Nativity of Our Lord Thursday, December 24, 2020 – 9:00 P.M

Nativity of Our Lord Thursday, December 24, 2020 – 9:00 p.m. Sacrament of Holy Communion and Lighting of the Christ Candle

Welcome to our worship service this evening.

This evening’s service will be posted in its entirety to our church Facebook page for those unable to be with us.

Due to COVID restrictions, please respond in a quiet manner to the bold print throughout the service; also there is no singing permitted at this time of the pandemic. Please remain in your seats with masks worn over the nose and mouth during the service for the safety of all. Restrooms are available in Luther Hall only and are disinfected after each use.

If you need assistance opening your prepackaged communion cup, please raise your hand and, after sanitizing their hands, an usher will come to your aid. Please do not ask someone near you for assistance unless they are from your same household.

For those able to do so, offerings will be most appreciated. As you exit the sanctuary this evening, you may place your offering in the plate. Offerings may also be forwarded by mail or brought to the church office, but please call ahead (610-377-4303).

PRELUDE MUSIC Susan Lovejoy, Minister of Music

Carols at the Piano: While By My Sheep - German carol Silent Night - Gruber As Lately We Watched - Austrian Carol Away in a Manger - arr. Murray Rejoice and Be Merry - English carol Ding Dong! Merrily on High - arr Ray

Carols at the Organ: O Come, all Ye Faithful - attr. Wade Away in a Manger - arr. Lau Hark, the Herald Angels Sing - Mendelssohn Lovely Child, Holy Child - Southern Folk, arr Johnson Good Christian Friends, Rejoice! - German Carol

THE CHRISTMAS PROCLAMATION Please stand as you are able. The lights are slightly dimmed as the assembly listens and the Christmas proclamation is read by the assisting minister.

Many ages from the time when God created the heavens and the earth and then formed man and woman in his own image; long after the great flood, when God made the rainbow shine forth as a sign of the covenant; twenty-one centuries from the time the promise was given to Abraham and Sarah; thirteen centuries after Moses led the people of Israel out of Egypt and Miriam danced in freedom; eleven hundred years from the time of Ruth and the judges; one thousand years from the anointing of David as king, in fulfillment of the times and years and months and days discerned by the prophets; in the one hundred and ninety-fourth Olympiad; the seven hundred and fifty-second year from the foundation of the city of Rome; the forty-second year of the reign of Octavian Augustus; while the whole world enjoyed a span of peace, Jesus Christ, eternal God and Son of the eternal Father, desiring to sanctify the world by his most merciful coming, being conceived by the Holy Spirit and nine months of growth in the womb of his mother—now in our own times is the nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ, God made flesh.

INTRODUCTION The presiding minister continues: On this winter night, we welcome the light of the Christ child. Isaiah declares that the light of the long-promised king will illumine the world and bring endless peace and justice. St. Paul reminds us that the grace of God through Jesus Christ brings salvation to all people. The angels declare that Jesus’ birth is good and joyful news for everyone, including lowly shepherds. Filled with this light that shines in our lives, we worship and share the light of Christ with the whole world.

CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS Please remain standing as you are able. All may make the sign of the cross, the sign that is marked at baptism, as the presiding minister continues.

Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God, who was in the beginning, who makes a dwelling among us, who covers us with justice and mercy. Amen

Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another.

The assembly may kneel or sit as able.

God of goodness and lovingkindness, we confess that we have sinned against you and our neighbors. We have turned away from your invitation to new life. We have turned away from the lowly and downtrodden. In your abundant mercy, forgive us our sins, those we know and those known only to you, for the sake of the one who came to live among us, Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen

The presiding minister announces God’s forgiveness.

Dear people of God, hear the good news of peace and salvation!

As a called and ordained minister of the church of Christ and by his authority, I, therefore, declare to you the entire forgiveness of all your sins, in the name of the Father, + the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Please stand as you are able. APOSTOLIC GREETING FOR CHRISTMAS EVE The assisting minister greets the assembly; all reply in the bold print.

On this holy night, may 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.

PRAYER OF THE DAY The assisting minister continues with the prayer of the day. 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

FIRST READING Isaiah 9:2-7 This poem promises deliverance from Assyrian oppression, a hope based on the birth of a royal child with a name full of promise. While Judah’s king will practice justice and righteousness, the real basis for faith lies in God’s passion for the people: The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this!

The reading is announced: A reading from Isaiah.

2The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness— on them light has shined. 3You 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. 4For 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. 5For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. 6For 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. 7His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne and dominion of David, to 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.

The reading is concluded: Word of God, Word of Life. Thanks be to God.

SECOND 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.

The reading is announced: A reading from Titus

11The 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 5 manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. 14It is Jesus Christ who gave himself for us to redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds. . The reading is concluded: Word of God, Word of Life. Thanks be to God.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION The gospel acclamation is read in unison. Please stand as you are able.

