Lutheran Church of the Cross
Christmas Eve 2015
Kurt and Stephanie Nelson
Jinny Eiden
Todd and Kim Dunlap
CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP SERVICE
December 24, 2014, 6:00 p.m.
Lutheran Church of the Cross, Nisswa, Minnesota
Rev. Andy Smith, Pastor
Rev. Kari Williamson, Pastor
Oren and Carol Larson
Dennis and Valdean Lueck
Kevin and Marybeth Egan
Tom and Georgette Lewis
GOOD EVENING & WELCOME TO LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE CROSS
We extend a warm and sincere welcome to each of you
as we worship together this Christmas Eve!
PRELUDE
“Prelude on 'Irby'", D." Willcocks
Dennis and Sandy Hins
WORDS OF WELCOME
Sandy Strom-Gieseke
Charlotte Oraskovich
Dick and Kate Carlson
Randy and Patti Oestreich
THE PROCESSION OF LIGHT
INVOCATION
Pastor:
People:
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
READING
Isaiah 59:9b
Lord, hear the cries of your people. We stumble in the darkness of our sin. We fear what we
cannot see. Our lives, hopes and joys, our very beings have been consumed in blackness. “We
look for light and behold darkness. We look for brightness, but we walk in gloom.”
The Christ Candle is carried from the back to the front of the church.
THE HYMN
“O Come, O Come Emmanuel”
George and Margaret Sommerfeld
Rodney and Karen Opp
Rob and Loretta Norgon
Joyce Conner
Mona and Bert Caswell
Karen and Marvin Green
Mary Wnuk and family
Mary Lou Weegman and Robert Smith
Mike and Carol Smith
Hymn 257
Jeff and Sarah Aga
Pastor Andy and Paula Smith
Verse 1
O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel,
that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear.
Refrain
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to you, O Israel.
Dwayne and Char Lieder
Emily, Gregg, Bennett, and Laiklyn Day
Verse 2
O come, O Wisdom from on high, embracing all things far and nigh:
in strength and beauty come and stay;
teach us your will and guide our way. Refrain
Charlie and Jan Geiger
Text: Psalteriolum Cantionum Catholicarum, Köln, 1710; tr. composite
Text sets. 2, 6, 7 © 1997 Augsburg Fortress .
THE READING
John 1:1-14
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in
the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing
Dave and Nora Jonas
Pastor Kari Williamson
In memory of Dave and Jeanne Gaines
In memory of Bud Eiden and Barb Eiden-Molinaro
In memory of Ashley Ann Dunlap, Richard E. Knudsen
and Robert M. Dunlap
In memory of Sam and Ollie Olson and Sally Novick
In memory of Troy Lueck
In honor of our family
In memory of Henry and Sybil Lewis
and George and Phyllis Ormsby
In memory of our parents, Helmuth and Dorothy Neuharth
and Homert and Viola Hins
In memory of Jim Gieseke and Dick Strom
In honor of Jim Oraskovich
In honor of our family
In honor of our kids and grandkids
In memory of our parents and sister, Libbi
In memory of our parents
In memory of Rudy, Roger and Casey Opp
In memory of our parents
In memory of James Conner and Donald Conner
In honor of Ralph Davis
In honor of Gladys Caswell
In memory of our loved ones who have passed away
In memory of Robert Wnuk
In memory of our parents (Smith and Weegman)
In memory of Donald and Loretta Smith
and Werner and Ann Thom
In memory of John Weaver and John Aga
In honor of our parents, Jim and Carol Kuebelbeck
and Dick and Shirley Smith
In memory of our precious daughter, Lori Lieder-Dooley
In memory of Joyce Bjork, loving grandmother
and great grandmother
In honor of our family
In memory of our parents
In honor of our grandchildren, Parker, Tyler and Aurora
In honor of my nephews William and Henry, niece
Caroline Ruff, and in thanks for the members and staff
of LCC and the ministry that we do together
Keith and Colleen Both
Gary and Karen Boche
Patty and Gene Loya
Linda Brandon
Jim and Patti Bailey
Jarrett and Danae Anderson
Diane Eitrheim
Joanne Dayton
Don and Cheryl Karlgaard
Bill and Sharon Ingvoldstad
Ray and Betty Arveson
Roger and Donna Salfer
Pat and Uldis Birznieks
Mike and Ada Larson
Kosobud Family
Bill and Carol Campbell
Jon Wennberg
Betty Bruning
Jane Erickson
Alicia and Jeremy Prahm
Rick and Deb Roberts
Randy and Marlene Perkins
Cathy and John Taylor
