For Christmas Eve

CALL TO WORSHIP

Stop! Look! Do you see it?

See what?

That light shining in the distance. The one that seems to dance and sing on the horizon.

Yes I see it! It is so warm, What could it mean?

Something special is happening. Something new is being born!

Let us go and see!

Come and worship, come and worship, worship Christ the new-born King

LIGHTING THE CANDLES/OPENING PRAYER

The nights are long, the days are short, the wind is cold.

We stave off the darkness and the cold with candle flames.

Flames of Hope, of Peace, of Joy, of Love (light the four outside candles)

There is one more flame to be lit.

On this night of glory we remember that God is born in our midst,

the Light of the world that no darkness or cold can extinguish

And so we light our centre candle, remembering the Babe who is the centre of our celebration, Christ who is the centre of our faith (light centre candle)

God, so often we are the people who walk in darkness.

We live in a time where darkness is deep and yet,

we have seen a great light

for unto US a child is born, unto US a son is given.

This night we join in the songs of angels and the wonder of shepherds.

Celebrating that the Prince of Peace is come!

Gloria in excelsis!

Glory to God in the Highest! Amen.

COMMISSIONING:

Peace on the Earth, Goodwill to all.

The angel song rings in our ears.

The baby has been born, the story is just beginning.

The promise of peace shines from the manger, calling us to live as peacemakers.

As we go out to celebrate the Christmas Season,

we share the light of the Christmas star, the light that brings hope, peace, joy, and love.

And we do so knowing that the Light shines in the darkness but the darkness can never overcome it.

Glory to God in the Highest! And on Earth, Peace.