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Christmas Eve Holy Eucharist - Fri 12/24/21, 11pm

12/22/2021

Holy Eucharist: The Nativity of Our Lord

Lighting of the Christmas Candle.
God our Father,
today the Saviour is born
and those who live in darkness are seeing a great light.
Help us, who greet the birth of Christ with joy,
to live in the light of your Son
and to share the good news of your love.
We ask this through Jesus Christ,
the light who is coming into the world. Amen

ORGAN PRELUDE
"In Dulce Jubilo" ~J.S.Bach
"On Christmas Night All Christians Sing" ~R. Vaughan Williams
"Of The Fathers Love Begotten"   ~W.Held
"While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks"   ~G.F.Handel

Ringing of the Bell
Processional Hymn: 83 "O Come, All Ye Faithful"  (Verses 1, 2 & 3)

Opening Sentences:
Celebrant: Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
People:       And blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever. Amen

Celebrant: Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen

The Gloria : "Angels We have Heard on High" ~Hymnal 96

Celebrant: The Lord be with you
People:       And with thy spirit
Celebrant: Let us pray

The Collect For the Nativity of our Lord: Christmas Day
Celebrant: O God, you make us glad by the yearly festival of the birth of your only Son Jesus Christ: Grant that we, who joyfully receive him as our Redeemer, may with sure confidence behold him when he comes to be our Judge; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Word of God

The First Lesson: Isaiah 52: 7-10
Lector:
How beautiful upon the mountains
are the feet of the messenger who announces peace,
who brings good news,
who announces salvation,
who says to Zion, "Your God reigns."
Listen! Your sentinels lift up their voices,
together they sing for joy;
for in plain sight they see
the return of the Lord to Zion.
Break forth together into singing,
you ruins of Jerusalem;
for the Lord has comforted his people,
he has redeemed Jerusalem.
The Lord has bared his holy arm
before the eyes of all the nations;
and all the ends of the earth shall see
the salvation of our God.

Lector: (following the lesson) The Word of the Lord
People: Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm: 96 Cantor:    "Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord."
People:   " Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord."
Cantor:       Sing to the Lord a new song;
                   Sing to the Lord, all you lands.
                   Sing to the Lord; Bless his name.
Response: "Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord"
Cantor:       Announce his salvation, day after day.
                   Tell his glory among the nations;
                   Among all peoples, His wondrous deeds.
Response: "Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord"
Cantor:       Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice;
                   Let the sea and what fills it resound;
                   Let the plains be joyful and all that is in them!
                   Then shall all the trees of the forest exult.
Response: "Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord"
Cantor:       They shall exult before the Lord, for he comes;
                   For he comes to rule the earth.
                   He shall rule the world with justice
                   And the peoples with his constancy.
Response: "Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord"

The Second Lesson: Hebrews 1: 1-12
Lector:
Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds. He is the reflection of God's glory and the exact imprint of God's very being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word. When he had made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.
For to which of the angels did God ever say,
"You are my Son;
today I have begotten you"?
Or again,
"I will be his Father,
and he will be my Son"?
And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says,
"Let all God's angels worship him."
Of the angels he says,
"He makes his angels winds,
and his servants flames of fire."
But of the Son he says,
"Your throne, O God, is forever and ever,
and the righteous scepter is the scepter of your kingdom.
You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;
therefore God, your God, has anointed you
with the oil of gladness beyond your companions."
And,
"In the beginning, Lord, you founded the earth,
and the heavens are the work of your hands;
they will perish, but you remain;
they will all wear out like clothing;
like a cloak you will roll them up, and like clothing they will be changed.
But you are the same,
and your years will never end."

Lector: (following the lesson) The Word of the Lord
People: Thanks be to God.

Gospel Acclamation: "Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!"

Celebrant:   The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John.
People:        Glory to you, Lord Christ.

The Gospel: John 1: 1-14
Celebrant:
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.

He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.

And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father's only son, full of grace and truth.

Celebrant: (following the Gospel): The Gospel of the Lord.
People: Praise to you, Lord Christ.

