Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

Silent Meditation

How silently, the wonderous gift is given. I would be silent now. God, and expectant... that I may receive the gift I need, so I may become the gift others need. Ted Loder, Guerrillas of Grace.

Gathering

Greeting .......... Dr. Caryn Yoast

Prelude .......... BCC Musicians

Call to Worship .......... Carlton Gray *Responsive reading

Tonight old dreams die and new dreams come to life. The promise is fulfilled.

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace.

Hope gives way to joy and prayer to proclamation.

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace.

The candles tell the story. Dawn invades midnight. The Light of the world has come.

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace.

This light is a light for all, warming us from within, radiating love, lighting our lives with the presence of God in human flesh, within us and among us now and always.

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace. Goodwill to all.

Opening Hymn ..... O Come All Ye Faithful ..... #148

Invocation .......... Carlton Gray

Lighting of the Christ Candle .......... Jessie Swearingen & Carolyn Bailey

Telling the Story

Story of the Shepherds ..... Luke 2 ..... Dr. Caryn Yoast

A Shepherd Carol ..... Go Tell it on the Mountain ..... #167

Story of the Magi ..... Matthew 2 ..... Carlton Gray

A Magi Carol ..... The First Noel ..... #151

Christmas Message .......... Dr. Caryn Yoast

Music of Christmas ..... O Holy Night ..... BCC Musicians

Christmas Prayer .......... Dr. Caryn Yoast

Communion Service

Call and Preparation Carol ..... Away in a Manger ..... #147

Invitation & Words of Institution .......... Carlton Gray

Prayer of Thanksgiving .......... Dr. Caryn Yoast

Lord's Prayer (using debts)

Giving of Gifts

Offertory Sentences .......... Carlton Gray

Receiving the Offering

This year's Christmas Offering will benefit Tres Rios Habitat for Humanity.

Sharing the Light of Christ

Lighting of Candles .......... Dr. Caryn Yoast & Carlton Gray

Special Music ..... Still, Still, Still ..... Chancel Choir

Lights of the World .......... Congregation

Carol of Christmas Light ..... Silent Night ..... #145

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! Shepards 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.

Benediction ..... Luke 1 ..... Dr. Caryn Yoast

Postlude .......... BCC Musicians