Christmas Eve Worship 2023 † 10:00 PM
Nativity of Our Lord
Holy Communion
Nativity
by Joseph Mulamba-Mandangi
2001
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
The Rev. Jeffrey Goodrich
The Rev. Cassandra Hartnett
Whether this is your first time with us or your one thousand and first, we are glad that the Spirit has drawn you here today! Visitors are invited to sign the Guest Book near the front doors of the church and take home a welcome brochure to learn more about us.
PRELUDE The Manger Medley arr. by Fred Bock
Karen Morrissey, piano & Yeon Soh, Organ
What Child Is This? setting by Joel Raney
Karen Morrissey & Yeon Soh, piano
WELCOME & CALL TO WORSHIP
People of Good Shepherd, come and see what is happening
as the stars are shining over Bethlehem.
To you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.
How should we know him? What will be the sign?
You will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.
How should we find him? Where should we go?
Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place,
which the Lord has made known to us.
Let us praise and worship with the angels saying,
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom God favors!”
ENTRANCE HYMN O Come, All Ye Faithful ELW 283
PRAYER OF THE DAY
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Let us pray. God-with-us on this long, dark night,
we approach the starry scene with trembling and awe.
You are born to a fierce young woman and a desperate world.
We join with Mary, with the heavenly host,
and with millennia of worshipers, proclaiming the wondrous miracle of this moment.
As we remember, sing, and cherish the story, reveal your glory once again among us.
Amen.
HYMN OF PRAISE Angels We Have Heard on High ELW 289 Sing Verses 1 & 2
CANDLELIGHTING Elizabeth Gros
In our most desperate times, by day or by night, the hope of Christ may be found. We watch and we wait to witness the hope of heaven making a place here on earth. We light the candle of hope, because hope has come to us.
Light the first candle.
When we are overwhelmed with conflict, without or within, the peace of Christ may be found. We welcome the peace of Christ, present among us and available to all. We light the candle of peace, because peace has come to us.
Light the second candle.
Whether we find ourselves in the dark, cozy realm of nighttime or the blazing brightness of day, God’s good message of joy has come to us to cheer our hearts. We light the candle of joy, celebrating the good news of a baby to be born in Bethlehem.
Light the third candle.
Love, the mightiest force in all the world, was also gentle enough to inhabit a tiny baby. God reminds us that when all else fails, love remains. And love wins. We light the candle of love, because love has come and will never leave us.
Light the fourth candle.
On this long, dark night of the birth of Jesus, we have watched and waited for a sign of the joy to come. We have lit the candles of hope, peace, joy, and love in anticipation of the birth of Jesus.
The good news is here!
A child has been born for us, a son given to us;
he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
We light the final candle because the light of the world has come to dwell among us.
Behold, Christ is born.
Light the Christ Candle.
FIRST READING ISAIAH 9:2–7 Jochen Salfeld
A reading from Isaiah.
2The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness — on them light has shined.
3You have multiplied the nation,
you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
as with joy at the harvest,
as people exult when dividing plunder.
4For the yoke of their burden,
and the bar across their shoulders,
the rod of their oppressor,
you have broken as on the day of Midian.
5For all the boots of the tramping warriors
and all the garments rolled in blood
shall be burned as fuel for the fire.
6For a child has been born for us,
a son given to us;
authority rests upon his shoulders;
and he is named
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7His authority shall grow continually,
and there shall be endless peace
for the throne of David and his kingdom.
He will establish and uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time onward and forevermore.
The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.
Word of God, Word of Life. Thanks be to God.
SECOND READING TITUS 2:11-14 Pat Fontes
The Message Bible translation
A reading from Titus.
God’s readiness to give and forgive is now public. Salvation’s available for everyone! We’re being shown how to turn our backs on a godless, indulgent life, and how to take on a God-filled, God-honoring life. This new life is starting right now, and is whetting our appetites for the glorious day when our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, appears. He offered himself as a sacrifice to free us from a dark, rebellious life into this good, pure life, making us a people he can be proud of, energetic in goodness.
Word of God, Word of Life. Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL
PROCESSIONAL Good Christian Friends, Rejoice ELW 288
Good Christian friends, rejoice
with heart and soul and voice;
give ye heed to what we say:
Jesus Christ is born today;
ox and ass before him bow,
and he is in the manger now.
Christ is born today!
Christ is born today!
GOSPEL LUKE 2:1–20
The Holy Gospel according to St. Luke the Second Chapter. Glory to you O Lord.
