.
But that is not all – He has asked us to share his light. Jesus said:
"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”
Matthew 5:14-16 (NASB)
Let us share the light of Christ with one another.
(At this point we share Christ’s light by lighting one another’s candles. I light my candle off the Christ candle and light the usher’s candles who in turn walk down the aisle lighting candles as they go.)
Hymn - Silent Night! Holy Night!
(First stanza – no instruments – in candlelight)
Benediction