The Sermon: Father Michael Floyd
Prayer before the Sermon: Lord, you have promised that when two or three gather in your name you will be present with them. We depend on that promise today and pray that you will move among us. Lord, we pray that you have inspired Mike's preparation, that you will enliven his presentation, and that you will empower our application. Amen

The Nicene Creed
          We believe in one God,
                   the Father, the Almighty,
                  maker of heaven and earth,
                   of all that is, seen and unseen.
          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 with the Father.
                   Through him all things were made.
                   For us and for our salvation
                   he came down from heaven:
                   by the power of the Holy Spirit
                   he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary,
                   and was made man.
          For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
                   he suffered death and was buried.
                   On the third day he rose again
                   in accordance with the Scriptures;
                   he ascended into heaven
                   and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
                   He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
                   and his kingdom will have no end.
          We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
                   who proceeds from the Father and the Son.
                   With the Father and the Son He is worshiped and glorified.
                   He has spoken through the Prophets.
                   We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
                   We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
                   We look for the resurrection of the dead,
                   and the life of the world to come. Amen

The Prayers
"The Prayers of the People Form VI"   (with additions)
Lector: In peace, we pray to you, Lord God.
          (Silence)
Lector: For all people in their daily life and work;
Response: For our families, friends, and neighbors, and for those who are alone.
Lector: For this community, the nation, and the world;
Response: For all who work for justice, freedom, and peace.
Lector: For the just and proper use of your creation;
Response: For the victims of hunger, fear, injustice, and oppression.
Lector: For all who are in danger, sorrow, or any kind of trouble;
Response: For those who minister to the sick, the friendless, and the needy.
Lector: For the peace and unity of the Church of God;
Response: For all who proclaim the Gospel, and all who seek the Truth.
Lector: For Michael our Presiding Bishop, and Mark, Bill and Arthur, our own Bishops, we pray especially for the election of the new Bishop of Ohio, for all bishops and other ministers, for our own Priest Father Mike. We pray for all the Pastors of Huron, may your hand of blessing be upon them and their congregations.
Response: For all who serve God in his Church.
Lector: For the special needs and concerns of this congregation.
          (Silence)
Lector: Let us turn our hearts to those in need in our Parish and pray for those who need our prayer.
I invite your petitions
                     (The People may add their own petitions)
Lector: Hear us, Lord;
Response: For your mercy is great.
Lector:   We thank you, Lord, for all the blessings of this life.
          (Silence)
Lector: Let us turn our hearts to the blessing which we have received as a Parish and thank the lord for all His blessings. I invite your thanksgivings
                   (The People may add their own thanksgivings)
Lector: We will exalt you, O God our King;
Response: And praise your Name for ever and ever.
Lector: We pray for all who have died, that they may have a place in your eternal kingdom.
I invite your petitions
          (Silence)
Lector:   Lord, let your loving-kindness be upon them;
Response: Who put their trust in you.
Lector: We pray to you also for the forgiveness of our sins.
          (Silence)
Lector and People together:
Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father; in your compassion forgive us our sins, known and unknown, things done and left undone; and so uphold us by your Spirit that we may live and serve you in newness of life, to the honor and glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Absolution
Celebrant:   Almighty God, have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen

The Peace:
Celebrant:   The peace of the Lord be always with you.
People:   And also with you.

Offertory Anthem: "It Came Upon A Midnight Clear" ~Sears/Jensen
The Doxology: (sung) … Hymnal 380: Verse 3
                   (The Collection Plate is Brought Forward)
          Praise God, from whom all blessing flow;
          Praise him, all creatures here below;
          Praise him above, ye heavenly host:
          Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

Collect for the Stewardship of Creation
Officiant: O merciful Creator, your hand is open wide to satisfy the needs of every living creature: Make us always thankful for your loving providence; and grant that we, remembering the account that we must one day give, may be faithful stewards of your good gifts; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

(In the Episcopal Church, all baptized persons, that Christ draws to his table, regardless of denomination, are welcome to receive communion.)

