Family Service of Lessons and Carols with Holy Eucharist
December 24, 2023: Fourth Sunday of AdventService of Lessons and Carols
Opening Carol: The Little Drummer Boy
Come they told me, pa rum pum pum pum, A newborn King to see, pa rum pum pum pum
Our finest gifts we bring, pa rum pum pum pum,
To lay before the King, pa rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,
So, to honor Him, pa rum pum pum pum, when we come.
Reader: A Bidding Prayer:
Dear People who love God: Christmas Season is approaching so let us renew our lives by hearing the Christmas Story. Let us hear the message of the Angels. Let us go to Bethlehem and see the baby Jesus lying in the manger. But let us also review the long story of our salvation. Let us remember that God created us. Let us ponder why we have the tendency to sin. But let us remember that God redeemed us from our sins by promising a special Savior and sending us the special Savior Jesus Christ. Let us also thank God for all of the good things in life that we enjoy and remember those in this world who do not have enough food, clothing or shelter. Let us remember those who suffer because of war and fighting and human cruelty. Let us also remember with thanksgiving the blessed Mother of Jesus, Mary and let us remember the great number in the family of Christ who share the same hope that we do, now and evermore. Amen.
Reader: The First Story In Salvation History: God Creates Man and Woman
In the beginning God created the world. After creating the sun, moon, the stars, the plants and the animals, God created a man and a woman who were named Adam and Eve. Adam and Eve lived in a beautiful garden call Eden. Since Adam and Eve had the ability to talk, they were given the job of naming everything. And God told Adam and Eve to take good care of their beautiful garden.
Carol: For the Beauty of the Earth
For the beauty of the earth, for the splendor of the skies, for the love which from our birth over and around us lies. Lord of all to thee we raise this, our hymn of grateful praise.
For the wonder of each hour of the day and of the night, hill and vale and tree and flower, sun and moon and stars of light: Lord of all to thee we raise this, our hymn of grateful praise.
Reader: The Second Story in Salvation History: How Good and Bad Came to the World
God created Adam and Eve as innocent people in a perfect world. God created Adam and Eve to be able to make free choices. God did not make them to be like robots who could not make their own decisions. God gave Adam and Eve a test so they could know that they had real freedom of choice. He told them that they could not eat the fruit from one tree in the middle of the garden. God allowed a very sneaky serpent to talk to Eve and Adam. The serpent told them that they could be like God if they ate the fruit that God told them not to eat. Eve was tricked into eating and she tricked Adam into eating the fruit too. Perhaps that fruit was an apple or a pomegranate. So Adam and Eve knew that they had freedom to choose, but they made the wrong choice. Since imperfect people could not live in the perfect garden, they had to leave the garden. They started a family and began to farm, but they missed the beautiful garden.
Choral Anthem: Adam in the Garden, West Indies
Adam in the garden, hidin’, hidin’, hidin’, hidin’, hidin’, hidin’.
Adam in the garden, hidin’, hidin’, hidin’ from the Lord.
Tell me where is Adam hidin’, hidin’, hidin’, hidin’, hidin’.
Tell me where is Adam hidin’ from the Lord.
Reader: The Third Story of Salvation History: A special person from the family tree of Jesse
The prophet Isaiah said that a special person would be born from the family tree of Jesse, King David’s father. This special person would have God’s Spirit upon Him and He would begin to be a wise leader. The prophet Isaiah wrote about a vision of wolves and lambs being able to play together because some day no animal will harm another animal and men and women will live in peace.
Carol: Baa, Baa, Little Lamb (Tune: Baa, Baa, Black Sheep)
Baa, baa, little lamb, did you lose your way? Yes sir, yes sir, I was lost today.
Far from my shepherd, far from my home. Far from my flock, I ran off alone.
Baa, baa, little lamb, did you lose your way? Yes sir, yes sir, I was lost today.
Baa, baa, little lamb, who found you? My Good Shepherd who loves you too.
Left His flock of ninety-nine, looked for me with love so kind.
Baa, baa, little lamb, your Shepherd looked for you. Yes sir, yes sir, And He found me too.
Dear little children, does your Shepherd love you? Yes sir, yes sir, He loves you too.
If we sin and go from Him, Jesus brings us back to Him.
Dear little children your Shepherd loves you. Yes sir, yes sir, and He loves you too.
Reader: The Fourth Story of Salvation History: A Promised Child Named Emmanuel
The prophet Isaiah promised that a sign would be given to God’s people. A child would be born to a young woman and his name would be called Emmanuel, which means, God is with us. Emmanuel is another name for Jesus because when he was born, he was proof that God was with us.
