Christmas Eve 2013 at Christ Church

Christ Presbyterian ChurchChrist Presbyterian ChurchChrist Presbyterian ChurchChrist Presbyterian Church 530 West Tuscarawas St. Canton, OH

Choral Prelude Music at 9:40pm

Service of Holy Communion at 10:00pm

(Broadcast live on WHLO-640 AM; please silence all electronic devices)

Adoration of the ShepherdsAdoration of the ShepherdsAdoration of the ShepherdsAdoration of the Shepherds by Gerrit van Honthorst, 1622 Oil on canvas, 164 x 190 cm @ Wallraf-Richartz Museum, Cologne

Dutch painter & draughtsman. His predilection for turning great Italian painter’s dramatic patterns of natural light and shadow into nocturnal scenes with cleverly rendered effects of artificial illumination won him the Italian nickname ‘Gherardo delle Notti’.

Christ Presbyterian Church 530 Tuscarawas Street, West

Canton, Ohio 44702

Christmas Eve Worship Service

December 24, 2013 Ten O’Clock

Please silence all electronic & communication devices. * Those who are able will please stand; others may remain seated.

Large print copies of the hymns are available in the narthex or from an usher.

The Gathering

Choral Prelude Broadcast Live on WHLO beginning at 9:40 p.m.

Ding dong merrily on high, In heaven the bells are ringing: Ding dong! verily the sky Is riv’n with angel singing. Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!

E’en so here below, below, Let steeple bells be swungen. And “Io, io, io!” By priest and people sungen. Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!

Pray you, dutifully prime Your matin chime, ye ringers; May you beautifully rime Your evetime song, ye singers. Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis! Text: Woodward; Tune: arr., Gerald Near

1. Softly through the winter’s darkness shines a light, Clear and still in Bethlehem on Christmas Night Round the stable where a virgin mother mild Watches over Jesus Christ the holy child.

2. Shepherds kneel in adoration by his bed. Seraphim in glory hover round his head. Wisemen, guided by the leading of a star, Bring him gifts of precious treasure from afar.

3. Choirs of angels sing to greet his wondrous birth: Christ our Lord in human form comes down to earth. “Glory to God in highest heaven” their joyful strain: “Peace on earth, goodwill to men” the glad refrain.

4. Lullaby! The child lies sleeping: sing lullaby! Safe in Mary’s tender keeping: sing lullaby! Guardian angels keep their watch till break of day. Lullaby! Sweet Jesus sleeps among the hay.

5. Alleluia! Let earth rejoice today! Christ is born to take our sins and guilt away. Praise the Lord who sent him down from heaven above: Holy infant, born of God the Father’s love. – Text: John Rutter; Tune: 16th C.; arr; John Rutter

1. All my heart this night rejoices As I hear, Far and near Sweetest angel voices: ‘Christ is born!’ their choirs are singing, Til the air Ev’rywhere Now with joy is ringing.

2. Hark! A voice from yonder manger, Soft and sweet, Doth entreat, ‘Flee from woe and danger! Brethren, come! from all doth grieve you, You are freed; All you need I will surely give you.’

3. Come, then, let us hasten yonder! Here let all, Great and small, Kneel in awe and wonder! Love him who with love is yearning! Hail the star That from far Bright with hope is burning!

4. Thee, dear Lord, with heed I’ll cherish, Live to thee, And with thee, Dying, shall not perish; But shall dwell with thee for ever, Far on high, In the joy That can alter never. -- Text: Paul Gerhardt, trans., Winkworth; Music: Johann Georg Ebeling

I sing of a maiden That is makeless; [matchless] King of all kings To her son she ches. [chose] He came also still Where his mother was, As dew in April That falleth on the grass. He came all so still To his mother’s bower, [womb] As dew in April That falleth on the flower. He came all so still where his mother lay, As dew in April That falleth on the spray. Mother and maiden Was never none but she: Well may such a lady God’s mother be. -- Text: 15th C; Music: Patrick Hadley

1. I saw a fair mayden sytten and sing.

She lulled a lyttel childe, a sweete Lording. Lullay myn lyking, my dere sonne, my sweeting. Lullay my dere herte, myn own dere derling.

