A Christmas Eve Service

Below is the bare outline of a Christmas Eve service that can be adapted and suited to fit the character of any church. Because Christmas is an occasion of great rejoicing, the Christmas Eve service should bear all the marks of a great festive occasion.

THE MUSIC OF CHRISTMAS (The service may begin with a 30 minute festive carol sing) THE FESTIVE ENTRANCE (Choir, dancers, banner carriers, and ministers assemble at the back of the church) Minister: Rejoicing in the birth of Christ child, let us go forth in peace, Alleluia, Alleluia. People: In the name of Christ, Amen, Alleluia, Alleluia. Entrance Hymns: "O Come All Ye Faithful" and "Of the Father's Love Begotten" Commentary: Make the procession festive. Use liturgical dance, banners, incense, musical instruments. Express festivity and joy. Process around the church. Sing from all corners of the church. Make it alive. After all are in their place, continue to sing "Of the Father's Love Begotten" as a way of expressing the mystery of the event being celebrated. THE CHRISTMAS ACCALAMATION Minister: Christ is born, Alleluia, Alleluia. People: He is born indeed, Alleluia, Alleluia. THE GLORIA IN EXCELSIS DEO (or some other suitable Act of Praise) THE OPENING PRAYER THE SERVICE WORD The Old Testament Lesson: Isaiah 9:2–4, 6–7 The Responsorial Psalm (say or sing): Psalm 96 The Epistle Lesson: Titus 2:11–14 THE ALLELUIA VERSE Commentary: There are a number of joyful Alleluia verses that can be sung by choir and or choir and people alternatively. Use one of these with the people standing ready to hear the gospel reading. THE GOSPEL: Luke 2:1–10 Commentary: Read the gospel from the middle of the church to symbolize incarnation—God among us. Festoon the procession to the reading with dance, incense, or pageantry that will highlight the importance of this reading. THE SERMON THE CREED (or some other response of faith) THE PRAYER OF THE PEOPLE THE PASSING OF THE PEACE THE COMMUNION For a Christmas Eve Communion see Holy Communion (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1987), 18ff. For Communion song, sing the joyous carols of Christmas. THE DISMISSAL THE CHRISTMAS BLESSING May God, who sent his angels to proclaim the glad news of the Savior's birth, fill you with joy, and make you heralds of the gospel. Amen. or May Almighty God, who lent his Son to take our nature upon him, bless you in this holy season, scatter the darkness of sin, and brighten your heart with the light of his holiness. Amen. DISMISSAL HYMN "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" "Joy to the World" "Go Tell It on the Mountain" THE WORDS OF DISMISSAL Minister: Go in Christmas joy to love and serve the world People: Thanks be to God.