The Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord
A Service of Holy Communion
with Candlelighting
December 24, 2023
Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church
Lakeland, Florida
PRE-SERVICE MUSIC
Greensleeves arr. Richard Purvis Gene Hodges, Organist
Offering by Paul Baloche Grace Worship Band
One Small Child by David Meece
Holy Child within the Manger by Marty Haugen
What Child Is This by William C. Dix
Hallelujah by Darlene Zscheck
+ GATHERING +
ADVENT WREATH
Lighting the Christ Candle
Over these weeks of Advent we have watched, waited, wondered, and worshipped. We have created stillness in the midst of busy-ness and grown in grace. Let us pray.
We give you thanks, O God, for the season of Advent, for the days in which we have pondered the miracle of God made flesh in the person of Jesus. Enlighten us with your grace, that we may bear witness to th
is miracle with our lives and actions of love and service. In the name of Jesus, Emmanuel, who is God with us. Amen
PRELUDE
It Came Upon the Midnight Clear
arr. Richard Ellsasser
PROCLAMATION OF THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD
When ages beyond number had run their course
from God’s creation of the heavens and the earth,
and humans were formed in God's own image;
long after the great flood, when God set the rainbow in the clouds
as a sign of God’s covenant;
centuries from the time Abraham and Sarah came out from the Land of Ur;
century upon century having passed, Moses led God's people from Egypt to freedom;
generations from the time of Ruth and the judges;
a millenia from the anointing of David as king;
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;
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.
Tonight is the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, God made flesh.
Adapted from the Roman Martyrology
We stand and face the Processional Cross.
GATHERING HYMN
O ComeAll Ye Faithful
ELW 283
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:
Refrain
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
Christ the Lord!
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
Sing, choirs of angels,
sing in exultation,
sing, all ye citizens of heaven above!
Glory to God
in the highest: Refrain
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
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
Let All Together Praise Our God
ELW 287 (vs. 1,2,5)
Let all together praise our God
before the highest throne;
today God opens heav'n again
and sends the only Son,
and sends the only Son.
From God's right hand the Son descends,
is born an infant small,
and lies in poverty, his bed
a manger in a stall,
a manger in a stall.
A wonderful exchange you make:
you take our flesh and blood,
and in return give us to share
the shining realm of God,
the shining realm of God.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Let us pray.
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.
+ WORD +
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!
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.
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 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.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
SPECIAL MUSIC
O Holy Night
arr. Mark Hayes
Soloist: Mark Thomsen
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.
11For 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 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.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION ELW 289
Angels we have heard on high, sweetly singing o’er the plains.
and the mountains in reply, echoing their joyous strains.
Gloria in excelsis Deo; gloria in excelsis Deo.
GOSPEL: Luke 2:1-20
The holy gospel according to Luke.
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 he 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 gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, O Christ.
GOSPEL RESPONSE
Come to Bethlehem and see him whose birth the angels sing;
Come, adore on bended knee Christ the Lord, the newborn king.
Gloria in excelsis Deo; Gloria in excelsis Deo.
SERMON Pastor Pamela Smith
HYMN OF THE DAY
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
ELW 270
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!"
Christ, by highest heav'n adored,
Christ, the everlasting Lord,
late in time behold him come,
offspring of a virgin's womb.
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see!
Hail, incarnate deity!
Pleased as man with us to dwell,
Jesus, our Emmanuel! Refrain
Hail the heav'n-born Prince of 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
PRAYERS OF THE INTERCESSION
Trusting in God’s good news of great joy for all people, we offer our prayers for ourselves, our neighbors, and the world God loves.
A brief silence.
Glory to you, God, for the song of the angels, proclaiming Christ’s holy birth to the world. Give your church a joyful song to sing so that we bring the good news of peace and salvation to all people. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
Glory to you, God, for the stars that shine in the depth of the night. As we see the expansive mystery of the cosmos, let our hearts be filled with awe. May we find beauty in the clear darkness of night and in the first glimmers of dawn. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
Glory to you, God, for the child born to us who establishes a kingdom of justice and righteousness. Break bonds of oppression, bring reconciliation to warring lands, and establish peace from this time onward and forevermore. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
Glory to you, God, for Mary’s loving care. Lead us to tend to one another in time of need. Share the comfort of your presence with all people tonight who are alone or separated from loved ones due to estrangement, incarceration, or illness, particularly Arlene, Anne, Mabel, Mike, Ann, Anna Mae, Doris, Michael, Julie, Carol, Anne, Tom, Lydia, Brian, Paul, Wil, Amy, Bob, Jane, Mary, Marian L., Monica, Scott, Ron, Flo, Doris, Dottie, Marian, Tim, Betty, Jeff, Henry, Mary, Greg, Ann Joyce, Jim, Yolanda, and Max. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
Glory to you, God, for the faithfulness of the shepherds as they worked in the fields. Grant rest to all who feel exhausted from their work during this season: retail and restaurant workers, church musicians, administrative staff, and clergy, organizers of charitable-giving events, and service workers doing essential tasks. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
Other petitions may be offered.
Glory to you, God, for the multitude of the heavenly host. We rejoice in the zeal of all your saints who have witnessed the appearing of your grace, and who reveal to us your salvation for all. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.
Abide with us, O God of mercy, and receive our prayers according to your abundant grace.
Amen.
EXCHANGE OF PEACE
Peace of Christ be with you all.
And also with you.
+ MEAL +
OFFERING
You may place your offerings in the offering plate as it is passed during the service. Alternatively, you can give electronically by clicking “Give” at our website, www.gracelakeland.com. Whichever way you choose to give, we are grateful for your stewardship and generosity.