Carol: O Come, O Come Emmanuel (tune, Farmer in the Dell)
O come Emmanuel, O come Emmanuel. Come and save your people now, O come Emmanuel.
Now let us sing with joy, now let us sing with joy. Jesus came to save us all, now let us sing with joy.
O come Emmanuel, O come Emmanuel. Live within our hearts we pray, O come Emmanuel.
Reader: The Fifth Story of Salvation History: The Angel Gabriel Delivers a Message to Mary
The Angel Gabriel came to Mary one day in the city of Nazareth. She was surprised to see the Angel. The Angel told her not to be afraid because God was going to give her a very special child who would be called the Son of God. And Mary said, “Let it be according to your word.” And Mary obeyed God.
Carol: Mary and the Angel (Tune: Reuben and Rachel)
Mary, Mary, look beside you. There’s an angel standing there!
It is Gabriel, sent from heaven with Good News for you to hear.
Mary, Mary, don’t be frightened. God is with you favored one.
You will have a little baby, Jesus Christ, God’s own dear Son.
“How can this be?” Mary wondered. “I’ve not married anyone.”
“God can do all things,” said Gabriel. “The baby will be God’s own Son.”
“As you say,” then Mary answered, “As God says, so let it be.”
We join Mary in her praises; Jesus came for you and me.”
Reader: The Sixth Story of Salvation History A voice will cry out in the wilderness to prepare the way
The prophet Isaiah said that a voice would cry out in the wilderness to prepare the way for the Lord. This voice would announce the coming of one who would be a strong and good Shepherd. The voice belonged to John the Baptist who help to announce the importance of Jesus Christ.
Choral Anthem: Prepare the Way of the Lord (Renew! # 92)
Prepare the way of the Lord. Prepare the way of the Lord.
And all people will see, the salvation of our God.
Reader : The Seventh Story of Salvation History: Jesus is born in Bethlehem
Mary and Joseph had to travel to Bethlehem to register to pay taxes. While they were there, they tried to get a room at an inn but there was no room for them. So they had to spend the night in a stable. While they were in the stable, Mary gave birth to the little baby Jesus. That same night shepherds came to the stable because the Angels in the sky had told them about the birth of a special Christ Child who would bring peace on earth.
Handbell Anthem: Away in a Manger, arr. Anna Laura Page; Divine Jubilation
Mary and Joseph had to travel to Bethlehem to register to pay taxes. While they were there, they tried to get a room at an inn but there was no room for them. So they had to spend the night in a stable. While they were in the stable, Mary gave birth to the little baby Jesus. That same night shepherds came to the stable because the Angels in the sky had told them about the birth of a special Christ Child who would bring peace on earth.
Handbell Anthem: Away in a Manger, arr. Anna Laura Page; Divine Jubilation
Reader: The Eighth Story of Salvation History: Angels tell the shepherds to come to the manger
When future kings are born it is announced throughout the kingdom. When Jesus was born a choir of angels announced his birth in the heavens. When the shepherds heard the angels announce the birth of Jesus, they were told to go to the manger and worship the Christ Child. They obeyed and went to be the first visitors to see baby Jesus.
Carol: Christ Was Born In Bethlehem (Tune: Michael Row the Boat)
Christ was born in Bethlehem, Hallelujah. Born to save us from our sin. Hallelujah.
Songs of joy the angel sang, hallelujah. To see Jesus shepherds ran, Hallelujah.
Every girl and every boy, hallelujah, Join us in our song of joy, Hallelujah.
Reader: The Ninth Story of Salvation History: Jesus is called the Word of God
The writer of the Gospel of John calls Jesus the Word of God. And as the Word of God, Jesus was with God from before the beginning of time and he was God before the beginning of time. The Word of God became the man Jesus who was born into this world. And many people did not accept this man Jesus but those who received him became children of God.
Reader: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John (Please stand)
Response: Praise to you Lord Christ. At the end: Glory to you Lord, Christ
Carol: # 83, v. 6 Adestes Fideles, (blue hymnal)
(Word of the Father, Now in Flesh Appearing)
6-Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born on Christmas morning, Jesus to thee, be glory given. Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing. O, come, let us adore Him. O, come let us adore Him. O come, let us adore Him. Christ the Lord.
Liturgist: The Peace of the Lord be with you always.
People: And also with you.
Song during the preparation of the Altar and the receiving of an offering
Offertory Anthem: Go Tell it on the Mountain, arr Patsy Sims - Chancel Choir
Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise Him, all creatures here below.
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host. Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Prologue to the Eucharist.
Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, for to them belong the kingdom of God.”
All become members of a family by birth or adoption.
Baptism is a celebration of our birth into the family of God.
