www.rlcplano.org (972) 867‐0460 1919 Independence Parkway,
Plano, TX, 75075 Resurrection
Lutheran Church Christmas Eve Service
December 24, 2014
Worship—7:00 pm & 11:00 pm
Celebrating the Risen Christ through Acts of Love, Care and Justice
Pre-Service Music
Proclamation
Entrance Hymn:
“O, Come, All Ye Faithful”
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1 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:
sing in exultation,
sing, all ye citizens of heaven above!
Glory to God
in the highest:
Refrain
Refrain
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
Christ the Lord!
4 Yea, Lord, we greet thee,
born this happy morning;
Jesus, to thee be glory giv'n!
Word of the Father,
now in flesh appearing:
Refrain
2 The highest, most holy,
light of light eternal,
born of a virgin, a mortal he comes;
Son of the Father
now in flesh appearing!
Refrain
3 Sing, choirs of angels,
Greeting
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.
Hymn of Praise:
“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”
1 Hark! The herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn king;
peace on earth, and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled."
Joyful, all you nations, rise;
join the triumph of the skies;
with angelic hosts proclaim,
"Christ is born in Bethlehem!"
Refrain
Hark! The herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn king!"
3 Hail the heav'n-born Prince of
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peace!
Hail the Sun of righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings,
ris'n with healing in his wings.
Mild he lays his glory by,
born that we no more may die,
born to raise each child of earth,
born to give us second birth.
Refrain
Prayer of the Day
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us pray.
Great and glorious God, you have sent us a sign of our salvation hidden in the humility of
a baby in a manger. Open our ears and our hearts to the good news of this event: that, like
the shepherds of old, we may behold this thing that has come to pass, and praise and glorify
you. In the name of the Christ-child we pray. Amen
“Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light”
J.S. Bach
WORD
First Reading: Micah 5:2-5a
2
But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah,
who are one of the little clans of Judah,
from you shall come forth for me
one who is to rule in Israel,
whose origin is from of old,
from ancient days.
3
Therefore he shall give them up until the
timewhen she who is in labor has brought forth;
then the rest of his kindred shall return
to the people of Israel.
4
And he shall stand and feed his flock in the
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strength of the LORD,
in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God.
And they shall live secure, for now he shall be
greatto the ends of the earth; 5and he shall be the
one of peace.
(7:00pm) Sounds of Joy Fantasia on “Forest Green”
(11:00) Hymn:
“O Little Town of Bethlehem” (verse 1,3 & 4)
1 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.
3 How silently, how silently
the wondrous gift is giv'n!
So God imparts to human hearts
the blessings of his heav'n.
No ear may hear his coming;
but, in this world of sin,
where meek souls will receive him, still
the dear Christ enters in.
4 O holy child of Bethlehem,
Lloyd Larson
descend to us, we pray;
cast out our sin, and enter in,
be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels
the great glad tidings tell;
oh, come to us, abide with us,
our Lord Immanuel!
Titus 2: 11-14
Second Reading:
11
For the 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
(Chancel Choir)
the manifestation of the glory of our great God
and Savior, Jesus Christ. 14He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own
who are zealous for good deeds.
“Before the Marvel of this Night”
Gospel Reading: Luke 2:1-18
In the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was governor of
Judea, and Herod was ruler of Galilee, and his
brother Philip ruler of the region of Ituraea and
Trachonitis, and Lysanias ruler of Abilene, 2during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas,
the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in
the wilderness. 3He went into all the region around
the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance
for the forgiveness of sins, 4as it is written in the
book of the words of the prophet Isaiah, "The
voice of one crying out in the wilderness: 'Prepare
the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
5
Every valley shall be filled, and every
mountain and hill shall be made low, and the
crooked shall be made straight, and the rough
ways made smooth; 6and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.'"
7
John said to the crowds that came out to
be baptized by him, "You brood of vipers! Who
warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8Bear
fruits worthy of repentance. Do not begin to say to
yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our ancestor';
for I tell you, God is able from these stones to
raise up children to Abraham. 9Even now the ax is
lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore
that does not bear good fruit is cut down and
thrown into the fire."
