Christmas Eve

December 24, 2008

HOLY EUCHARIST
As you enter the church, please keep silence as we prepare our hearts for worship.

Call to Worship
Sung by Cynthia Plumb

The Opening Acclamation

Celebrant Alleluia! To us a child is born.
People Come, let us adore him. Alleluia
Celebrant O God, you have caused this holy night to shine with the brightness of
the true Light: Grant that we, who have known the mystery of that Light
on earth, may also enjoy him perfectly in heaven; where with you and the
Holy Spirit he lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

Processional

O Come All Ye Faithful

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

(Chorus)
O come let us adore Him
O come let us adore Him
O come let us adore Him
Christ the Lord

Sing choirs of angels

Sing in exultation
O sing all ye bright
Hosts of heav'n above
Glory to God
All glory in the highest

Yea Lord we greet Thee

Born this happy morning
Jesus to Thee be all glory giv'n
Word of the Father
Now in flesh appearing
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Songs of Praise
Children’s Choir
Directed by Kim Baysinger and Laura Speece
Offering our songs of praise

Joy to the World

Joy to the world the Lord is come
Let earth receive her King
Let every heart prepare Him room
And heaven and nature sing
And heaven and nature sing
And heaven and heaven and nature sing

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 and wonders of His love

The Collect of the Day

Celebrant The Lord be with you.

People And also with you.
Celebrant Let us pray.

O God, you make us glad by the yearly festival of the birth of your only Son Jesus Christ: Grant
that we, who joyfully receive him as our Redeemer, may with sure confidence behold him when he
comes to be our Judge; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for
ever. Amen.

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LITURGY OF THE WORD
Please be seated.

The First Lesson: Isaiah 9:1-7

Psalm 96
The psalm will be read as prompted by the Lector

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O sing to the Lord a new song; *
sing to the Lord, all the earth.
2
Sing to the Lord, bless his name; *
tell of his salvation from day to day.
3
Declare his glory among the nations, *
his marvellous works among all the peoples.
4
For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; *
he is to be revered above all gods.
5
For all the gods of the peoples are idols, *
but the Lord made the heavens.
6
Honour and majesty are before him; *
strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.
7
Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples, *
ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
8
Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; *
bring an offering, and come into his courts.
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Worship the Lord in holy splendour; *
tremble before him, all the earth.
10
Say among the nations, ‘The Lord is king! *
The world is firmly established; it shall never be moved.
He will judge the peoples with equity.’
11
Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;
let the sea roar, and all that fills it; *
12
let the field exult, and everything in it.
Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy
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before the Lord; for he is coming, *
for he is coming to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with righteousness, *
and the peoples with his truth.

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The Second Lesson: Titus 2:11-14

The Alleluia
Please stand and sing

The Holy Gospel: Luke 2:1-20

Please remain standing for the reading of the Gospel.

The Sermon
Please be seated.

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The Nicene Creed
Please stand.

We believe in one God,

the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,

the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one Being with the Father.
Through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation
he came down from heaven:
by the power of the Holy Spirit
he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary,
and was made man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,

who proceeds from the Father and the Son.
With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified.
He has spoken through the Prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen.

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The Prayers of the People
Please stand, be seated, kneel, or lie face down on the floor in awe of God’s willingness to hear our prayers.

Members: Allen Family; Dean Johnson Jr.; Lily Plumb; Rhodes Family; Gary Westhausen; White Family

Vestry: Jeff Cardwell; Matt Creswell; Loys Johnson; George Mankos; Herb Poole; Annette Waldroop

AMiA Churches: Grace Anglican Church (Gastonia); Epiphany Anglican Church (Charlottesville, VA)

Seminarians: Loys Johnson, Jr.; Conor Mooney

Others: Martin Allen; Angell Family; Sandy Baysinger; Kat Brinyear; Lacey Brown; Fritzy Bullis; Comer
Family; Jay Crocker; Sarah Dulin; Anne Greene; Tom Gridley; Jack Jenkins; David & Christina Kristynik
and David’s military unit in Iraq; Shelley Makahon; Hayley Makohon Ronnie Martin; Nancy Niner; Norma
Nowak; Christine & Colin O’Connell; John Robinson; Keith Roblin; Steven Rowland; Jim Sampson;
Emma Schurmeier; Sharon Shaver; Cindy Sheets; Smithey family; Martha Ann Springer; Margaret Rose
Todd; Carroll Waldroop; Lewis Wilhelm; Larry Whitehead.

