This liturgy is under development.
On the Liturgy
- Before using this liturgy, please read the information and instructions throughout “The Service of the Word and Lord’s Supper.”
- Christmas Eve is the beginning of the Christmas season, not the conclusion of Advent. White, not purple, is used. The celebration begins.
- This liturgy is built around the texts in the Revised Common Lectionary (Year A).
Artwork for Bulletins/Slideshows
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Gerard van Honthorst, Adoration of the Shepherds (c. 1662), oil on canvas.
The Liturgy
THE PROCESSIONAL
If a time of singing by candlelight is to follow the distribution of communion, candles may be passed out to congregants on their way into the church.
- O Come, All Ye Faithful (OGRP 174)
THE ACCLAMATION
For unto us a child is born,
Unto us a son is given.
Or,
Alleluia, to us a child is born:
O come, let us adore him. Alleluia.
CALL TO WORSHIP
Grace to you from God our Father, and merry Christmas!
Today, the Lord of glory comes to earth! He is a child, and yet God. He is a babe, and yet the Lord. He is a man, and yet divine. Without ceasing to be what he was, he became what he was not. The Almighty became weak. The fleshless one took flesh. The motherless one became fatherless. The invisible one was seen. The intangible one was touched. The eternal one made a beginning. The Son of God became the Son of Man that the sons of men might become the sons of God. He was born of a virgin that we might be born of the Spirit. He came down to earth that we might be raised to the heavens.
O come, all ye faithful! Let us worship the Word incarnate.
OPENING PRAYER
Or, the Collect for Purity, Summary of the Law, Kyrie, and Trisagion may be said.
O God, you gladden us year by year as we wait in hope for our redemption. Grant that as we joyfully welcome your only begotten Son our Redeemer, we may also come to face him confidently when he returns to be our Judge. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen. (RM 2011, adapted)
HYMN OF PRAISE
Also included as a responsive reading in the hymnal Our Great Redeemer’s Praise (698).
Glory be to God on high, and on earth peace, good will towards men. We praise you, we bless you, we worship you, we glorify you, we give thanks to you for your great glory, O Lord God, heavenly king, God the Father Almighty. O Lord, the only-begotten Son Jesus Christ; O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, that takes away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us. You that takes away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us. You that takes away the sins of the world, receive our prayer. You that sits at the right hand of God the Father, have mercy upon us. For you alone are holy, you alone are the Lord, you alone, O Christ, with the Holy Spirit, are most high in the glory of God the Father. Amen.
HYMN
- O Holy Night (OGRP 200)
PRAYER BEFORE THE LESSONS
The Lord be with you.
And with your spirit.
Let us pray.
O God, you have caused this holy night to shine with the brightness of the true Light: Grant that we, who have known the mystery of that Light on earth, may also enjoy him perfectly in heaven; where with you and the Holy Spirit he lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.
THE FIRST LESSON: ISAIAH 9:2–7
A reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah, Chapter 9, at the second verse:
2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. 3 You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil. 4 For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. 5 For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire. 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
PSALM 96
Oh sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth! 2 Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. 3 Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! 4 For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods. 5 For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the Lord made the heavens. 6 Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. 7 Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength! 8 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering, and come into his courts! 9 Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness; tremble before him, all the earth! 10 Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns! Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity.” 11 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it; 12 let the field exult, and everything in it! Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy 13 before the Lord, for he comes, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness, and the peoples in his faithfulness.
All: Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
HYMN
- Hark! the Herald Angels Sing (OGRP 180) — especially fitting after Psalm 96
THE SECOND LESSON: TITUS 2:11–14
A reading from Paul’s Letter to Titus, Chapter 2, at the eleventh verse:
11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
THE GOSPEL: LUKE 2:1–20
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke, Chapter 2, at the first verse:
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. The Shepherds and the Angels 8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” 15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, Lord Christ.
THE SERMON
A brief homily (e.g., 10 minutes) may be shared, allowing time for singing by candlelight at the end of the service.
THE CREED
Let us confess our faith in the words of the Nicene Creed.
I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds; God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God; begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made. For us and for our salvation, he came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary, and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; He suffered and was buried; and the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again, with glory, to judge the living and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of Life; who proceeds from the Father [and the Son]; who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified; who spoke by the prophets. I believe one holy catholic and apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins; and I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
THE INVITATION
If you truly and earnestly repent of your sins, and are in love and charity with your neighbors, and intend to lead a new life, following the commandments of God, and walking from this point forward in his holy ways; draw near with faith, and take this holy sacrament to your comfort; and make your humble confession to Almighty God.