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Carl Schalk
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who has none; and whoever has food must do
likewise." 12Even tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, "Teacher, what should
we do?" 13He said to them, "Collect no more than
the amount prescribed for you." 14Soldiers also
asked him, "And we, what should we do?" He said
to them, "Do not extort money from anyone by
threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with
your wages."
15
As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah,
16
John answered all of them by saying, "I
baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the
thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the
Holy Spirit and fire. 17His winnowing fork is in
his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather
the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will
burn with unquenchable fire."
18
So, with many other exhortations, he proclaimed the good news to the people. 19But Herod
the ruler, who had been rebuked by him because
of Herodias, his brother's wife, and because of all
the evil things that Herod had done, 20added to
them all by shutting up John in prison.
10
And the crowds asked him, "What then
should we do?" 11In reply he said to them,
"Whoever has two coats must share with anyone
The Gospel of the Lord. Thanks be to God!
Sermon
Hymn:
Pastor Dave Seddelmeyer
“Joy to the World”
1 Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her king;
let ev'ry heart prepare him room
and heav'n and nature sing,
and heav'n and nature sing,
and heav'n, and heav'n
and nature sing.
2 Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns!
Let all their songs employ,
while fields and floods,
rocks, hills, and plains
repeat the sounding joy,
repeat the sounding joy,
repeat, repeat the sounding joy.
3 No more let sin and sorrow grow
nor thorns infest the ground;
he comes to make
his blessings flow
far as the curse is found,
far as the curse is found,
far as, far as the curse is found.
4 He rules the world
with truth and grace
and makes the nations prove
the glories of his righteousness
and wonders of his love,
and wonders of his love,
and wonders, wonders of his love.
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Nicene Creed We confess our faith with the words of 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,
was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary
and became truly human.
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,*
who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified,
who 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.
Prayers of the People
Rejoicing in the light of Christ that shines upon us, we pray for the church, the world, and all
according to their needs.
...Lord , in your mercy
hear our prayer.
Hear our hopes and prayers of our hearts on this holy night, O God, and magnify our joy at the
birth of your Light among us, Jesus Christ our Savior.
Amen
Peace
The peace of Christ be with you always.
And also with you.
Musical Offering
(Chancel Choir)
“The Holly and the Ivy”
Offertory Hymn:
“What Child is This” (verse 1 & 3)
1 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 laud,
the babe, the son of Mary!
3 So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh;
come, peasant, king, to own him.
The King of kings salvation brings;
let loving hearts enthrone him.
Raise, raise the song on high,
the virgin sings her lullaby;
joy, joy, for Christ is born,
the babe, the son of Mary!
John Rutter
ELW #296 Offertory Prayer:
God of wonder, we offer you these humble gifts,
signs of your goodness and mercy.
Receive them with our gratitude,
that through us all people may know
the riches of your love in the Word-made-flesh. Amen
The Great Thanksgiving
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 Babe of Bethlehem.
Most holy and precious child;
you were born in a manger and died on a cross.
Your birth was announced by angels
as you were visited by shepherds and kings.
Our hearts are filled with joy and thanksgiving
as we come before your table of grace
ready to receive your gift to us.
While we are not worthy to receive, you freely give,
askingonlythatweopenourhands
andreceiveandjoinourheartsandhandswithyou.
“Angels We Have Heard on High” (verse 3 only)
3
Come to Bethlehem and see
him whose birth the angels sing;
come, adore on bended knee
Christ the Lord, the newborn king. Refrain
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Words of Institution
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial
and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours,
now and forever. Amen
Communion
At Resurrection, we observe open communion. All baptized Christians who believe Christ comes to them in the
sacrament of Holy Communion are welcome at His table.



Ushers will guide you to the altar steps from a side aisle.
Non-communing children are invited to come forward for a blessing.
All who come forward have the option of communing from the common chalice or an individual cup of wine.
Apple juice is available in the cups at the center of the trays.
