Author: Karen

Central Reformed Church Christmas Eve
Friday, December 24, 2021
7:00 p.m.

REFLECTION
The Child that lies in the manger,
helpless and abandoned to the love of his creatures,
dependent entirely upon them to be fed, clothed, and sustained,
remains the Creator and Ruler of the universe.
…He wills to be helpless
that we may take him into our care.
He has embraced our poverty…
in order to give us his riches.
—Thomas Merton, 1915-1968, American Trappist monk and theologian, in Seasons of Celebration, 109.

cover art: Nativity—Detail 14 © John August Swanson | Eyekons
all song permissions via CCLI license #2931504 and One License #729524A.
During the candle lighting at the close of service, ushers will have extinguishers available. For those worshipping at home, as your situation allows, please light your candle, and if worshipping with others, kindly share your light with them as the closing carol is sung.

ORDER OF WORSHIP
CHRISTMAS EVE
DECEMBER 24, 2021
7:00 p.m.
GATHERING IN LOVE
The prelude is a call for personal preparation for the worship of God.
Prelude “O Come, All Ye Faithful ” | Patricia A. Sanders
“The First Noel” | David Cherwien “The Coventry Carol” | Brad Nix
“Pastorale from ‘Le Prologue de Jesus’” | traditional, arr. by Joseph Clokey
“Winds Through the Olive Trees” | Dale Wood
“Carol of the Bells” | Mykola Leontovych
Call to Worship
One: Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy.
Many: To us is born this day in the city of David a Savior, the Messiah, the Lord.
One: This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in cloth and lying in a manger.
Many: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace!
One: Let us go now to Bethlehem.
Carol “Once in Royal David’s City“ | 49, v. 1 solo; interlude; congregation standing v. 2, 3, 4
*Bidding Prayer
Dear people of God, in this Christmas season with joy let us hear once more the message of the angels, and in heart and mind go to Bethlehem and see the Son of God lying in a manger. Let us hear in Holy Scripture the story of God’s loving purpose from the time of our rebellion to the glorious redemption brought to us by this Holy Child. But first, let us pray for the needs of the whole world, for peace and justice on earth, for the unity and mission of the Church for which he died. Let us remember, in Christ’s name, the poor and helpless, the cold, the hungry and the oppressed, all who are sick and who mourn, the lonely and unloved, the aged and little children, as well as those who do not know and love the Lord Jesus Christ. Finally, let us remember all those who rejoice with us, but upon another shore, and in a greater light, that multitude which no one can number, whose hope was in the Word made flesh, and with whom in the Lord Jesus we are one forevermore.
And now, to sum up all these petitions, let us pray the words Christ has taught us, saying,
*The 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 debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

*Please stand in body or in spirit.

Lighting of the Christ Candle
One: We light the Christ candle to symbolize God’s promise fulfilled. For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace to all people.
Many: The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth.
*The Peace
One: The peace of the Lord be always with you.
Many: And also with you.
(You are invited to observe a contactless passing of the peace.)
Christmas Offering Offertory “Of the Father’s Love Begotten” | Raymond H. Haan
LISTENING IN EXPECTATION
First Lesson Genesis 1:1-5
Carol “Of the Father’s Love Begotten” | 309, all verses, omitting the “Amen”
Second Lesson Genesis 3:8-15
Anthem “Oh Holy Night” | Adolphe Adam
Third Lesson Isaiah 9:2-7
*Carol “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” | 31, all verses Fourth Lesson Micah 5:2-5a Carol “O Little Town of Bethlehem ” | 44, verses 1 and 3 Fifth Lesson Luke 1:26-38 (King James Version) Anthem “No Wind at the Window ” | arr. by Jennifer Kerr Breedlove Sixth Lesson John 1:1-5 One: In all of these passages, we have heard the Word of the Lord.
Many: Thanks be to God. *Carol “O Come All Ye Faithful” | see end of order for music The Christmas Meditation *Carol “Angels We Have Heard on High” | 23, all verses
LIGHTING OF THE CANDLES
“Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life’” (John 8:12). The light of our Lord shines through us wherever we go. By lighting candles, we are reminded of the many gifts he gives us, especially the “light of life.”
We invite you to pass the light from the Christ Candle to the person at the end of each pew, then down the pew. Dip only the unlit candle when lighting from your neighbor’s candle. Please hold burning candles upright. Children may participate with their parents’ permission.
*Carol “Silent Night” | Franz Xaver Gruber
Solo: Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht. Alles schläft; einsam wacht; Nur das traute hochheilige Paar. Holder Knabe im lockigen Haar, Schlaf in himmlischer Ruh, Schlaf in himmlischer Ruh! (the congregation will stand at the interlude) *All: 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, Heavenly 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 Thy holy face, With the dawn of redeeming grace. Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth, Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth.
Silent night, holy night! Wondrous star, lend thy light; With the angels let us sing, Alleluia to our King; Christ the Savior is born, Christ the Savior is born. *The Christmas Blessing
One: May the song of the angels, the joy of the shepherds, and the peace of the Christ child be with you tonight and always. Many: Merry Christmas! Postlude “Bring a Torch, Jeanette Isabella” | Keith Chapman
WORSHIP PARTICIPANTS
ABOUT THE CHRISTMAS OFFERING
Last January the Christian Action Team began supporting Mel Trotter Ministries through what we call “Meals for Mel.” Since then, we have provided over 1100 meals: a turkey/cheese sandwich, a drink, chips, cookie, and fresh fruit. Each meal costs about four dollars, so we have spent around $4,400 this year. This ministry began as a short-term project request for 50 meals twice per month and has become a program that will continue indefinitely. This is not meant to replace the hot meals and ambience of Central’s fellowship hall that we provided as Faye’s Diner. As we await the time when Faye’s Diner can reopen safely, we rejoice that we can support our community in this fashion. Mel Trotter Ministries recently announced it is opening an overflow shelter that will house up to 75 men. So, the need for food and shelter continues to increase. We are also thankful for the youth of Central who have maintained a steady hand in meal preparation each month. This Christmas Eve we are requesting you give generously to fund this ministry for the upcoming year. Please leave a donation in the offering plate at the rear of the sanctuary as you exit. Online donations are also gratefully received and may be easily made by visiting https://www.centralreformedchurch.org/give/ and clicking on the “Give Now” button. Thank you!
ARE YOU VISITING?
Thank you for joining us for worship this evening! Regular Sunday morning worship is at 10:00 a.m., and all are welcome. A staffed nursery is available from 9:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and education for all ages is offered from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. To learn more about Central, please visit our website: www.centralreformedchurch.org.

Preacher: Rev. Steven D. Pierce Director of Music Ministries: Taemin Han Principal Organist: Norma de Waal Malefyt Vocalists: Kathryn Becksvoort and Jeffrey Wilkinson Flute: Jodi MacLean Cello: Andrew Plaisier Harp: Ella Webb Christ Candle: The McWilliams Family Readers: Willa Brown, Lauren TerMaat, Jack Webb, Helen Phillips, John Norden, Jesse Munroe Celebration Ringers Video Tech: Tom TerMaat Sound Tech: Chris Witmer

O Come All Ye Faithful

Central Reformed Church
10 College Avenue NE
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503
616.456.1773
centralreformedchurch.org
Connecting all people to God and to one another through scripture, sacrament, song, and service.