In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 All went to their own towns to be registered. 4 Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. 5 He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. 8 In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see– I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11 to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth 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 heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!” 15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. 17 When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. 20 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, O Christ.
GOSPEL
RECESSIONAL Good Christian Friends, Rejoice ELW 288
Good Christian friends, rejoice
with heart and soul and voice;
now ye hear of endless bliss:
Jesus Christ was born for this!
He has opened heaven’s door,
and we are blest forevermore.
Christ was born for this!
Christ was born for this!
SERMON The Rev. Jeffrey Goodrich
HYMN OF THE DAY Love Has Come ELW 292
STATEMENT OF FAITH A Christmas Creed from Latin America
I believe in Jesus Christ and in the power of the Gospel
which began in Bethlehem.
I believe in the One whose spirit glorified a small village,
of whose coming the shepherds saw the sign,
and for whom there was no room in the inn.
I believe in the One whose life changed the course of history,
over whom the rulers of the earth had no power,
and who was not understood by the proud.
I believe in the One to whom the poor, the oppressed, the discouraged,
the afflicted, the sick, the blind and the injured gave welcome
and accepted as Lord and Savior.
I believe in the One who, with love, changed the hearts of the proud,
and with his life, showed that it is better to serve than to be served,
and that the greatest joy is in giving your life for others.
I believe in peace, which is not the absence of war,
but justice among all peoples and nations and love among all.
I believe in reconciliation, forgiveness and the transforming
power of the gospel.
I believe that Christmas is strength and power, and that this world can change
when, with humility and faith, we kneel before the manger.
I believe that I must be the first one to do so. Amen.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Trusting in God’s greatest gift, this good news of great joy for all people,
we offer our prayers for the world God loves.
Glory to you, God, for the song of the angels, proclaiming to the world Christ’s holy birth. Give your church a joyful song to sing, that we bring the good news of peace and salvation to all people. Grant your people the gift of a hope-filled message, meant to be shared.
Glory to you, God, for the stars that shine in the depth of the night. Provoke awe in our hearts at the expansive mystery of the cosmos and the unique landscapes of the natural world. Open us to find beauty in the clear darkness of night and in the first glimmers of dawn.
Grant your people the gift of harmony with your creation.
Glory to you, God, for the child born to us who establishes a kingdom of justice and righteousness. Break bonds of oppression, bring reconciliation and healing to warring lands and broken communities, and establish peace from this time onward and forevermore.
Grant your people the gift of right relationship that uplifts the lowly.
Glory to you, God, for Mary’s loving care. Lead us to tend to one another in time of need. Share the comfort of your presence with all people tonight who are alone or separated from loved ones due to estrangement, incarceration, illness or grief.
Grant your people the gift of consolation and caring communities.
Glory to you, God, for the faithfulness of the shepherds in their vocation. Grant rest to those exhausted by their work this season: retail and restaurant workers, church musicians, administrative staff, and clergy, organizers of charitable giving, and service workers doing essential tasks.
Grant your people the gift of renewal that sustains our spirits.
Glory to you, God, for the multitude of the heavenly host. We rejoice in excitement with of all your saints whose lives revealed your unfolding grace. We see your salvation through their stories.
Grant your people the gift of our ancestors’ wisdom and witness.
Abide with us, O God of mercy, and receive our prayers
according to your abundant generosity. Amen.
Peace
The peace of the Lord be with you always. And also with you.
OFFERING INVITATION (Gifts may be made online via debit or credit card using the QR code at the end of this bulletin)
OFFERING Anthem This Christmas Night Malcom Williamson
Chancel Choir
PRESENTATION
OF GIFTS On Christmas Night ELW 274
Sing verses 1 & 4
OFFERING PRAYER
Let us pray. God-with-us on this long, dark night, like visitors to a newborn baby, we bring our gifts to this table. Bless them for the work of justice and peace. Gather us now around the manger of love. Amen.
DIALOGUE
PREFACE
It is indeed right, our duty and our joy, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks and praise to you, almighty and merciful God, through our Savior Jesus Christ. In the wonder and mystery of the Word made flesh you have opened the eyes of faith to a new and radiant vision of your glory, that, beholding the God made visible, we may be drawn to love the God whom we cannot see. And so, with all the choirs of angels, with the church on earth and the hosts of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
Sanctus
THANKSGIVING AT THE TABLE
Holy God, creator and parent of all life, from the beginning of time your Spirit filled the night sky with shining stars to show the way. You built homes for your creatures, where there would always be room for your abundance. You made humankind in your image, and promised to walk with us in all our pathways. In the winter of our longing, your Holy Spirit came to Mary, growing within her your only Son, a part of yourself, to turn the broken world upside down.
