Christmas Eve
Candelite Lord’s Supper Service
"SEVEN LESSONS AND CAROLS"
INTRODUCTORY
Prelude "It Came Upon the Midnight Clear"
Meditation: The circular candle ring symbolizes the eternality of
God’s Word.
The seven candles represent the particular
dispensations of the time in which the Word was
given.
The Red candle in the center represents the coming
of Christ in time.
The lighted candles represent Christ as the light of
the World.
CALL TO WORSHIP
Pastor: "In this was manifested the love of God toward us,
because that God sent His only begotten Son into
the world, that we might live through Him."
People: "For God, who commanded the light to shine out of
darkness, hath shined in our hearts to give light of
the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of
Christ Jesus."
HYMN "O Come, All Ye Faithful" #81
INVOCATION Pastor
THE FIRST LESSON
A Promised Sign Isaiah 7:10-14
"Moreover, the Lord spake again unto Ahaz, saying, ‘Ask thee a sign of the Lord
thy God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above.’ But Ahaz did, ‘I will
not ask, neither will I tempt the Lord.’ And he said, ‘Here ye now, O house of
David; It is a small thing for you to weary men, but will ye weary my God also?
Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold a virgin shall conceive,
and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.’"
The Lighting of the First Candle(Choose a family to light candle)
Hymn "O Come, O Come Immanuel" #78
THE SECOND LESSON
A Reassuring Dream Matthew 1:18-25
"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. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make
her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. 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. And she shall bring forth a
son, and thou shall call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their
sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the
Lord by the prophet, saying, ‘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.’ Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord
had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had
brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS."
The Lighting of the Second Candle (Choose a different family)
Hymn "What Child Is This?" (#118 New Hymnal)
THE THIRD LESSON
A Fateful Journey Luke 2:1-5
"And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar
Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made
when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into
his own city. And josepy also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth,
into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of
the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being
great with child."
The Lighting of the Third Candle (Choose a different family)
Hymn "O Little Town of Bethlehem" #85
THE FOURTH LESSON
A Joyful Expectation Luke 2:8-13
"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch
over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the
glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the
angel said unto them, ‘Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy,
which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a
Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find
the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there
was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,"
The Lighting of the Fourth Candle (Choose a different family)
Hymn "Angels We Have Heard on High" #95
Instrumental Interlude "Away in a Manger" Pianist
THE FIFTH LESSON
A Holy Birth Luke 2:6-7
"And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she
should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in
swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them
in the inn."
The Lighting of the Christmas Candle — Red Center Candle(Chairman of Deacon’s family)
Hymn "Joy to the World" #88
THE SIXTH LESSON
A Visit From Sages Matthew 2:1-2, 11
"Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king,
behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, "Where is he
that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and are come
to worship him.’
"And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary
his mother, and fell down, and worshiped him: and when they had opened their
treasurers, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh."
Lighting of the Sixth Candle (Choose a different family)
Hymn "We Three Kings" (#113 New Hymnal)
THE SEVENTH LESSON
A Prospect of Peace Luke 2:13-14
"And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising
God, and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will
toward men.’"
Lighting of the Seventh Candle (Choose a different family)
Hymn "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day"(#98 New Hymnal)
PARTAKING OF THE LORD’S SUPPER
Passing out of the Bread Deacons
Matthew 26:26
Passing out of the Cup Deacons
Matthew 26:27-28
BENEDICTORY
Instrumental Interlude "O Holy Night" Organist
A Christmas Collect
Pastor: Grant, O God that the Spirit of Christmas be in our hearts daily.
People: Then, selfishness would die a death of starvation.
Pastor: Avarice would be hung higher than Haman.
People: Foolish pride would go down in crushing defeat.
Pastor: Senseless strife and silly bickering would shame each other to
death.
People: The prayer of Jesus for the unity of His followers would be
answered.
Pastor: Wars would be an utter impossibility.
People: Peace on earth would become a glorious reality.
All: May it start tonight within my own heart.
The Lighting of Personal Candles (From the Center Red Candle representing Jesus)
(Extinguish the other candles before lighting personal candles)
Hymn "Silent Night" #89
Benediction Pastor
RECESSIONAL
Exit singing: "Go, Tell It on the Mountain