Alleluia! “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.” Alleluia!

THE HOLY GOSPEL Luke 2:1-14 [15-20] God’s greatest gift comes as a baby in a manger. Angels announce the “good news of great joy” and proclaim God’s blessing of peace.

The gospel is announced: The Holy Gospel according to St. Luke. The assembly responds: 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 God 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 reading is concluded: The Gospel of the Lord. The assembly responds: Praise to you, O Christ. The assembly is seated.

THE CHRISTMAS MESSAGE The Reverend Nancy L. Moore The following is a reflection on the readings for those unable to be physically present at our service this evening or those without internet access to Facebook to view our worship service.

“Jesus Christ is the Light that shines in our darkness, the grace of God that has appeared among us, the Prince of Peace in a warring world. This night we celebrate all these things, knowing our own need for them. Our liturgy uses an old Israelite text from Isaiah, probably originally spoken at the enthronement of a local king. But no king ever fulfilled what was spoken in that text. Rather, it is in Jesus Christ that there is a promise of the end of burdens placed on oppressed people and the end of 7 garments rolled in blood. The Gospel tells of the reign of the Roman Emperor, evidencing how he violently pushed people around. But the child whose birth is told in this story has his bed among the poor in their need, sharing their weakness. In contrast with Augustus, a far more profound authority for “all the world” belongs to him. In the end this Jesus Christ reigns from the cross and brings peace in his resurrection. The story says there was no room for him in the inn. With Mary, we rightly welcome him and this story into our hearts.”

(An excerpt from “Worship in the Home,” a resource of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, during the COVID-19 pandemic, with contributing authors, the Rev. Dr. Gordon Lathrop, Professor Emeritus of Liturgy & Worship and Gail Ramshaw, historian and theologian of Christian liturgy.)

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION Please stand as you are able for the prayers. The presiding minister calls the assembly to prayer. The assembly reads the bold print.

As we celebrate this Christmas Eve, let us praise God for the birth of our Savior and pray for all in need, responding to each petition with the words “Your mercy is great.”

The assisting minister continues. Mighty and merciful God, we praise you for bringing your Word to birth among us. Strengthen with your Spirit all the baptized, so that even where the faithful cannot assemble for worship, the whole church can together honor the birth of Jesus. Hear us, O God our Redeemer. Your mercy is great.

We praise you for your created earth, the stars in the sky, the animals in stables, the flocks in the fields. Show us your majesty in the brightness of day and the darkness of night. Rouse our care for your magnificent creation. Hear us, O God our Creator. Your mercy is great.

We praise you for each day that knows peace and welcomes justice. Inspire leaders of nations to seek harmony where there is war and violence. Guard ambassadors and relief workers the world over. Visit both the Palestinians and the Israelis, and protect the many peoples who live under military rule. Make our own streets avenues of peace. Hear us, O God our Sovereign. Your mercy is great.

We praise you for the benefits of light available in our homes and shining on our trees. Accompany those who labor in the darkness on behalf of others. Hear us, O God our Light. Your mercy is great.

We praise you for new parents with their newborns and for the joys of families of every shape and size. Visit the homes where there is sickness or sorrow. Abide with all people who live isolated from others. Bless the children who this year receive no gifts or have very little. Hear us, O God our Treasure. Your mercy is great.

We praise you for every sign of your loving presence, and we pray for all who suffer, especially those on our prayer lists and those we name in our hearts silently before you now… Heal the sick. Feed the hungry. Shelter the homeless and the refugee. Visit those in prison. Comfort mourners, especially at this time of pandemic throughout our world. Hear us, O God our Savior. Your mercy is great.

The presiding minister continues: Blessed are you, O Lord our God. As the temperatures grow colder and the snow flies, you continue to set before us the gifts of your good creation. Prepare us and send us forth to serve in the midst of a suffering world and bless the offerings we present to you this evening that we may help those in need. Hear us, O God our provider. Your mercy is great.

For all veterans, that they may receive the care and support they so need, and for those separated from family and friends as they serve in the Armed Forces around the world, especially on this night, so we may continue living daily in peace. Hear us, O God our protector. Your mercy is great.

We praise you for the continued development of coronavirus vaccines and for safe distribution efforts. We pray for the millions who are afflicted with Covid-19. Uphold physicians, nurses, and all health care workers, and provide medical facilities for everyone. Hear us, O God our Healer. Your mercy is great.

We praise you for all the saints who have proclaimed your glory in word and deed, especially those we dearly miss and remember in our hearts before you now… With them, let us praise your holy name, now and forever. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

To you, Mighty God, Prince of peace, wonderful Counselor, we offer our praises for your grace upon grace. Receive our prayers in the name of the one who was born to live and die and rise again for us, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION

All baptized Christians are invited to receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion. For all children who have not yet enrolled in 1st Holy Communion instruction, Pastor Moore will give a “contactless” blessing prior to the Distribution.

