Christmas Eve Worship 2024 † 5:00 PM
Nativity of Our Lord
Holy Communion
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 Away in a Manger arr. Gary Lanier
O Little Town of Bethlehem arr. Gary Lanier
O Holy Night arr. Gary Lanier
Karen Morrissey, Piano & Luke Morrissey, Cello
WELCOME & CALL TO WORSHIP
An unmarried teenage girl was invited—
to carry Christ into this world.
An ordinary carpenter was invited—
to be a father to a child unlike any other.
The shepherds were invited—
outcast and isolated, included at the manger.
The Magi were invited—
foreigners and seekers, included at the manger.
And if she was invited, and he was invited, and they were invited—
then we can trust that we too are invited.
People of Good Shepherd, to you is born this night in the city of David
A Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.
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.
Almighty God, you made this holy night shine with the brightness of the true Light. Grant that here on earth we may walk in the light of Jesus’ presence and in the last day wake to the brightness of his glory; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.
HYMN OF PRAISE Angels We Have Heard on High ELW 289 Sing Verses 1 & 2
CANDLELIGHTING
We are a people of hope. Jesus’ birth tells us that God is with us. Jesus’ death shows us God’s love even in the most desperate times. We light the candle of hope, because hope has come to us.
Light the first candle.
We are a people who seek peace. The prophets tell us to turn our weapons of war into tools that benefit all humanity. When conflict and violence surround us, Jesus leads us on the path of peace. We light the candle of peace, because peace has come to us.
Light the second candle.
We are a people who practice joy. Though weeping may last for the night, joy comes with the morning. Even in our sorrow, the birth of a baby brings joy to the world. We light the candle of joy, because joy has come to us.
Light the third candle.
We are a people who live for love. God’s grace frees us to love one another because God has first loved us. God reminds us that when all else fails, love remains. We light the candle of love, because love has come to us and will never leave us.
Light the fourth candle.
On this night of the birth of Jesus, we have watched and waited for a sign of Emmanuel 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; trusting that Jesus’ birth changes the world.
Light the Christ candle.
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 Julian Bianchi
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.
SERMON The Rev. Cassandra Hartnett
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
Filled with good news of great joy, let us offer our prayers for the church, the earth, and all people.
Angels sing with praise, and shepherds run with haste. As we glorify and praise you in this place, send us into the world, proclaiming the salvation you have revealed this night.
God of hope, receive our prayer.
The nations declare your glory. Uphold the leaders of the earth with your justice and righteousness. Break the rod of the oppressor in every land, and bring reconciliation where there is conflict.
God of peace, receive our prayer.
The seas roar, and the trees of the forest sing for joy. As creation resounds with praise, inspire us with awe, reverence, and a renewed care for all that fills the fields, skies, and seas.
God of joy, receive our prayer.
The holy family finds shelter around the animals’ manger. Draw near to persons experiencing homelessness, those who are alone this holiday season, and those who seek a place to belong. Watch over those who give birth this night and attend to those who are dying.
God of love, receive our prayer.
The heavenly host praises you. With thanksgiving for Mary, Joseph, and all your saints, sustain us in the hope revealed this night. Fashion us by their example into a people zealous for good deeds.
God of Jesus, receive our prayer.
We commend these prayers to you, O God, trusting your grace made known to all,
through the Word made flesh, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. 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 The Wexford Carol arr. Victor C. Johnson
Christmas Festival Choir & Luke Morrissey, Cello
PRESENTATION
OF GIFTS Once in Royal David’s City
Verse 1 sung by Elizabeth and 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 Patapan arr. Martha Lynn Thompson Gospel Ringers
Communion hymns O Little Town of Bethlehem ELW 279
Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming ELW 272
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. 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
MUSIC Silent Night arr. Gary Lanier
Karen Morrissey, Piano & Luke Morrissey, Cello
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
The God of love,
Father, ☩ Son, and Holy Spirit,
lavish you with grace,
illumine your path,
and increase your joy,
today and always. 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 Joy to the World! Don Hustad
Yeon Soh, Organ
We are grateful for all who participate in leading our 5 PM Worship.