Bob and Jan Burns
Kathy (Hill) and Mike Burton
Marilyn and Andy Wottreng
Judy Schuna
Will and Marilynn Stoxen
Ralph and Diana Ledin
Judy and Dick Rickbeil
In honor of our children and grandchildren
In memory of our parents; Alma and Julius Boche
and Esther and Leslie Bruber
In memory of our parents
In memory of Arvid Gravdahl
In honor of our family
In honor of our parents; Duane and Carolyn Blanck
and Jim and LaNeda Anderson
In memory of Jim Eitrheim and Walter and Nola Johnson
In memory of LeRoy and Kari Dayton
In memory of Thomas Wulf, Stan Karlgaard
and Elmer Karlgaard
In memory of our parents; Ken and Dogmar
and Arvid and Lorraine
In honor of our children and families
In memory of our parents; Milton and Elinor Steen
and Ray and Adelaide Arveson
In honor of our family
In honor of our children
In honor of our families
In memory of LeRoy, Richard, Janell, and Jeff
In memory of Ken Kosobud and Gen Brandt
In memory of loved ones
In memory of Jan Wennberg
In memory of Bob Bruning and Bob Carlson
In memory of John Knutson
In memory of Lorene Mayers
In honor of Liam Roberts
In honor of our children and grandchildren
In honor of our children and grandchildren
In memory of Ernest Hoaby, Iver Solhjem
and Stephen and Retta Taylor
In honor of our parents
In memory of Manley and Gloria Hill
In honor of our grandchildren: Bennett, JT, Maryn and Emery
In memory of Florian Schuna and Barb Gross
In honor of Thomas and Erik Stoxen
and Meredith and Sam Dresing
In honor of our children and grandchildren
In memory of our parents
In memory of Naomi Claire Wee (Judy's sister)
came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all
people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the
light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify
to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know
him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who
received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were
born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.
And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a
father's only son, full of grace and truth.
THE SPREADING OF THE LIGHT OF CHRIST
The Advent Candles are lit from the Christ Candle. Ushers light their candles from the Christ
Candle and proceed into the congregation. Dip only the unlit candle when lighting your candle
from your neighbor’s.
When all candles have been lit...
THE READING
John 8:12
Jesus spoke saying, “I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness;
but will have the light of life.”
THE HYMN
“Silent Night”
Hymn 281
Verse 1
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.
Verse 2
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!
please raise your candles
Verse 3
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.
Text: Joseph Mohr, 1792-1849; tr. John F. Young, 1820-1885
At the end of the hymn, the candles are extinguished.
THE DIALOG
Pastor:
People:
Pastor:
People:
Pastor:
People:
HYMN
(please stand)
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
Those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has the light shined.
We have beheld Christ’s glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father.
For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given.
In Him was life, and the life was the light of man.
“O Little Town of Bethlehem”
Verse 1
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.
Verse 4
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!
Hymn 279
Text: Phillips Brooks, 1835-1893 Text: English Traditional
PRAYER OF THE DAY
Pastor:
The Lord be with you.
People:
And also with you.
Pastor:
Let us pray together.
People:
All powerful and unseen God, the coming of your light into our world has
brightened weary hearts with peace. Call us out of darkness, and empower
us to proclaim the birth of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who
lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen. (please be seated)
HYMN
“O Come, All Ye Faithful”
Verse 1
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!
Verse 3
Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation,
sing, all ye citizens of heaven above!
