The Way To The Manger
Worship
Services For Special Days
Hymn Services And Readings For Special Times Of The Year
A Service Of Hymns And Choral Readings For Christmas Eve
The Christmas Eve service is written with the service of Holy Communion. However, this is optional. That line can be omitted from the worship bulletin.
The choral reading, with the exception of a few special parts, is written for male or female voices. The reading can be printed for the entire congregation, or for the members of the choir, or group of men and women or young folks who have been chosen to be the reading choir.
The scriptures in the choral readings are paraphrased. Other scriptures that are printed are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible.
The candlelighting uses the Advent wreath if you have it set up. Otherwise, place four candles -- purple or blue -- on the altar and a white candle for the Christ candle.
When using candles for the congregation, please use caution. Always tip the unlit candle to avoid dripping hot wax. When small children want to hold a candle, parents would be advised to forgo their own candle to help the child with his/hers.
Bulletin
The Way To The Manger
A Service Of Hymns And Choral Readings For Christmas Eve
Ringing Of The Bell
Prelude
Lighting Of Candles
Prayer (In Unison)
The way to the manger was long and lonely for Mary and Joseph. The way for us is easier, but we dally. We come now this night to revisit the manger and offer glory to God in the highest heavens! Amen.
Call To Worship (Responsively)
Isaiah 9:2, 4, 6, 7
And Hymn
"Angels, We Have Heard On High"
Leader:
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness, on them light has shined.
People:
(Sing verse one of hymn)
Leader:
For 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.
People:
(Sing verse two of hymn)
Leader:
For 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.
People:
(Sing verse three of hymn)
Leader:
His 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.
People:
(Sing verse four of hymn)
Welcome, Greeting, And Announcements
Call To Stewardship (Pastor)
Offertory
Giving Of Tithes And Offerings
Response (In Unison)
"O Come, Let Us Adore Him"
(chorus only)
Prayer Of Dedication (Liturgist)
Solo
"Do You Hear What I Hear?"
Choral Reading 1
Luke 2:1-7
Lighting Of First Candle
Hymn
"Away In A Manger" (vv. 1, 3)
Choral Reading 2
Luke 2:8-14
Lighting Of Second Candle
Hymn
"Angels From The Realms Of Glory" (vv. 1, 2)
Choral Reading 3
Luke 2:15-20
Lighting Of Third Candle
Hymn
"While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks" (vv. 1, 2, 3)
Choral Reading 4
Matthew 1:18--2:5
Lighting Of Fourth Candle
Hymn
"O Little Town Of Bethlehem" (vv. 1, 3)
Choral Reading 5
Luke 2:21-38
Lighting Of Christ Candle
Service Of Holy Communion (Optional)
Anthem
"When I Kneel At The Manger Tonight"
Christmas Meditation (Pastor)
It's A Boy!
Candlelighting
(The ushers will light their candles from the Christ candle and then take the light to the congregation. Dip only the unlit candles, then hold them straight. Be very careful with small children.)
Hymn
"Silent Night"
Benediction (Pastor)
(Extinguish candles before moving about)
Postlude
Service
The Way To The Manger
A Service Of Hymns And Choral Readings For Christmas Eve
Ringing Of The Bell
Prelude
Lighting Of Candles
Prayer (In Unison)
The way to the manger was long and lonely for Mary and Joseph. The way for us is easier, but we dally. We come now this night to revisit the manger and offer glory to God in the highest heavens! Amen.
Call To Worship (Responsively)
Isaiah 9:2, 4, 6, 7
And Hymn
"Angels, We Have Heard On High"
Leader:
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness, on them light has shined.
People:
(Sing verse one of hymn)
Leader:
For 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.
People:
(Sing verse two of hymn)
Leader:
For 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.
People:
(Sing verse three of hymn)
Leader:
His 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.
People:
(Sing verse four of hymn)
Welcome, Greeting, And Announcements
Call To Stewardship (Pastor)
Tonight we remember the birth of Christ, God's great gift to all humankind. Come bring your gifts to the Christ Child on this the night we celebrate his birth.
Offertory
Giving Of Tithes And Offerings
Response (In Unison)
"O Come, Let Us Adore Him"
(chorus only)
Prayer Of Dedication (Liturgist)
Lord God, you gave your Son that we might live. He gave his all that we might know salvation. We give our gifts of love and self. Use them in your kingdom. Amen.
Solo
"Do You Hear What I Hear?"
Choral Reading 1
Luke 2:1-7
Men: In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered.
Women: This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria.
Men: All went to their own towns to be registered. 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.
Women: He want to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged. She was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child.