Acolyte Lillian Fontes
Crucifer Camille Bianchi
Torchbearers Francesca Bianchi & Savannah Spring
Book Bearer Annalise Wilson
Ushering Benet & Patty Bianchi, David & Janet Golden, & Jaime Sutherland
Worship Assistant Julian Bianchi
Lector Christiane Merrow
Communion Presenters Stephanie Leclair & Ellen Cloutier
Music Director Kirby Stalley
Organist Yeon Soh
Brass Quartet Paul Gillin, Andrew, Karilyn, & Thomas Heisen
Gospel Ringers Pat Fontes, Karilyn, Kalae & Thomas Heisen, Katrina Lewonczyk,
Holly Pavlak, Becky Nanof, Ernie & Katie Zimmermann, and Darlene Zuehl
Christmas Festival Choir Marilyn Banderet, David, Kara, & Elizabeth Fontes, Dana Gillin,
Lillian Gillin, Bruce Grams, Garrick Grant, Mary & Elizabeth Gros,
David Hoyt, Jen Lentz, Katrina Lewonczyk, Karen Morrissey,
Matt & Mary Overholt, Kris Sheehan, &Ernie Zimmermann
Livestream Operator Bill Whalen
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 5th but would like to have people share stories of what their word for 2024 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 5th, please speak with one of the pastors.
Help us plan ahead for Lent 2025!
It may be Advent and Christmas, but the Lent season will arrive quickly in February 2025. 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 14th at 7pm, either in person or by zoom. Everyone is welcome!
Save-The-Dates
December 26th Office Closed
December 29th 1st Sunday of Christmas
10 am Combined Festival Worship – livestreamed
Dec. 31st – Jan. 1st Office Closed
January 4th Council Retreat
9am—Fellowship Hall
January 5th Epiphany with Star Stories
9 am Hymn-based Worship – livestreamed
11am Band-led Worship
Thank you to all those who gave poinsettias to decorate our sanctuary
for the 2024 Christmas Season.
Marilyn & Lou Banderet
In memory of loved ones
The Bianchi Family
In memory of Paul Slimko
and Janice & Victor Bianchi
Paul Bigwood
In memory of my father Ernest Bigwood
and Aunt Pearl & Uncle Louis Regenstreif
Kristen Black
To the glory of God
Larry Browning
In memory of my grandson Connor Lautier
Deb Casey
In memory of Fay Casey
and Harold Thompson
Ellen Cloutier
In memory of Roland,
Michael, Toby, and Joshua
and to the glory of God.
Carie & Stan Corbett
To the glory of God
Kanago Devaprasad,
Emily & Family
In memory our loved ones
David, Kara, Elizabeth & Lillian Fontes
In memory of our loved ones
Linda & Bob Frederico
In memory of Dorothea Frederico and
Roland & Barbara Bousquet
Debra George
In memory of my father Arthur George III
and in honor of my mother Doris Johansson
The Gillin Family
In celebration of God’s gift of Jesus
David & Janet Golden
In memory of Edna & Arthur Froelich
and Ted & Jeanette Golden
Betsy & Bruce Grams
Given in joy for family and friends
Cassie Hartnett
In honor of Alaina & Ben’s engagement
and the resilient Camp Pride community
Deb Henderson
In memory of Sheldon & Carolyn Zaklaw
and in honor of their lives fully lived
H Heusmann
In memory of Carolyn Heusmann
Stephanie Leclair
In honor of my family
John & Elaine Martin
In memory of Alfred Russo
The McCordick Family
In memory of William Kivi
and Bill &Dorothy McCordick
The Merrow Family
To the glory of God.
Rob & Joy Messick
In memory of Joseph Messick and
Frank & Marge Spinner
Beverly Moehling
In memory of Irv Moehling and Ev Gniot
Becky Nanof
In honor of the Nanof family
Pat Olson
In memory of my loving husband Roger
Mary Overholt
To the glory of God
The Pavlak Family
In memory of Ray Pavlak, Sr.
William & Emarine Sharon,
(Holly’s parents)
Trudy Roybal
In memory of Mercedes Roybal
In honor of mothers
Salfeld Wang Family
In memory of loved ones
James Scanlon
In memory of Sylvia L.Scanlon
Kristin Sheehan
In memory of loved ones
Shirley Soderlund
In memory of Martin Soderlund
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
Gail Walker
To the Glory of God
Deb & Mark Walz
In memory of Elaine and Bill Rissmiller
William & Susan Whalen
In memory of our fathers
Herbert Baurle & John Whalen
and in honor of the marriage of
Michael Whalen & Rui Aguiar
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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.
Call to worship is adapted from materials written by Rev. Sarah (Are) Speed | A Sanctified Art LLC | sanctifiedart.org. Candle lighting adapted from the work of Rev. Jolene Cadenbach at https://re-worship.blogspot.com/2011/11/lighting-advent-candles.html CCLI#1313879. OneLicense # A-716488 2024 Christmas Eve 5pm.docx |
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