Every time we gather at this table, we tell his story:
the story of a Messiah who loved the lost and lonely and forsaken,
the story of a Messiah who confronted bullies, welcomed children, encouraged poor people,
the story of a Messiah who gathered his friends together for one last supper, showing them at that table how to live with courage and love.
On that night, before he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus took bread, and gave thanks; broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying: Take and eat; this is my body, given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.
Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it for all to drink, saying: This cup is the new covenant in my blood, shed for you and all people for the forgiveness of sin. Do this for the remembrance of me.
Show us your presence in this bread and cup, and make them the body and blood your Son, as we recall again the story of our faith:
By the power of your Holy Spirit, let this meal sustain us in our lives with you. Inspire us to be a part of the new story you are writing for this world, until the baby whose birth we celebrate comes among us again. 
The Lord’s Prayer
Let us pray as Jesus taught us, each in the words or language of our choice.
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come,
thy 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 thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
forever and ever. Amen.
OR
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial
and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours,
now and forever. Amen.
COMMUNION INVITATION
Jesus is born for you! Come now to this table and celebrate his birth!
COMMUNION
At this table, Christ is both host and meal, and offers himself to all who hunger and thirst for his presence.
We believe that he is truly present in this sacrament.
Come to the front, where bread is placed in your hand (you can request a gluten-free wafer), and where you receive wine by taking a cup from the tray (the cups in the center contain white grape juice).
If you do not wish to commune, you are welcome to come forward and receive a blessing.
If you need to receive communion in your seat, simply notify an usher.
No one is too young to receive this sacrament, though some families wish to give their children some instruction before they take their first communion. If a young child accompanies you to the rail, please indicate to the pastor whether they should receive bread or a blessing.
Agnus Dei
COMMUNION ANTHEM As Lately We Watched arr. Dan R. Edwards
Gospel Ringers
Communion hymns In a Far-Off Place, Jesus Comes ACS 908
The First Noel ELW 300
COMMUNION BLESSING
The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in God’s grace. Amen
Let us pray. God our redeemer, you have fed us at this table with gifts of grace, truth, and life. As you have gathered us in joy, send us forth as messengers of your peace. Make us shine with the good news of your glory, born to us in Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
CANDLE LIGHTING Lights are dimmed
and individual candles are lit.
Please tip only the unlit candle
CANDLE LIGHTING
MUSIC Of the Father’s Love Begotten Wilbur Held
Yeon Soh, organ
Candlelight READING John 1:1-5, 10-14
1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was in the beginning with God. 3All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being 4in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. 5The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. 10He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. 11He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. 12But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, 13who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. 14And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.
CANDLELIGHT CAROL Silent Night, Holy Night ELW 281
On the last line of the last verse, we invite you to raise your candle on the first “Jesus, Lord at your birth!” and lower it on the second.: a profound way of honoring the birth of our Savior in unity.
BLESSING
Almighty God,
who sent the Holy Spirit to Mary,
proclaimed joy through the angels,
sent the shepherds with good news,
and led the magi by a star,
bless you this day ☩ through the Word made flesh. Amen.
SENDING HYMN Hark! The Herald Angels Sing ELW 270
Dismissal
Christ the Savior is born!
Go in peace. Proclaim this good news!
Thanks be to God.
POSTLUDE Fughetta on “Antioch” Richard Shephard
Yeon Soh, organ
We are grateful for all who participate in leading our 10:00 pm worship.
Worship Assistant Jochen Salfeld
Book Bearer Elizabeth Gros
Torch Bearers Mary Callahan & Marie Claire Gros
Lector Pat Fontes
Ushering Franz Joseph & Oliver Gros
Communion Presenters Rachel Kanefsky & Pat Fontes
Music Director Kirby Stalley
Organist Yeon Soh
Announcements – Christmas Eve Edition
Help us plan ahead for Lent 2024!
It may be Advent and Christmas, but the Lent season will arrive quickly in February 2024. Do you feel called to help shape what Lent will look like at Good Shepherd this year? Your input will have a direct influence on how we choose to observe this season of the church year, and prepare our hearts for the good news of Easter. In past years, this has included deciding on a theme, making a plan for sharing Lent devotions, planning our Wednesday evening Lent gatherings, and more. Join us for the Lent planning meeting on Thursday January 4th at 7pm, either in person or by zoom. Everyone is welcome!
