PRAYER Send, O God, into the darkness of this troubled world, the light of your Son. Let the star of your hope touch the minds of all people with the bright beams of mercy and truth; and so direct our steps that we may ever walk in the way revealed to us, as the shepherds of Bethlehem walked with joy to the manger where he dwelled, who now and ever reigns in our hearts, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

+ HYMN “Joy to the World” Hymnal No. 246

+ DISMISSAL WITH BLESSING Leader: Glory to God in the highest! People: Peace to God’s people on earth! Leader: Go in peace. Share the gift of Jesus. ALL: Thanks be to God.

POSTLUDE “Halleluja” aus “Messias” Georg Friedrich Händel

+ You are invited to stand as you are comfortable.

We display the Moravian Star during Advent and through the Epiphany season. This many pointed star holds a special significance in our traditional Christmas season. It is a labor of love, handcrafted from paper and glue, and has its origin in a school project in Germany. This night and on Christmas Eve, with only

the lighted star shining brightly and gently moving as we sing “Silent Night,” taking our light from family or friend, just cannot be December 24, 2017 ~ 9 p.m. equaled in any other Christmas celebration. Wooster United Methodist Church Pastor ~ Reverend Charles E. Tobias

Office Hours: 8:00 - 4:30 Monday—Friday 243 N. Market St. Wooster OH 44691 330.262.5641 [email protected] www.woosterumc.org

CCLI License No. 1315671 CVLI License No. 501318540 ORDER OF WORSHIP Hymn: “O Little Town of Bethlehem” #230, vs.1, 3

December 24, 2017 Christmas Eve ~ 9pm OFFERING Solo: “Breath of Heaven” Dee Neptune accompanied by Nancy Franck

As we gather for worship, we welcome all who are guests with us today. We encourage both Luke 1:26–35, 38 guests and members to sign the attendance register found at the end of each pew. Please The angel Gabriel announces to the virgin Mary that she will give birth to leave any messages for the church office on the register as you record your presence.

God’s promised Son whose kingdom shall never end

GATHERING MUSIC Christmas Medley Stephen Leslie HYMN “Ye Who Claim the Faith of Jesus” Hymnal No. 197 (vs 1, 4) “Greensleeves” and “A Nativity Suite”

GREETING Luke 2:1–7 Against a backdrop of emperors and taxes, Jesus is born. + CALL TO WORSHIP (from Psalm 96) Diane McCartney, liturgist Colla Voce: “O Holy Night” arr. Keith Christopher Leader: Let us sing to the Lord a new song; People: we join all creation in singing to the Lord! Luke 2:8–16 Leader: Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, The shepherds go to see the Savior of the world, lying in a manger People: for we have known Emmanuel, God-with-us! Hymn: “Angels We Have Heard on High” #238 (vs 1, 4)

+HYMN “O Come, All Ye Faithful” Hymnal No. 234 (vs 1-3, 6) Matthew 2:1–11

+ OPENING PRAYER The wise men follow a star to find the child Jesus, the King of the Jews Almighty God, you made this holy night shine with the brightness of the true Colla Voce: “The Virgin’s Slumber Song” arr. Robert Ross Light. Grant that here on earth we may walk in the light of Jesus’ presence Allyson Bucher, flute and in the last day wake to the brightness of his glory; through your Son, John 1:1–14 John unfolds the great mystery of the incarnation Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. THE STORY OF SILENT NIGHT

HYMN “Once in Royal David’s City” Hymnal No. 250 (vs 1, 2) HYMN “Silent Night” Hymnal No. 239

THE BIDDING PRAYER The Lord’s Prayer No. 895 (As the music begins, we invite anyone who has come home for Christmas to come forward to receive the light from the Pastor’s Christ Candle. Please take HYMN “Of the Father’s Love Begotten” Hymnal No. 184 (vs 1) the light back to your family, friends and those around you. Hold the lighted Genesis 3:8-15, 17-19 candle upright and tip the unlighted candle into the flame. Lift all candles high at God announces in the Garden of Eden Adam and Eve’s punishment for their the beginning of the fourth verse.)

rebellion and that the seed of woman shall bruise the serpent’s head. 1) Silent night, holy night, 3) Silent night, holy night, Hymn: “Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus” #196, vs.1 all is calm, all is bright shepherds quake at the sight; Genesis 22:15-18 round yon virgin mother and child. glories stream from heaven afar, God promises to Abraham that by his descendants all the nations of the earth Holy infant, so tender and mild, heavenly hosts sing Alleluia! shall obtain blessing. sleep in heavenly peace, Christ the Savior is born, Hymn: “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” #211, vs.1, 7 sleep in heavenly peace. Christ the Savior is born!

Isaiah 9:2, 6–7 The prophet announces the birth of a king to a people in darkness 2) Silent night, holy night, 4) Silent night, holy night, Colla Voce: “Advent Jubilate!” Larry Shackley Son of God, love’s pure light; wondrous star, lend thy light, radiant beams from thy holy face with the angels let us sing, Micah 5:2-5a with the dawn of redeeming grace, Alleluia to our King, The king is coming and will usher in a reign of justice for the poor and peace for Jesus, Lord, at thy birth, Christ the Savior is born, all of God’s children. Jesus, the Lord, at thy birth. Christ the Savior is born!