Glory to God in the highest: Refrain
Verse 4
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
Hymn 283
Text: attar. John Francis Wade, 1711-1786; tr. Frederick Oakeley, 1802-1880, sts. 1, 3-4; tr. unknown, st. 2
David and Julie Anderholm
Karen and Craig Peterson
Ann Edman
In memory of our fathers
In memory of Mark Peterson
In memory of Dean and Andy Edman, Frank and Vivian
Snoble, David Snobl, Keith Pence, Anna Snoble,
and John and Violet Hillesland
Darlene Kringel
In honor of Herman Kringel
Audrey Wessman
In honor of my great grandchild, Alona Breisemeister
Bonnie Anderson
In memory of my father and mother
Martha, Jared, Martha, Leif, and Markus Rustad
In memory of Jerry Rustad
Jane Nemitz
In honor of my children and grandchildren
In memory of my husband, Bill, and parents Russ and Sis
and Walter and Mae
Jim and Jean Kraft
In memory of our dads, Jim House and Harold Kraft
Michael and Mindy Chandler
In memory of James E. Wallin and Raymond Mac Chandler
Nancy Hall
In memory of Kris Hall and Roger and Gunild Thomas
Joan Steiger
In honor of Gene Steiger
In memory of Peggy Steiger
Tom and Connie Peterson
In memory of our parents
Bob and Linda Olson
In honor of our children and grandchildren
Darrell Paske
In memory of Rob Teal, Charleen McNamara and Eudenie Paske
Pete and Carol Christofferson
In honor of our family
Dave and Bonnie Stevens
In honor of our grandchildren
Mary Frost
In memory of Will Frost
Jerry and Sharon Leese
In honor of our grandchildren
Dick and Barb Peterson
In honor of our grandchildren
Dave and Esther Eudicott
In memory of Wilhelm Kopka and Gil Endicott
Sara Betker
In honor of Julie Ogle, Elissa Rohrer and Amanda Betker
In memory of Conrad and EllaMae Helseth
Bill and Diane Baker
In honor of our families
In memory of Bill Baker and John Banas
Dylan and Aimee Wilson and family
In memory of Grandma Geraldine Ackerman and Great
Grandma Lina Hickle; Grandpa Westal Maine
and Great Grandma Laura Maine
Lyle and Diane Hillman
In honor of our family
Jim and Julie Raymo, Amy Wark and Ana
In memory of all our loved ones that have gone before us
Pete Mogensen
In honor of all those in military service, past and present
Jan and Marty Halvorson
In memory of Gerald and Bernice Halvorson
and Willard and Dorothy Hawkins
Kathy Potter
In memory of our fathers, James Sandmann and Richard Potter
Jeanyne and Cliff Hess
In memory of Jerry Childs, Jeanyne's brother
FIRST READING
The Poinsettias Decorating the Sanctuary are given by:
Nancy Phillips
Darlene Anderson
Pat Larson
Dennis & Marie Flanagan
Mark & Kari Erickson
in memory of Randy Phillips
in memory of Len Anderson
in memory of Stan Larson
in honor of Shawn Flanagan
in memory of our brothers, Thomas S. Nilssen, III and
Brett W. Erickson; and our parents, Gordon Erickson
and Georgine and Thomas S. Nilssen, Jr.
In honor of our grandchildren, Jovie and Tommy
Allyn Dickie
In memory of Kay Favreau-Dickie
Nancy Erickson
In memory of William (Bill) Erickson
Bill Weik
In honor of my grandchildren, Josey, Ethan, Ahnika, and Isabella
In memory of my parents, Bill & Verna Weik
Ron & Vickie Reph
In honor of our Grandchildren
Jana, Brent, Barrett, Brayden, & Justine Campbell
In memory of Michael Sullivan
Sheri McSherry & children
In memory of Lt. Leo P. McSherry
Denny & Karen Holmen
In honor of our loved ones, our children and our grandchildren
David & Marie Olness
In honor of our grandchildren - Claire, Camille, Payton, Nolan,
Calvin, Conner, Abby, Brady, and Drew
In memory of Amy Delcour, daughter of David Olness
Betty K. Hornung
In memory of family members
Gene and Chris Larson
In honor of our family
Lenny & Sally Hodgson
In honor of our granddaughters, Mia and Maggie Wolter
Dave Hoelmer
In memory of Richard Hoelmer and Harley and Verna Hoelmer
Tim and Ann Bergin
In honor of our granddaughters Thea Sue Ude, Kristian Foss
and Sawyer Foss
In memory of John & Sue Bergin and Sylvia Seeley
Jim and Cheryl Swanson
In honor of our sons, Erik & Andy
Wes and Lorrie Anderson
In memory of our sons, Steve and Lance
Paul and Becky Melby
In honor of our grandchildren, Zachary Arianna, Tyeson,
Caitlyn, Anna, Gwenyth, & Amelia
In memory of our brothers, Scott Veldman, Jim Melby,
and Del Bosacker
Terri Carter
In memory of Roy Carter, Sue Anderson Beck,
and Harlen Amundson
Dan and Jean Halland
In honor of our grandsons, Finn, Leif, and Soren
In memory of Harold and Martha Anderson
and Burton and Beulah Halland
Curt and Claudette Tollefsrud
In memory of our parents
Isaiah 9:2, 6-7
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.
For 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.
His 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.
HYMN
“Love Has Come”
Verse 1
Love has come—a light in the darkness!
Love shines forth in the Bethlehem skies.
See, all heaven has come to proclaim it;
hear how their song of joy arises:
Love! Love! Born unto you, a Savior!
Love! Love! Glory to God on high.
Verse 2
Love is born! Come, share in the wonder.
Love is God now asleep in the hay.
See the glow in the eyes of his mother;
what is the name her heart is saying?
Love! Love! Love is the name she whispers;
Love! Love! Jesus, Immanuel.