In the course of the silence after each bidding, the People offer their own prayers, either silently or aloud.

I ask your prayers for God’s people throughout the world; for our Bishop, TJ; for those gathered
here; and for all ministers and people.
Pray for the Church. Silence

I ask your prayers for peace; for goodwill among nations; and for the well being of all people.
Pray for justice and peace. Silence

I ask your prayers for the fatherless, the persecuted, the exploited, and those in prison.
Pray for those in any need or trouble. Silence

I ask your prayers for those who do not yet believe, and for those who have lost their faith, that
they may receive the light of the Gospel.
Pray for the lost in our families and in our communities. Silence
Praise God for those in every generation in whom Christ has been honored.
Pray that we may have grace to glorify Christ in our own day. Silence

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The Confession of Sin
And now, O Father, we pray to you also for our greatest need, the forgiveness of our sins:
Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father;
in your compassion forgive us our sins,
known and unknown,
things done and left undone;
and so uphold us by your Spirit
that we may live and serve you in newness of life,
to the honor and glory of your Name;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us all our sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen
us in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep us in eternal life. Amen.

The Peace
Celebrant May the peace of the Lord be always with you.
People And also with you.

ANNOUNCEMENT
Candlelight Dismissal

Tonight's service will end in candlelight. Please remain seated until all candles are lit, at which time
we will commence the recessional hymn. After the dismissal, please exit the sanctuary at your
leisure.

For a complete list of current announcements, please visit our website at www.tcotgs.org.

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HOLY COMMUNION

Offertory
As representatives of the congregation bring the people’s offerings to the altar, please sing.

Mystery
The child was born on Christmas day
Born to save the world
But long before the world began
He knew His death was sure
The pain and strife secured

(Chorus)
Mystery how He came to be a man
But greater still
How His Death was in His plan
God predestined that His son would die
And He still created man
Oh what love is this
That His death was in His Hands

The Christmas trees

They glow so bright
With presents all round
But Christmas brought
A tree of life
With blood that sacrificed
The greatest gift in life

(Bridge)
I am just a man
And can't begin to comprehend
When You look into this traitor's eyes
What do You see that justifies the Lamb

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The Doxology
Please stand.

The Great Thanksgiving

Please remain standing.

Celebrant The Lord be with you.

People And also with you.
Celebrant Lift up your hearts.
People We lift them to the Lord.
Celebrant Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People It is right to give him thanks and praise.

The Sanctus
Holy, Holy, Holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.
Please be seated as the Celebrant continues.

The Mystery of Our Faith

Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.
Please remain seated as the Celebrant continues.

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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.

The Breaking of the Bread

Celebrant Alleluia! Christ our Passover has been sacrificed for us.
People Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia!

The Invitation
Celebrant These are the gifts of God for the people of God. Take them in
remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on him in your hearts by
faith, with thanksgiving.
All baptized disciples of Jesus Christ are welcome at God’s table. Please be seated until your row is invited to come.
At this time, parents may return to the nursery to escort your children back to the sanctuary for communion.

The Communion Hymns

Please be seated and sing

Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming

Lo, how a Rose e’er blooming from tender stem hath sprung!
Of Jesse’s lineage coming, as men of old have sung.
It came, a floweret bright, amid the cold of winter,
When half spent was the night.
Isaiah ’twas foretold it, the Rose I have in mind;
With Mary we behold it, the virgin mother kind.
To show God’s love aright, she bore to men a Savior,
When half spent was the night.
O Savior, Child of Mary, who felt our human woe,
O Savior, King of glory, who dost our weakness know;
Bring us at length we pray, to the bright courts of Heaven,
And to the endless day!

