ORDER OF WORSHIP CHRISTMAS EVE ✧We stand as we are able. We speak words in bold together. Preparing for Worship

In joy and faith, we gather this night to celebrate one of the greatest stories of all: Christ the Savior is born! Individually packaged communion elements and candles can be found at the Sanctuary entrance. If you have brought a tangible offering this evening, you may place it in the offering box in the Narthex. If you have a prayer request, please complete a prayer card and leave it in the prayer bowl in the Narthex to be added to our prayer list. Please limit close contact with others and maintain social distance at all times. Share greetings without contact, such as with a wave, finger sign of peace, or hand over heart and head nod. Continue to wear face coverings over both mouth and nose throughout the service, refraining from singing while indoors. Thank you for adhering to these measures to minimize potential exposure or spread of any illness as we covenant together to care for our community. Chiming of the Hour Welcome

Prelude Joy to the World by George Frederick Handel arranged by Mark Hayes Silent Prayer of Preparation Emmanuel, God-with-us most of all tonight, your light lifts up our hearts, our spirits, and our voices. We give you thanks for your long ago and presence with us always. Your hope is more trustworthy than our promises. Your peace is deeper than our prayers. Your joy lifts our spirits in praise. Your love is wider than the chorus of the galaxies, and yet your Star shines on us now as we gather around the manger and celebrate the coming of your light. We welcome you once again to transform and renew our world through Jesus Christ. Amen. Lighting the Christ Candle

Special Music Tell It on the Mountain with Chancel Choir and Praise Kids “She Pondered” by Lisle Gwynn Garrity A Sanctified Art, LLC Traditional Spiritual arranged by Lloyd Larson Used with permission Please prayerfully listen to this carol, holding the song in your heart.

Prayer of Confession God of grace and truth, in Jesus Christ you came among us as light shining in darkness. We confess that we have not welcomed the light, or trusted good news to be good. We have closed our eyes to glory in our midst. Holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray. Cast out our sin and enter in; be born in us today. (silent confession) In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven! Thanks be to God.

Prayer for Illumination

Scripture Reading Isaiah 9:2-7 Anthem Glory to God! Words by Pamela Martin Music by Mark Hayes Quartet: Denise Engelhardt, Jordan Hofmeister, Matt and Elizabeth Milford

Scripture Reading Luke 2:1-20 Silent Night This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. Silent night, holy night! All is calm, all is bright ‘round yon virgin mother and child! Homily Ponder These Things Rev. Elizabeth Lovell Milford 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, ✧Affirmation of Faith from The Nicene Creed Heavenly hosts sing “Alleluia: Christ the Savior is born; Christ the Savior is born!” We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being Silent night, holy night! Son of God, love’s pure light radiant beams from thy holy face, with the Father; through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came With the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord at thy birth, Jesus, Lord at thy birth. down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became truly Silent night, holy night! Wondrous star, lend thy light; with the angels let us sing human. Alleluia to our King: Christ the Savior is born; Christ the Savior is born. The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper ✧ Charge and Benediction Invitation Great Prayer of Thanksgiving and the Lord’s Prayer ✧ Sung Response Joy to the World Breaking the Bread Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her king; Communion of the People Let every heart prepare him room, and heaven and nature sing, After the bread is broken, we will share in communion together. And heaven and nature sing, and heaven, and heaven and nature sing. You may eat the bread and drink the juice separately, or dip your bread into the cup. Please take all communion elements with you as you leave. You may leave your candles in the baskets provided, Music During Communion Gentle Mary Laid Her Child from Piae Cantiones or take them with you to light throughout this season of joy. arranged by Mark Hayes Prayer After Receiving ✧ Sharing the Light of Christ Please follow the direction of the pastor and ushers as we gather outside for candlelight, standing in a designated area by household and continuing to wear face coverings. You may hum or sing quietly as we share the light of Christ. Please remember to only tilt Welcome! We are glad you have chosen to celebrate Christ’s birth with us tonight! In the midst of a very un-lit candles toward the flame. challenging year, we continue to live into our mission: Love Grows Here - Loving through Christ; Becoming Disciples; Serving All. Responding to the Spirit’s lead, we have prioritized our mission ministries during these unique times. Away in a Manger In March, the Jay Weaver Emergency Food Pantry expanded to encompass the entirety of our fellowship hall, Away in a manger, no crib for his bed, the little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head. serving between 75 and 90 families each week with pre-packed food boxes in a minimal contact drive-through. The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay, the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay. We anticipate continuing to provide for the increased need in our community in this way through at least the The cattle are lowing; the poor baby wakes, but little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes. middle of 2021. Our 3 school pantries continue to serve 8 schools in Cherokee County, providing weekend I love thee, Lord Jesus; look down from the sky, and stay by my side until morning is nigh. meal and snack backpacks every Friday. Through Santa’s Caravan, we partnered with local school counselors and social service organizations to provide gifts and food to 202 children in need this year. Along with the Red Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask thee to stay close by me forever and love me, I pray. Cross Blood Drives and other smaller initiatives, we continue to share God’s love in service. Our worship and Bless all the dear children in thy tender care, and fit us for heaven to live with thee there. educational ministries continue in both in-person and online formats as we grow in faith together. Whether we

are connecting via Zoom, YouTube, Facebook, or face-to-face, we know that Christ is in our midst as we offer Hark the Herald Angels Sing, verse 1 praise and reflect on scripture together. To learn more about our ministries, please visit our website, Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn king. www.heritagepres.com, follow us on Facebook, or e-mail [email protected]. Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!” Joyful, all ye nations rise; join the triumph of the skies; Tonight, we celebrate that Jesus is our Emmanuel, God-with-us. The weary world rejoices that even in the with the angelic host proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem!” midst of such unprecedented times, the Savior comes. God is with us, today, tomorrow, and always. Hark!, the Herald Angels Sing, Glory to the newborn King. Merry Christmas! Scripture Reading John 1:1-5

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