CANDLELIGHT • • SERVICES 6:00 PM, 8:00 PM
• The Birth of Jesus • In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register. 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. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. — Luke 2:1–7
Dear Friends, Welcome to Peachtree Presbyterian Church! Earlier this year, I came with my wife, Terri, to serve as interim pastor connecting the strong and recently completed ministry of Vic Pentz to the promising and just-about-to-begin ministry of Rich Kannwischer (arriving in January 2017). They have been friends of mine for years, and it has been pure joy to celebrate the past and the future. It has been customary for this evening’s offering, unless otherwise designated, to be directed to the construction of a Habitat for Humanity house here in the greater Atlanta area. It seems appropriate on this Christmas Eve, to provide a home for a family in honor of Jesus’ family which had no home in Bethlehem. At the end of these services tonight, my responsibilities here will be complete. I can think of no better way to conclude than to borrow the words of Dr. S. M. Lockridge: Jesus is the greatest phenomenon that has ever crossed the horizon of this world. He’s God’s Son. He’s the sinner’s Savior. He’s the centerpiece of civilization. He’s unparalleled. He’s unprecedented. He is the loftiest idea in literature. He’s the highest personality in philosophy. He’s the fundamental doctrine of true theology. He’s the only one qualified to be an all sufficient Savior. To Christ be the Kingdom, the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen. Merry Christmas,
Dave Peterson Peachtree Presbyterian Church Atlanta, GA
Prelude Chiming of the Hour Introit I Wonder as I Wander........................................................................................... arr. Thomas Coker Jonathan Hart · soloist I wonder as I wander out under the sky, How Jesus the Savior did come for to die. For poor on’ry people like you and like I... I wonder as I wander out under the sky.
If Jesus had wanted for any wee thing, A star in the sky, or a bird on the wing, Or all of God’s angels in heav’n for to sing, He surely could have it, ’cause he was the King.
When Mary birthed Jesus ’twas in a cow’s stall, With wise men and farmers and shepherds and all. But high from God’s heaven a star’s light did fall, And the promise of ages it then did recall.
Welcome & Call to Worship† Pastor: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. People: He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. Pastor: In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. People: Grace and truth have come to us through Jesus Christ. Pastor: From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. People: The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. ALL: O come, let us adore him! — from John 1
† Those who are able, please stand. • 4 •
Processional Carol† O Come, All Ye Faithful.................................................................ADESTE FIDELES, arr. John Rutter O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye, to Bethlehem. Come and behold Him, born the King of angels; Refrain: O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.
Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation; Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above! Glory to God, all glory in the highest; Refrain Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning, Jesus, to Thee be all glory given. Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing. Refrain
Lighting of the Advent Wreath
• Scripture Reading: Matthew 1:18–25 • Congregational Carol† Festival First Nowell..................................................................................................arr. Dan Forrest Choir only The First Nowell, the angels did say Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay; In fields where they lay, keeping their sheep, On a cold winter’s night that was so deep: Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Born is the King of Israel!
Congregation Stand and Join in Singing: Then let us all with one accord Sing praises to our heavenly Lord That hath made Heaven and earth of nought, And with His blood mankind hath bought. Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Born is the King of Israel!
They looked up and saw a star Shining in the east beyond them far; And to the earth it gave great light, And so it continued both day and night. Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Born is the King of Israel!
† Those who are able, please stand. • 5 •
• Scripture Reading: Luke 2:8–20 • Anthem “Glory to God” from Messiah........................................................................................... G. F. Handel Caitlin Andrews Bayles, Jayme Alilaw, Elizabeth Claxton Castillo · sopranos There were shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flocks by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them, and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them: “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” And suddenly there was with the angel, a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth, good will towards men.” — Luke 2:8–14
• Scripture Reading: Matthew 2:1–12 • Christmas Prayer
Offertory Christmas Day (Medley of Carols) ................................................................................. Gustav Holst Good Christians all, rejoice With heart, and soul, and voice; Give ye heed to what we say: News! News! Jesus Christ is born today: Ox and ass before Him bow, And He is in the manger now. Christ is born today! Christ is born today!
God rest ye merry, gentlemen, Let nothing you dismay, Remember, Christ, our Savior Was born on Christmas day, To save us all from Satan’s power, When we were gone astray. O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy, O tidings of comfort and joy.
† Those who are able, please stand. • 6 •
In Bethlehem, in Jewry, This blessed babe was born, And laid within a manger, Upon that holy morn; The which His Mother, Mary, Did nothing take in scorn. O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy, O tidings of comfort and joy.
Come, ye children, blithe and merry, This one Child your model make; Christmas holly, leaf, and berry, All be prized for His dear sake; Come, ye gentle hearts, and tender, Come, ye spirits, keen and bold; All in all your homage render, Weak and mighty, young and old.
Good Christians all, rejoice With heart, and soul, and voice; Now ye hear of endless bliss: Joy! Joy! Jesus Christ was born for this! He hath oped the heav’nly door, And we are blessed evermore. Jesus Christ was born for this! Jesus Christ was born for this!
High above a star is shining, And the wise men haste from far: Come, glad hearts, and spirits pining: For you all has ris’n the star. Let us bring our poor oblations, Thanks and love and faith and praise: Come, ye people, come ye nations, All in all draw night to gaze.
