Christmas Eve Candle Light Service

We welcome you to Payette United Methodist Church
We’re glad you are here!
December 24, 2021, 8:00 pm
(as recorded at Fruitland First United Methodist Church)

Call to Worship and Lighting the Christ Candle
Leader: "While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger" (Luke 2:6-7).

Tonight, angels far and near sing tender lullabies; well-worn fabric full of years holds in the warmth of parental love; animals and shepherds crowd in tight, glowing with adoration, while a muffled cry squeezes out to greet the world.

ALL: 
Tonight we give thanks for Jesus and every child among us. Each new birth -- regardless of circumstances -- reminds us of the preciousness of life, the potential of tomorrow, the promise of God.

Leader: On this Christmas Eve, we light the Christ candle for the child-King, the infant-Redeemer, the lowly-Lord.

ALL: And now we know: He is born and nothing will ever be the same!

Christmas Carol: O Come, All Ye Faithful
O come all ye faithful, 
joyful and triumphant, 
O come ye, O come ye, 
to Bethlehem. 
Come and behold him, 
born the King of angels; 
O come let us adore him, 
O come let us adore him, 
O come let us adore him, 
Christ the Lord. 

Sing, choirs of angels,
sing in exultation; 
O sing, all ye citizens 
of heaven above! 
Glory to God, all 
glory in the highest;  
O come let us adore him,
O come let us adore him,
O come let us adore him, 
Christ the Lord.

Invocation 

The Christmas Account: Luke 2:1-20   

Christmas Carol: ​O Little Town of Bethlehem
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.
he hopes and fears of all the years
are met in Thee tonight.

How silently, how silently, 
the wondrous gift was given;
So God imparts to human hearts 
the blessings of his heaven.
No ear may hear his coming, 
but in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive him still
the dear Christ enters in.

Meditation - Pastor Jim Hardenbrook

Silent Night, Holy Night
Please come forward to light your candle as ushers direct.  We will surround the sanctuary.
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. 

Unison Prayer
O God, we have returned to that stable in Bethlehem and found more than we could imagine - not just a baby in a manger but a Savior, Christ the Lord.  Thank you for this important and quiet time.  Amen.

Merry Christmas
May God Bless your homes tonight