Christmas Eve
Candlelight Service
Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church
A caring, confessing, and contending congregation.
526 E. Washington Street
East Peoria, Il 61611
PROCESSIONAL HYMN – “Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful”
(Please stand and face the Processional Cross as it is carried in.)
- Oh, come, all ye faithful, Triumphantly sing. Come, see in the manger our Savior and King! To Bethlehem hasten with joyful accord; Oh, come, let us adore Him, Oh, come, let us adore Him, Oh, come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!
- True Son of the Father, He comes from the skies; To be born of a virgin He doth not despise. To Bethlehem hasten with joyful accord; Oh, come, let us adore Him, Oh, come, let us adore Him, Oh, come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!
- Hark, hark, to the angels all singing in heaven, “To God in the highest all glory be given!” To Bethlehem hasten with joyful accord; Oh, come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!
- To Thee, then, O Jesus, this day of Thy birth Be glory and honor through heaven and earth, True Godhead incarnate, omnipotent Word! Oh, come, let us adore Him, Oh, come, let us adore Him, Oh, come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!
Invocation
P: The Spirit and the Church cry out:
C: Come, Lord Jesus.
P: All those who await His appearance pray:
C: Come, Lord Jesus.
P: The whole creation pleads:
C: Come, Lord Jesus.
Introit
P: Unto us the Christ is born!
C: O come let us worship Him.
P: The Lord hath said unto Me:
C: Thou art My Son; this day I have begotten Thee.
P: The Lord hath sent redemption to His people:
C: He hath commanded His covenant forever.
P: Of the fruit of thy body;
C: Will I set up Thy throne:
P: Christ the Lord our Savior, everlasting God and Mary’s Son;
C: We praise Thee evermore.
The Readings for the Lighting of the Advent Wreath
Isaiah 7:10-14: Then the LORD spoke again to Ahaz, saying, “Ask a sign for yourself from the LORD your God; make it deep as Sheol or high as heaven.” But Ahaz said, “I will not ask, nor will I test the LORD!” Then he said, “Listen now, O house of David! Is it too slight a thing for you to try the patience of men, that you will try the patience of my God as well? Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel.”
Response: #62 “Oh, Come, Oh, Come, Emmanuel” (v.1) – The Lighting of the First Candle
Isaiah 11:1-2: Then a shoot will spring from the stem of Jesse, And a branch from his roots will bear fruit. And the Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him, The spirit of wisdom and understanding, The spirit of counsel and strength, The Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.
Response: #62 “Oh, Come, Oh, Come, Emmanuel” (v.2) – The Lighting of the Second Candle
Luke 1:76-79: And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; For you will go on BEFORE THE LORD TO PREPARE HIS WAYS; To give to His people the knowledge of salvation By the forgiveness of their sins, Because of the tender mercy of our God, With which the Sunrise from on high shall visit us, TO SHINE UPON THOSE WHO SIT IN DARKNESS AND THE SHADOW OF DEATH, To guide our feet into the way of peace.
Response: #62 “Oh, Come, Oh, Come, Emmanuel” (v.3) – The Lighting of the Third Candle
Isaiah 22:21-22: “And I will clothe Him with your tunic, And tie your sash securely about Him, I will entrust Him with your authority, And He will become a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and to the house of Judah. Then I will set the key of the house of David on His shoulder, What He opens no one will shut, What He shuts no one will open.”
Response: #62 “Oh, Come, Oh, Come, Emmanuel” (v.4) – The Lighting of the Fourth Candle
Responsive Reading of Psalm 98:1-9
P: The LORD has made known His salvation; He has revealed His righteousness in the sight of the nations.
C: O sing to the LORD a new song, For He has done wonderful things;
P: His right hand and His holy arm have gained the victory for Him.
C: He has remembered His loving-kindness and His faithfulness to the house of Israel;
P: All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
C: Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth;
P: Break forth and sing for joy and sing praises.
C: Sing praises to the LORD with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody.
P: With trumpets and the sound of the horn shout joyfully before the King, the LORD.
C: Let the sea roar and all it contains, The world and those who dwell in it.
P: Let the rivers clap their hands;
C: Let the mountains sing together for joy.
P: He is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness.
C: And the peoples with equity.
P: The LORD has made known His salvation; He has revealed His righteousness in the sight of the nations.
Collect
(Prayed Together)
O God, who hast made this most holy night to shine with the brightness of the true Light, grant, we beseech Thee, that, as we have known on earth the mysteries of that Light, we may also come to the fullness of its joys in heaven. Amen.
