The Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord
A Service of Holy Communion
with Candlelighting
December 24, 2022
Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church
Lakeland, Florida
PRE-SERVICE MUSIC
Waiting
Jay Althouse
Grace Choir
Holy Child Within the Manger
Marty Haugen
Small Ensemble
+ GATHERING +
WELCOME
LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH AND CHRIST CANDLE
The prophet Isaiah shares a word with a waiting world. “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness on them light has shined. For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders.”
“He is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
“His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore.”
“The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.”
As we stand faithfully on the brink of God’s time, we light the candles of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love.
Tonight we enter God’s time, faithfully. We light the Christ Candle to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus, the Light coming into the world.
PRELUDE
Christmas Magnificat
Ferris Tozer
CALL TO WORSHIP
Hush
Lucinda Hyatt
We stand and face the Processional Cross.
GATHERING HYMN
O ComeAll Ye Faithful
ELW 283
O come, all ye faithful,
joyful and triumphant!
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem;
come and behold him,
born the king of angels:
Refrain
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
Christ the Lord!
The highest, most holy,
light of light eternal,
born of a virgin, a mortal he comes;
Son of the Father
now in flesh appearing! Refrain
Sing, choirs of angels,
sing in exultation,
sing, all ye citizens of heaven above!
Glory to God
in the highest: Refrain
Yea, Lord, we greet thee,
born this happy morning;
Jesus, to thee be glory giv'n!
Word of the Father,
now in flesh appearing: Refrain
GREETING
Tonight Christ is born; Alleluia, alleluia!
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
And also with you.
HYMN
Angels, from the Realms of Glory
ELW 275
Angels, from the realms of glory,
wing your flight o'er all the earth;
once you sang creation's story,
now proclaim Messiah's birth:
Come and worship, come and worship,
worship Christ, the newborn king.
Shepherds, in the fields abiding,
watching o'er your flocks by night,
God with us is now residing,
yonder shines the infant light.
Come and worship, come and worship,
worship Christ, the newborn king.
Sages, leave your contemplations,
brighter visions beam afar;
seek the great desire of nations,
you have seen his natal star.
Come and worship, come and worship,
worship Christ, the newborn king.
All creation, join in praising
God, the Father, Spirit, Son,
evermore your voices raising
to the eternal Three in One.
Come and worship, come and worship,
worship Christ, the newborn king.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Let us pray.
Almighty God, you made this holy night shine with the brightness of the true Light. Grant that here on earth we may walk in the light of Jesus’ presence and in the last day wake to the brightness of his glory; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
+ WORD +
FIRST READING: Titus 2:11-14
The appearance of God’s grace in Jesus Christ brings salvation for all humanity. Consequently, in the present we live wisely and justly while also anticipating the hope of our Savior’s final appearance.
11For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, 12training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly, 13while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. 14He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
MUSICAL OFFERING
O Holy Night
Adolphe Adam
Soloist: Mark Thomsen
Accompanist: Eileen Sutton
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION ELW 289
Angels we have heard on high, sweetly singing o’er the plains.
and the mountains in reply, echoing their joyous strains.
Gloria in excelsis Deo; gloria in excelsis Deo.
GOSPEL: Luke 2:1-20
The holy gospel according to Luke.
Glory to you, O Lord.
1In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3All went to their own towns to be registered. 4Joseph 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. 5He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 7And 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.
8In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for see — I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger." 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,
14"Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom he favors!"
15When 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." 16So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. 17When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. 19But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
The gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.
Come to Bethlehem and see him whose birth the angels sing;
Come, adore on bended knee Christ the Lord, the newborn king.
Gloria in excelsis Deo; Gloria in excelsis Deo.
SERMON Pastor Pamela Smith
HYMN OF THE DAY
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
ELW 270
Hark! The herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn king;
peace on earth, and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled."
Joyful, all you nations, rise;
join the triumph of the skies;
with angelic hosts proclaim,
"Christ is born in Bethlehem!"
Refrain
Hark! The herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn king!"
Christ, by highest heav'n adored,
Christ, the everlasting Lord,
late in time behold him come,
offspring of a virgin's womb.
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see!
Hail, incarnate deity!
Pleased as man with us to dwell,
Jesus, our Emmanuel! Refrain
Hail the heav'n-born Prince of peace!
Hail the Sun of righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings,
ris'n with healing in his wings.
Mild he lays his glory by,
born that we no more may die,
born to raise each child of earth,
born to give us second birth. Refrain
PRAYERS OF THE INTERCESSION
With wonder and thanksgiving for Christ’s coming into the world, we pray for the church, the life of the earth, and the whole human family.
A brief silence.
Your infinite love is born to us this night. With choirs of angels, the church proclaims the good news. Send us out as messengers of the hope that has come to all people. God of grace, hear our prayer.
You are pleased to dwell with your creation and the whole earth sings for joy. Renew the splendor of nature from the smallest cell to the widest galaxies. Guide us to be wise stewards of your gifts for the sake of generations to come. God of grace, hear our prayer.
