Christmas Eve Worship 2025 † 5:00 PM
Nativity of Our Lord
Holy Communion
Streetcar Madonna
Painting by Allan Rohan Crite
(Featured in a current exhibition at the Isabella Stewart Gardner museum)
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
The Rev. Jessica 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 Away in a Manger Joel Raney
The First Noel Joel Raney Yeon Soh, piano
Once He Came in Blessing set. by Michael Burkhardt
Yeon Soh, organ
WELCOME & CALL TO WORSHIP
We gather together in this place:
prophets and dreamers, singers and poets,
we who dare to imagine a world renewed;
we who dare to dream God’s dream.
We ponder with Mary;
we marvel at Christ’s birth.
God comes to us, a vulnerable child—
heaven and earth, meeting in a manger.
The angels sing, the shepherds dance.
We treasure these things in our hearts.
Come and worship, all you who dream and imagine.
We have come to wonder and praise.
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 of the vulnerable, you come to us in ways that defy expectation:
as a fragile baby, not a trampling warrior; birthed in a stable, not a palace; born in the quiet stillness of night. Teach us to look for you in the tender things. Make our hearts soft and our spirits generous, living the way of Jesus Christ, born to us this night. Amen.
HYMN OF PRAISE Angels, from the Realms of Glory ELW 275 
CANDLELIGHTING
The birth of Jesus has been told and retold a thousand times and in a thousand ways. Its impact cannot be contained in any one perspective. Throughout the season of Advent, we imagined this Christmas moment through the eyes of those who saw it most closely.
We tell stories of hope when we believe something good is on the horizon. And we hope, when we recognize the world is not yet as it should be. With Jesus’ help, we imagine that one day, it will.
We light the candle of hope because hope creates a path for a new story to unfold.
Light the first candle
We tell stories of peace when our busy world longs for a respite, bringing much-needed restoration. With Jesus’ help, we seek this peace we need to act for justice without becoming discouraged.
We light the candle of peace because peace requires us to pay attention
to the needs of those around us.
Light the second candle.
We tell stories of joy to encourage one another along our journeys. Mary and Joseph found unexpected joy in a stable. With Jesus’ help, we can find joy in small acts of kindness and beauty.
We light the candle of joy because joy sustains us in the midst of uncertainty.
Light the third candle.
We tell stories of love that motivate us to protect others and this world for generations to come. The love Jesus brings for us is far more than an emotion; it is the foundation of the good news.
We light the candle of love because love makes the impossible possible.
Light the fourth candle.
Tonight, we light the Christ candle. We acknowledge the new light it provides,
illuminating the darkness, disrupting all brokenness, and lighting the path for our dreams to come.
Give us the will to dream, O God. May these dreams become true in your name.
Light the Christ candle.
Love Has Come ELW 292
Sing verse 1
FIRST READING ISAIAH 9:2–7 Christiane Merrow
This poem promises deliverance from Assyrian oppression, a hope based on the birth of a royal child with a name full of promise. While Judah’s king will practice justice and righteousness, the real basis for faith lies in God’s passion for the people: The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this!
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 3:4-7 Caryn Francese
God saves us not because of what we do. Rather, God is a God of mercy and salvation who graciously cleanses us in baptism and renews our lives through the Holy Spirit.
A reading from Titus.
4 When the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy, through the water of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. 6 This Spirit he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Word of God, Word of Life. Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL
PROCESSIONAL
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
GOSPEL LUKE 2:1-20
The Holy Gospel according to St. Luke, the second chapter.
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.
GOSPEL RESPONSE Joy to the World arr. Arlen Clarke
Yeon Soh, organ
SERMON The Rev. Jessica Goodrich
HYMN OF THE DAY While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks ACS 913
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
We believe the birth and incarnation of Jesus changes everything. In a world that pushes out the vulnerable, erases the poor, and forgets the weary, we worship a God who is birthed in humility, cares for the overlooked, and shelters with peace.
We believe that in a world that prizes wealth, domination, and force, we choose to kneel before a God who chose poverty and embraces with welcome.
We believe peace, justice, and care can start small—just like the manger. We claim we don’t need worldly power to be part of God’s story. Real power looks like care, not control.