A family meal gathers and sustains each human family.
The Holy Eucharist is the special meal that Jesus gave to his family to keep us together as the family of Christ.
The Lord be with you
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts
We lift them up to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to God.
It is right to give him thanks and praise.
It is very good and right to give thanks, because God made us, Jesus redeemed us and the Holy Spirit dwells in our hearts.
Therefore with Angels and Archangels and all of the world that we see and don’t see, we
Forever sing this hymn of praise:
Holy, Holy, Holy (Intoned)
Holy, Holy, Holy Lord, God of Power and Might. Heav’n and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest. Hosanna in the Highest.
(All may gather around the altar.)
Our grateful praise we offer to you God, our Creator;
You have made us in your image
And you gave us many men and women of faith to help us to live by faith:
Adam and Eve, Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah, Jacob and Rachel.
And then you gave us your Son, Jesus, born of Mary, nurtured by Joseph
And he called us to be sons and daughters of God.
Your Son called us to live better lives and he gave us this Holy Meal so that when we eat
the bread and drink the wine, we can know that the Presence of Christ is as near to us as
this food and drink that becomes a part of us.
And so, Father, we bring you these gifts of bread and wine. Bless and sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ our Lord. Bless and sanctify us by your Holy Spirit so that we can we love God and our neighbor.
On the night when Jesus was betrayed he took bread, said the blessing, broke the bread, and gave it to his friends, and said, “Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.”
After supper, Jesus took the cup of wine, gave thanks, and said, “Drink this, all of you. This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.”
Father, we now celebrate the memorial of your Son. When we eat this Holy Meal of Bread and Wine, we are telling the entire world about the life, death and resurrection of Christ; and that his presence will be with us in our future.
Let this holy meal keep us together as friends who share a special relationship because of your Son Jesus Christ. May we forever live with praise to God to whom we belong as sons and daughters.
By Christ, and with Christ, and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory
is yours, Almighty Father, now and for ever. AMEN.
And now as our Savior Christ has taught us, we now sing,
Our Father (Sung): (Renew # 180, West Indian Lord’s Prayer)
Our Father who art in heaven: Hallowed be thy name.
Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done: Hallowed be thy name.
Done on earth as it is in heaven: Hallowed be thy name.
Give us this day our daily bread: Hallowed be thy name.
And forgive us all our debts: Hallowed be thy name.
As we forgive our debtors: Hallowed be thy name.
Lead us not into temptation: Hallowed be thy name.
But deliver us from evil: Hallowed by thy name.
Thine is the kingdom, power, and glory: Hallowed be thy name.
Forever and ever: Hallowed be thy name.
Amen, amen, amen: Hallowed be thy name.
Amen, amen, amen: Hallowed be thy name.
Breaking of the Bread
Celebrant: Alleluia! Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us.
People: Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia!
Words of Administration.
Communion Anthem: Rejoice, a Savior Comes, arr. Bill Ingram, Divine Joy Handbell Choir
Post-Communion Prayer
Everlasting God, we have gathered for the meal that Jesus asked us to keep;
We have remembered his words of blessing on the bread and the wine.
And His Presence has been known to us.
We have remembered that we are sons and daughters of God and brothers
and sisters in Christ.
Send us forth now into our everyday lives remembering that the blessing in the
bread and wine spreads into each time, place and person in our lives,
As we are ever blessed by you, O Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.
Closing Carol: Good Christian Friends Rejoice
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!
Good Christian friends, 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!
Dismissal: Blessing for Advent and Christmas
The Almighty God bless us with his grace; Christ give us the joys of everlasting life; and to the fellowship of the citizens above may the King of angels bring us all. Amen.
Liturgist: Let us go forth in the Name of Christ.
People: Thanks be to God!
When future kings are born it is announced throughout the kingdom. When Jesus was born a choir of angels announced his birth in the heavens. When the shepherds heard the angels announce the birth of Jesus, they were told to go to the manger and worship the Christ Child. They obeyed and went to be the first visitors to see baby Jesus.
Carol: Christ Was Born In Bethlehem (Tune: Michael Row the Boat)
Christ was born in Bethlehem, Hallelujah. Born to save us from our sin. Hallelujah.
Songs of joy the angel sang, hallelujah. To see Jesus shepherds ran, Hallelujah.
Every girl and every boy, hallelujah, Join us in our song of joy, Hallelujah.
Reader: The Ninth Story of Salvation History: Jesus is called the Word of God
The writer of the Gospel of John calls Jesus the Word of God. And as the Word of God, Jesus was with God from before the beginning of time and he was God before the beginning of time. The Word of God became the man Jesus who was born into this world. And many people did not accept this man Jesus but those who received him became children of God.