Your authority is over the nations. Break the rod of oppression in every land and free all people from fear. Bring peace where there is war, compassion where there is suffering, and healing where there is disease. God of grace, hear our prayer.
You cherish those who are most vulnerable and in greatest need. Protect infants and children, and bless those who care for them. Attend the dying, and relieve all who are in pain particularly Arlene, Tim, Mike, Anna Mae, Julie, Wendy, Carol, Anne, Lydia, Paul, John, Betty, Marian L., Ron, Flo, Doris, Dottie, Theresa, Marian P., Ian, Tim, Julie, Ruth, Ed, Henry, Mary, Greg, and Max. Shelter families from other lands seeking refuge and safety and protect those who have no home. God of grace, hear our prayer.
Your lovingkindness embraces all who are in need. Help all for whom this season is lonely or joyless. Comfort those among us, or known to us, who are experiencing distress of body or mind, missing loved ones, or grieving. God of grace, hear our prayer.
Other petitions may be offered.
You welcome those who have died into the joyous light of glory. We give thanks for the saints of every time and place who have praised you with lives of faith and humility. Inspire us by their example to love you by serving others. God of grace, hear our prayer.
Trusting the mystery of eternal love made flesh in Christ Jesus, we commend all for whom we pray to the mercy of God.
Amen.
EXCHANGE OF PEACE
Peace of Christ be with you all.
And also with you.
+ MEAL +
OFFERING
You may place your offerings in the offering plate as it is passed during the service. Alternatively, you can give electronically by clicking “Give” at our website, www.gracelakeland.com. Whichever way you choose to give, we are grateful for your stewardship and generosity.
MUSICAL OFFERING
The Children and the Shepherds
Nancy Price, Don Besig
Grace Choir
OFFERING SONG
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow
ELW 885
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
praise God, all creatures here below;
praise God above, ye heav'nly host;
praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
OFFERING PRAYER
Let us pray.
Eternal God, you make the desert bloom and send springs of water to thirsty ground. Receive these simple gifts of bread, wine, and money, and make us messengers of your mercy and love for all in need of your healing and justice. We ask this through Christ our Savior.
Amen.
HOLY COMMUNION
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
DIALOGUE
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
PREFACE
It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all
Places give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God,
through our Savior Jesus Christ. In the wonder and mystery of the Word made
flesh you have opened the eyes of faith to a new and radiant vision of your
glory, that, beholding the God made visible, we may be drawn to love the God
whom we cannot see. And so, with all the choirs of angels, with the church on
earth and the hosts of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending
hymn:
SANCTUS ELW 192
Holy, holy, holy Lord,
God of pow'r and might,
Heav'n and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord
Hosanna in the highest.
THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE
Holy One, the beginning and the end, the giver of life: Blessed are you for the birth of creation. Blessed are you in the darkness and in the light. Blessed are you for your promise to your people. Blessed are you in the prophets’ hopes and dreams. Blessed are you for Mary’s openness to your will. Blessed are you for your Son Jesus, the Word made flesh.
In the night in which he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks; broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take and eat; this is my body, given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.
Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it for all to drink, saying: This cup is the new covenant in my blood, shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin. Do this for the remembrance of me.
Let us proclaim the mystery of faith:
Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.
With this bread and cup we remember your Word dwelling among us, full of grace and truth. We remember our new birth in his death and resurrection. We look with hope for his coming.
Come, Lord Jesus.
Holy God, we long for your Spirit. Come among us. Bless this meal. May your Word take flesh in us. Awaken your people. Fill us with your light. Bring the gift of peace on earth.
Come, Holy Spirit.
All praise and glory are yours, Holy One of Israel, Word of God incarnate, Power of the Most High, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those
who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
forever and ever. Amen.
DISTRIBUTION
This holy meal is for all the baptized children of God. We commune at the altar rail. The ushers will direct you down the center aisle. Please go to an open spot at the altar rail. After you have received the host, the first chalice is for intinction and the second chalice is for drinking. A third chalice of grape juice is also offered. Please let the Pastor know if you wish to receive gluten-free wafers.
LAMB OF GOD ELW page 154
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world;
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world;
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world;
grant us peace. Amen.
HYMN DURING COMMUNION
It Came upon the Midnight Clear
ELW 256
It came upon the midnight clear,
that glorious song of old,
from angels bending near the earth
to touch their harps of gold:
"Peace on the earth, good will to all,
from heav'n's all-gracious king."
The world in solemn stillness lay
to hear the angels sing.
Still through the cloven skies they come
with peaceful wings unfurled,
and still their heav'nly music floats
o'er all the weary world.
Above its sad and lowly plains
they bend on hov'ring wing,
and ever o'er its babel sounds
the blessed angels sing.
And you, beneath life's crushing load,
whose forms are bending low,
who toil along the climbing way
with painful steps and slow:
look now, for glad and golden hours
come swiftly on the wing;
oh, rest beside the weary road
and hear the angels sing!
For lo! The days are hast'ning on,
by prophets seen of old,
when with the ever-circling years
shall come the time foretold,
when peace shall over all the earth
its ancient splendors fling,
and all the world give back the song
which now the angels sing.
