Luke 2:1-20

Narrative Lectionary
Christmas Eve 2021
Luke 2:1-20

Opening Prayer
O Great God who humbled yourself as the Christ Child, a babe in the manger.  Everyone who has gathered here tonight all began their lives as a newborn infant requiring caregivers to ensure that our lives would continue, just as your mother Mary, and earthly father, Joseph, did for you.  But you had a bigger plan than that.  A plan to give up your life so that our lives will continue not just here on earth, but forever in your kingdom.  So we raise up every glory, honor, and praise to you singing:

“Glory to God in the highest!
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

Be present with us tonight Holy Spirit as we worship in the holy name of Jesus, Immanuel, God with us!  Amen.

Prayer of Preparation
Savior, Christ our Lord:
We want to hear again the story of old and find in it the truth of how great a gift that you have given us so that we can make widely known the saying told to us concerning this Child: great tidings of joy for all people that today a Child has been born for us.  With great praise and thanksgiving, Lord, we pray that we’ll hear your words, as we recall the words of the prayer you’ve taught.  Our Father...Amen.

Offering Prayer

Heavenly Father:
There is no greater gift than the one you have given to us of your Son, Jesus Christ, to be born this night for our salvation.  But this is not a gift that we can keep to ourselves.  It is a gift we must share if we want to follow after you and honor you as you deserve to be.  Therefore, we give our gifts to your church so that the work of sharing this great blessing can happen.  We pray Lord over our offerings and our church that in the coming year, we would do great things for you and your kingdom.  In Jesus name, Amen.

Benediction

You have heard the tidings of great joy:
Unto you, born this day, in the city of David, a Savior, the Christ, our Lord
Having heard this greatest gift go and proclaim to all who will hear the glory and praises of God!
For in the hearing and the telling is the blessing
May God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit bless you and this world with peace tonight.
Merry Christmas!
Amen.

2 Options for Advent Wreath

Mom: Here’s a present for Dad:
Dad: [opening the present] Wow! A picture frame.  I can get a special photo printed with my new camera and put it in the frame so we can always remember that moment.  Maybe later we can drive around and I can try to get a photo of some great Christmas lights somewhere so I can frame that picture.
Child: Perhaps all these people who’ve been watching our Christmas celebrations might want to take a photo with their cell phone cameras to remember this moment too.
Mom: Let’s get a selfie [family poses to take selfie photo] [looking at her phone] yes, that’s perfect… a great memory of the day.  I’ll always treasure this memory and the photo will help remind me of it.
Child: Hey, didn’t the Scripture read in church on Christmas Eve say something about Jesus’ mom treasuring the memories too
Dad: Yes, I think that it does say that in Luke 2

Person 1: Merry Christmas!
Person 2: And a very Merry Christmas to you too!
Person 1: There’s really nowhere else I would want to be on Christmas Eve.
Person 2: Me too.  But I still have gifts to wrap before morning.  I shouldn’t have procrastinated.
Person 1: I’m sure no one will be upset if the gifts aren’t wrapped.
Person 2: But I want everyone’s Christmas to be great.
Person 1: Isn’t it already?  We’ve received the greatest gift when Jesus was born.
Person 2: Yes, you are right.  Thank you for reminding me of that.
Person 1: Here, let’s light these candles to remind everyone tonight that Jesus is the greatest gift.
(Laity will light four Advent candles)
(Pastor lights Christ Candle with Scripture reading, Luke 2:1-20)