December 24 – Christmas Eve

 

Worship suggestions for the Christmas season were contributed by Fern Gibbard, Penticton United Church, Penticton B.C.

Lectionary

 

Isaiah 9:2–7

A child has been born for us.

Psalm 96 (VU p. 816)

Sing to God a new song.

Titus 2:11–14

Live a godly, upright life.

Luke 2:1–14, (15–20)

Jesus’ birth.

Spark

Light is an important symbol at Christmas. Arrange a fanciful display of many different lighting devices e.g., flashlights, propane torches, work lights, trouble lights, Christmas lights, pictures of the sun, stars, and moon—they do not all have to be lit. Refer to them throughout the service in the context of the hymns and message.

With Children

Have a number of flashlights available, one for each child if possible, plus a large light with a brilliant or coloured beam for the storyteller
(or use a light pointer, the kind used when giving presentations). Discuss how light helps us not to be afraid of the dark, how, when it is dark, we need a light to see where we want to go. Turn out the lights and let the children play, making light beams with their flashlights. Then have the children turn off their flashlights. Ask whether they could find their way back to where their parents are sitting. We need light to see where we are going. Talk about Jesus being like a light, lighting our way to show us how to live.

Sermon Starter (based on Isaiah 9:2–7)

On Christmas Eve we often think of light as a softly glowing candle. But light can also be the eye-destroying dazzle of a blowtorch that can liberate by severing the iron bars of chains or prisons that weigh people down. Even that which oppresses us can be used as fuel for the fire (which also gives light). We think of those who have been oppressed and suffered in darkness because of drug addiction, and yet have used their first-hand experience to work with others in similar situations. Where do we see the blowtorch or laser beam of God working? How can we assist in this work, not only at Christmas, but throughout the whole year?

Hymns

Hebrew Scripture

VU 2               “Come, thou long-expected                            Jesus”

VU 65              “Ring a bell for peace”

VU 330            “Jesus shall reign”

MV 33             “Jesus came bringing us hope”

MV 137           “Welcome, Jesus”

Psalm

VU 29              “Hark, the glad sound”

VU 816            “Sing to God a new song”

MV 180           “Sing, sing out”

Epistle

VU 62              “Once in royal David’s city”

Gospel

VU 27              “Tomorrow Christ is coming”

VU 48              “Hark! the herald angels sing”

VU 64              “O little town of Bethlehem”

VU 67              “Silent night, holy night”

VU 69              “Away in a manger”

VU 75              “While shepherds watched”

MV 47             “Born in human likeness”

Seasonal

VU 36              “Angels, from the realms of                            glory”

VU 43              “Go tell it on the mountain”

VU 44              “It came upon the midnight clear”

VU 57              “Oh, how joyfully”

VU 53              “A Christmas prayer”