Christmas Eve/Fourth Sunday of Advent – Love
Grace Presbyterian Church
Serving people, through Christ, to meet the spiritual, physical, and emotional needs of the community and the world around us.
Ensemble Prelude “Still, Still, Still” arr. John Rutter
Mara Adler-O’Kelly, soprano
Lighting of the Fourth Advent Candle of Love (responsive)
One: How does a weary world practice love?
All: Let us count the ways! By sending cards, and picking
up the phone.
One: By practicing empathy, and assuming the best in others.
By learning people’s stories and finding common ground.
All: By advocating for justice, and saving a place at the table.
One: There are a million ways to practice love. We light this candle as a reminder and a charge.
All: With God’s help, may we bring love into a weary world. Amen.
Choral Ensemble “In the Bleak Midwinter” Gustav Holst
Bidding Prayer
First Scripture Reading in Unison Isaiah 9: 2; 6–7
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined. For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onwards and for evermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
Congregational Song Red 99* “O Little Town of Bethlehem”
Second Scripture Reading Isaiah 11: 1–3a; 4a; 6–9
Congregational Song Black 148* “What Child Is This”
Third Scripture Reading Luke 1: 26–35; 38
Choral Solo “Long Ago In Bethlehem”
from Three Moravian Carols
arr. Phyllis Tate
Mara Adler-O’Kelly, soprano
Fourth Scripture Reading Luke 2: 1; 3–7
Congregational Song Red 94* “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing”
Fifth Scripture Reading Luke 2: 8–16
Choral Ensemble “Go, Tell It on the Mountain” arr. David Malyszko
Donna Malyszko, soprano
Sixth Scripture Reading John 1: 1–14
Offertory Solo “O Holy Night” Adolphe Adam
Mara Adler-O’Kelly, soprano
Doxology
A Christmas Prayer concluding with the Lord’s Prayer
Lighting of the Christ Candle
One: How does a weary world rejoice?
All: By proclaiming the birth of God-with-Us, Emmanuel.
One: A child is born in Bethlehem. Christ draws near.
All: We light the Christ Candle.
One: We are not alone. God is near. Love has drawn close.
All: Rejoice! For God loves this weary world. Amen.
Congregational Song Red 95* “Silent Night”
Benediction
Christmas Day Worship Service 10 am at Union Congregational in the chapel.
Thank you to our readers:
Liz Moulthrop
Werner Heck
T.J. Simmons
Jody Walsh
Emy Kamihara
Alexander Tsay
Pat Walsh
Denarra Simmons
On Christmas Eve, we welcome to worship, professional singer, Mara Adler-O’Kelley who regularly performs with other international artists throughout New Jersey. She hopes her love for opera will be contagious through the many workshops, masterclasses and concerts she offers. @Masoprano_educator on Instagram.