Old Testament Reading – Isaiah 7:10-14 10 Then the Lord spoke again to Ahaz, saying, 11 “Ask a sign for yourself from the Lord your God; make it deep as Sheol or high as heaven.” 12 But Ahaz said, “I will not ask, nor will I test the Lord!” 13 Then he said, “Listen now, O house of David! Is it too slight a thing for you to try the patience of men, that you will try the patience of my God as well? 14 Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel.
The Reading of the Birth Narrative
P: The First Gospel Reading – Luke 2:1-7: And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed (And this taxing was first made when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, everyone into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) to be taxed with Mary, his fiancee, who was going to have a child. Now while they were there, the time came for her to have her baby and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
“O Little Town of Bethlehem”
- O little town of Bethlehem, How still we see thee lie! Above thy deep and dreamless sleep The silent stars go by; Yet in thy darkness shineth The everlasting
Light; The hopes and fears Of all the years Are met in thee tonight.
- How silently, how silently The wondrous gift is giv’n! So God imparts To human hearts The blessings of His heav’n. No ear may hear His coming; But in this world of sin, Where meek souls will receive Him still, The dear Christ enters in.
- O holy Child of Bethlehem, Descend to us, we pray; Cast out our sin, And enter in, be born in us today. We hear the CHRISTMAS angels The great glad tidings tell; Oh, come to us, Abide with us, Our Lord Immanuel!
P: The Second Gospel Reading – Luke 2:8-14: And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the Angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were terrified. And the angel said unto them, “Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ, the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; you shall find the Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people who have His good will!”
“Angels We have Heard on High”
- Angels we have heard on high, Sweetly singing o’er the plains. And the mountains in reply Echoing their joyous strains: Gloria in Excelsis Deo! Gloria in Excelsis Deo!
- Shepherds, why this jubilee? Why your joyous strains prolong? What the gladsome tidings be Which inspire your heav’nly song? Gloria in Excelsis Deo! Gloria in Excelsis Deo!
- Come to Bethlehem and see Him whose birth the angels sing: Come, adore on bended knee Christ the Lord, the newborn King. Gloria in Excelsis Deo! Gloria in Excelsis Deo!
P: The Third Gospel Reading – Luke 2:15-20: When the angel had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “The Lord has told us what has happened. Let’s go to Bethlehem and see it.” Then they came in a hurry and found Mary and Joseph, and the Baby lying in the manger. When they had seen Him, they told others what they had been told about this Child. And everyone was surprised to hear the story that the shepherds had told. But Mary treasured all these things in her heart and kept thinking about them. The shepherds went back glorifying the Lord and praising God for everything they had heard.
“Angels from the Realms of Glory”
- Angels from the realms of glory, Wing your flight o’er all the earth; Ye who sang creation’s story, Now proclaim Messiah’s birth. Come and worship, Come and worship; Worship Christ, the new-born King.
- Shepherds in the fields abiding, Watching o’er your flocks by night, God with man is now residing, Yonder shines the Infant Light: Come and worship, Come and worship; Worship Christ, the new-born King.
- Sages, leave your contemplations, Brighter visions beam afar, Seek the great Desire of nations, Ye have seen His natal star. Come and worship, Come and worship; Worship Christ, the new-born King.
- Saints before the altar bending, Watching long in hope and fear, Suddenly the Lord, descending, In His Temple shall appear. Come and worship, Come and worship; Worship Christ, the new-born King.
The Fourth Gospel Reading – Matthew 2:1-9: Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem saying, “Where is He that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen His star in the east and have come to worship Him” . . . And (Herod) sent them to Bethlehem, and said, “Go and search diligently for the young Child; and when you have found Him, bring me word again, that I may come and
worship Him also.” When they had heard the king they departed; and, lo, the star, which they had seen in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. When they saw the star they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were coming into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him; and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto Him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
“We Three Kings”
- We three kings of Orient are: Bearing gifts we travel afar. Field and fountain, moor and mountain Following yonder star. O Star of wonder, star of night, Star of royal beauty bright Westward leading, still proceeding, Guide us to thy perfect light.
- Born a King on Bethlehem’s plain: Gold I bring to crown Him again, King forever, ceasing never Over us all to reign. O Star of wonder, star of night, Star of royal beauty bright. Westward leading, still proceeding, Guide us to thy perfect light.
