* 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 * HYMN “Joy to the World” 246, UMH

* THE LIGHT LEADS US INTO SERVICE

* BENEDICTION

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

UMH: United Methodist Hymnal

**Adapted from text by Rev. Rich Davis, Senior Pastor, First Presbyterian Church, River Forest, IL ***Modified from The Abingdon Worship Annual 2018. Copyright © 2017 by Abingdon Press. Used by permission. Westlake UMC OneLicense.Net #A711142

In Our Service Today Liturgist: 3:00 Sherri Cebul-Ligas 9:00 Barbara Deeds Ushers: 3:00 Curtis Danburg, Judy McDonald, Gail Wearsch, Don Parker 9:00 Skip Gianfagna Greeters: 3:00 Barbara Lachowicz, Sharla Johnston 9:00 Kim & Barry Kuenzer

SCRIPTURE READING Isaiah 9:6 p. 600, OT

PRAYER Today is the day 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 re-minds us of the good news 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.”

HEARING & PROCLAIMING GOD’S WORD * HYMN “The First Noel” 245, UMH

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

SERMON “Making Room” Rev. Mollie Brown

+ SPECIAL MUSIC “O Holy Night” Adolphe Adam Chris Neely, soloist

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 “The Bell Carol” arr. Fred Bock * 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

# HOLY COMMUNION p. 12, 17 As the ushers direct, you are invited to come forward to receive communion. After you receive communion, you may return to your pews by the side aisles.

# COMMUNION MUSIC “Star Of Heaven” Pepper Chaplin “Sing We Now Of Christmas” Tom Fettke Chancel Choir

ORDER OF WORSHIP

December 24, 2018 (+)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 “Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming” Brahms * CALL TO WORSHIP** L: Today we celebrate the one moment, the one birth, and the one life that forever changed the world! P: O come, O come, Emmanuel. L: Because you came to us, we have experienced the ultimate hope to combat even the darkest moments. P: O come, O come, Emmanuel. L: Because you came to us, we have seen the fullness of love to the highest degree. P: O come, O come, Emmanuel. L: Because you came to us, we have seen the face of peace in its purest form. P: O come, O come, Emmanuel. L: Today, we celebrate your birth that unleashes hope, peace, joy, and love into the world from now until the day of your return. P: O come, O come, Emmanuel.

* THE LIGHT ENTERS OUR WORSHIP

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

* OPENING PRAYER (in unison) *** With joy in our hearts and praise on our lips, we come into your presence this day, to celebrate our glorious Prince of Peace. With wreaths of evergreen we celebrate the Word made flesh that made all things new. With candlelight and carols, we rejoice that justice and righteousness came to rule this very night. Welcome to our world, holy child. Welcome to our lives. Amen.

LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE ** +Ben Ligas & Sherri Cebul-Ligas, Audra, Matt, Asher & Rowan Miller # John & Carol Thaler