Westport Presbyterian Church 1835 – present
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
December 24, 2023 7 pm
(Video will be posted LIVE on the church’s FB page at 11am and then cross-posted here afterward. If the video doesn’t load properly here, you should be able to click on the Watch on Facebook link and watch as a guest, even if you don’t have Facebook)
PRELUDE: Go Tell a Wonderful Child; Bradley Sowash
OPENING HYMN: O Come, All Ye Faithful GTG#133
ADVENT SCRIPTURE READING: John 1:1-5, 14, 16-18
LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE: Marian Thomas, Joshua Stark & Emma Witbolsfeugen
Leader: Tonight we re-light our advent candles and the central candle, reminding us that Christ is the light of the world, the center of our lives, the shining beacon of hope for all the universe. Christ is Born. Praise God! May our hearts be filled with hope and joy.
LIGHT ALL THE CANDLES
UNISON PRAYER:
Lord of our hearts, this Christmas might may we be like innkeepers, ready to find a place for your son in our lives. May we be like shepherds, open to the possibility of miracles. May we be like kings, wise enough to follow the star of Bethlehem. O Lord, may we find a kneeling place in a stable! Come, Holy Child, that we may experience the mystery of light and truth you bring to us. Then grant us the assurance of your presence as we sing carols and rejoice in our Salvation; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
SUNG RESPONSE: Joy to the World GTG#134
CALL FOR THE OFFERING
OFFERTORY: The Stars Looked Down; text: G.K. Chesterton, music: Mark Schweizer; Emma Witbolsfeugen, mezzo soprano
Offering link
UNISON PRAYER OF DEDICATION:
O God of love and new life, we thank you for the promise of this Holy night. We are grateful for the generosity inspired in us by Christ’s birth. Let his light shine through our giving and light anew the path of our living. May our gifts represent a new spirit of joyous sharing among us for the sake of your church and all your children everywhere. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.
CONGREGATIONAL HYMN: He Came Down GTG#137
THE CANDLE CRECHE: Adapted from the Rev. Encie Stevens by Revs. Susan Hartley & Tom Trinidad
Readers & Candlelighters: Marian Thomas, Emma Witbolsfeugen, Joshua Stark & Eddie Lewis
First Reader: Hear tonight the wonderful story of Jesus’ birth as we retell it from the Gospels of Luke and Matthew. In days long ago the Roman governor Caesar Augustus commanded everyone in his kingdom to be counted. This happened when Quirinius was governor of Syria. Everyone went to be counted in their hometown. So a man went from the city of Nazareth in Galilee, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem in Judea. His name was Joseph. This was because Joseph’s family came from the house of David. He was counted with his soon-to-be wife who was about to have a child. Her name was Mary.
CAROL: Gentle Mary Laid Her Child GTG#146
Second Reader: On the long dusty road to Bethlehem, Mary rode a donkey. When they got there, there was no place in the Inn. So they stayed in the stable with a cow.
CAROL: O Little Town of Bethlehem GTG#121
First Reader: While they were there, the time came for Mary to give birth to her first born son, and she wrapped him in baby blankets, and placed him in the manger. His name was Jesus.
CAROL: What Child Is This GTG#145
Second Reader: Nearby out in the field there were shepherds. They were watching over their flocks of sheep. And the Gabriel, the angel of the Lord, appeared to them. And the glory of the Lord shone around them. And the shepherds were filled with fear. But the angel said to them, “Be not afraid. For behold I bring you good news of great joy. This news is for all people. To you is born this day, in the city of David, a Savior who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: You will find a babe wrapped in baby blankets and lying in a manger.”
CAROL: There’s a Star in the East (Rise Up, Shepherd, and Follow) GTG#135
First Reader: And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of these heavenly hosts. They were praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and goodwill to all.”
CAROL: Angels We Have Heard on High GTG#113
Second Reader: Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, the King of the Jews was named Herod. And Magi from the East came to Jerusalem. They rode on camels.
CAROL: We Three Kings GTG#151
Second Reader: The Magi asked, “Where is he who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the East, and have come to worship him.” When Herod heard this, he was troubled and all Jerusalem was troubled with him; So he called the chief priests and the scribes, the religious leaders and the people who studied the Bible. He asked them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea. For so it is written in the Bible: you, Bethlehem of Judea, are not just a small town next to a big city. For from you shall come a ruler who will govern the whole people of Israel.”
When the Magi saw the star again they rejoiced with great joy. And going to the place they saw the child with Mary, his mother, and Joseph, his father. And they knelt down and worshipped him. Then they offered him gifts, opening their treasures of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
CAROL: Away in a Manger GTG#115
RESPONSIVE READING:
Pastor: The light that was born in Bethlehem so long ago has never been put out.
People: It has become the light of the world.
Pastor: Jesus said, “I am the light of the world; whoever follows me will not be walking in the dark, but will have the light of life.”
People: May the Spirit of Christ help us spread this precious light; and may Christ’s light shine throughout the coming New Year and all of time.”
SERVICE OF CANDLELIGHTING: Silent Night, Holy Night! GTG#122
(No Postlude. people may enjoy the candles, then leave in THE SANCTUARY IN silence AS THE SPIRIT MOVES YOU. Have a joyous Christmas!)
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.
- Our Annual CONGREGATIONAL MEETING has been called by the session for Sunday, Jan. 7 after worship. We will receive reports from committee chairs and review the church budget for 2024.
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