BLESSING AFTER COMMUNION
And now may the Body and Blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ preserve us on to life everlasting.
Amen.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Faithful God, in this meal you have remembered your mercy, bringing
heaven to earth in the body and blood of Christ. As we wait for the
day when all your promises will be fulfilled, sustain us and strengthen
us by this holy mystery. Guide us toward your promised future,
coming to birth in Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord.
Amen.
+ SENDING +
MUSICAL OFFERING
I Wonder as I Wander
John Jacob Niles
Soloist: Raymond Castro
Accompanist: Eileen Sutton
LIGHTING OF THE CANDLES
The Pastor will light her candle from the Christ Candle and the ushers will light their candles from hers. They will light the candle of the first worshiper in each row. That person will offer their light to the person next to them, allowing them to tilt their candlewick for lighting. Please note that the unlit candle tips. Take care to hold candles upright and away from clothing and hair. Parents, please take special precautions with small children.
By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness. Luke 1:78
Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 9:2
Arise, shine for your Light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. Isaiah 60:1
Let your light shine before others so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness, on them light has shined. Isaiah 9:2
For it is God who has shone in our hearts to give the light of knowledge of the glory of the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6
And there will be no more night; they need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light. Revelation 22:5
The sun shall no longer be your light by day, nor for brightness shall the moon give light to you by night; but the Lord will be your everlasting light. Isaiah 60:19
Silent Night
ELW 281
Silent night, holy night!
All is calm, all is bright
round yon virgin mother and child.
Holy Infant, so tender and mild,
sleep in heavenly peace,
sleep in heavenly peace.
Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight;
glories stream from heaven afar,
heav'nly hosts sing, alleluia!
Christ, the Savior, is born!
Christ, the Savior, is born!
Silent night, holy night!
Son of God, love's pure light
radiant beams from your holy face,
with the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at your birth,
Jesus, Lord, at your birth.
BENEDICTION
The congregation extinguishes the candles after the Benediction. Please hold the candle upright for a bit, so the wax can solidify.
Joy to the World
ELW 267
Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her king;
let ev'ry heart prepare him room
and heav'n and nature sing,
and heav'n and nature sing,
and heav'n, and heav'n and nature sing.
Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns!
Let all their songs employ,
while fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains
repeat the sounding joy,
repeat the sounding joy,
repeat, repeat the sounding joy.
No more let sin and sorrow grow
nor thorns infest the ground;
he comes to make his blessings flow
far as the curse is found,
far as the curse is found,
far as, far as the curse is found.
He rules the world with truth and grace
and makes the nations prove
the glories of his righteousness
and wonders of his love,
and wonders of his love,
and wonders, wonders of his love.
DISMISSAL
Go in peace. Jesus is born.
Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE
Celebration March
Jack Upton, Jr.
WORSHIP ASSISTANTS AND PARTICIPANTS:
Officiant:
Rev. Pamela Smith
Minister in Music:
Harold Wright
Organist:
David Cannistracci
Assisting Minister:
Carla McGee
Crucifer:
P.J. Blanchette
Acolyte:
Emily King
Torchbearers:
Tim Blanchette
Kaitlyn King
Music Ensembles:
Grace Choir
Marty Lewis, Kaitlyn, Emily and Riley King
Soloists:
Mark Thomsen
Raymond Castro
Accompanist:
Eileen Sutton
Ushers:
Cheri and Kevin Zarnstorff
Sound, Lights and AV Tech:
Marty Lewis, Dan Stoller, Riley King
Ministers:
All the People of Grace
Special thanks to all the members of the Altar Guild and other members of Grace who participated in decorating the sanctuary and preparing the Table.
Liturgical Text and Music from Evangelical Lutheran Worship, © 2006, 2020, 2022 Augsburg Fortress. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies License #SAS016761. All rights reserved.
O Come, All Ye Faithful. Text: attr. John Francis Wade, 1711-1786; tr. Frederick Oakeley, 1802-1880, sts. 1, 3-4; tr. unknown, st. 2. Music: attr. John Francis Wade. Public domain.
Angels, from the Realms of Glory. Text: James Montgomery, 1771-1854, alt., sts.1-3; Salisbury Hymn Book, 1857, st. 4. Music: Henry T. Smart, 1813-1879. Public domain.
Hark The Herald Angels Sing. Text: Charles Wesley, 1707-1788, alt. Music: Felix Mendelssohn, 1809-1847; arr. William H. Cummings, 1831-1915. Public domain.
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow. Text: Thomas Ken, 1637-1711, alt.. Music: Louis Bourgeois, 1510-1561, attr., Genevan Psalter, 1551. Public domain.
In the Bleak Midwinter. Text: Christina Georgina Rossetti, 1830-1894. Music: Gustav Holst, 1874-1934. Public domain.
Silent Night, Holy Night. Text: Joseph Mohr, 1792-1849; tr. John F. Young, 1820-1885. Music: Franz Gruber, 1787-1863. Public domain.
Joy to the World. Text: Isaac Watts, 1674-1748. Music: English melody, 18th cent.; arr. Lowell Mason, 1792-1872. Public domain.