2. That same Lord is he that made alle thing; Of alle lordis he is Lord, of alle kynges Kyng. Lullay myn lyking, my dere sonne, my sweeting. Lullay my dere herte, myn own dere derling.

3. There was mickle* melody at that chylde’s birth. All that were in heav’nly bliss, they made mickle mirth. Lullay myn lyking, my dere sonne, my sweeting. Lullay my dere herte, myn own dere derling. *much

4. Angels bright sang their song to that chyld; Blyssid be thou, and so be she, so meek and so mild. Lullay myn lyking, my dere sonne, my sweeting. Lullay my dere herte, myn own dere derling. -- Text: 15th C.; Music: R. R. Terry

Sweet was the song the Virgin sang, When she to Bethlem Juda came And was delivered of a son, The blessed Jesus hath to name: ‘Lulla, lulla, lulla, lullaby’ ‘Sweet babe,’ sang she, ‘my son, And eke a Saviour born, [and also] Who hast vouchsafed from on high To visit us that were forlorn.’ ‘Lulla, lulla, lulla, lullaby’ ‘Sweet babe,’ sang she, And rocked him sweetly on her knee. ‘Lulla, lulla, lulla, lullaby’

-- Text: W. Ballet (17th C.); Music: William Mathias Organ Voluntary “Gesu Bambino” Pietro Yon Call to Worship Leader: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; People: those who lived in the land of deep darkness on them light has shined. Leader: For a child has been born for us, a son given to us. Unison: Let the heavens be glad, let all the earth rejoice! *Hymn in Procession No. 133 “O Come, All Ye Faithful”

*Prayer of Adoration

Good and gracious God, on this holy night you gave us your Son, the Lord of the universe, wrapped in swaddling clothes, the Savior of all, lying in a manger. On this holy night draw us into the mystery of your love. Join our voices with the heavenly host that we may sing your glory on high. Give us a place among the shepherds that we may find the one for whom we have waited, Jesus Christ, the Messiah and Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

(all respond): AMEN. Lighting of the Christ Candle John 1:1-14

We light the Christ Candle symbolizing the peace established in all of creation upon the Advent of Jesus of Nazareth.

Call to Confession Prayer of Confession (unison)

Great God, we behold the gift of the child yet again, yet we are also mindful of how we have failed to receive the fullness of that gift. The story of this day points us to your glory, yet we struggle daily to join in the angels’ song. We are distracted and confused, so focused on things that matter little that we have overlooked the good news of great joy.

Tell us again that the Savior is born.

Tell us again that life can be abundant in faith and hope and love, not because of who we are, but because of what you have given us in Jesus Christ. Amen. Kyrie from Missa Brevis in Bb Franz Joseph Haydn

Kyrie eleison. Lord, have mercy on us. Christe eleison. Christ, have mercy on us. Kyrie eleison. Lord, have mercy on us. *Assurance of Pardon Leader: “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21) People: This night all creation sings a new song. All is made new. Christ is born. All is well. Leader: Friends, believe the good news. In Jesus Christ we are forgiven. Unison: Praise be to God, who sends the Son. Alleluia, Alleluia! Response to the Assurance of Pardon (sung by all) *Hymn No. 112 “On Christmas Night All Christians Sing”

The Word

Prayer for Illumination Old Testament Reading Isaiah 9:2-7 Leader: The Word of the Lord. Pew Bible page 555 People: Thanks be to God. Large Print Pew Bible pages 780-781 Carol “All Bells in Paradise” John Rutter

1. Deep in the cold of winter, Darkness and silence were everywhere; Softly and clearly, there came through the stillness a wonderful sound to hear: All bells in paradise I heard them ring, Sounding in majesty the news that they bring; All bells in paradise I heard them ring, Welcoming our Saviour, born on earth a heavenly King. All bells in paradise I heard them ring: ‘Glory to God on high’ the angel voices sing.