Star Stories Needed! Do you remember Epiphany Sunday from the last few years? In service, we each took a star with a word printed on it and were tasked with putting it up in our homes and letting that word guide our year. We plan to do the same thing on the coming Epiphany Sunday, January 7th but would like to have people share stories of what their word for 2023 has meant to them, and how it has impacted them. If you would be willing to share a story in a worship service on January 7th, please speak with one of the pastors.
Save-The-Dates
December 26th Office Closed
December 27-28th Abbreviated Office Hours
December 29th Office Closed
December 31st 1st Sunday of Christmas
10 am Combined Festival Worship – livestreamed
January 1st Office Closed
January 3rd New Direction Rehearsal
730pm—Sanctuary
January 4th Adult Choir
6pm —Sanctuary
Lent planning meeting
7pm—KOB Library
January 5th
Parkinson’s Support Group
1030am—Fellowship Hall
January 6th Council Retreat
9 am—Fellowship Hall
January 7th Epiphany with Star Stories
9 am Hymn-based Worship – livestreamed
1015am Bag Lunch Packing for Cathedral in the Night
11am Band-led Worship
Cathedral in the Night 2:00 pm—Meet at GSLC, depart by 2:30pm for Northampton, MA
Thank you to all those who gave poinsettias to decorate our sanctuary
for the 2023 Christmas Season.
Marilyn & Lou Banderet
To the Glory of God
Bert & Diana Barton
To the glory of God
Kristin Tichnor
Peter Bigwood
In memory of Lydia Schoeck,
Ernest Bigwood and
Tante Frieda & Uncle Carl.
Ellen Cloutier
In memory of Roland,
Michael, Toby, and Joshua
and to the glory of God.
Carie & Stan Corbett
To the glory of God
Kay Devaprasad,
Emily & Family
In memory of my beloved niece
Kavitha Samuel
Judy Fallon
In memory of my parents
& to the Glory of God
Caryn Francese
Dominic & Michael Hanna
In memory of
Susan & Paul Francese
Pamila Francis
In memory of Meera Silas &
Gnanam Selvaraj Nadar
Linda & Bob Frederico
In memory of Dorothea Frederico,
Roland & Barbara Bousquet
Debra George
In memory of my father Arthur George III
and in honor of my mother Doris Johansson
Betsy & Bruce Grams
In celebration of our family
near and far
The Gillin Family
In celebration of God’s gift of Jesus
Linda, Janet & Sue Hartke
and families
In memory of Marilyn & Jerry Hartke
George Herz
In memory of
Colleen & Mark Herz
Bobbie & Bill Hendrick
To the glory of God
for his abundant blessings
H Heusmann
In memory of Carolyn Heusmann
Margaret Holst
In memory of
Frederick & Phyllis Holst
Hazel Johnson
In memory of Eddie Johnson
Stephanie Leclair
In memory of my mother Jean Wilderoter
In celebration of my four grandchildren
John & Elaine Martin
In memory of Alfred Russo & Lillian Tartaglia
The McCordick Family
In memory of our loved ones
The Merrow Family
To the glory of God.
Sue & Carl Miett
To the glory of God
Anneliese & Bernie Mieth
In honor of our parents
Jennifer Morazes
In memory of Richard Weber
Pat Olson
In memory of my loving husband Roger
Thomas & Joan Olson
In memory of Mary Walsh
In honor of our 50th wedding anniversary
Matt & Mary Overholt
In memory of Gordon & Iva Miller
Joshua & Lauren Pajak
In memory of Linda Squillace
& Mark Pajak
The Pavlak Family
In memory of Ray Pavlak, Sr.
William & Emarine Sharon,
(Holly’s parents)
Sharon & Mark Proia
In memory of loved ones
Elizabeth & Anthony Putnam
In memory of Claude Papp
Trudy Roybal
In memory of Mercedes Roybal
In honor of George Roybal
Salfeld Wang Family
In memory of loved ones
James Scanlon
In memory of Sylvia Scanlon
Kristin Sheehan
In memory of loved ones
Shirley Soderlund
In memory of Martin Soderlund
Sottolano Family
In memory of Stephen Sottolano
Ryan Spring
In memory of Kathy & Ray Spring
Jamie & Dawn Sutherland
In memory of
Linda Bistany & Tripp Sutherland
Joe Taxiera
In memory of Phyllis Taxiera
The Veiby Family
In memory of
David & Jackie Herath
Katie & Ernie Zimmermann
In celebration of our granddaughter, Emma
Grady & Hattie Zitzmann
In honor of our grandfathers
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