Organ Prelude “Noël” (Louis-Claude Daquin)
We Prepare for Emmanuel: God With Us
Call to Christmas
*Hymn of Gathering O Come, All Ye Faithful
*Prayer of Gathering
Gracious God, now your labor of love is real among us as abundant life, as Jesus; your newborn blessing of human life is in our hearts, our lives, our creation. Enter into all of our spirits as glorious humility and as powerful love. For we pray to respond to your birth with caring, justice, and conviction to create light in any darkness, with the love of Jesus, your child. Amen.
Christmas Candles Continue
We Remember God’s Promise
The Birth of Christ Luke 2: 1-7
Bible Birds Abounding
*Carol O Little Town of Bethlehem
The Christmas Story Continues Luke 2: 8-20
Christmas Eve Offertory Organ Carol
Seated response (tune of “Away in a Manger”/Mueller)
Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask thee to stay
close by me forever and love me, I pray.
Bless all the dear children in thy tender care,
And fit us for heaven to live with thee there.
The Prayer of Dedication and Incarnation
Christ’s Light is Shared with All
The Gospel of Light John 1 (selected verses)
The Light of Christ
Worship leaders will light the candles of the congregation. Please tip only the unlit candle, and assist children with care. When you receive the light, please share it.
Carol Silent Night (seated)
The Hope of the Winter
*Hymn of Glory Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
*Benediction
Postlude “Christmas Medley” (arr. Inna Semeina)
* Those who are able please stand
Here on Christmas Eve you are welcome to
be seated or to stand and depart during the Postlude.
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The Gifts of Christmas Eve: You are all invited: Come back next Sunday
for worship at 10:00 AM, the following week for Epiphany, or,
research all our events and missions on the web at www.nhcc.net.
We have a lively church school, and important winter missions.
NHCC is an Open and Affirming, Still Speaking congregation where all are welcome
regardless of the divisions or separations that some in society would impose:
whoever you are, you are welcome in God’s house.
“In Christ we are a new creation,” so we are blessed to be together in Christ’s name.
Merry Christmas from all of our members, friends, and staff
The Rev. Dr. Kenneth Baily, Pastor Wendy Donnell, CE Director
Dr. Jan Zimmerman, Music Director Yevgenia Semeina, Organist
Rich Bryden and Isabelle Baily, Technology/Video Oscar Vasquez, Sexton
Kessely Hong, Assisting Deacon Judah Coffman, Office Administrator
Carol Jensen, Sally Brickell, & Gabe Hong, Welcomers