St. John’s Lutheran Church
Nativity of Our Lord - Christmas Eve 2014
Welcome Visitors!
Out of a broken and divided world, all people are welcomed into the whole body of
Jesus Christ at St. John’s. As children of one God, together we join in worship to
experience the transforming love of our Savior.
All who seek the Lord are invited to share in Holy Communion. We believe that Christ is
present in the bread and wine with his own body and blood. You may take the wine
from an individual glass or the common cup.
Those who do not commune may come forward for a blessing, indicating this by
crossing the hands at the heart. If needed, grape juice is available from the individual
glasses.
A nursery is available for children during both services.
www.StJohnsBeaufort.org
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Christmas Eve 2014 - 7:00 & 9:00 pm
PRELUDE
O Holy Night
Adam
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
Bennett
Angels We Have Heard on High with Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Sea
Il Est Ne
Traditional Tune
Come Thou Long—Expected Jesus
Traditional Tune
CHIMING OF THE HOUR
THE PROCLAMATION OF THE BIRTH OF CHRIST
Many ages after God created the heavens and the earth,
when man and woman were formed in God's own image;
long after the great flood, when God set the rainbow
in the clouds as a sign of the covenant;
twenty-one centuries from the time of Abraham and Sarah;
thirteen centuries after Moses led God's people to freedom;
eleven centuries from the time of Ruth and the judges;
a thousand years from the anointing of David as king;
in the sixty-fifth week as Daniel's prophecy takes note;
in the one hundred and ninety-fourth Olympiad;
the seven hundred and fifty-second year from
the founding of the city of Rome;
the forty-second year of the reign of Octavian Augustus;
in the sixth age of the world, all earth being at peace,
Jesus Christ, eternal God, Son of the eternal Father,
willing to hallow the world by his coming in mercy,
was born of the virgin Mary in Bethlehem of Judea.
This night is the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, God made flesh!
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PROCESSIONAL
O Come, All Ye Faithful
Verses 1 & 2: congregation
Verse 3: choir
Choir only:
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Verse 4: congregation
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
GREETING
In the Word who has come to dwell with us, God has given us grace upon grace:
forgiveness that is stronger than our sins, love that can heal every broken heart.
The grace and peace of Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh, be with you all.
And also with you.
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HYMN OF PRAISE
Angels We have Heard on High
The congregation is invited to sing harmony on the refrain.
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PRAYER OF THE DAY
Let us pray. God of promise, you sent your son, a fragile baby, into a cold, harsh world, so
that all might know you through him. Open our eyes so that we may see you fully, for the
glory of Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen.
FIRST READING
Isaiah 9:2-7
A reading from Isaiah:
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The people walking in darkness have seen a great light. On those living in a pitch-dark
land, light has dawned. 3You have made the nation great; you have increased its joy. They
rejoiced before you as with joy at the harvest, as those who divide plunder rejoice. 4As on
the day of Midian, you’ve shattered the yoke that burdened them, the staff on their
shoulders, and the rod of their oppressor. 5Because every boot of the thundering warriors,
and every garment rolled in blood will be burned, fuel for the fire. 6A child is born to us, a
son is given to us, and authority will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful
Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. 7There will be vast authority and
endless peace for David’s throne and for his kingdom, establishing and sustaining it with
justice and righteousness now and forever.
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
ANTHEM
Donkey Carol
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Rutter
SECOND READING
Titus 2:11–14
A reading from Titus:
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The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people. 12It educates us so that
we can live sensible, ethical, and godly lives right now by rejecting ungodly lives and the
desires of this world. 13At the same time we wait for the blessed hope and the glorious
appearance of our great God and savior Jesus Christ. 14He gave himself for us in order to
rescue us from every kind of lawless behavior, and cleanse a special people for himself
who are eager to do good actions.
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
We sing verses 1 & 2.
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GOSPEL
Luke 2:1–20
The good news of Christ’s Birth, according to St. Luke:
Glory to you, O Lord.
Jesus’ Birth
2:1
In those days Caesar Augustus declared that everyone throughout the empire should
be enrolled in the tax lists. 2This first enrollment occurred when Quirinius governed Syria.
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Everyone went to their own cities to be enrolled. 4Since Joseph belonged to David’s
house and family line, he went up from the city of Nazareth in Galilee to David’s city,
called Bethlehem, in Judea. 5He went to be enrolled together with Mary, who was
promised to him in marriage and who was pregnant. 6While they were there, the time
came for Mary to have her baby. 7She gave birth to her firstborn child, a son, wrapped him
snugly, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the guestroom.
Announcement to shepherds
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Nearby shepherds were living in the fields, guarding their sheep at night. 9The Lord’s
angel stood before them, the Lord’s glory shone around them, and they were terrified.
