The following service is for a basic order of worship for a Candle Lighting Service. The service requires the use of candles for every member in the congregation. There is also a longer version of this service posted under the same name. This short version should include a short homily before the candle lighting. We recommend our sermon "A Great Light."

CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICE

The Gathering of God’s People

Greeting and Worship Notes

Prelude

Call to Worship
Lift up your heads, O gates!
And be lifted up, O ancient doors!
that the King of glory may come in!

Carol Medley
"O Come , All Ye Faithful" (1,3,6)
"Away in a Manger"
"Hark! The Herald Angels Sing"

Lighting the Christ Candle

The Bidding Prayer

The Lord's Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven. Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, they will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power and the glory, Forever. Amen.

Anthem
"How Great Our Joy" Chancel Choir

First Lesson: Luke 1:26-35

Solo
"O Little Town of Bethlehem"

Second Lesson: Luke 1:46-56

Carol
"O Come, O Come Emmanuel" (1,2)

Third Lesson: Luke 2:1-7

"Infant Holy, Infant Lowly" Chancel Choir

Fourth Lesson: Luke 2:8-14

Carol
"Angels We Have Heard on High"

Fifth Lesson: Luke 2:15-20

"How Great Their Joy" Chancel Choir

Sixth Lesson: John 1:1-5, 9-14

Solo "O Holy Night"

Silent Meditation In Darkness

Lighting of Candles
The ministers will light their candles from the Christ candle. They will, in turn, light the Ushers candles. The ushers will move down the two side aisles lighting the candles of the people seated at the side of each pew. Each worshipper will turn and light the candle of the person seated next to him/her. After all candles are lit, we will stand and sing “Silent Night, Holy Night.” The first verse will be sung in place. On the second verse, the ministers and choir will recess out of the Sanctuary. The congregation will follow from front to back, until all have left the Sanctuary. Please take your candle into the night and gather on the front lawn around the nativity scene.

Benediction