2. Lost in awe and wonder, Doubting I asked what this sign might be: Christ our Messiah revealed in a stable, a marvellous sight to see. All bells in paradise I heard them ring, Sounding in majesty the news that they bring; All bells in paradise I heard them ring, Welcoming our Saviour, born on earth a heavenly King.

3. He comes down in peace, a child in humility, The keys to his kingdom belong to the poor; Before him shall kneel the kings with their treasures, gold incense and myrrh. All bells in paradise I heard them ring, Sounding in majesty the news that they bring; All bells in paradise I heard them ring, Welcoming our Saviour, born on earth a heavenly King. All bells in paradise I heard them ring: ‘Glory to God on high’ the angel voices sweetly sing.

Epistle Reading Titus 2:11-14 Leader: The Word of the Lord. Pew Bible page 969 People: Thanks be to God. Large Print Pew Bible page 262 Carol In dulci jubilo; arr., Philip Ledger

1. Good Christian men, 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!

2. Good Christian men, 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 man is blest forevermore. Christ was born for this! Christ was born for this!

3. Good Christian men, rejoice with heart and soul and voice; now ye need not fear the grave: Jesus Christ was born to save! Calls you one and calls you all to gain his everlasting hall. Christ was born to save! Christ was born to save!

Gospel Reading Luke 2:1-20

The birth of Jesus, the Christ, the Messiah. Leader: The Gospel of the Lord. Pew Bible pages 832-833 People: Thanks be to God. Large Print Pew Bible page 71

*Hymn No 119 “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”

Sermon Rev. David L. de Vries

“The Kingdom of God Offered to You” He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds.

Our Response to The Word

*Affirmation of Faith (unison) Excerpt from A Brief Statement of Faith We trust in Jesus Christ, fully human, fully God. Jesus proclaimed the reign of God: preaching good news to the poor and release to the captives,

teaching by word and deed and blessing the children, healing the sick and binding up the brokenhearted, eating with outcasts, forgiving sinners, and calling all to repent and believe the gospel. Unjustly condemned for blasphemy and sedition, Jesus was crucified, suffering the depths of human pain and giving his life for the sins of the world. God raised this Jesus from the dead, vindicating his sinless life, breaking the power of sin and evil, delivering us from death to life eternal. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Prayers of the People and The Lord’s Prayer (unison) 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 debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

The Eucharist

REFLECTIONS & INSTRUCTIONS ON COMMUNION

� Communion is a time for quiet celebration. Please refrain from talking with neighbors as others are in thankful prayer.

� Holy Communion is a gift from God to all of God’s people. It does not belong to one particular church or denomination. At Christ Presbyterian Church everyone who confesses Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior is encouraged to come to the table.

� Appropriate responses to receiving both bread and cup include:

a. “Thanks be to God” b. “Amen” c. “Glory be to God”

� You are encouraged to remember God’s call to be part of the covenant people and a citizen in the Kingdom of Heaven (your baptism) by dipping your hand in the baptismal font as you come forward.

� You are welcome to receive Communion as a couple, family, and/or as friends gathered. If you have a family member who is in the choir, they can join you as you come forward.

� As you return to your seat you are encouraged to continue singing, devote yourself to prayer, or meditate on the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

At the Offertory

Anthem Music: David Halls Text: Trad. 14th Cent, adapted

On the birthday of the Lord, angel choirs with one accord

sing “in dulci jubilo, Gloria uni Deo!” [in sweet joy, Glory to the One God]

God of Mary maid is born, Christ is Mary’s son tomorn:

Sing Gloria, Gloria, Gloria in excelsis Deo. [Glory to God in the highest]

Tidings true an angel told, certain shepherds on the wold,

tidings great and full of glee, and Christ’s nativity,

God of Mary maid is born, Christ . . .

