CANDLELIGHTING SERVICE OF LESSONS AND CAROLS
ORDER OF SERVICE
December 24, 2025
WELCOME
PRELUDE
LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE:
With choirs of angels, and with all the heavenly host,we sing: "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth, peace and goodwill to all." The Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory. Alleluia!
CALL TO WORSHIP Adapted from Luke 2:1-14
In those days, in the beginning, Joseph and Mary traveled to Bethlehem. He
was to be registered, and she was expecting a child. The time came for Mary to
give birth, so she delivered her child, wrapped him in bands of cloth and laid
him in a manger.
And the angels sang, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth,
peace to all whom God favors.”
Let us worship our with-us God.
Let us sing songs of praise!
*CAROL: “O Come, All Ye Faithful”
1. O come, all ye faithful, Joyful and triumphant, O Come ye, O come ye, to Bethlehem
Come and behold Him, Born the King of angels;
Refrain : O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.
2. Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning; Jesus, to Thee be all glory given; Word of the Father, Now in flesh appearing.
Refrain
3. Sing, choirs of angels, Sing in exultation; Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above!
Glory to God, In the highest! Refrain
FIRST LESSON Isaiah 9:2, 6-7
The people who walk in darkness receive the promise of the Messiah.
*CAROL: “O Come, O Come Emmanuel
O come, O come, Emmanuel and ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, desire of nations, bind all peoples in one heart and mind;
Bid envy, strife, and discord cease; fill the whole world with heaven’s peace
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
SECOND LESSON Isaiah 40: 1-5 God’s people are comforted.
CHOIR ANTHEM: “Gather at the Manger”
THIRD LESSON Luke 1:5-25 The Birth of John the Baptist Foretold
CAROL “Away in a Manger” (please remain seated)
1. Away in a manger, no crib for his bed, The little Lord Jesus lay down His sweet head.
The stars in the sky looked down where He lay, The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.
2. The cattle are lowing, the poor Baby wakes, But little Lord Jesus, no crying he makes.
I love thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky. And stay by my side until morning is nigh.
3. Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask Thee to stay Close by me forever and love me, I pray.
Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care, And fit us for heaven to live with Thee there.
FOURTH LESSON Luke 1:26-38 The Birth of Jesus Foretold
CHOIR ANTHEM: “Mary Did You Know”
FIFTH LESSON Luke 2:1-7
CHOIR ANTHEM: “Rock a Bye Bethlehem Baby”
SIXTH LESSON Luke 2:8-16
Angels appear to shepherds in the fields and announce the birth of the Messiah.
*CAROL: “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing
1 Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn king.
Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!”
Joyful all ye nations, rise; join the triumph of the skies; with the angelic host proclaim,
“Christ is born in Bethlehem!” Hark! The herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn king!”
2 Christ, by highest heaven adored, Christ the everlasting Lord, late in time behold him come, offspring of the virgin’s womb. Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; hail the incarnate deity, pleased in flesh with us to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel. Hark! The herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn king!”
SEVENTH LESSON Matthew 2:1-11
Magi from the East come seeking the Messiah and offer gifts to the baby Jesus.
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
OFFERTORY CAROL: “What Child Is This” (remain seated) arranged by Alan Beyel
1. What Child is this, who, laid to rest, On Mary's lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet while shepherds watch are keeping?
REFRAIN: This, this is Christ the King, Whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
Haste, haste to bring Him laud, the Babe, the Son of Mary!
2. Why lies He in such mean estate Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian, fear; for sinners here The silent Word is pleading. REFRAIN
3. 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. REFRAIN
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
EIGHTH LESSON John 1:1-14
The Word of God becomes flesh and lives among us, full of grace and truth.
HYMN: “Silent Night” (please remain seated)
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 Savior is born,
Christ the Savior is born.
3. Silent night, holy night
Wondrous star, lend thy light
With the angels let us sing,
Alleluia to our King
Christ the Savior is born,
Christ the Savior is born.
CHARGE AND BLESSING
Know this world as a place blessed by Christ’s birth. In your words and in your work,
let the light of forgiveness shine. Give thanks each day, and rejoice!
Now may the true light shine on you. May the Son sent by God be your guide and
strength. May you go in peace and live in hope, in Jesus’ name.
*CLOSING HYMN: “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,
and heaven and nature sing, and heaven, 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,
repeat the sounding joy, repeat, repeat the sounding joy.
3 He rules the world with truth and grace, and makes the nations prove
the glories of his righteousness and wonders of his love,
and wonders of his love, and wonders, wonders of his love.
