Redeemer Virtual Worship | Christmas Eve (Dec. 24, 2020)

WORSHIP LEADERS:
The Rev. Dr. Sharon Kelly - interim pastor
Paul Koopman - lector
Alyssa Schwitzer, Emander Deward, Trai Dunlap, Steven Hobert,
Amy and Paul Koopman - musicians
Dave Scharnhorst - audio engineer

CHRISTMAS EVE
Word, Carols, and Prayer

WELCOME
 
THE PROPHETIC ANNOUNCEMENT Isaiah 9: 2-7
2The 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.
Word of God; Word of Life Thanks be to God.
 
GATHERING HYMN Hark! The Herald Angels Sing ELW 270
 
CHRISTMAS LITANY
Come away, come away, come today to Bethlehem.
Come adore on bended knee, the one whose birth the angels sing.
Come away, come away, from the busyness of preparations and the distraction of too much to accomplish in too little time. 
Come with wonder, come with awe to join the shepherds as they worship the newborn King.
Come away, come away, come with all your heart carries for you will be welcomed with mercy and grace.
Come with singing and thanksgiving, the Christ has come with peace and love to embrace our world.
Come away, come away, come today to Bethlehem.
 
CAROL: Little Drummer Boy Traiveon Dunlap
 
A PRAYER FOR CHRISTMAS
The grace of our Lord… be with you all. And also with you.
We pray. We praise you, Gracious God, that in Jesus Christ you have come to speak your Word of love and life.  Touch us with unearthly joy, like the singing of angels; fill us with wonder, like the eyes of children; teach us to humble ourselves before you, like the visiting shepherds.  May our journey to the manger be only the beginning of service to Jesus our Christ.  Amen.

CAROL: This Christmas Emander Deward

CHRISTMAS GOSPEL Luke 2: 1-20 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.
 
BLESSING OF NATIVITY & HOMILY Pastor Kelly
 
CAROL:  O Holy Night Alyssa Schwitzer

BLESSING OF PEACE  

CHRISTMAS OFFERING APPEAL Pastor Kelly

OFFERING PRAYER
We pray: Gracious God, you came to us as one unknown, bringing joy and salvation to the earth. Nourish us at your banquet table, that with all who welcome your birth we may proclaim your peace, revealed in Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.
                                               
OFFERTORY Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming Steven Hobert 

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
O Lord hear us… Graciously, hear us

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.
 
LITANY OF LIGHT                                   
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
For to us a child is born, to us our Lord is given.
In Jesus is life and his life is the light of all.
 
CAROL: O Light Amy and Paul Koopman 

BENEDICTION
The Wonderful Counselor guide you, The Mighty God protect you, The Everlasting Father be with you, The Prince of Peace inspire you, And the blessing of God, Father, Son (+), and Holy Spirit, be upon you now and evermore.  Amen
 
CANDLELIGHT CAROL: Silent Night ELW 281