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What Child is This
What Child is this who laid to rest
On Mary's lap is sleeping
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
While shepherds watch are keeping
This this is Christ the King
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing
Haste haste to bring Him laud
The Babe the Son of Mary

Why lies He in such mean estate

Where ox and ass are feeding
Good Christian fear for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading
Nails spear shall pierce Him thro'
The cross be borne for me for you
Hail hail the Word made flesh
The Babe the Son of Mary

So bring Him incense gold and myrrh

Come peasant king to own Him
The King of kings salvation brings
Let loving hearts enthrone Him
Raise raise the song on high
The virgin sings her lullaby
Joy joy for Christ is born
The Babe the Son of Mary

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Offering
Over the skies of Bethlehem appeared a star
While angels sang to lowly shepherds
Three wise men seeking truth traveled from afar
Hoping to find the Child from heaven
Falling on their knees they bowed
Before the humble Prince of Peace

(Chorus)
I bring an offering of worship to my King
No one on earth deserves the praises that I sing
Jesus may You receive the honor that You're due
O Lord I bring an offering to You

The sun cannot compare to the glory of Your love

There is no shadow in Your presence
No mortal man would dare to stand before Your throne
Before the Holy One of heaven
It's only by Your blood, and it's only through Your mercy
Lord I come

The Post-Communion Prayer

Please stand and say together

Almighty and everliving God,

we thank you for feeding us with the spiritual food
of the most precious Body and Blood of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ;
and for assuring us in these holy mysteries
that we are living members of the Body of your Son,
and heirs of your eternal kingdom.
And now, Father, send us out
to do the work you have given us to do,
to love and serve you as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord.
To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit,
be honor and glory, now and forever. Amen

The Blessing

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The Hymn in Recession
Please remain standing and sing.

Silent Night
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

Silent night holy night

Shepherds quake at the sight
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heav'nly hosts sing alleluia
Christ the Saviour is born
Christ the Saviour is born

Silent night holy night

Son of God love's pure light
Radiant beams from the holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus Lord at Thy birth
Jesus Lord at Thy birth

The Dismissal
Celebrant As the Light of the world, let us go forth in the name of Christ. Alleluia, alleluia!
People Thanks be to God. Alleluia, alleluia!

CCLI#2329714
O Come All Ye Faithful: Public Domain
Away In a Manger Public Domain
Go Tell It on the Mountain Public Domain
Joy to the World Public Domain
Mystery: Angela and Todd Smith © 2002 Okapi One Music
Offering: Paul Baloche  2002 Integrity’s Hosanna Music
Alleluia: Taize Music
Lo How a Rose E’er Blooming: Public Domain
What Child is This: Public Domain
Silent Night: Public Domain

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The Poinsettias for our Christmas Eve Service are given by:

Bud & Edna Rowland In Honor of their Children & Grandchildren

Bud & Tricia Schurmeir
Gary & Kate Westhausen
Geneva Schmidt
Robert & Lesley Lee
Mike & Annette Waldroop
Bob & Tricia Schurmeir
Mike & Annette Waldroop
Gary & Kate Westhausen
Margaret Crocker
In Memory of Bob’s mother, Julie Schumeier
In Memory of Gustav & Florence Westhausen
In Memory of Loved Ones
In Memory of Loved Ones
In Memory of our Mothers
In Memory of Tricia’s parents Bob & Louise Cook
In Thanksgiving for our Daughter
In Thanksgiving for our Many Blessings
In Thanksgiving for the Christmas Season

CONTACTS
The Church of the Good Shepherd Melanie Johnson, Webmaster, melanie@tcotgs.org
Post Office Box 643 Pat Melchor, Administrative Assistant, pat@tcotgs.org
Davidson, NC 28036 Conor Mooney, Pastor to Students, conor@tcotgs.org
704/895-0059 Eric Speece, Director of Music & the Arts, eric@tcotgs.org
www.tcotgs.org Kyle Wallace, Lead Pastor, kyle@tcotgs.org

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