ORDER OF WORSHIP December 24, 2016 (+)3:00 p.m. & (#)9:00 p.m.

Christmas Eve

(* the congregation is invited to stand as able)

GATHERING OF THE PEOPLE IN PRAISE

TOLLING OF THE CHIMES

GREETING Welcome to Westlake United Methodist Church! Please refer to the insert for upcom-ing events and opportunities to grow in your faith.

PRELUDE “Of the Father’s Love Begotten” Wilbur Held * CALL TO WORSHIP**

Tonight we celebrate the one moment, the one birth, and the one life that forever changed the world! O come, O come, Emmanuel. Because you came to us, we have experienced the ultimate hope to combat even the darkest moments. O come, O come, Emmanuel. Because you came to us, we have seen the fullness of love to the highest degree. O come, O come, Emmanuel. Because you came to us, we have seen the face of peace in its purest form. O come, O come, Emmanuel. Tonight, we celebrate your birth that unleashes hope, love, peace, and joy into the world from now until the day of your return. O come, O come, Emmanuel.

* THE LIGHT ENTERS OUR WORSHIP

* HYMN “O Come, All Ye Faithful” 234, UMH

* OPENING PRAYER (in unison) Glorious God, who presents us with the most precious of gifts, we praise you for all your blessings in our lives. Tonight we have come to this place, in the midst of a busy time. We might not even have everything ready at home, yet we have come, because we ourselves need to be ready. Work in our hearts this night, preparing us for your presence. Work in our lives that we may reach out to others in comfort and compassion; work in our world that the darkness that has encompassed it may be dispelled by the brightness of your love and your Gift. In faith and expectation, we pray. AMEN.

LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE *** + Doug & Elaine Barr # Skip & Jean Gianfagna

SCRIPTURE READING Isaiah 9:6 p. 600, OT 6For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

PRAYER Tonight is the night we have been waiting for, when waiting is transformed into awestruck wonder. We celebrate Jesus coming into this world and light all five candles. The first candle reminds us of the ultimate hope that comes through our Savior’s birth. The second candle beckons us to the peace of Christ that surpasses all understanding. The third candle invites us to share the joy of the shepherds and angels announcing the Savior’s birth. The fourth candle reminds us of the Good News of great joy that tells us God’s love is stronger than human sin. The Christ candle reminds us that from the moment he took his first breath until the day of his glorious return, Jesus says to each of us, “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

# CHORAL RESPONSE “Light of Hope” Joel Raney

HEARING & PROCLAIMING GOD’S WORD

SCRIPTURE LESSON Isaiah 9:2-7 p. 600, OT

* HYMN “Hark! the Herald Angels Sing” 240, UMH

GOSPEL LESSON Luke 2:1-20 p. 54-5, NT

SERMON “A Light in the Darkness” Rev. Mollie Brown

ANTHEM + “O Holy Night” Adolphe-Charles Adam

Joshua Konow, piano; Rebecca Konow, cello

# “All Is Well” W. Kirkpatrick; M. W. Smith Chancel Choir

RESPONDING TO THE WORD

PASTORAL PRAYER

THE LORD'S PRAYER 895, UMH Our 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 trespasses, as we forgive those who tres-pass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

WORSHIPING WITH OUR TITHES & OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY + “Still, Still, Still” arr. Catherine McMichael

Joshua Konow, piano; Rebecca Konow, cello

# “Still, Still, Still” arr. Kirby Shaw Chancel Choir * DOXOLOGY “Angels We Have Heard on High” (vs. 1) 238, UMH

Angels we have heard on high, sweetly singing o’er the plains, and the mountains in reply, echoing their joyous strains: Gloria in excelsis Deo! Gloria in excelsis Deo!

* PRAYER OF DEDICATION

* SHARING THE LIGHT OF CHRIST The ushers will bring the light from the Christ Candle to your row. As you re-ceive the light, tip your unlit candle to the lit candle. Please give assistance to younger worshipers.

* HYMN “Silent Night, Holy Night” 239, UMH

Silent night, holy night, all 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.

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.

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.

Silent night, holy night, wondrous star, lend thy light; with the angels let us sing Alleluia to our King; Christ the Savior is born, Christ the Savior is born!

SENDING FORTH

* BENEDICTION

* HYMN “Joy to the World” 246, UMH

* THE LIGHT LEADS US INTO SERVICE

* POSTLUDE “Good Christian Friends, Rejoice!” J.S. Bach

UMH: United Methodist Hymnal

**Text by Rev. Rich Davis, Senior Pastor, First Presbyterian Church, River Forest, IL Adapted from text by Rev. Rich Davis, Senior Pastor, First Presbyterian Church, River Forest, IL *** From Ministry Matters http://www.ministrymatters.com/all/entry/4460/worship-connection-christmas-eve-2016-option-2 Used by permission. Westlake UMC OneLicense.Net #A711142

Liturgists: 3:00 Garret Van Dyke 9:00 Cathie Dietrich