Hymn 292
Text: Ken Bible, b. 1950
Text © 1996 Integrity's Hosanna! Music (ASCAP) c/o Integrity Media, Inc., 1000 Cody Road, Mobile, AL 36695
SECOND READING
Titus 2:11-14
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, training us to renounce impiety
and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and
godly, while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God
and Savior, Jesus Christ. He 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.
(please stand)
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
“Once in David's Royal City”
Hymn 269
Verse 1
Once in royal David's city stood a lowly cattle shed,
where a mother laid her baby in a manger for his bed:
Mary was that mother mild, Jesus Christ, her little child.
Text: Cecil Frances Alexander, 1823-1895; Music: Henry J. Gauntlett, 1805-1876
PROCESSIONAL GOSPEL
Luke 2:1-20 (KJV)
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all
the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of
Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from
Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called
Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) to be taxed with Mary his
espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days
were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and
wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for
them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherd abiding in the field, keeping
watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory
of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto
them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this
shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a
manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God,
and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it
came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said on to
another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which
the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph,
and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made know abroad the
saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those
things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered
them in her heart. And the Shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things
that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Verse 3
“Once in David's Royal City”
Hymn 269
And our eyes at last shall see him, through his own redeeming love;
for that child so dear and gentle is our Lord in heav'n above;
and he leads his children on to the place where he is gone.
Text: Cecil Frances Alexander, 1818-1895
(please be seated)
SERMON
"It is Love That Is Born Tonight"
Pastor Andy Smith
The Staff of Lutheran Church of the Cross
wishes all of you...
Pastors
Rev. Andy Smith
Rev. Kari Williamson
Children and Family Ministry
Erin Karlgaard
Financial Secretary
Karen Wiele
Lay Ministries Coordinator
Sally Hodgson
Custodian
Clint Baker
Music Ministry/Organist
Cathy Taylor
Senior Choir Director
Brian Stubbs
Organist
Laura Raedeke
Bell Choir Director
Judy Rickbeil
Lutheran Church of the Cross 5064 Co. Rd. 13 Nisswa, MN
Phone: 218.963.2564 Web Site: lccnisswa.org Email: lcc@lccnisswa.org
Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 - 11:45 am; 12:30 - 4:30 pm
Office Manager: Kari Erickson
Verse 4
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.
Text: Isaac Watts, 1674-1748
HYMN
“Angels We Have Heard on High “
Verse 1
Angels we have heard on high, sweetly singing o'er the plains,
and the mountains in reply, echoing their joyous strains.
Refrain
Gloria in excelsis Deo; gloria in excelsis Deo.
Hymn 289
(please stand)
Verse 3
POSTLUDE
"In Dulci Jubilo", P. Laubengayer
Come to Bethlehem and see him whose birth the angels sing;
come, adore on bended knee Christ the Lord, the newborn king.
Refrain
Text: French carol; tr. H. F. Hemy, The Crown of Jesus Music, 1864
Christmas Eve 6:00 Worship Service - thanks to our worship assistants!
Worship Coordinators
Organist
Musical Offering
Greeters
Ushers
Scripture Reader
Communion Assistants
Altar Guild
Acolytes
Processional Cross
Processional Bible
Processional Candle
Sound Room
Dave Brabec and Darrell Paske
Cathy Taylor
LCC Senior Choir, Brian Stubbs, Director
Al & Linda Larson, Jim & Julie Raymo
Don & Mickie Deline, Ray & Betty Arveson,
Gregg & Maren Ortmeier
Lizzi Ortmeier
Sharon Taute, Mary Hubert
Deb Roberts
Ana Bircher and Meghan Lord
Jim Raymo
Julie Raymo
Tom Ortmeier
Steve Lanz, Bob Burns
APOSTLES’ CREED
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God's only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
SHARING OF PEACE
Pastor:
The peace of the Lord be with you always.
People:
And also with you.
(please be seated)
OFFERING
MUSICAL OFFERING
"Thou Shalt Know Him", M. Sirett
Sr. Choir
OFFERING PRAYER
(please stand)
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:
People:
Pastor:
People:
Pastor:
People:
Pastor:
People:
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.
THE 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.
(please be seated)
COMMUNION DISTRIBUTION
"Away in a Manger"
"I Am so Glad Each Christmas Eve"
"On Christmas Night"
"Good Christian Friends, Rejoice"
Hymn 277
Hymn 271
Hymn 274
Hymn 288
CHRISTMAS PRAYER (please stand)
Pastor:
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.
People:
Amen.
BENEDICTION
RECESSIONAL HYMN
“Joy to the World“
Hymn 267
Verse 1
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.
Verse 2 (men only)
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.
Verse 3 (women only)
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.