MUSICAL OFFERING
Emmanuel, O Come Tonight
by Lynn Shaw Bailey
OFFERING SONG
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow
ELW 885
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
praise God, all creatures here below;
praise God above, ye heav'nly host;
praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
OFFERING PRAYER
Let us pray.
Eternal God, you make the desert bloom and send springs of water to thirsty ground. Receive these simple gifts of bread, wine, and money, and make us messengers of your mercy and love for all in need of your healing and justice. We ask this through Christ our Savior.
Amen.
HOLY COMMUNION
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING
DIALOGUE
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.
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,
through our Savior Jesus Christ. In the wonder and mystery of the Word made
flesh you have opened the eyes of faith to a new and radiant vision of your
glory, that, beholding the God made visible, we may be drawn to love the God
whom we cannot see. 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:
SANCTUS ELW 192
Holy, holy, holy Lord,
God of pow'r and might,
Heav'n 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.
THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE
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.
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 dwelling among us, 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.
Holy God, we long for your Spirit. Come among us. Bless this meal. May your Word take flesh in us. Awaken your people. Fill us with your light. Bring the gift of peace on earth.
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.
DISTRIBUTION
This holy meal is for all the baptized children of God. We commune at the altar rail. The ushers will direct you down the center aisle. Please go to an open spot at the altar rail. After you have received the host, the first chalice is for intinction and the second chalice is for drinking. A third chalice of grape juice is also offered. Please let the Pastor know if you wish to receive gluten-free wafers.
LAMB OF GOD ELW page 154
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world;
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world;
have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world;
grant us peace. Amen.
ANTHEM
Christ Was Born to Be Our King
by John A. Ray and Susan Naylor Callaway
HYMNS DURING COMMUNION
Away in a Manger
ELW 277
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.
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.
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.
O Little Town of Bethlehem
ELW 279
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.
For Christ is born of Mary,
and, gathered all above
while mortals sleep, the angels keep
their watch of wond'ring love.
O morning stars, together
proclaim the holy birth,
and praises sing to God the king,
and peace to all the earth!
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.
O holy child of Bethlehem,
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!
What Child Is This
ELW 296
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!
Why lies he in such mean estate
where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian, fear; for sinners here
the silent Word is pleading.
Nails, spear shall pierce him through,
the cross be borne for me, for you;
hail, hail the Word made flesh,
the babe, the son of Mary!
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!
BLESSING AFTER COMMUNION
And now may the Body and Blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ preserve us on to life everlasting.
Amen.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Let us pray.
Radiant God, with our eyes we have seen your salvation, and in this meal we have feasted on your grace. May your Word take flesh in us, that we may be your holy people, revealing your glory made known to us in Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Amen.
+ SENDING +
LIGHTING OF THE CANDLES
The Pastor will light her candle from the Christ Candle and the ushers will light their candles from hers. They will light the candle of the first worshiper in each row. That person will offer their light to the person next to them, allowing them to tilt their candlewick for lighting. Please note that the unlit candle tips. Take care to hold candles upright and away from clothing and hair. Parents, please take special precautions with small children.
READING
Hush
by Lucinda Hynett
SCRIPTURE
By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness. Luke 1:78
Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 9:2
Arise, shine for your Light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. Isaiah 60:1
Let your light shine before others so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16
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. Isaiah 9:2
For it is God who has shone in our hearts to give the light of knowledge of the glory of the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6
And there will be no more night; they need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light. Revelation 22:5
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. Isaiah 60:19
Silent Night
ELW 281
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.
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.
BENEDICTION
The congregation extinguishes the candles after the Benediction. Please hold the candle upright for a bit, so the wax can solidify.
Joy to the World
ELW 267
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.
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.
DISMISSAL
Go in peace. Jesus is born.
Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE
Joy to the World
arr. Don Hustad
WORSHIP ASSISTANTS AND PARTICIPANTS:
Presiding Minister:
Rev. Pamela Smith
Organist:
Gene Hodges
Assisting Minister:
P.J. Blanchette
Crucifer and Lector:
Tim Blanchette
Acolyte:
Kaitlyn King
Torchbearers:
Emily King
Riley King
Liturgical Text and Music from Evangelical Lutheran Worship, © 2006, 2020, 2022 Augsburg Fortress. Reprinted and/or streamed with permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies License #SAS016761. All rights reserved.
O Come, All Ye Faithful. Text: attr. John Francis Wade, 1711-1786; tr. Frederick Oakeley, 1802-1880, sts. 1, 3-4; tr. unknown, st. 2. Music: attr. John Francis Wade. Public domain.
Angels, from the Realms of Glory. Text: James Montgomery, 1771-1854, alt., sts.1-3; Salisbury Hymn Book, 1857, st. 4. Music: Henry T. Smart, 1813-1879. Public domain.
Hark The Herald Angels Sing. Text: Charles Wesley, 1707-1788, alt. Music: Felix Mendelssohn, 1809-1847; arr. William H. Cummings, 1831-1915. Public domain.
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow. Text: Thomas Ken, 1637-1711, alt.. Music: Louis Bourgeois, 1510-1561, attr., Genevan Psalter, 1551. Public domain.
In the Bleak Midwinter. Text: Christina Georgina Rossetti, 1830-1894. Music: Gustav Holst, 1874-1934. Public domain.
Silent Night, Holy Night. Text: Joseph Mohr, 1792-1849; tr. John F. Young, 1820-1885. Music: Franz Gruber, 1787-1863. Public domain.
Joy to the World. Text: Isaac Watts, 1674-1748. Music: English melody, 18th cent.; arr. Lowell Mason, 1792-1872. Public domain.
