Nativity of our Lord, Christmas Eve~~~Dec.24, 2021
July 21, 2022
Nativity of our Lord, Christmas Eve~~~Dec.24, 2021
The 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.
Gospel : Luke 2:1-14 [15-20]
God’s greatest gift comes as a baby in a manger. Angels announce the “good news of great joy” and proclaim God’s blessing of peace.
1In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3All went to their own towns to be registered. 4Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. 5He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 7And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
8In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11to you are born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, 14“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”
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15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. 17When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. 19But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.] he gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.
HOMILY Twas the night before Christmas and in Bethlehem town, All the Inns were so crowded, Mary couldn’t lie down. The baby was coming, all willing and able, The only safe place to be born was a stable.
The shepherds were sleeping on a hillside nearby, While Mary was singing her first lullaby. The lambs in their sheepfold, all wooly and white, Had just settled down on this clear starry night.
When an angel appeared right there where they lay, While they rose in fright, he said, “Be not afraid.” The Lord’s glory shone as the angel did say, “Good News, I bring to you all on this day, A Savior in Bethlehem was born just for you. Now He lies in a manger, ragged cloths are the clue.”
When what to their wondering eyes should appear, But a sky full of angels singing loudly and clear. God’s glory they sang for all they were worth And peace among all whom He favors on earth.
More rapid than eagles they all disappeared. A shepherd then shouted to all who would hear, “Now, Levi! Now, Reuben! Now, Isaac and Jacob! On, Eli! On Matthew! On Simon and Caleb! To the stable in town, to the manger of hay, Let’s go quickly and see where Christ Jesus does lay.”
The shepherds could hardly believe what they saw, Jesus lay in the manger asleep in the straw. So, down to their knees all the shepherds then sank, With their hearts full of wonder, their God they did thank.
And then in a twinkling to Joseph and Mary, The words of the angels, the shepherds did carry. As they drew in their breath, their heads spinning around, From the stable the shepherds left without a sound. Mary pondered these words in the depth of her heart. She ne’er would forget how the shepherds took part.
A bundle of joy, Mary thought of her child, And He looked like a pure lamb, so gentle and mild. His eyes full of wisdom, even though just a baby. “My Jesus, a Savior? she wondered, “Well, maybe.” His soft, little face seemed to glow with a smile, So their troublesome journey now, too, seemed worthwhile.
Soon after came wise men from places afar. Many days had they traveled to follow a star. They looked for a King who would rule over all, After speaking with Herod, the worst choice of all.
Herod plotted and planned – a right nasty old king – Who tried to kill Jesus and end this whole thing. The magi came in and they kneeled at Christ’s bed And gave Him three gifts and then thinking ahead, They took a new road on their long journey home. And Jesus and family to Egypt did roam.
Christ was on earth and old was like new-now people could see what God loved to do. Jesus was born and destined to die so that we might be saved and sins from us fly. God loves us that much-so he sent us his Son so that we have forgiveness and eternal life won.
On the cross He laid down His life for our souls, Forgiving our sins, Jesus Christ made us whole. He rose from the dead, to His friends gave a mission. And we are now given new life with a vision.
So let us exclaim on this most holy night … Merry Christmas to all, Jesus Christ is the light!
Brothers and sisters, You received a cross (((with a heart ))) tonight. This is the very core of our Christmas celebration-God sent Jesus at Christmas to be born a human for us, out of love for us. Jesus then died on the cross for us so that we might be saved from our sins. The one born for us is to die for us . His love is shown through the cross. A Savior-for us-that’s the good news of great joy we celebrate tonight!
God become human-Emmanuel-God with us , Jesus. God’s perfect gift of love-FOR YOU. A blessed Christmas to you all! Amen.
Prayers of Intercession
Joining our voices with the heavenly host and Christians throughout time and space, let us pray for the church, the world, and all in need. A brief silence.
Love proclaims that a Savior has been born to us! Inspire your church throughout the world to proclaim the good news of Jesus’ birth to all who seek salvation, hope, and new life. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
Love whispers to a weary world that the time for rest and restoration has come. Maintain healthy cycles of wake and sleep for all creatures. Where light pollution disrupts natural rhythms, encourage new practices. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
Love cries to a warring world that the time for peace is at hand. Direct those in power who make decisions on behalf of others, that they nurture and sustain all that is healthy, good, and holy. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
Love sings through the wails of a newborn baby. Respond to all who cry out in pain, despair, or need this night (especially). Bring comfort to those for whom separation, grief, or loss makes the Christmas season especially difficult. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
Love murmurs words of comfort to a newborn child and exhausted parents. Bless new and expectant parents or caregivers, especially those who are alone or afraid this night. Pour out your love upon families of every kind. Merciful God, receive our prayer.
God’s ever-present love is proclaimed through the faithful who came before us. We give you thanks for Mary, John the baptizer, Elizabeth his mother, Joseph the dreamer, and all who point toward your love (especially). Merciful God, receive our prayer.
Rejoicing in your Word made flesh among us, we commend these prayers to you, confident of your grace and love made known to us in Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.
Our Father…..
The God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in believing so that we may abound in hope by the power of the Spirit through Christ for whom we wait. Amen.
Let us go out into the world in peace. Christ is with us as together we are led by the Spirit to serve God and share Christ’s love with all. Thanks be to God!
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