Reader: The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John (Please stand)
Response: Praise to you Lord Christ. At the end: Glory to you Lord, Christ
Carol: # 83, v. 6 Adestes Fideles, (blue hymnal)
(Word of the Father, Now in Flesh Appearing)
6-Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born on Christmas morning, Jesus to thee, be glory given. Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing. O, come, let us adore Him. O, come let us adore Him. O come, let us adore Him. Christ the Lord.
Liturgist: The Peace of the Lord be with you always.
People: And also with you.
Song during the preparation of the Altar and the receiving of an offering
Offertory Anthem: Go Tell it on the Mountain, arr Patsy Sims - Chancel Choir
Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise Him, all creatures here below.
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host. Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Prologue to the Eucharist.
Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, for to them belong the kingdom of God.”
All become members of a family by birth or adoption.
Baptism is a celebration of our birth into the family of God.
A family meal gathers and sustains each human family.
The Holy Eucharist is the special meal that Jesus gave to his family to keep us together as the family of Christ.
The Lord be with you
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts
We lift them up to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to God.
It is right to give him thanks and praise.
It is very good and right to give thanks, because God made us, Jesus redeemed us and the Holy Spirit dwells in our hearts.
Therefore with Angels and Archangels and all of the world that we see and don’t see, we
Forever sing this hymn of praise:
Holy, Holy, Holy (Intoned)
Holy, Holy, Holy Lord, God of Power and Might. Heav’n and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest. Hosanna in the Highest.
(All may gather around the altar.)
Our grateful praise we offer to you God, our Creator;
You have made us in your image
And you gave us many men and women of faith to help us to live by faith:
Adam and Eve, Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah, Jacob and Rachel.
And then you gave us your Son, Jesus, born of Mary, nurtured by Joseph
And he called us to be sons and daughters of God.
Your Son called us to live better lives and he gave us this Holy Meal so that when we eat
the bread and drink the wine, we can know that the Presence of Christ is as near to us as
this food and drink that becomes a part of us.
And so, Father, we bring you these gifts of bread and wine. Bless and sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ our Lord. Bless and sanctify us by your Holy Spirit so that we can we love God and our neighbor.
On the night when Jesus was betrayed he took bread, said the blessing, broke the bread, and gave it to his friends, and said, “Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.”
After supper, Jesus took the cup of wine, gave thanks, and said, “Drink this, all of you. This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.”
Father, we now celebrate the memorial of your Son. When we eat this Holy Meal of Bread and Wine, we are telling the entire world about the life, death and resurrection of Christ; and that his presence will be with us in our future.
Let this holy meal keep us together as friends who share a special relationship because of your Son Jesus Christ. May we forever live with praise to God to whom we belong as sons and daughters.
By Christ, and with Christ, and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory
is yours, Almighty Father, now and for ever. AMEN.
And now as our Savior Christ has taught us, we now sing,
Our Father (Sung): (Renew # 180, West Indian Lord’s Prayer)
Our Father who art in heaven: Hallowed be thy name.
Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done: Hallowed be thy name.
Done on earth as it is in heaven: Hallowed be thy name.
Give us this day our daily bread: Hallowed be thy name.
And forgive us all our debts: Hallowed be thy name.
As we forgive our debtors: Hallowed be thy name.
Lead us not into temptation: Hallowed be thy name.
But deliver us from evil: Hallowed by thy name.
Thine is the kingdom, power, and glory: Hallowed be thy name.
Forever and ever: Hallowed be thy name.
Amen, amen, amen: Hallowed be thy name.
Amen, amen, amen: Hallowed be thy name.
Breaking of the Bread
Celebrant: Alleluia! Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us.
People: Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia!
Words of Administration.
Communion Anthem: Rejoice, a Savior Comes, arr. Bill Ingram, Divine Joy Handbell Choir
Post-Communion Prayer
Everlasting God, we have gathered for the meal that Jesus asked us to keep;
We have remembered his words of blessing on the bread and the wine.
And His Presence has been known to us.
We have remembered that we are sons and daughters of God and brothers
and sisters in Christ.
Send us forth now into our everyday lives remembering that the blessing in the
bread and wine spreads into each time, place and person in our lives,
As we are ever blessed by you, O Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.
Closing Carol: Good Christian Friends Rejoice
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!
Good Christian friends, 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!
Dismissal: Blessing for Advent and Christmas
The Almighty God bless us with his grace; Christ give us the joys of everlasting life; and to the fellowship of the citizens above may the King of angels bring us all. Amen.
Liturgist: Let us go forth in the Name of Christ.
People: Thanks be to God!