We believe with Mary as our model of courageous care and loving embodiment, we, too, can commit ourselves to be wombs for Christ this Christmas. We give ourselves as spaces where love grows and grace breathes.
We believe peace will come when we let the sides of our own souls stretch so we might become large with God’s promise.
We believe in allowing the Spirit to push us to the furthest rims of who we are, so the imagination of a new kin-dom expands with life.
We fully give ourselves to the Christmas miracle that Jesus may be born in us, to us, and through us.
Prayers OF THE PEOPLE
Empowered by the news of Christ’s birth,
let us pray boldly for the church, creation, and all who are in need.
Gathering God, you bring your people from every corner of the earth together before the manger that you have made a throne. Unite the church in love as we rejoice in the news of your coming. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Creating God, you brought forth the earth and all that is in it. Join our voices with the oceans, fields, forests and creatures, singing for joy on this holy night.
Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Transforming God, the world trembles amid violence and war. Empower our hands, feet, and hearts to shatter the rod of the oppressor and turn swords into plowshares, especially in the Holy Land and in Gaza. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Shepherding God, you lead us to your love in the face of our neighbor. Send us into the world to find you in one another, especially those who are sick, lonely or struggling.
Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Nurturing God, you dwell with us in humble places. Sustain housing and clothing ministries in this community, that all find shelter and warmth. We pray especially for youth seeking safety and care. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
Abiding God, you remain at the side of all the departed. Grant all who mourn hope in the resurrection and peace in community with Christ. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.
With the joy of Christ’s birth in our hearts, we commend our prayers to you, O God,
trusting in your boundless mercy and eternal love; through Jesus Christ our Savior. 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 on the back of the bulletin)
OFFERING Anthem Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming arr. Brian L. Hanson
Christmas Festival Choir
PRESENTATION
OF GIFTS Once in Royal David’s City
Verse 1 sung by Lillian Fontes, then congregation sings verse 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, Mother and Father of all life, from the beginning of time your Spirit breathed light over darkness. You scattered stars in the heavens and raised up the mountains. You poured out great rivers and blessed the earth with life. You made humankind in your image, and loved us in our weakness, promising to stay with us wherever we go. In the winter of our longing, you came to the prophet Mary, offering your Spirit to make creation whole. You gave her a child, Jesus, your beloved son to turn the broken world upside down.
Jesus stayed with us, healing the sick and feeding the hungry,
unbinding prisoners and raising the dead.
He ate with strangers, showed mercy to sinners, and taught us to follow him in love without fear.
In the night in which 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 this cup, and make them be for us the body and blood of Christ, as we proclaim the mystery of faith:
By the power of your Holy Spirit, unite us with Christ and all who share this feast.
Give us courage to be your people, to show forth your justice, grace, mercy, peace, and love. Inspire us to be a part of your transformation of our world until the day when the baby whose birth we celebrate tonight comes 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.
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
A child has been born for us, a Son given to us. Come now to this table and celebrate Jesus’ 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 Joy to the World arr. Ron Mallory Gospel Ringers
Communion hymns It Came Upon the Midnight Clear ELW 282 
In the Bleak Midwinter ELW 294
COMMUNION BLESSING
The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in God’s grace. Amen.
Let us pray. Merciful God, we thank you for Jesus, who shows us your grace. Strengthened by this goodness, send us forth to announce your peace, comfort the afflicted, and share the good news of great joy. 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
Go out into the world, embracing the will to dream,
filled with the knowledge that new life is possible.
In the name of the ☩ Creator, Savior, and Sustainer,
Be blessed this day through Emmanuel, God-with-us. Amen.
SENDING HYMN Angels We Have Heard on High ELW 289
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 5 PM Worship.
