CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS SERVICE D 24, 2024 • 4:00 PM
WELCOME
HYMN—Joy to the World
Christian Worship 353
Text: Isaac Watts, 1674-1748. Tune: George Frideric Handel, 1685-1759, adapt. Text and tune: Public domain.
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SERMON—The Gift of God
The children process into the sanctuary.
SONG—Oh, Come, Little Children Children: Oh, come, little children, oh, come, one and all, To Bethlehem haste to the manger so small. God’s Son for a gift has been sent you this night To be your Redeemer, your Joy, and Delight. ALL:
He’s born in a stable for you and for me; Draw near by the bright, gleaming starlight to see, In swaddling clothes lying, so meek and so mild, And purer than angels, the heavenly Child. Kneel down and adore him with shepherds today, Lift up little hands now and praise him as they; Rejoice that a Savior from sin you can boast, And join in the song of the heavenly host.
Text: Christoph von Schmid, tr. unknown. Public domain.
GIFT—Birthday
Luke 2:1-7
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In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3And everyone went to their own town to register. 4
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
CHILDREN’S MUSICAL—To Bethlehem 2
GIFT—Gifts
Luke 2:8-14
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And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
CHILDREN’S CHOIR—In the Manger
GIFT—Best Gift Ever
Luke 2:15-16
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When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 16So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.
CHRISTMAS EVE PRAYER Dear God, on this Christmas Eve, we want to think about the real reason for this happy season: Jesus’ birth. We’ll give and receive gifts to say how much we love each other. But instead of thinking about what we might get for Christmas, help us to focus on what God gives to us. We want our hearts to be ready so we can truly enjoy celebrating Jesus’ birthday and the peace and joy He came to give us. Today we think about that special night long ago when an angel announce to frightened shepherds the good news: “Don’t be afraid. Tonight in Bethlehem a Savior has been born. This is the Messiah, the Son of God.” When we sing the Christmas carols at this time of year, may we join the angels’ song and so many others who are praising and thanking You for sending us Jesus. He is the very best gift You will ever give us. And today we want to thank You again for how much You love us, just as we are. Thank You for the way You care for us and will never leave us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
LORD’S PRAYER Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen. 3
BLESSING The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look on you with favor and (+) give you peace. Amen.
GIFT—Gifts to Share
Luke 2:17-20
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When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
HYMN—Go Tell It on the Mountain
Text: John W. Work II, 1873–1925, verses, alt.; African American spiritual, refrain. Tune: African American spiritual. Text and tune: Public domain.
Parents, please come to the front of church to pick up your children.
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Christian Worship 361