Christmas Candlelight Service
Rev. Timothy and Abby Porter
The Bridge Church Upstate
Luke 2:1-20
Welcome/Prayer: Pastor
Fellowship Time
Offering
Scripture Reader
Isaiah 7:14 (NKJV)
14 Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel. (which is translated God with us)
Hymn - “Emmanuel” Congregation
Hymn - ”O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” Congregation
Scripture Reader
Isaiah 9:6 (NKJV)
6 For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Hymn - “Joy to the World!” Congregation
Hymn - “O Come, All Ye Faithful” Congregation
Hymn - “The First Noel” Congregation
Scripture Reader
Luke 2:7 (NKJV)
7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
Hymn - “Away in a Manger” Congregation
Hymn - “O Little Town of Bethlehem” Congregation
Special “O Holy Night” Solo
Scripture Reader
John 1:14 (NKJV)
14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
Hymn - “Angels, from the Realms of Glory” Congregation
Devotional Sermonett Message - Pastor
Why Shepherds
Luke 2:8-20
I would like for us to think a few minutes about these shepherds. Why do you suppose God choose these shepherds to be the first to visit Jesus and then begin spreading the good news?
*** STAND *** READ *** PRAY ***
I.) They Listened
Some might say they didn’t have a choice but to listen….. But there is a big difference in hearing and listening.
They had ears to hear. They were willing to hear what God had to say. If angels had gone to the priest and Pharisees in Jerusalem with the same message I suspect they would have said: “The Messiah born in a stable? The Messiah laid in a manger? I don’t think so. Let’s wait and see.”
So many today don’t have ears to hear. Too many today won’t except that the only way to God is through the baby of the manger—Jesus Christ. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life: no one comes to the Father but by Him.
The sad part is that so often we Christians don’t really listen to Him. We need to slow down, stop, and hear Him speak to us. And when we hear—listen.
II.) They Went
God told the shepherds about this good news, but He didn’t tell
them to go. But they did. They went. They had to see.
God knew they would be willing to be a part of this first
Christmas—willing to drop what they were doing, even if it meant financial loss to them, and seek out the savior. They didn’t give excuses. They didn’t wait for a more convenient time. They went.
What would you have done? What do you do? What do you do when the Lord lets you know of something you need to do. Do you give excuses or look for a more convenient time?
III.) They Were Diligent
They made haste. (The word Haste is a noun meaning: Swift of motion; or Urgent need of quick action) They didn’t hem-haw around. They were
serious about finding Jesus the savior. Are you ?
So many Christians today are not serious.
They don’t take seriously what they hear about God or from God.
They don’t take seriously their:
Faith
Responsibilities
Duty
Opportunities
Do you?
IV.) They Followed
Verse 16 says “and found Mary...”. We don’t know how many mangers they searched before they found the baby wrapped in swaddling clothes. But they diligently followed God’s instructions.
Sometimes today Christians are all fired up and ready to go, but their enthusiasm runs out long before the project is finished. And to some extent it is because they don’t follow God’s instructions. Or maybe it wasn’t God’s project to begin with. A great man of God once said: The faith that fizzles before the finish had a flaw from the first.
Does your faith have a flaw? Do you follow –closely?
V.) They Shared
“They made widely known the saying which was told them” vs.17
What if you claimed to be a fisherman but never went near the water? What kind of fisherman would you be?
What if you claimed to be a Christian but never shared your faith in Christ, Never give your testimony of how Jesus saved you from the pitts of hell? What kind of Christian would you be?
Today too many Christians are failing to share. We must get out of these four walls and share what God has done and is diong!
How long has it been since you: gave your testimony: invited someone to church: gave a tract (at a restaurant –put tip in)
Sharing is the match that lights the fire of salvation in the hearts of others. If they see you excited they will want some of what you have! I Pray God gets hold of ya'll and sets you on fire.
VI.) They Glorified
“Returned glorifying and praising God…” They couldn’t glorify and praise God enough. We can’t either.
The shepherds had so much to glorify and praise God for. We do too.
So, let’s do it. Let’s tell others about how great; how wonderful; how loving our Lord is.!
Pastor: Praise is the lubricating oil that keeps us moving closer to the Lord and fills us with joy.
Congregational Candle Lighting
John 1:4-5
Pastor: As an illustration of the truth, we will light our candles. The candle represents our life as it is lit up by Christ.
Responsive reading:
Pastor: The Light which has entered our darkness cannot
be extinguished! Receive the Light and live for
Him.
People: The Christ Child – we welcome.
The Light—we receive. We will shine on as his disciples.
Lighting of the candles: [pastor lights his candle from the Christ Candle then lights
others. (with overhead lights off)]
Have congergation come to altar with candles lit.
Pastor: from the heart - music playing
“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6
Through Jesus Christ, the light of the world, we have a path to follow. He is our Light. Let the Light, Jesus, show you the way.
Proceed to outside - Congregation; to grave side remembrence/Prayer/song: silent night- with candles lit