THE GREAT THANKSGIVING At this time, please remove the votive candle and set it aside for lighting at the end of the service.

Now, in reverence of the Holy Sacrament, please remove the prepackaged communion cup from the plastic baggie and hold the unopened, individual cup in the palm of your hand. The presiding minister continues.

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.

Holy, mighty, and merciful Lord, heaven and earth are full of your glory. In great love you sent to us Jesus, your Son, who reached out to heal the sick and suffering, who preached good news to the poor, and who, on the cross, opened his arms to all.

THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE The presiding minister continues in prayer. The assembly reads the bold print.

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.

THE WORDS OF INSTITUTION 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 hold fast to the mystery of faith: For with this bread and with this cup, we remember your Word dwelling among us, full of grace and truth. Amen

THE LORD’S PRAYER The assisting minister introduces the Lord’s Prayer. A bell is rung for each of the seven petitions. Gathered into one by the Holy Spirit, let us pray as Jesus taught us.

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 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

INVITATION TO COMMUNION The presiding minister breaks the bread and proclaims the miracle set before us.

Joy to the world! Let every heart receive forgiveness, salvation and peace! Amen

The assembly is seated.

BLESSING OF THE CHILDREN Parent(s) and Caregiver(s) are requested to place a hand upon the head of the child or children with you as the Pastor blesses the children. May the message of the angels, be a blessing for all the children of the world this night. May they walk in the light of Jesus, our Protector and Prince of Peace, in the name of the Father,  the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

THE DISTRIBUTION The presiding minister continues. At this time, please open the top layer of the prepackaged communion cup and remove the wafer.

The body of Christ, given for you. Amen All may eat of the wafer making the sign  of the cross as a remembrance of your baptism.

At this time, please open the second layer of the prepackaged communion cup.

The blood of Christ, shed for you. Amen All may drink of the cup making the sign  of the cross as a remembrance of your baptism.

(We ask that you place the used communion containers and wrappers into the plastic baggie, seal it closed, and dispose of it into the designated bin on your way out of the sanctuary morning.)

BLESSING AFTER COMMUNION Please stand as you are able. The presiding minister continues with the blessing after Communion. The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, bless you and keep in his grace. Amen

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION The assisting minister begins; all read the bold print. We give you thanks, gracious God, that you have once again fed us with the body and blood of Christ. Through this mystery of faith, send us forth to proclaim your promise to a world in need, through the same Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen

LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE The Christ candle in the center of our Advent wreath symbolizes the Light of the World and will be lit by the Pastor as “Silent Night” is played on the organ. Please remain standing as you are able. THE CHRISTMAS PRAYER The Pastor begins; the assembly reads the bold print. God made the stars in the heavens. We give our thanks for the Light that shines upon us in Christ, the bright morning star.

At this time, the assembly may light the small votive candle representing the Light of Christ. The presiding minister continues. The assembly reads the bold print.

Let us pray: Through the One who came down from heaven there was life, and the Life was the Light of humanity; may this true light enlighten everyone coming into this world.

For the people who walked in darkness have seen a Great Light, they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them has the Light shined.

We pray, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among all with whom the Lord is well pleased. For unto us, indeed, a child is born, to us a Son is given. Let the glory of the Lord be revealed that all shall see it together.

Arise and shine; for your Light has come! And the glory of the Lord shone upon us.

Give light to those still in darkness; and guide our feet into the way of peace.

For Jesus said, “I am the Light of the World.” Those who follow him shall not walk in darkness, but shall have eternal life!

This is, indeed, our Christmas prayer, O God, that all may be healed and fed, for God’s comfort and grace surely shines down upon us this Holy Night,

For a child has been born for us, a son given to us. All authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Amen

At the conclusion of the Christmas Prayer, please let your candle remain lit for the Christmas Blessing and moment of silent prayer. 15

SENDING CHRISTMAS BLESSING The presiding minister proclaims God’s blessing to the assembly.

And now, may Almighty God, who sent the Holy Spirit to Mary, proclaimed joy through the angels, sent the shepherds with good news, bless you this night, in the name of the Father, ☩ the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen

As the lights are dimmed, all may kneel or sit as able for a moment of silent prayer, as the altar candles are extinguished.

DISMISSAL Please stand as you are able for the dismissal. The assisting minister sends us forth in mission.

To observe the required physical distancing, please remain in your pew during the postlude until dismissed by an usher. Please remember to take your votive candle home with you and let it shine for all to see.

Go in peace. Share the gift of Jesus! Thanks be to God.

