Christmas Eve at Lord of Life
December 24, 2020
Christmas Carol – O Come, All Ye Faithful
Lighting the Christ Candle
Hope in the midst of trouble. Peace in the presence of chaos. Joy in the company of sorrow. Love in the face of hatred. These are the gifts of the Christ Child. This is the wonder he brings – the mystery he embodies – the heart he shares for the world. We light the Christ candle this night – and give thanks for light that scatters the darkness and life that envelopes the world with love.
Prayer of the Day
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.
Scripture Reading: Micah 5:2-5a
Christmas Message – Pastor Steven J. Rye
Special Music: Hallelujah – Jacob Borgstrom
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 9:2-7
Christmas Carol – Hark! The Herald Angels Sing!
Gospel: Luke 2:1-7
Christmas Carol – Away in a Manger
Gospel: Luke 2:8-20
Christmas Carol – Angels We have Heard on High
Christmas Message – Pastor Erika Nilsen
Christmas Carol – Love has Come
Each year, Lord of Life’s Christmas offering is designated toward a special purpose. In 2020, we have designated that our Christmas Eve offering will go toward Operation Sandwich. Contributions may be submitted online at https://ppay.co/RPiwBRpEcDc or mailed to us at 6190 Fairview Rd, Baxter, MN 56425. Please put Christmas Offering in the memo line.
Offering Prayer:
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.
Nicene Creed/Prayers of Intercession/Peace
Special Music – Child of our Dreams
Holy Communion/Words of Institution
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.
Special Music – Still, Still, Still – Preston Owen
Prayer after Communion
Christmas Carol – Silent Night, Holy Night
Christmas Prayer
Loving Father, help us remember the birth of Jesus, that we may share in the song of angels, the gladness of the shepherds, and the worship of the wise men. Close the door of hate and open the door of love all over the world. Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting. Deliver us from evil by the blessing which Christ brings, and teach us to be merry with clean hearts. May the Christmas morning make us happy to be Thy children, and the Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts, forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus’ sake, Amen!
By Robert Louis Stevenson
Blessing
Almighty God, who sent the Holy Spirit to Mary, proclaimed joy through the angels, sent the shepherds with good news, and led the magi by a star, bless you this day ☩ through the Word made flesh. Amen.
Christmas Carol – Joy to the World
Go in peace. And share the good news of Jesus.
Thanks be to God.