All: And she gave birth to her firstborn and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
Lighting Of First Candle
Hymn
"Away In A Manger" (vv. 1, 3)
Choral Reading 2
Luke 2:8-14
Men: In that region there were shepherds in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.
Women: Then an angel of the Lord stood before them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
All: 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; to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you; you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger."
Women: And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,
All: Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors.
Lighting Of Second Candle
Hymn
"Angels From The Realms Of Glory" (vv. 1, 2)
Choral Reading 3
Luke 2:15-20
Women: When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another,
Men: Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.
Women: So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child was lying in the manger.
Men: When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them.
Women: But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart.
Men: The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
Lighting Of Third Candle
Hymn
"While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks" (vv. 1, 2, 3)
Choral Reading 4
Matthew 1:18--2:5
Men: Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way:
Women: When his mother Mary was engaged to Joseph, before the marriage ceremony, she was found to be pregnant by the Holy Spirit.
Men: Joseph was a just man and did not want to put her to shame. He resolved to divorce her quietly.
Woman: An angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream.
All: Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. The child she carries is from the Holy Spirit. She will have a son and you will call his name Jesus.
Men: Joseph awoke and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took Mary as his wife.
All: When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, Wise Men from the East came to Jerusalem.
Men: Where is he who has been born king of the Jews?
Women: Herod was troubled and assembled the chief priests and scribes and inquired where the Christ would be born.
All: They said, "In Bethlehem of Judea."
Lighting Of Fourth Candle
Hymn
"O Little Town Of Bethlehem" (vv. 1, 3)
Choral Reading 5
Luke 2:21-38
Women: At the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel.
Men: When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord.
All: It is written in the law of the Lord, "Every male that opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord."
Women: And to offer a sacrifice according to the law, a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
Men: Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon.
Women: He was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel.
Men: The Holy Spirit was upon him.
All: It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
Women: Inspired by the Holy Spirit he came into the temple when the parents brought in the child.
Men: He took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, "Lord, now let your servant depart in peace."
Women: And there was a prophetess named Anna, who was 84 years old and had been a widow from her seventh year of marriage.
All: She did not depart from the temple, she worshiped with fasting and prayer night and day.
Women: That very hour she gave thanks to God and spoke of him to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.
Lighting Of Christ Candle
Service Of Holy Communion (Optional)
Anthem
"When I Kneel At The Manger Tonight"
Christmas Meditation (Pastor)
It's A Boy!
The custom in the days of Mary and Elizabeth was for family and friends with musicians to gather at the birth of a baby. If the child was a girl, they left silently. If the child was a boy, the musicians would "strike up the band" and celebrate his birth. Everyone would know, "It's a boy!"
Mary and Joseph traveled a great distance away from home to Bethlehem. Who would announce to the world that "It's a boy!"? Not only were they alone, no family and friends would gather and celebrate with them.
We wonder why the angels would appear to common, ordinary shepherds -- men who constantly smelled of sheep and oil and body odor. Shepherds weren't even allowed to worship because it was impossible for them to become ritually clean. They were hard workers and would not think of neglecting their jobs for any reason. Yet, when the angels said, "Go," they left their sheep and went to the stable. Why?
Isn't that the way it is so many times in God's dealings with human beings? God calls us away from our busyness to worship -- away from our work to hear the angel cry, or sing, or just flutter by. Sometimes we become so stuck to the grindstone that we miss the real beauty of God around us. Maybe angels really do hover near announcing again and again the Savior's birth, and we're too busy to hear!
Who would announce to the world, "It's a boy!"? Who indeed? No baby was ever heralded as was that tiny baby boy in a stable on a cold Bethlehem night. Friendly shepherds gathered as the angel had told them to do to celebrate with the parents and to worship the Lord. The angels sang and sang -- a birth heralded by music far more beautiful than any earthly musicians could provide. Shepherds praised and rejoiced far more than any friend or family could have done.
The wonder and mystery of the Incarnation is tied to the shepherds and the stable and the poor, lonely outcasts. To this little "nobody town" in a stable, not a palace; to people who were nobodies in the eyes of the world; God's message came through loud and clear -- "It's a boy! It's a boy! Rejoice! God is Emmanuel -- God with us!"
The angels called the shepherds from their busyness -- their work --�to come and worship. We, too, are called from our busy world to follow the way to the manger and worship and rejoice with Mary and Joseph. "It's a boy -- God's boy!"
Are we too busy to hear the angels sing?
Candlelighting
(The ushers will light their candles from the Christ candle and then take the light to the congregation. Dip only the unlit candles, then hold them straight. Be very careful with small children.)
Hymn
"Silent Night"
Benediction (Pastor)
Tonight we have witnessed anew the birth of the Christ Child. Go in peace and keep him in your heart. Amen.
