Christmas Eve Livestream

Merry Christmas from Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ!

In almost every way, Christmas 2020 looks and feels very different. We may be separated from family and friends and the traditions that make this time of year so special. While we are not together in this building, however, we are still united by God’s love, a love so strong He sent His Son to save us. A Son who arrived on this day.

We hope you find comfort in this familiar story.

A special Christmas prelude, by our Minister of Music, Anna DiVesta:

https://fb.watch/2APF_1s39Y/

Here’s today’s order for worship:
Prelude – Anna DiVesta

Responsive Call to Worship – Pastor Dan Wilson
One: It’s Christmas Eve. Let’s rejoice!
All: Emmanuel is with us.
One: Tonight is the night of our Dear Savior’s birth.
All: God appears in an astonishing way!
One: God comes to earth as a baby.
All: Christ comes to life as a human being – Jesus, born of Mary.
One: This Child is God’s Promised Messiah.
All: Glory to God in the highest!
One: Peace on earth.
All: Christ is born.

Hymn – “O Little Town of Bethlehem” – #200

1. O little town of Bethlehem, How still we see thee lie!
   Above thy deep and dreamless sleep The silent stars go by.
   Yet in thy dark streets shineth The everlasting Light;
   The hopes and fears of all the years Are met in thee tonight.
2. For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above,
   While mortals sleep, the angels keep Their watch of wondering love.
   O morning stars, together Proclaim the holy birth!
   And praises sing to God the King, and peace to men on earth.
3. How silently, how silently The wondrous gift is given!
   So God imparts to human hearst The blessings of His heav’n.
   No ear may hear His coming, But in this world of sin,
   Where meek souls will receive Him still The dear Christ enters in.
4. O holy Child of Bethlehem! descend to us, we pray,
   Cast out or sin, and enter in; Be born in us today.
   We hear the Christmas angels The great glad tidings tell;
   O come to us, abide with us, Our Lord Emmanuel.

Prayer of Invocation – Pastor Dan
One: Let us pray.
All: Tonight, we marvel over you, God Emmanuel. Life has been especially uncertain and frightening the past several months. Yet, above this world’s fears, the songs of your angels still resound. Above this world’s frenzy, the night sky remains tranquil. Your stars serenely shine. Your gifts continue to astonish the world. This time it’s a newborn child. While we tend to focus on flashiness, you appear in out-of-the-way places among ordinary people. Just as you calmed the stormy Sea of Galilee, you are the One who calms any and all turmoil in our lives. God Emmanuel, help us not to be afraid.
O God, so tender and mild; two thousand years ago, you gave yourself to the world by coming to life as a human being – Jesus, our brother, kind and good. What a touching act of holy love! O Lord Emmanuel, you are True Light. We pray in response to your call, seeking to follow you and to walk in your love, Christ Jesus. Amen.

Lighting the Advent Wreath – Pastor Dan
The Christ Candle

Christmas Prayer of Thanksgiving – Pastor Dan
One: Let us pray.
All: God Emmanuel, candlelight is an ideal symbol of your love. You are as reliable as a steadily burning candle flame. Your light overcomes darkness, God. As a candle gives light in the darkness, you offer light to all people. You are the Savior of the whole world! You do this by becoming a human being, Jesus of Nazareth. People all over the world rejoice this night, celebrating your birth as the Christ Child. For generations, people have marveled at this miracle, and your birth always will continue to amaze people. We give you thanks, Christ Jesus, for coming to life and for bringing joy to all on earth. Amen.

Praise Response – “When God Is a Child” – p. 95, worship booklet

1. Hope is a star that shines in the night, leading us on till the morning is bright.

REFRAIN
When God is a child there’s join in our Song. The last shall be first
and the weak shall be strong, and none shall be afraid.

2. Peace is a ribbon that circles the earth, giving a promise of safety and worth.

REFRAIN

3. Joy is a song that welcomes the dawn, telling the world that the Savior is born

REFRAIN

4. Love is a flame that burns in our heart. Jesus has come and will never depart.

REFRAIN

Prophecies

Enhanced Expectations

Gabriel’s Visits

Holy Childbirth

Gifts of God Eternal

Special Music – “O Holy Night” – Valerie Waterman, Vocalist

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
All who desire to receive the bread and the cup are welcome to receive these gifts of God.

The Breaking of the Bread and the Pouring of the Cup

The Sharing of the Bread and the Cup

Prayer of Thanksgiving for Holy Communion
God Emmanuel, you are the One whom our souls adore. Thank you, Christ Jesus, for the gift of this worship to celebrate your birth. You became a human being in order to get through to us, and we are astounded by your ingenuity. Jesus, we are grateful to you for inviting us to be guests at your table. Receiving the bread and the cup from you fills us with hope eternal.
Christ Jesus, may our lives freely and joyously offer to everyone the grace which we receive from you. Amen.

SHARING THE LIGHT OF CHRIST

HYMN – “Silent Night” – #189

1. Silent night! holy night! Al 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.
2. Silent night! holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight,
   Glories stream from heaven afar, heavenly hosts sing Alleluia,
   Christ the Savior is born, Christ the Savior is born.
3. Silent night! holy night! Son of God, love’s pure light,
   Radiant beams from Thy holy face, With the dawn of redeeming grace,
   Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth, Jesus, Lord, at thy birth. Peace on Earth