Christmas Eve Candle Light Service
/A Service of Lessons and Carols
Dolores Park Church
December 24, 2017
Musical Prelude Carol Mowbray and Esther Chan
Welcome and Prayer Dan Harper
Beloved in Christ, at this Christmastide let it be our care and delight to hear again the message of the angels, and in heart and mind go even unto Bethlehem and see this thing which has come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. Let us meditate on the Babe lying in a manger as we read and mark in Holy Scripture the tale of the loving purposes of God from the first days of our disobedience unto the glorious Redemption brought us by this Holy Child.
“O Come, All Ye Faithful” #147 1-3
First Lesson God announces in the Garden of Eden that the seed of the woman shall bruise the serpent’s head.
Genesis 3: 8-15 Tom
“Of the Father’s Love Begotten”
Second Lesson God promises to faithful Abraham that in his seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed.
Genesis 22: 15-18 Savannah
“Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus” Congregation
Third Lesson Christ’s birth and kingdom are foretold by Isaiah.
Isaiah 9: 2, 6-7; 11:1-2. Evan
“Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming” #148 1-3
Fourth Lesson The prophet Micah foretells the glory of little Bethlehem Micah 5: 2-5a Dan
“O Little Town of Bethlehem” Congregational with piano/organ #154 1-4
Fifth Lesson The angel Gabriel salutes the Virgin Mary
Luke 1: 26-38 Valeri
“The Angel Gabriel from Heaven came” #139 Dan solo
Sixth Lesson Luke tells of the birth of Jesus
Luke 2: 1-7 Evan
“Away in a Manger” Verse 2 alternate melody sung by Dan
Carol/Esther duet, Sheep May Safely Graze
Seventh Lesson The shepherds go to the manger
Luke 2: 8-12 Savannah
“Hark the Herald Angels Sing”
Eighth Lesson The wise men are led by the star to Jesus
Matthew 2: 1-11 Tom
We Three Kings
Ninth Lesson John unfolds the great mystery of the Incarnation John 1: 1-14 (Dan)
Message - Dan
Lighting of Candles
“Silent Night” (words on back cover)
Benediction