(Extinguish candles before moving about)
Postlude
The Christmas Eve service is written with the service of Holy Communion. However, this is optional. That line can be omitted from the worship bulletin.
The choral reading, with the exception of a few special parts, is written for male or female voices. The reading can be printed for the entire congregation, or for the members of the choir, or group of men and women or young folks who have been chosen to be the reading choir.
The scriptures in the choral readings are paraphrased. Other scriptures that are printed are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible.
The candlelighting uses the Advent wreath if you have it set up. Otherwise, place four candles -- purple or blue -- on the altar and a white candle for the Christ candle.
When using candles for the congregation, please use caution. Always tip the unlit candle to avoid dripping hot wax. When small children want to hold a candle, parents would be advised to forgo their own candle to help the child with his/hers.
Bulletin
The Way To The Manger
A Service Of Hymns And Choral Readings For Christmas Eve
Ringing Of The Bell
Prelude
Lighting Of Candles
Prayer (In Unison)
The way to the manger was long and lonely for Mary and Joseph. The way for us is easier, but we dally. We come now this night to revisit the manger and offer glory to God in the highest heavens! Amen.
Call To Worship (Responsively)
Isaiah 9:2, 4, 6, 7
And Hymn
"Angels, We Have Heard On High"
Leader:
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness, on them light has shined.
People:
(Sing verse one of hymn)
Leader:
For 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.
People:
(Sing verse two of hymn)
Leader:
For 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.
People:
(Sing verse three of hymn)
Leader:
His 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.
People:
(Sing verse four of hymn)
Welcome, Greeting, And Announcements
Call To Stewardship (Pastor)
Offertory
Giving Of Tithes And Offerings
Response (In Unison)
"O Come, Let Us Adore Him"
(chorus only)
Prayer Of Dedication (Liturgist)
Solo
"Do You Hear What I Hear?"
Choral Reading 1
Luke 2:1-7
Lighting Of First Candle
Hymn
"Away In A Manger" (vv. 1, 3)
Choral Reading 2
Luke 2:8-14
Lighting Of Second Candle
Hymn
"Angels From The Realms Of Glory" (vv. 1, 2)
Choral Reading 3
Luke 2:15-20
Lighting Of Third Candle
Hymn
"While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks" (vv. 1, 2, 3)
Choral Reading 4
Matthew 1:18--2:5
Lighting Of Fourth Candle
Hymn
"O Little Town Of Bethlehem" (vv. 1, 3)
Choral Reading 5
Luke 2:21-38
Lighting Of Christ Candle
Service Of Holy Communion (Optional)
Anthem
"When I Kneel At The Manger Tonight"
Christmas Meditation (Pastor)
It's A Boy!
Candlelighting
(The ushers will light their candles from the Christ candle and then take the light to the congregation. Dip only the unlit candles, then hold them straight. Be very careful with small children.)
Hymn
"Silent Night"
Benediction (Pastor)
(Extinguish candles before moving about)
Postlude
Service
The Way To The Manger
A Service Of Hymns And Choral Readings For Christmas Eve
Ringing Of The Bell
Prelude
Lighting Of Candles
Prayer (In Unison)
The way to the manger was long and lonely for Mary and Joseph. The way for us is easier, but we dally. We come now this night to revisit the manger and offer glory to God in the highest heavens! Amen.
Call To Worship (Responsively)
Isaiah 9:2, 4, 6, 7
And Hymn
"Angels, We Have Heard On High"
Leader:
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness, on them light has shined.
People:
(Sing verse one of hymn)
Leader:
For 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.
People:
(Sing verse two of hymn)
Leader:
For 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.
People:
(Sing verse three of hymn)
Leader:
His 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.
People:
(Sing verse four of hymn)
Welcome, Greeting, And Announcements
Call To Stewardship (Pastor)
Tonight we remember the birth of Christ, God's great gift to all humankind. Come bring your gifts to the Christ Child on this the night we celebrate his birth.
Offertory
Giving Of Tithes And Offerings
Response (In Unison)
"O Come, Let Us Adore Him"
(chorus only)
Prayer Of Dedication (Liturgist)
Lord God, you gave your Son that we might live. He gave his all that we might know salvation. We give our gifts of love and self. Use them in your kingdom. Amen.
Solo
"Do You Hear What I Hear?"
Choral Reading 1
Luke 2:1-7
Men: In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered.
Women: This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria.
Men: All went to their own towns to be registered. 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.
Women: He want to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged. She was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child.
All: And she gave birth to her firstborn and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
Lighting Of First Candle
Hymn
"Away In A Manger" (vv. 1, 3)
Choral Reading 2
Luke 2:8-14
Men: In that region there were shepherds in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.