- Glories new behold Him arise: King and God and Sacrifice Alleluia, Alleluia! Earth to heav’n replies. O Star of wonder, star of night, Star of royal beauty bright Westward leading, still proceeding, Guide us to thy perfect light.
P: The Fifth Gospel Reading – John 1:1-3,14: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being by Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.
“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”
- Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the new-born king; Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!” Joyful, all ye nations rise, Join the Triumph of the skies; With th’ angelic host proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem!” Hark! The Herald Angels sing, “Glory to the new born King!”
- Christ, by highest heav’n adored, Christ the everlasting Lord; Late in time behold Him come, Offspring of a virgin’s womb. Veiled in flesh the God-head see, Hail th’ incarnate Deity! Pleased as Man with man to dwell; Jesus, our Immanuel! Hark! The Herald Angels sing, “Glory to the new born King!”
- Hail, the heav’nly Prince of Peace! Hail, the Sun of Righteousness! Light and life to all He brings, Ris’n with healing in His wings. Mild He leaves His throne on high, Born that man no more may die; Born to raise the sons of earth; Born to give them second birth. Hark! The Herald Angels sing, “Glory to the new born King!”
- Come, Desire of nations, come, fix in us Thy humble home; Oh, to all Thyself impart, formed in each believing heart! Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the new-born king; Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinner reconciled!” Hark! The Herald Angels sing, “Glory to the new born King!”
A Homily For The Nativity Of Our Lord
“Oh Holy Night” – Blisse, Brenz, and Creighton
Offering and Offertory
Nativity Prayer
“Away in A Manger”
- Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head; The stars in the sky looked down where He lay, The little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay.
- The cattle are lowing, the Baby awakes, But little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes. I love Thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky, And stay by my cradle till morning is nigh.
- 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 take us to heaven to live with Thee there.
Order of Holy Communion
| The Preface – p. 24 | The Distribution – p. 29 |
| The Sanctus – p. 26 | Distribution Hymns – TLH #98 |
| The Lord’s Prayer – p. 27 | The Nunc Dimittis – p. 29 |
| The Words of Institution – p. 27 | The Thanksgiving – p. 30 |
| The Pax Domini – p. 27 | The Benediction – p.31 |
| The Agnus Dei – p. 28 |
“Silent Night, Holy Night”
(The lighting of the congregation’s candles)
- 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.
- Silent Night! Holy Night! Shepherds quake at the sight; Glories stream from heaven afar, Heav’nly hosts sing, Alleluia! Christ, the Savior is born! Christ, the Savior is born!
- 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.
Depart in the Peace and Joy of CHRISTMAS!
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The lighting of the candles – The ushers will light their candles from Pastor’s candle, which is lighted from the Christ Candle. They will light the candle of each worshiper nearest the center aisle. The person with the lighted candle is to hold his/her candle upright while the unlighted candle is tilted and lit. PLEASE BE VERY CAREFUL NOT TO GET YOUR FLAME TOO CLOSE TO THE PERSON SITTING IN FRONT OF YOU.
Welcome and God bless you this Christmas Season.
Welcome to all who have chosen to worship with us this Christmas Eve. We extend a special welcome to our visitors. If you are looking for a church home, Immanuel is faithful to the Word and Sacrament ministry. The theology of God’s Word, not cultural trends shape the worship life of this congregation. Immanuel uses the biblical liturgy of the Western Church, the sacraments as Jesus instituted them to be used, and upholds the distinction between Law and Gospel. It is through these means that God delivers the forgiveness of sins to His people. If you would like a visit, please mark the appropriate box on the Pew Pad. Please join us each Sunday morning for worship at 9:00 a.m.
Immanuel Lutheran’s Communion Practice
Holy Communion testifies to our oneness in the doctrine of the Apostles (Acts 2:42). From the time of the Apostles, the church has taught that only those who have been rightly taught and who rightly believe what the Scripture teachings concerning the Christian Faith and the Lord’s Supper, should be communed. Mindful of what the Bible teaches about church fellowship, the real presence of Christ, and the worthy reception of the Lord’s Supper (1 Cor. 11:17-34), we commune those who are committed to the same doctrines of the Evangelical (Lutheran) Church and are members in good standing. We ask others to seek instruction from the Pastor for possible communicant membership. We ask that everyone respect this Scriptural practice for the spiritual welfare of all. Immanuel offers classes online to help other learn and understand and to move toward baptized and communicant membership.