Christus natus hodie, Ex Maria Virgine. [Christ is born today, from the Virgin Mary]

Gender’d not of mortal seed, God today is Man indeed.

God of Mary . . .

On the birthday of the Lord, angel choirs with one accord

sing “in dulci jubilo, Gloria uni Deo!”

God of Mary . . .

Presentation (standing):

Hymn No. 145 (stanza 3 – sung by all) Greensleeves

So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh; Come, one and all, to own Him.

The King of kings salvation brings; Let loving hearts enthrone him.

This, This is Christ the King, Whom shepherds guard and angels sing;

Haste, haste to bring Him laud, the Babe, the Son of Mary!

(Remaining Standing)

Invitation to the Table

*The Great Thanksgiving

Leader: This hallowed Christmas Eve, the Lord be with you.

People: And also with you.

Leader: Lift up your hearts.

People: We lift them to the Lord.

Leader: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

People: It is right to give our thanks and praise.

Leader: We give you thanks, O God, through your beloved servant Jesus Christ, through whom you have created all

things. By the power of the Holy Spirit Christ was born of Mary, and shared our human nature. With loving

arms outstretched upon the cross, Jesus broke the chains of evil and destruction. By his resurrection your

will was fulfilled and you gathered a holy people to offer you praise. Now with all creation we raise our

voices to proclaim your glory singing:

*Sanctus (sung by all) Thomas Pavlechko

Permission granted: © St. James Music Press 2008

Leader: To you indeed be glory, almighty God. The child born was named Jesus. Helpless as an infant he grew

to witness the power of your love. Poor in things of the world he shared the riches of your grace. Rejected by many, he welcomed all who sought him. In his death and resurrection you gave birth to your church, delivered us from slavery to sin and death, and made with us a new covenant sealed by water and the Spirit. These things we remember. And we offer ourselves, as his faithful disciples, as we wait and live for his promised return. Great is the mystery of faith:

People: Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again.

Leader: Gracious God, pour out your Holy Spirit upon us and upon these your gifts of bread and cup, that the bread we break and the cup we bless may be the communion of the body and blood of Christ. Strengthen us to do your work, and to be your body in the world. Unite us in Christ and give us your peace. Through Christ, with Christ, and in Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in your holy Church, we worship you, O God, with songs of everlasting praise. Amen.

Sharing of the Bread and Cup

Communion Anthems “Eucaristica” Pablo Casals

Deep in my heart I bear my Lord; My heart is a sacred Host to Jesus; Therefore in my heart the light that gives serenity is ever glorious. Deep in my heart I bear my Lord; And my heart leaps joyfully within me. Goodness today makes sorrow light, And I have angels for my companions. Deep in my heart I bear my Lord, And ever see the light of heaven That keeps me always from the ways of darkness And of evil doing. Deep in my heart I bear my Lord; And all my life He will be with me. I want my voice to speak of love As does the seraph that proclaims Him. My way shall be a path of lilies, The path on which I walk beside Him.

“Suo Gân” Welsh Lullaby; arr., George Guest Jean Burnquist, soprano

Sleep my baby on my breast, It is warm and cozy there, Mother’s arms are tight around you, Mother’s love dwells in my heart. None can harm you while you slumber, No one dares to harm you now, Sleep so softly, dear my child, Sleep so softly on my breast. Sleep softly through the night, Jewel of my tender love. Does a smile light those eyes, Stealing gently o’er they face? Do the angels smile above you, You who smile so sweetly now? You are smiling now and sleeping, Sleeping softly at my breast. Do not fear, it’s just a little wave whispering on the shore. Sleep my baby, there is nothing Here to frighten you tonight. Smile so gently on my breast At the angels up above. – Robert Bryan

Closing Prayer of Thanksgiving

Sending

(Ushers light candles.)