Women: Then an angel of the Lord stood before them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
All: 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; to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you; you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger."
Women: And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,
All: Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors.
Lighting Of Second Candle
Hymn
"Angels From The Realms Of Glory" (vv. 1, 2)
Choral Reading 3
Luke 2:15-20
Women: When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another,
Men: Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.
Women: So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child was lying in the manger.
Men: When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them.
Women: But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart.
Men: The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
Lighting Of Third Candle
Hymn
"While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks" (vv. 1, 2, 3)
Choral Reading 4
Matthew 1:18--2:5
Men: Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way:
Women: When his mother Mary was engaged to Joseph, before the marriage ceremony, she was found to be pregnant by the Holy Spirit.
Men: Joseph was a just man and did not want to put her to shame. He resolved to divorce her quietly.
Woman: An angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream.
All: Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. The child she carries is from the Holy Spirit. She will have a son and you will call his name Jesus.
Men: Joseph awoke and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took Mary as his wife.
All: When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, Wise Men from the East came to Jerusalem.
Men: Where is he who has been born king of the Jews?
Women: Herod was troubled and assembled the chief priests and scribes and inquired where the Christ would be born.
All: They said, "In Bethlehem of Judea."
Lighting Of Fourth Candle
Hymn
"O Little Town Of Bethlehem" (vv. 1, 3)
Choral Reading 5
Luke 2:21-38
Women: At the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel.
Men: When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord.
All: It is written in the law of the Lord, "Every male that opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord."
Women: And to offer a sacrifice according to the law, a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
Men: Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon.
Women: He was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel.
Men: The Holy Spirit was upon him.
All: It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ.
Women: Inspired by the Holy Spirit he came into the temple when the parents brought in the child.
Men: He took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, "Lord, now let your servant depart in peace."
Women: And there was a prophetess named Anna, who was 84 years old and had been a widow from her seventh year of marriage.
All: She did not depart from the temple, she worshiped with fasting and prayer night and day.
Women: That very hour she gave thanks to God and spoke of him to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.
Lighting Of Christ Candle
Service Of Holy Communion (Optional)
Anthem
"When I Kneel At The Manger Tonight"
Christmas Meditation (Pastor)
It's A Boy!
The custom in the days of Mary and Elizabeth was for family and friends with musicians to gather at the birth of a baby. If the child was a girl, they left silently. If the child was a boy, the musicians would "strike up the band" and celebrate his birth. Everyone would know, "It's a boy!"
Mary and Joseph traveled a great distance away from home to Bethlehem. Who would announce to the world that "It's a boy!"? Not only were they alone, no family and friends would gather and celebrate with them.
We wonder why the angels would appear to common, ordinary shepherds -- men who constantly smelled of sheep and oil and body odor. Shepherds weren't even allowed to worship because it was impossible for them to become ritually clean. They were hard workers and would not think of neglecting their jobs for any reason. Yet, when the angels said, "Go," they left their sheep and went to the stable. Why?
Isn't that the way it is so many times in God's dealings with human beings? God calls us away from our busyness to worship -- away from our work to hear the angel cry, or sing, or just flutter by. Sometimes we become so stuck to the grindstone that we miss the real beauty of God around us. Maybe angels really do hover near announcing again and again the Savior's birth, and we're too busy to hear!
Who would announce to the world, "It's a boy!"? Who indeed? No baby was ever heralded as was that tiny baby boy in a stable on a cold Bethlehem night. Friendly shepherds gathered as the angel had told them to do to celebrate with the parents and to worship the Lord. The angels sang and sang -- a birth heralded by music far more beautiful than any earthly musicians could provide. Shepherds praised and rejoiced far more than any friend or family could have done.
The wonder and mystery of the Incarnation is tied to the shepherds and the stable and the poor, lonely outcasts. To this little "nobody town" in a stable, not a palace; to people who were nobodies in the eyes of the world; God's message came through loud and clear -- "It's a boy! It's a boy! Rejoice! God is Emmanuel -- God with us!"
The angels called the shepherds from their busyness -- their work --�to come and worship. We, too, are called from our busy world to follow the way to the manger and worship and rejoice with Mary and Joseph. "It's a boy -- God's boy!"
Are we too busy to hear the angels sing?
Candlelighting
(The ushers will light their candles from the Christ candle and then take the light to the congregation. Dip only the unlit candles, then hold them straight. Be very careful with small children.)
Hymn
"Silent Night"
Benediction (Pastor)
Tonight we have witnessed anew the birth of the Christ Child. Go in peace and keep him in your heart. Amen.
(Extinguish candles before moving about)
Postlude