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The angel said, “Don’t be afraid! Look! I bring good news to you—wonderful, joyous
news for all people. 11Your savior is born today in David’s city. He is Christ the Lord. 12This
is a sign for you: you will find a newborn baby wrapped snugly and lying in a manger.”
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Suddenly a great assembly of the heavenly forces was with the angel praising God. They
said, 14“Glory to God in heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors.” 15When
the angels returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go right now to
Bethlehem and see what’s happened. Let’s confirm what the Lord has revealed to us.”
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They went quickly and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. 17When
they saw this, they reported what they had been told about this child. 18Everyone who
heard it was amazed at what the shepherds told them. 19Mary committed these things to
memory and considered them carefully. 20The shepherds returned home, glorifying and
praising God for all they had heard and seen. Everything happened just as they had been
told.
The gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
We turn back one page to sing verse 3.
SERMON
Pastor P. Shannon Mullen
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HYMN OF THE DAY
Infant Holy, Infant Lowly
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
Rejoicing in the light of Christ that shines upon us, we pray for the church, the world, and
all according to their needs.
Each petition ends:
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Hear the hopes and prayers of our hearts, O God, and magnify our joy at the birth of your
Light among us, Jesus Christ our Savior.
Amen.
PEACE
The peace of our Lord Jesus - the Word made flesh, the Light of the world, God with us,
Emmanuel - be with you always.
And also with you.
OFFERING
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OFFERTORY ANTHEM
OFFERTORY
Coventry Carol
Helvey
What Child is This?
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!
OFFERING PRAYER
Let us pray. Good and loving God,
we rejoice in the birth of Jesus, who came among the poor to bring the riches of your
grace. As you have blessed us with your gifts, let them be a blessing for others. With the
trees of the field, with all earth and heaven, we shout for joy at the coming of your Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
LITURGY OF HOLY COMMUNION
PROPER PREFACE
It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places give
thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God . . . And so, with all the choirs of
angels, with the church on earth, and the hosts of heaven, we praise your name and join
their unending hymn:
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HOLY, HOLY, HOLY
THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE
Holy One, the beginning and the end, the giver of life: Blessed are you for your promise to
your people. Blessed are you in the prophets' hopes and dreams. Blessed are you for your
Son Jesus, Emmanuel, God with us.
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 proclaim the mystery of faith:
Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.
With this bread and cup we remember your Word, full of grace and truth. We remember
our new birth in his death and resurrection. We look with hope for his coming.
Come, Lord Jesus.
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Holy God, we long for your Spirit. Come among us. May your Word take flesh in us.
Awaken your people. Fill us with your light.
Come, Holy Spirit.
All praise and glory are yours, Holy One of Israel, Word of God incarnate, Power of the
Most High, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
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
COMMUNION - An invitation to communion & instructions are inside the front cover
COMMUNION MUSIC
O Little Town of Bethlehem
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It Came upon the Midnight Clear
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, 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!
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.
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Lo, How a Rose Is Growing
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BLESSING AFTER COMMUNION
The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace.
Amen.
CANDLELIGHTING
We light candles as a sign of the light of Christ shining in the darkness. The ushers will
light a candle at the end of each row. When lighting candles, please tip the unlighted
candle.
Silent Night, Holy Night!
Accompanied by Bell Choir
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.
solo verse - 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!
Silent night, holy night! 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.
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.
solo verse - The cattle are lowing; the poor baby wakes,
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.
Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask you to stay 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.
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Joy to the World
Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive its 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.
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.
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.
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.
BLESSING
May the Word that Mary brought to birth carry you into new and abundant life.
Amen.
May the Word that Joseph cradled in his arms enfold you with love and strength.
Amen.
May the Word that angels proclaimed in song bring harmony to our world.
Amen.
Almighty God, Father, + Son, and Holy Spirit, bless you now and forever.
Amen.
DISMISSAL
Go in peace, serve the Lord.
Thanks be to God!
Please extinguish your candle before leaving your seat,
and return candles to an usher.
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The Liturgy is from Sundays and Seasons.com. Copyright 2008 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by
permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #26619.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the
Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture taken from the Common English Bible®, CEB® Copyright © 2010, 2011 by Common English Bible.™ Used by
permission. All rights reserved worldwide. The "CEB" and "Common English Bible" trademarks are registered in the
United States Patent and Trademark Office by Common English Bible. Use of either trademark requires the permission
of Common English Bible.
Nativity detail © 2013 John August Swanson | Eyekons
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You are invited for worship on the Fourth Day of Christmas,
Sunday, December 28, 2014
8:15am and 10:30am
No Sunday School December 28
We resume a regular schedule on January 4
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Pastor
Director of Music
Pianist
Flute
Soloists
P. Shannon Mullen
Jordan Plair
Gloria Bockelman
Rudy Bishop
Reagan Kilpatrick
Reilly Kilpatrick
Joni Moritz
St. John’s ensembles:
Chancel Choir
Bell Choir
Brass Ensemble
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