THE CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION
Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Maker of all things, Judge of all men; we acknowledge and lament our many sins, which we have, from time to time, most grievously committed, by thought, word, and deed, against your divine majesty. We earnestly repent, and are sincerely sorry for our misdoings; the remembrance of them is grievous to us. Have mercy upon us, have mercy upon us, most merciful Father. For the sake of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, forgive us all that is past; and grant that we may ever hereafter serve and please you in newness of life, to the honor and glory of your name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Almighty God, our heavenly Father, in your great mercy you have promised forgiveness to all who turn to you with sincere repentance and true faith. Have mercy upon us; pardon and deliver us from all our sins, confirm and strengthen us in all goodness, and bring us to everlasting life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE COMFORTING WORDS AND THE PEACE
Our Savior speaks comforting words to all who truly turn to him. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. This is a true saying, and worthy of all men to be received, “That Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.”
Peace be with you.
And also with you.
THE OFFERTORY
THE SURSUM CORDA AND THE SANCTUS
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up unto the Lord.
Let us give thanks unto our God.
It is fitting and right to do so.
O Lord, Holy Father, Almighty, Everlasting God, it is very fitting, right, and our bounden duty, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto you, because you gave Jesus Christ, your only Son, to be born for us; who, by the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary his mother, was made truly man, yet without the stain of sin, that we might be cleansed from sin and given the right to become your children.
Therefore with angels and archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we laud and magnify your glorious name, evermore praising you, and saying,
Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of hosts, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Glory be to you, O Lord most high. Amen.
HYMN
- Angels We Have Heard on High (191)
- Or, Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence
- Or, Of the Father’s Love Begotten
THE PRAYER OF CONSECRATION
Almighty God, our heavenly Father; of your tender mercy, you gave your only Son, Jesus Christ, to suffer death upon the cross for our redemption. By once offering himself there, he made a full, perfect, and sufficient sacrifice, offering, and satisfaction for the sins of the whole world.
So now, most merciful Father, we humbly ask you to bless and sanctify, with your Word and Spirit, these gifts of bread and wine; and grant that we may receive them according to the holy institution of your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, in remembrance of his death and passion, and be partakers of his most blessed Body and Blood.
In the same night that he was betrayed, he took* bread; and when he had given thanks, he brake* it; and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take, eat; this* is my Body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”
Likewise after Supper he took* the Cup; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink you all of this; for this* is my Blood of the New Testament, which is shed for you, and for many, for the remission of sins: Do this as often as you shall drink it, in remembrance of me.”
Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith:
Christ has died;
Christ is risen;
Christ will come again.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Let us pray.
Our Father, who is in heaven, hallowed be your name; your kingdom come; your 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 trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
THE MINISTRATION
Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world.
Have mercy on us, and grant us your peace.
Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;
Therefore, let us keep the feast.
The gifts of God for the people of God.
Thanks be to God.
The Ministers receive the Bread and Cup, and then invite the people to come forward to partake. When delivering the bread to each person, one of the following may be said:
- The body of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was given for you.
- The body of Christ, preserve your body and soul unto everlasting life.
- The body of Christ; take and eat this in remembrance that Christ died for you.
- The body of Christ; feed on him in your heart by faith, with thanksgiving.
- The body of Christ, the bread of heaven.
When delivering the cup to each person, one of the following may be said:
- The blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was shed for you.
- The blood of Christ, preserve your body and soul unto everlasting life.
- The blood of Christ; drink this in remembrance that Christ’s blood was shed for you, and be thankful.
- The blood of Christ, the cup of salvation.
A fitting song may be played or sung by a choir during the distribution of communion.
- Of the Father’s Love Begotten
THE POST COMMUNION PRAYER
O Lord, grant that we may draw new vigor from celebrating the Nativity of your only begotten Son, by whose heavenly mystery we receive both food and drink; who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.
SINGING BY CANDLELIGHT
The congregation may form a circle around the sanctuary with their candles and the light may be passed, beginning with the Minister who takes his light from the Christ candle. Silent Night and other fitting selections may be sung once the congregation is in place.
- Silent Night, Holy Night (OGRP 199)
- The First Noel (OGRP 188)
- O Little Town of Bethlehem (OGRP 192)
- It Came Upon the Midnight Clear (OGRP 194)
- Away in a Manger (OGRP 197)
THE DOXOLOGY
Praise God from whom all blessings flowPraise him all creatures here belowPraise him above, you heavenly hostPraise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
THE BLESSING AND SENDING
May the peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you, and remain with you always. Amen.
Let us go forth in the name of Christ.
Thanks be to God.