Acolyte Lillian Fontes
Crucifer Elizabeth Fontes
Torchbearers Lillian Gillin and Preston Spring
Book Bearer Savannah Spring
Ushers Julie Grant, Gail Walker, and Laura & Amelia Ziton
Worship Assistant Caryn Francese
Lector Christiane Merrow
Communion Presenters Kristen & David McCordick
Music Director Kirby Stalley
Organist Yeon Soh
Gospel Ringers Pat Fontes, Karilyn Heisen, Kalae Heisen, Katrina Lewonczyk,
Holly Pavlak, Becky Nanof, Ernie Zimmermann, and Katie Zimmermann
Christmas Festival Choir Marilyn Banderet, David, Kara, & Elizabeth Fontes,
Bruce Grams, Garrick Grant, Mary Callahan,
David Hoyt, Jen Lentz, Katrina Lewonczyk, Karen Morrissey,
Mary Overholt, and Ernie Zimmermann
Announcements – Christmas Eve Edition
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 4th but would like to have people share stories of what their word for 2025 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 4th, please speak with one of the pastors.
Help us plan ahead for Lent 2026!
It may be Advent and Christmas, but the Lent season will arrive quickly in February 2026. 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 Tuesday January 6th at 7pm by Zoom. Everyone is welcome!
Save-The-Dates
December 26th Office Closed
December 28th 1st Sunday of Christmas
10 am Combined Festival Worship – livestreamed
Dec. 31st – Jan. 1st Office Closed
January 4th Epiphany with Star Stories
10 am Worship – livestreamed
11am Cheerio to Kirby Brunch
Thank you to all those who gave poinsettias to decorate our sanctuary
for the 2025 Christmas Season
Bianchi Family
In memory of Stella & Paul Slimko
and Victor & Janice Bianchi
Kim Canning
In honor of Good Shepherd’s children
Ellen Cloutier
In memory of Roland, Michael, Toby, Joshua
and all departed loved ones.
Carie & Stan Corbett
To the glory of God
Kanago Devaprasad,
Emily & Family
In memory of our loved ones
David, Kara, Elizabeth & Lillian Fontes
In memory of loved ones
Linda & Bob Frederico
In memory of Bob & Dorothea Frederico
and Roland & Barbara Bousquet
Debra George
In memory of my father Arthur George III
David & Janet Golden
In memory of Edna & Arthur Froelich
and Ted & Jeanette Golden
Betsy & Bruce Grams
In honor of family and friends
Deb Henderson
In memory of Sheldon & Carolyn Zaklaw
and in honor of Susan Neves
H Heusmann
In memory of Carolyn Heusmann
and Louis & Inez Heusmann
Elke &Lowell Jacobson
In memory of Guenter & Dorothea
Thomanshefsky
Stephanie & Walter Leclair
In honor of my family
Lewonczyk Family
In honor of the 1st Christmas in our new home!
Elaine and Andrei Martin
In memory of John Martin
Lynne Martin
In memory of Henry F. Martin
The McCordick Family
In honor of our sons
Connor and Ryan
Christiane Merrow
In celebration of my 60 years of membership
with Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
Rob & Joy Messick
In memory of Joseph Messick and
Frank & Marge Spinner
Beverly Moehling
In memory of Irv Moehling and Darlene Honaman
Becky Nanof
In memory of Henry Avis
and Richard Hokans
Pat Olson
In memory of my loving husband Roger,
my parents
Charles & Evelyn Harmon,
my brothers
Russel and Charles
Mary & Matthew Overholt
In memory of Wanda Castner
The Pavlak Family
In memory of Ray Pavlak, Sr.
and Holly’s parents
William & Emarine Sharon
Salfeld Wang Family
In memory of loved ones
Jamie & Dawn Sutherland
In memory of
Linda Bistany & Tripp Sutherland
Phyllis & Joe Taxiera
In memoriam
Jonathan Trumbull
In memory of my mother
Virginia Hardesty Trumbull
Gail & Bob Walker
In memory of our many family members
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| From Sundays and Seasons.com. © 2023 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #27028. Great Thanksgiving adapted from Will Ed Green, 2019. New Revised Standard Version Bible, ©1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
The Will to Dream: Call to Worship, Prayer of the Day, Candlelighting, & Affirmation of Faith © 2025 Illustrated Ministry LLC. Used by permission. [Adapted by Rev. Jessica Goodrich and Rev. Cassie Hartnett] CCLI#1313879. OneLicense # A-716488 2025 Christmas Eve 5pm.docx |
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