FI RS T CO N G RE G AT IO N AL CH UR CH ,
UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, IN SAUGUS, MASSACHUSETTS
“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those
living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned…For
to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will
be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor,
Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:2, 6
Christmas Eve, December 24, 2015
7:00 P.M.
*Indicates for those who are able to please stand.
Bold print indicates congregational response.
Tonight’s program covers are given in loving memory of Bruce &
Elizabeth Platt & Victor & Gladys Platt by Marilyn & Danny Panico.
PRELUDE: Themes from Handel’s ‘Messiah’
Mae Stroshane
GREETING
Rev. Martha Leahy
LIGHTING OF ADVENT CANDLES & THE CHRIST CANDLE
CALL TO WORSHIP (Isaiah 9:2,6):
L: The people walking in darkness have seen a great light.
P: On those living in the land of the shadow of death, a
light has dawned.
L: For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the
government will be on his shoulders.
P: And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty
God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
All: Let us welcome the Christ Child, born to set us free!
All: “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, the
power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.”
SONG: “Lullaby for Jesus” by Mae Stroshane
MESSAGE: “Heaven Meets Earth” by Rev. Martha Leahy
Carol:
Song:
Carol:
Carol:
Carol:
Carol:
Carol:
FESTIVAL OF LESSONS AND CAROLS
(All songs are from the red Pilgrim Hymnal)
ISAIAH 9: 2, 6-7
“O Little Town of Bethlehem” #134 (vs 1-2-3)
LUKE 1: 26-35
“Do You Hear What I Hear?” John Gilmore & Choir
MATTHEW 1: 18-23
“Joy to the World” #130 (vs1&2)
LUKE 2: 1-7
“Angels We Have Heard on High” #116(vs1&3)
Luke 2:8-14
“The First Nowell” #141, (vs1-2)
LUKE 2: 15-20
“Away in a Manger” #137
MATTHEW 2: 1-12
“We Three Kings of Orient Are” #143 (vs1 &2)
JOHN 1: 1-14
“What Child Is This?” 140 (vs 1&3)
*CAROL: “O Come, All Ye Faithful” Pilgrim Hymnal#132
Carol:
*RESPONSIVE PRAYER & LORD’S PRAYER:
All: Holy God, we celebrate this night, when the light of
your love pierced our dark places - loneliness, fear,
rejection, addiction, separation – and we finally felt
that there was hope, peace, love and joy for us. How
grateful we are that you are a real, living God, working
with us to bring the world into harmony once again,
through acts of mercy, peace-making and justice.
L: And together with Christians all around the world tonight,
we say together the prayer that the Light of the World, Jesus
Christ, taught us, saying,
CHRISTMAS OFFERING INVITATION (in unison): What gifts
shall we give to the Holy Child and in honor of the man
he would grow up to become – the one who gave us all
new life? We give the treasure of this world as well as
the treasure of our hearts, to the One True God who
made this miracle possible. Amen.
OFFERTORY:
“Light One Candle” First Church Choir
*GLORY TO GOD
“Holy, Holy, Holy”
NCH #277
Holy, holy, holy, God the Almighty! Early in the morning
we praise your majesty./ Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and
mighty/ God in three persons/ blessed Trinity!
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION (in unison): God of Light, bless
the gifts we offer to you tonight. Help us transform
them into ministries that bring hope, peace, love and
joy into the world, at Christmastime and always.
Amen.
LIGHTING OF THE CONGREGATIONAL CANDLES
The Pastor will light her candle from the Christ Candle.
The Ushers will light their candles from the Pastor’s Candle.
The Ushers will light the candle of the worshipper in each pew
nearest the center aisle. Please tip your unlit candle to your
neighbor’s lighted candle.
When all candles are lit we will sing…
CAROL “Silent Night, Holy Night”, Pilgrim Hymnal #138
*BENEDICTION
*BENEDICTION RESPONSE “Let There Be Peace on Earth”
Let there be peace on Earth; and let it begin with me.
Let there be peace on Earth; the peace that was meant
to be.
With God, our Creator; children all are we.
Let us walk with each other; in perfect harmony.
Let peace begin with me; let this be our moment now.
Let peace begin with me; let this be our solemn vow.
To take each moment and live each moment;
In peace eternally.
Let there be peace on Earth; and let it begin with me.
POSTLUDE
Mae Stroshane
Please extinguish your candle and place it in the basket
provided in the Narthex as you leave. May God bless your
Christmas and grant you peace.
First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ
300 Central Street, Saugus, MA 01906
Rev. Martha Leahy, Pastor
Office 781-233-3028
Cell phone 617-763-7354
Mae Siu-Wai Stroshane, Music Minister
Carissa Rodriguez, Youth Education Director
Carolyn Davis, Secretary
E-mail address: uccsaugus@verizon.net
Website: http://1stchurchsaugus.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/uccsaugus
Twitter: www.twitter.com/1stchurchsaugus
“The Light of the World”
Christmas Eve
December 24, 2015