Shares the Worship of God December 24, 2020 Christmas Eve

The story of Jesus’ birth has been oversentimentalized until it no longer has the ring of truth, and once we had sentimentalized it we could commercialize it and so forget what Christmas is really about. It should be a time of awed silence. —Madeleine L’Engle The musicians are Alexis Lum, Jamie Buxton, Melissa Collom, Brooke Collins, Ivan Rivera, Pavel Sulyandziga, Nathan Rodriguez, Russell Johns, and Cullen Mulvihill.

Introit I Saw Three Ships arr. David Willcocks

Lighting the Christ Candle Mike and Elizabeth Snypes Leader: Into the waiting night, the Christ child is born. Into the silent night, songs of joy and wonder ring forth. Into the darkness of the world’s night, the light of the world has come. All: Christ, our Lord, is born.

Congregational Carol of Praise Angels from the Realms of Glory Angels, from the realms of glory, wing your flight o’er all the earth; as you sang creation’s story, now proclaim Messiah’s birth: Come and worship, come and worship, worship Christ, the newborn King. Saints before the altar bending, watching long in hope and fear, suddenly the Lord, descending, here among us shall appear: Come and worship, come and worship, worship Christ,

Bold: spoken or sung as a community the new King.

Invocation Molly A. Martínez

Choral Praise Christ Was Born on Christmas Day arr. David Willcocks

The Promise Isaiah 9:2-7 Martin Coren 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. You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy. They rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire. 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. 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.

Choral Anthem The Donkey Carol John Rutter

The Journey to Bethlehem Luke 2:1-7 Rebecca Yaggy In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph 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. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And 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.

Congregational Carol of Hope O Little Town of Bethlehem O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie! Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting Light; the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight. For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above, while mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wondering love. O morning stars, together proclaim the holy birth! And praises sing to God the King, and peace to us on earth.

The Shepherds in the Field Luke 2:8–9 Bryan Bishop In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flocks by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.

Congregational Carol of Peace What Child is This What child is this, who, laid to rest, on Mary’s lap is sleeping? Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, while shepherds watch are keeping? This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing: Haste, haste to bring him praise, the babe, the son of Mary. Why lies the child in manger bare where ox and ass are feeding? Give heed, draw near, for sinners here the silent Word is pleading. This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing: Haste, haste to bring him praise, the babe, the son of Mary.

The Good News Luke 2:10-12 Beth Fleisher But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in baonds of cloth and lying in a manger.”

Invitation to Offering The gift of Christ invites us to be generous. You are encouraged to make a gift online. We invite you to give online by clicking below or going to PlymouthChurch.org/GIVE Set up your online gift here >> Offertory Carol Away in a Manger Away in a manger, no crib for his bed, the little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head. The stars in the sky looked down where he lay, the little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay. The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes, but little Lord Jesus no crying he makes. I love thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky, and stay by my cradle till morning is nigh.

The Angels’ Chorus Luke 2:13-14 James Koster And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”

Congregational Carol of Love It Came Upon the Midnight Clear 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 heaven great news we bring.” The world in solemn stillness lay to hear the angels sing. For lo, the days are hastening on, by prophet bards foretold, when with the evercircling years comes round the age of gold, when peace shall over all the earth its ancient splendors fling, and the whole world send back the song which now the angels sing.

Christmas Prayer Carol Younger

Choral Prayer In Dulci Jubilo arr. John Rutter

The Adoration of the Christ Child Luke 2:15-20 Inga Knets When 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.” So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Congregational Carol of Promise O Come, All Ye Faithful 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; O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, O come let us adore him, Christ, the Lord! Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation, sing, all ye citizens of heaven above! Glory to God, all glory in the highest; O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, O come, let us adore him, Christ, the Lord!

Sermon “Like the First Christmas”

Sharing of the Light We share the Christ-light and reflect on how our lives might be light in the world.

Congregational Carol of the First Christmas Silent Night 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, 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.

Benediction