Holy Eucharist Rite II
The Setting of the Table: (soft music)

The Great Thanksgiving
            (you may stand) ... BCP 361
Celebrant: The Lord be with you.
People:       And also with you.
Celebrant:   Lift up your hearts
People:      We lift them to the Lord.
Celebrant: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People:       It is right to give him thanks and praise.

Celebrant:
It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.

For by water and the Holy Spirit you have made us a new people in Jesus Christ our Lord, to show forth your glory in all the world.

Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels, and with all the company of heaven, who for ever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:
Celebrant and People: (sung)
          Holy, holy, holy, Lord, God of power and might,
          heaven and earth are full of your glory.
                   Hosanna in the highest.
          Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
                   Hosanna in the highest.   … R.Proulx

Celebrant Continues:
Holy and gracious Father: In your infinite love you made us for yourself; and, when we had fallen into sin and become subject to evil and death, you, in your mercy, sent Jesus Christ, your only and eternal Son, to share our human nature, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to you, the God and Father of all.
He stretched out his arms upon the cross, and offered himself, in obedience to your will, a perfect sacrifice for the whole world.

On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, "Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me."

After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, "Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me."
Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith:
Celebrant and People:
          Christ has died.
          Christ is risen.
          Christ will come again     … R.Proulx

Celebrant continues:
We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, O Father, in this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Recalling his death, resurrection, and ascension, we offer you these gifts.

Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the Body and Blood of your Son, the holy food and drink of new and unending life in him. Sanctify us also that we may faithfully receive this holy Sacrament, and serve you in unity, constancy, and peace; and at the last day bring us with all your saints into the joy of your eternal kingdom.

All this we ask through your Son Jesus Christ. By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and for ever.

The Great Amen: (sung)
                   Amen, Amen, Amen. … R.Proulx

Celebrant: And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say: (sung)
          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,
                   thine is the power,
                   thine is the glory,
                   for ever and ever.               … Fr. R. Bethancourt

The Breaking of the Bread
            (A period of silence is kept.)

Celebrant: Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;
People:       Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia.

Lamb of God: (sung)   … Vermulst
Together: Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world: have mercy on us.
                  Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world: have mercy on us.
                  Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world: grant us peace.

Celebrant: The Gifts of God for the People of God.
                 Take them in remembrance that Christ died for you,
                 and feed on him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving.

A Prayer for Spiritual Communion: (from the Prayer Book For The Armed Services)
Together: In union, O Lord, with your faithful people at every altar of your Church, where the Holy Eucharist is now being celebrated, I desire to offer to you praise and thanksgiving. I remember your death, Lord Christ; I proclaim your resurrection; I await your coming in glory. Since I cannot receive you today in the Sacrament of your Body and Blood, I beseech you to come spiritually into my heart. Cleanse and strengthen me with your grace, Lord Jesus, and let me never be separated from you. May I live in you, and you in me, in this life and in the life to come.  Amen.

If you wish to intinct please raise your hand and Fr. Mike will pass the wafer to the chalice bearer to intinct for you. If you wish to drink from the chalice, please cross your palms for Father Mike to place the wafer on them.

Communion Hymn: 115 "What Child Is This?"
Communion Meditation: "Sleep, Holy Child" ~T.Weed

Post Communion Thanksgiving:
Celebrant: Let us pray.
Together:  Eternal God, heavenly Father, you have graciously accepted us as living members of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, and you have fed us with spiritual food in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood. Send us now into the world in peace, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve you with gladness and singleness of heart; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Celebrant: The blessing of God Almighty the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
                   be upon you and remain with you always. Amen

Recessional Hymn: 100 "Joy To The World The Lord Has Come"

Prelude: "Angels We Have Heard On High"   … D. Wood

The Flowers on the Altar today are donated by Suzanne Hartley.

We use the Revised Common Lectionary for reading selections, Track 1.
The Bible texts of the Old Testament, Epistle and Gospel lessons are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA, and used by permission. The Collects, Psalms and Canticles are from the Book of Common Prayer, 1979.