Come, ye lofty, come, ye lowly, Let your songs of gladness ring; In a stable lies the Holy, In a manger rests the King: See, in Mary’s arms reposing, Christ by highest heaven adored: Come, your circle round Him closing, Pious hearts that love the Lord.
The first Noel the angels did say, Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay; In fields where they lay keeping their sheep, On a cold winter’s night that was so deep. Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, born is the King of Israel.
Come, ye poor, no pomp of station Robes the Child your hearts adore: He, the Lord of all salvation, Shares your want, is weak and poor: Oxen, round about behold them; Rafters naked, cold and bare, See the shepherds, God has told them That the Prince of Life lies there.
Now to the Lord sing praises, All you within this place, And with true love and brotherhood Each other now embrace; This holy tide of Christmas All others doth deface. O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy, O tidings of comfort and joy. Good Christians all, rejoice With heart, and soul, and voice; Now ye need not fear the grave: Peace! Peace! Jesus Christ was born save! Calls you one, and calls you all, To gain His everlasting hall: Jesus Christ was born save!
† Those who are able, please stand. • 7 •
Carol Angels We Have Heard on High.................................................................................................. Gloria Come to Bethlehem and see Him whose birth the angels sing Come adore on bended knee Christ the Lord the newborn King Gloria in excelsis Deo Gloria in excelsis Deo
• Meditation • Dave Peterson · Interim Senior Pastor Candlelighting
Anthem O Holy Night...................................................................................Adolfe Adam · arr. John Rutter Nathan Munson, Elizabeth Claxton Castillo, John Irvin · Soloists O Holy night, the stars are brightly shining. It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth. Long lay the world in sin and error pining, ’til he appeared and the soul felt its worth. A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices, for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn. Fall on your knees, O hear the angel voices, O night divine! O night when Christ was born! Led by the light of faith serenely beaming, with glowing hearts by his cradle we stand. So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming, behold three wise men from the Orient land. The king of kings lay thus in lowly manger, in all our trials born to be our friend. He knows our need, to our weakness is no stranger, Behold your king! Before him lowly bend! Truly he taught us to love one another, his song is love and his gospel is peace. Chains shall he break for the slave is our brother, and in his name all oppression shall cease. Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we, let all within us praise his holy name. Christ is the Lord; O praise his name forever, his power and glory ever more proclaim!
† Those who are able, please stand. • 8 •
Carol Silent Night, Holy Night...................................................................................................Stille Nacht Silent night! Holy night! All is calm, all is bright, Round yon Virgin Mother and Child! Holy Infant, so tender and mild, Sleep in heavenly peace.
Silent night! Holy night! Wondrous Star, lend thy light; With the angels let us sing, Alleluia to our King; Christ the Savior is born.
Silent night! Holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight, Glories stream from heaven afar, Heavenly hosts sing: “Alleluia; Christ the Savior is born.”
Benediction†
Carol† Joy to the World....................................................................................................................... Antioch Joy to the world! The Lord is come; Let earth receive her King; Let every heart prepare Him room, And heaven and nature sing…
He rules the world with truth and grace, And makes the nations prove The glories of His righteousness, And wonders of His love…
Postlude†
† Those who are able, please stand. • 9 •
• Leading the Worship • 6:00 pm Dave Peterson Interim senior pastor Chuck Roberts Pastor for Congregational Life Vicki Harrington Franch Pastor for Pastoral Care 8:00 pm Dave Peterson Interim senior pastor Jay Madden Pastor for Mission Scott Tucker Interim Associate Pastor
• Families Lighting the Advent Wreath • 6:00 pm Laura & Robert Owen; Ben, Cooper, and Campbell
8:00 pm Margaret & John McAskill; George, David, and Will
Habitat for Humanity Build • Candlelighters •
6:00 pm Middle School Students
8:00 pm High School Students
Through today’s Christmas offering, Peachtree will give the gift of first-time homeownership to a family through our partnership with Atlanta Habitat for Humanity. For over 28 years, Peachtree and Habitat for Humanity have worked together to provide funding, volunteers, prayers, and hope to 152 families—the most of any local congregation in the world. This spring, we will build our 153rd Habitat house. Join us by giving today and volunteering Saturdays, March 25–May 20.
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• Leading Music in Worship • The Chancel Choir, The Peachtree Youth Choir, and Guests Mary Hoffman Director of Music Ministries Andy Bayles Associate Director of Music & Worship Steven Wooddell Organist Jonathan Hart Soloist Elizabeth Claxton Castillo Soloist John Irvin Soloist Nathan Munson Soloist
• Musicians • VIOLIN Lee Nicholson Robert Givens Lisa Morrison Elonia Varfi VIOLA Lachlan McBane Amy Chang
CELLO Roy Harran Sarah Paul
TRUMPET Ryan Moser Greg McLean
DOUBLEBASS Robert Goin
TIMPANI Joel Morris
OBOE Martha Kleiner
PERCUSSION Martha Kleiner
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• Join Us for Worship on Sundays • Communion in the Wilson Chapel: Sundays at 8:20 am Sanctuary Worship: Sundays at 8:45, 10:00, and 11:15 am Summit Worship: Sundays at 8:45 and 11:15 am For more information about joining Peachtree, please contact Rebecca Madden, Connections Director, at 404-842-2173 or rmadden@peachtreepres.org. To learn more about Peachtree Presbyterian Church, visit us at peachtreechurch.org.
3434 Roswell Road NW | Atlanta, Georgia 30305 www.peachtreechurch.org | 404.842.5800