A Candlelight Christmas Eve

And she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. —(Luke 2:7)

Preparing Our Hearts for Worship: A Christmas Collage—A Midnight Clear
RBC Orchestra

Lighting of the Advent Wreath: The Christ Candle: Sean Antabeel
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 9:6-7

_{The Advent Wreath helps us count down the Sundays until Christmas. The three purple candles represent the darkness in the world before Christ’s coming. The single rose (pink) candle gives us a glimpse of anticipated joy in His coming, and the center white Christ candle represents the good news that Christ has come.}

_{Tonight, we light the Christ Candle, declaring Jesus has arrived! In lighting this candle we are reminded that Immanuel has come; “God with us” is reality. The light of Christ comes to push away all darkness. Light and life to all He brings!}

Congregational Song of Praise: Joy to the World! (Hymn #125)

Baptism

Prayer and Welcome: Jen Saunders

Children’s Moment: Lisa Jenkins

Congregational Song of Praise: King of Kings

Musical Meditation: Behold, Emmanuel
Sanctuary Choir and RBC Orchestra, Solo: Don Dunnevant

Scripture: Revelation 1:7; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

God’s Word for Us Today: Behold: A Savior is Born
The Gift of Waiting
Rev. Kevin Freeman

The Lord’s Supper
_{Communion Wafers with no gluten, wheat, dairy, yeast, egg, soy, nut, or corn, along with white grape juice are available from the designated tray in the back of the Sanctuary.}

Candle Lighting: Congregation

Congregational Praise: Silent Night (Hymn #147)

Responsive Reading: Rev. Bill Archer
(As the people respond, “Jesus is the Light of the World,” lift your candle high.)

Leader: “Arise, shine, for your Light has come.”
People: “Jesus is the Light of the world.”

Leader: “The glory of the Lord has risen upon you.”
People: “Jesus is the Light of the world.”

Leader: “In Him is life, and that life is the Light of all the people.”
People: “Jesus is the Light of the world.”

Leader: “The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
People: “Jesus is the Light of the world.”

Benediction: Rev. Kevin Freeman

Postlude: A Christmas Journey
RBC Orchestra

It is our custom to take a Deacons’ Benevolence Offering at the conclusion of each communion service. These funds are then distributed to Redland members who have financial need. Deacons will be at the doors to receive your gifts to this fund. Thank you.