Serving at Christ Church this morning:
Celebrant: The Reverend Michael S, Floyd
Organist/Choir Director: Jim Petersen
Altar Guild: Lucy Bille
Videographer: Paul Bauman
Greeter/Usher: Chuck Bille
Acolyte / Gospel Book: Lucy Bille
Acolyte / Cross: Tom Wells
Cantor: Mary Trout
Ringing of the Bells: Bob DuBray
Lector: Fiona Floyd
Chalice Bearers: Mary Trout / Fiona Floyd

Lessons and Carols - Friday 12/24/21, 7pm

12/22/2021

Prelude:   "In Dulce Jubilo" ~ J.S. Bach

Ringing of the Bell

Hymn: 96 "Angels We Have Heard On High"

Celebrant: "Beloved in Christ, at this Christmas-tide let it be our care and delight to hear again the message of the angels, and in heart and mind to go even unto Bethlehem and see this thing which is come to pass, and the Babe lying in a manger.

Therefore let us read and mark in Holy Scripture the tale of the loving purposes of God from the first days of our disobedience unto the glorious Redemption brought us by this Holy Child.

But first, let us pray for the needs of the whole world; for peace on earth and goodwill among all his people; for unity and brotherhood within the Church he came to build, and especially in this our diocese.

And because this would rejoice his heart, let us remember, in his name, the poor and helpless, the cold, the hungry, and the oppressed; the sick and them that mourn, the lonely and the unloved, the aged and the little children; all those who know not the Lord Jesus, or who love him not, or who by sin have grieved his heart of love.

Lastly, let us remember before God all those who rejoice with us, but upon another shore, and in a greater light, that multitude which no man can number, whose hope was in the Word made flesh, and with whom in the Lord Jesus we are one for evermore.

These prayers and praises let us humbly offer up to the Throne of Heaven, in the words which Christ himself hath taught us:

Celebrant: The Lord be with you
People: And also with you

Celebrant: Let us pray
Together:    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 for ever and ever. Amen.

The First Lesson (Steve Terry): Genesis 3: 8-15
          "God announces in the Garden of Eden that the seed of woman shall bruise
          the serpent's head"
8 They heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden at the time of the evening breeze, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. 9 But the Lord God called to the man, and said to him, “Where are you?” 10 He said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.” 11 He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” 12 The man said, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit from the tree, and I ate.” 13 Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this that you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent tricked me, and I ate.” 14 The Lord God said to the serpent,
“Because you have done this,
    cursed are you among all animals
    and among all wild creatures;
upon your belly you shall go,
    and dust you shall eat
    all the days of your life.
15 I will put enmity between you and the woman,
    and between your offspring and hers;
he will strike your head,
    and you will strike his heel.”    NRSV

Reader: (following the lesson) The Word of the Lord
People: Thanks be to God.

The Second Lesson (Sharon Miller): Genesis 22: 15-18
          "God promises to faithful Abraham that in his seed shall the nations of the
          earth be blessed."
15 The angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time from heaven, 16 and said, “By myself I have sworn, says the Lord: Because you have done this, and have not withheld your son, your only son, 17 I will indeed bless you, and I will make your offspring as numerous as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate of their enemies, 18 and by your offspring shall all the nations of the earth gain blessing for themselves, because you have obeyed my voice.” NRSV

Reader: (following the lesson) The Word of the Lord
People: Thanks be to God.

Hymn: 102 "Once in Royal David's City"

The Third Lesson (Fiona Floyd): Isaiah 9: 2 & 6-7
          "Christ's birth and kingdom are foretold by Isaiah."
2  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.
6 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.
7 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. NRSV

Reader: (following the lesson) The Word of the Lord
People: Thanks be to God.