POSTLUDE Susan Lovejoy, Minister of Music Joy to the World - Handel, arr. Whitworth

Copyright © 2020 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #SAS004470. “Worship in the Home,” a resource of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, during the COVID-19 pandemic, with contributing authors, the Rev. Dr. Gordon Lathrop, Professor Emeritus of Liturgy & Worship and Gail Ramshaw, historian and theologian of Christian liturgy.

This concludes our worship service for this evening. Please follow the directives of our ushers as you exit the sanctuary to observe the required physical distancing. Your cooperation is appreciated. 16

Offerings may be placed in the offering plate(s) at the rear of the sanctuary as you depart.

Please dispose of the sealed plastic Communion baggies into the designated bin as you depart.

Don’t forget: You may take your votive candle home to place the Light of Christ in your home.

We invite you to check in frequently on our website for updates and on our church Facebook page for the Morning Psalm and Prayer and be sure to check out our Bible stories for the children every Sunday throughout our winter break until Transfiguration Sunday on the church’s Facebook page. Our Sunday School Staff and Pastor Moore will be taking turns doing the recordings. Tune in every Sunday after 10:30 am to watch the videos!

PLEASE remember to RSVP for next week’s service by 4pm Thursday afternoon so we may prepare for all in advance by calling the church office 610-377-4303 or via email [email protected].

If you do not know your schedule for Sunday, please feel free to contact us via Facebook Messenger to see if there is space available.

Throughout the 12 days of Christmas and beyond, all are invited to keep the following in prayer: Our Members: Nancy Andreas, Darryl Arner, Barbara Balliet, Arlene Bernek, Anna Butrie, Martha Connor, Eileen Getz, Lisa Gibson, Ruth Gibson, Rae Grow, Rory Jean Hager, Kyle Haupt, Jay Kester, Deb Kunkle, Melvin Muffley, Virginia Owens, Lisa Radler- Clairmont, Louise Roth, Doris Schaeffer, Chad Serfass, Herbert Werner, Joanne Werner & Francis Yaroszeufski. 17

Family and Friends of Trinity: Mark Bennyhoff, Bill Berger, Dennis Bonser, Ellen Bortz, Jeff Boyer, Harry Burton, Rachel Dunaway, Brenda Eckley, Megan Eisenhard, Arline Fasching, Kim Gerhard, Faith Gigli, Eunice Hansler, Jill Heather, Doyle Heffley, Dan Hontz, Michael Houston, Cody Jackson, Bonnie Jamison, Paisley Jurinko, Nancy Keiser, Brookes Kursch, Bruce Laub, Jr., Janna Maxon, Michelle Nothstein, Jim Patterson, Richard Penrod, Jacob Luis Ramos, Marcia Reidenhour, Tom Reidenhour, Jaime Roche, Lisa Roche, Marilyn Rontz, Dr. David Roth, Thomas Roth, Carol Schaeffer, Chris Schmidt, Randy Semmel, Sandra Serfass, Mike Snyder, Reilly Steidle & Emma Weaver

Wishing you all a very joyous and meaningful Christmas and a healthy and blessed New Year to you and your family from the staff of Trinity and their families.

Drive Thru New Year’s Day Pork & Sauerkraut Community Dinner sponsored by Trinity’s Hospitality Committee Friday, January 1, 2021 (Snow date: Saturday, January 2nd)

Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church 175 S. Third Street, Lehighton

Due to Covid restrictions, this event is by drive- thru pick-up only. Reservations are required.

Call the church office at 610-377-4303 Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. by Wednesday, December 30th to RSVP and specify your pick-up time either Noon-1:00 p.m. or 1–2:00 p.m.

For the safety of all, you must remain in your car and wear a mask.

Enter the drive thru by proceeding down the alley behind the church from South Street and turn right onto Iron Street in front of Jack & Jill Preschool.

A free will offering would be appreciated to help offset the cost of the dinner.

NEW CHRISMONS …

We have 2 new additions for Trinity’s Christmas tree. ... the lyre (harp) & the donkey.

Carolyn Long made the lyre. Exquisitely beautiful addition! The harp/lyre is the music played to please God. Imagine young King David, the original liturgical dancer, singing, leaping & praising. The middle section is—in an abstract, artful way--the Sea of Galilee. One needs to lean your head or turn/pivot the lyre/harp to visualize it. It's along the shores where locations such as Capernum is located (the place where adult Jesus was thought to have lived). It's along the shoreline where the feedings took place, where the Beatitudes were preached, where Peter was told he is the "rock". & so much more.

Mary Ann Hazel made the donkey. The donkey is a symbol of suffering, service, peace, humility. A very pregnant Mary rode one before giving birth to Jesus. A donkey is prominent on Palm Sunday as Jesus enters Jerusalem.

Thank you Mary Ann and Carolyn for your gift !

If you wish to put yourself, a friend or loved one on the church or private prayer list, please call the church office

Please note: It is important that you get permission from the person placed on the list due to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). The name will be placed on the list for 30 days unless we receive an update.