*Hymn No. 122 Franz Gruber; desc., Gerre Hancock

1. 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.

2. Silent night, holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight; Glories stream from heaven afar, Heavenly hosts sing: “Alleluia; Christ the Saviour is born, Christ the Saviour is born.”

3. Silent night, holy night! Son of God, love’s pure Light Radiant beams from Thy holy face, With the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth, Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth.

*Christmas Eve Prayer (in unison)

Great God, as you came at night when all was still, so enter our lives this night. Illumine our paths with the light of Christ’s presence, that we may clearly see the way before us, the truth to speak and the life to live for him, our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

*Hymn in Procession No. 134 “Joy to the World!”

1. Joy to the world! the Lord is come: Let earth receive her King; Let every heart prepare Him room, And heaven and nature sing, . .

2. Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns: Let all their songs employ; While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains Repeat the sounding joy. . .

3. No more let sins and sorrows grow, Nor thorns infest the ground; He comes to make His blessings flow Far as the curse is found . . .

4. He rules the world with truth and grace, And makes the nations prove The glories of His righteousness, And wonders of His love. . . .

(Please extinguish candles.)

*Benediction

*Organ Voluntary “Carillon-Sortie” Henri Mulet

For anyone wishing confidential individual prayer, immediately following the service a member of the Stephen Ministry will be available in the Chapel.

The Cathedral Hour live broadcast this evening is given in joy and celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, Come Let Us Adore Him.

We deeply appreciate those whose gifts and memorials have provided the poinsettias for our

services. Those who have asked to take their plants may do so after the service.

A blessed and joyous Christmas and a Happy New Year to all and to your loved ones.

Scripture Readings for December 29, 2013 ~ 1st Sunday After Christmas Day

Isaiah 63:7-9; Psalm 148; Hebrews 2:10-18; Matthew 2:13-23 Consider: Like many immigrants today, Joseph took his family across the border when they were in danger. Though they eventually returned to their home country, danger was still a present possibility. In what ways did Jesus, in his life and ministry, threaten those who held power in his day? How are we, as we practice the Christian life among present powers, challenging violence and injustice today? What dream or vision do you have for the world Christ came to save?

Christmastide Activities

Sunday, December 29 ~ 10:30 a.m. Celebrate the Festival of Christmas Lessons and Carols at Christ Church

The Chancel Choir with the David Duro Brass Quartet and organ. Follow the story of Redemption from the Fall of Man through Prophecy and Fulfillment

with several favorite congregational carols. 8:00 a.m. Worship—Chapel

Sunday, January 5 - Epiphany ~ 8:00 & 10:30 a.m. worship services

Wise men from the east join us in worship (10:30am). in bowing before the child, they acknowledge Jesus as Lord and King.

Please bring 18 oz. jars of peanut butter and jelly for our Food Ministry

and join the Kings in bringing gifts to Christ, the King of Kings!

Christ Presbyterian Church

530 Tuscarawas Street, West, Canton, Ohio 44702 330-456-8113 cantoncpc.org

cpcoffice@cantoncpc.org

Christ Presbyterian Church exists to glorify God, lead people to a

saving relationship with Jesus Christ,

build one another up in spiritual maturity, and send out servants to share the Good News in word and deed.

Christ Presbyterian Church Staff Ministers: The People of Christ Church Senior Pastor: Rev. David L. de Vries Parish Associate: Rev. Eldon Trubee

Director of Music and Organist: David J. Kienzle Specialist in Music for The Young Child: Deborah Garren

Director of Youth Ministry: Jon Mathewson Director of Children’s Ministry: Jennifer George Director of Outdoor Ministries: Chris Harmsen

Business Administrator/Assistant Treasurer: Donald R. Weltlich Financial Assistant/Secretary: Diane J. Nave

Administrative Assistant to the Senior Pastor/Secretary: Caryn G. Smith Custodians: Kurt A. Gottschick & Ron Pelger