Westport Presbyterian Church 1835 – present
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
December 24, 2025, 6PM at Westport Presbyterian
WESTPORT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH WORSHIP SERVICE
CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICE
December 24, 2025
PRELUDE The White Family
LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLES:
Reader: Tonight, angels far and near sing tender lullabies; well-worn fabric full of years holds in the warmth of parental love; animals and shepherds crowd in tight, glowing with adoration, while a muffled cry squeezes out to greet the world.
Reader: Tonight we give thanks for every child among us. Each new birth – regardless of circumstances – reminds us of the preciousness of life, the potential of tomorrow, the promise of God.
Reader: On this night, we light the four candles of love, hope, joy and peace…. And on Christmas Eve, we light the Christ candle for the child-King, the infant-Redeemer, the lowly-Lord. And now we know… Jesus the Christ is born – and nothing will ever be the same!
OPENING HYMN: Infant Holy, Infant Lowly GTG#128
WELCOME & SHARING THE PEACE OF CHRIST:
One: The peace of Christ be with you.
All: And also with you.
One: Let’s share the peace of Christ with one another.
SCRIPTURE READING: Luke 2:1-14
One: May God bless the reading of Holy Scripture.
All: Thanks be to God.
CHORAL ANTHEM: Still, Still, Still arr. R. Zimmerman
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION:
One: Loving Mystery, you opened your heart in the sending of your Son for the world’s well-being. Now open our hearts as we listen for the good news of the Christmas story.
All: Amen.
MESSAGE: An Invitation to Joyful Simplicity
CONGREGATIONAL HYMN: Away in a Manger GTG#115
INVITATION TO PRAYER
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER:
Our Mother and 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 debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR RECEIVING YOUR STAR WORD (including instructions for how online participants can receive their word)
DUET (as people come to front for their Words): What Child is This arr. Sally DeFord Josh Stark, baritone & Emma Witbolsfeugen, soprano
INVITATION TO LIGHT CANDLES
CLOSING HYMN:Silent Night, Holy Night! (verses 1-3) GTG#122
BLESSING
POSTLUDE: Twas in the Moon of Wintertime arr. P. Manz
*Tonight’s liturgy adapted from a prayer by Rev. Sarah A. Speed | A Sanctified Art LLC | sanctifiedart.org
A WESTPORT WARM WELCOMING!
- WELCOME! MEMBERS! NEWCOMERS! FRIENDS! We are so glad you could join us for worship today! VISITORS, please take a moment to let us know you were here by picking up an attendance card (in the pews) and filling out whatever information you would like to share with us.
- HEARING ASSISTANCE DEVICES available upon request. Talk to Josh up in the front of the sanctuary at the livestream table if you would like to use one.
LOOKING AHEAD:
- Monday, Dec. 22- Friday, Jan. 2 Our Office Manager will be traveling out of town for 2 weeks over the holidays. Our office hours will be limited during this time. If you need anything contact Pastor Jared
- Westport Showers will be closed on Christmas & New Year’s Day
- Resource Center & Lunches will be closed Dec. 26 & Jan. 2
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