The Fourth Lesson (Suzy Smercina):   Isaiah 11: 1-9
          "The peace that Christ will bring is foreshown."
1 A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse,
    and a branch shall grow out of his roots.
2 The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him,
    the spirit of wisdom and understanding,
    the spirit of counsel and might,
    the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.
3 His delight shall be in the fear of the Lord.
He shall not judge by what his eyes see,
    or decide by what his ears hear;
4 but with righteousness he shall judge the poor,
    and decide with equity for the meek of the earth;
he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth,
    and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked.
5 Righteousness shall be the belt around his waist,
    and faithfulness the belt around his loins.
6 The wolf shall live with the lamb,
    the leopard shall lie down with the kid,
the calf and the lion and the fatling together,
    and a little child shall lead them.
7 The cow and the bear shall graze,
    their young shall lie down together;
    and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.
8 The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp,
    and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder’s den.
9 They will not hurt or destroy
    on all my holy mountain;
for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord
    as the waters cover the sea.     NRSV

Reader: (following the lesson) The Word of the Lord
People: Thanks be to God.

Hymn: 101 "Away In a Manger"

The Fifth Lesson (Jim Petersen): Isaiah 60: 1-6 & 19
          "The prophet in exile foresees the coming of the glory of the Lord."
1 Arise, shine; for your light has come,
    and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
2 For darkness shall cover the earth,
    and thick darkness the peoples;
but the Lord will arise upon you,
    and his glory will appear over you.
3 Nations shall come to your light,
    and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
4 Lift up your eyes and look around;
    they all gather together, they come to you;
your sons shall come from far away,
    and your daughters shall be carried on their nurses’ arms.
5 Then you shall see and be radiant;
    your heart shall thrill and rejoice,[a]
because the abundance of the sea shall be brought to you,
    the wealth of the nations shall come to you.
6 A multitude of camels shall cover you,
    the young camels of Midian and Ephah;
    all those from Sheba shall come.
They shall bring gold and frankincense,
    and shall proclaim the praise of the Lord.
19 The sun shall no longer be
    your light by day,
nor for brightness shall the moon
    give light to you by night;
but the Lord will be your everlasting light,
    and your God will be your glory.     NRSV

Reader: (following the lesson) The Word of the Lord
People: Thanks be to God.

The Sixth Lesson (Paul Bauman):   Luke 2: 1-7
          "St. Luke tells the birth of Jesus."
1 In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 All went to their own towns to be registered. 4 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. 5 He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 7 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.   NRSV

Reader: (following the lesson) The Word of the Lord
People: Thanks be to God.

Hymn: 115 “What Child Is This, Who, Laid To Rest”

The Seventh Lesson (Barry Vermeeren):   Luke 2: 8-16
          "The shepherds go to the manger"
8 In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 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: 11 to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” 13 And 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 he favors!”
15 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.” 16 So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger.   NRSV

Reader: (following the lesson) The Word of the Lord
People: Thanks be to God.

The Eighth Lesson (Bruce Miller):   Matthew 2: 1-11
          "The wise men are led by the star to Jesus"
1 In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” 3 When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:
6 ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
    are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
    who is to shepherd my people Israel.’”
7 Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. 8 Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.” 9 When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. 11 On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.       NRSV

Reader: (following the lesson) The Word of the Lord
People: Thanks be to God.

Ninth Lesson (Father Mike): John 1: 1-14
          "St. John unfolds the great mystery of the Incarnation"
Celebrant: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John.
People: Glory to you, Lord Christ.

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being 4 in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.

6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. 8 He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. 9 The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.

10 He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. 12 But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.

14 And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.     NRSV

Celebrant: (following the Gospel): The Gospel of the Lord.
People: Praise to you, Lord Christ.

Hymn: 100 "Joy To The World! The Lord Is Come"

Celebrant: May He who by His Incarnation gathered into one things earthly and heavenly, fill you with the sweetness of inward peace and goodwill; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be upon you and remain with you always. Amen

Postlude: "Angels We Have Heard On High" ~D. Wood

Retiring Offering:
You have an opportunity to put your offering in the collection plate as you leave the service.

* * * * * *
The Flowers on the Altar today are donated by Suzanne Hartley

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve Holy Eucharist - Fri 12/24/21, 11pm

Lessons and Carols - Friday 12/24/21, 7pm

Christ Church

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