(7:00pm) Sounds of Joy
“Still, Still, Still”
“Away in a Manger”
1 Away in a manger, no crib for his bed,
the little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head;
the stars in the bright sky looked down where
he lay, the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.
2 The cattle are lowing; the baby awakes,
but little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes.
I love you, Lord Jesus; look down from the
sky and stay by my cradle till morning is nigh.
3 Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask you to stay
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close by me forever and love me, I pray.
Bless all the dear children in your tender care
and fit us for heaven, to live with you there.
“It Came Upon a Midnight Clear”
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whose forms are bending low,
who toil along the climbing way
with painful steps and slow:
look now, for glad and golden hours
come swiftly on the wing;
oh, rest beside the weary road
and hear the angels sing!
1 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 heav'n's all-gracious king."
The world in solemn stillness lay
to hear the angels sing.
2 Still through the cloven skies they come
with peaceful wings unfurled,
and still their heav'nly music floats
o'er all the weary world.
Above its sad and lowly plains
they bend on hov'ring wing,
and ever o'er its babel sounds
the blessed angels sing.
3 And you, beneath life's crushing load,
4 For lo! The days are hast'ning on,
by prophets seen of old,
when with the ever-circling years
shall come the time foretold,
when peace shall over all the earth
its ancient splendors fling,
and all the world give back the song
which now the angels sing.
“The First Noel”
1 The first Noel the angel did say
was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they
lay; in fields where they lay, keeping their
sheep, on a cold winter's night that was so
deep.
Refrain
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel!
Born is the King of Israel.
2 They looked up and saw a star
shining in the east beyond them far;
and to the earth it gave great light,
and so it continued both day and night.
Refrain
3 And by the light of that same star
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three wise men came from country far;
to seek for a king was their intent, and to
follow the star wherever it went. Refrain
4 This star drew near to the northwest,
o'er Bethlehem it took its rest;
and there it did both stop and stay
right over the place where Jesus lay.
Refrain
5 Then entered in those wise men three,
full rev'rently upon their knee,
and offered there in his presence
their gold, and myrrh, and frankincense.
Refrain
Post Communion Prayer:
God of all Creation, through this gift of bread and wine, you have given us salvation. You have
filled us with you goodness and peace. Now use us that all might be filled with abundant life;
through your only Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN.
Candlelighting:
On this holy night so long ago, a star shone brightly over Bethlehem
town.
Christ Jesus is born. Now let there be light!
In a quiet cattle stall, a woman named Mary gave birth to a son.
Christ Jesus is born. Now let there be light!
In the midst of this dark world, Jesus is our ray of hope.
Christ Jesus is born. Now let there be light!
The shadows that sin casts on our world are overpowered by the brightness of God’s gift.
Christ Jesus is born. Now let there be light!
As candles brightly burn, and this night is filled with light,
“Silent Night” (verse 1-3)
1 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.
2 Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight;
glories stream from heaven afar,
heav'nly hosts sing, alleluia!
Christ, the Savior, is born!
Christ, the Savior, is born!
3 Silent night, holy night!
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Son of God, love's pure light
radiant beams from your holy face,
with the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at your birth,
Jesus, Lord, at your birth.
Benediction
The shepherds returned to their fields glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen.
May you also glorify and praise God, tonight, tomorrow and all the days to come, and may the
peace and love of Christ shine through all that you say and do. AMEN.
Hymn:
“Good Christian Friends, Rejoice
1 Good Christian friends, rejoice
with heart and soul and voice;
give ye heed to what we say:
Jesus Christ is born today;
ox and ass before him bow,
and he is in the manger now.
Christ is born today!
Christ is born today!
2 Good Christian friends, rejoice
with heart and soul and voice;
now ye hear of endless bliss:
Jesus Christ was born for this!
He has opened heaven's door,
and we are blest forevermore.
Christ was born for this!
Christ was born for this!
3 Good Christian friends, rejoice
with heart and soul and voice;
Conclusion
Dismissal
Go in the peace of the new born King.
Thanks be to God.
now ye need not fear the grave;
Jesus Christ was born to save!
Calls you one and calls you all
to gain the everlasting hall.
Christ was born to save!
Christ was born to save!
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