Union Church
Biddeford Pool
…a place of peace and Presence by the sea
“Wonders of His Love: Compassionate Joy”
You are welcome here
December 24, 2021
A Simple Service for Christmas Eve
Gathering Music: *Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence (by Ralph Vaughan Williams)
– Patricia Muholland & The Union Church Choir
Welcome:
Tonight we offer the Lights of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love
to illumine the Door of Welcome.
And we add the brightest light of all… the Light of the Newborn Jesus.
It shines bright like the star that rose over Bethlehem.
May this light also shine in our hearts, in our lives, and in our church.
May this light awaken us to possibilities and lead us to greater hospitality.
There IS room in this Inn, a House for the Holy.
Call To Worship:
Leader: Come, all who are faithful and all who seek joy in your lives.
People: It is the season to sing praises to God for the Christ Child is near.
Leader: The symbols of hope, peace, love, and joy shine brightly in our hearts.
People: May they remain with us throughout the year.
Leader: We now share a promise that was fulfilled by God:
All: That our beloved Child is born and will call us to new
lives of love, joy, and faith in action. Amen.
Opening Hymn: Angels We Have Heard on High *See Lyric Insert
Invocation:
Holy Living One, You who are our Joy,
Let wonders of your love rule our hearts this day.
Let wonders of your love rule our church this day.
Let wonders of your love rule the world this day…
in the name of Compassion. Amen.
Lord’s Prayer
Music: O Holy Night (by Adolphe Adam/Placide Cappeau) -Michelle Currie
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 9:2-7 (NRSV), Luke 2: 1-7 (NRSV) -Peter McPheeters
After the reading, you may respond, “Thanks be to God.”
Moment for Reflection: Rev. Paula Norbert
A Prayer for Christmas Peace
Closing Hymn: Joy to the World *See Lyric Insert
Benediction:
A Child is born to us, named Wonderful Counselor,
Mighty God, Prince of Peace! Christ is born. Merry Christmas to all
May you go forth with the blessings of Christmas in your hearts to
share with those you meet…
Postlude: Silent Night
Offertory:
The offering received at this Service each Christmas supports the
Pastor’s Discretionary Fund, providing emergency assistance
for the local community throughout the year. We are deeply grateful
for your generosity. You may also send your Offering by mail.
Hymn Lyrics:
Angels We Have Heard on High *Lyrics
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
Come to Bethlehem and see, him whose birth the angels sing
Come adore on bended knee Christ, the Lord, the new born King
Glo-ri-a in excelsis De-o, Glo-ri-a in excelsis De-o
Joy to the World *Lyrics
Jot to the world the Lord is come
Let earth receive her king
Let every heart, prepare him room
And heaven and nature sing, and heaven and nature sing
And heaven and nature sing
Joy to the earth, the savior reigns
Let all their songs employ
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy, repeat the sounding joy
Repeat the sounding joy
Silent Night *Lyrics
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
Many thanks to Michelle Currie, our wonderful Music Director, who brings joy to our worship each week through the gift of her music. Thank you to Patricia Mulholland and the Union Church Choir. Thanks too to our Zoom Host and Reader this night.
Worship Notes
Worship Materials by Marcia McFee, www.worshipdesignstudio.com. Used with permission.