To joyfully witness



Welcoming all

and sharing God’s love

as active Lutheran believers

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December 24, 2020

Christmas Eve

Welcome to St. Luke!

Welcome to all who have gathered for worship. When we gather, the fellowship we share invites the Holy Spirit mightily into our midst.

If you are new to our church, let us help introduce to the liturgy. Liturgy, translated from the Greek leitourgía, means work of the people. Our liturgy encourages vibrant participation in word and song of all who are worshipping together. This may be new to you, but we believe you will quickly find the engagement is uplifting and fulfilling. Together, the clergy, ministers and people share in the worship.

The majority of the liturgy is printed here in the bulletin so it is easy to follow. There are two types of music: service music, which is part of the liturgy sung by choir and/or congregation, and hymns. The music is in one of our two worship books, the Red ELW (Evangelical Lutheran Worship) or the Blue WOV (With One Voice).

Two helpful hints:

a) the congregation speaks or sings those items in bold print

b) we stand (if able) where there is an asterisk.

All baptized Christians are welcome to receive Holy Communion. The ushers will guide you. There is grape juice available in the rack with the cups, if you prefer not to have wine. If you wish to receive a blessing in place of communion, please cross your arms over your chest at the altar.

Thank you for worshipping with us at St. Luke. Please do fill out a pew card or sign the guest book so we may know your name and welcome you properly. We do hope you will come again. If you have questions about the Lutheran Church or St. Luke, please feel free to contact our pastor or ask one of the parishioners. Also, please join us for coffee, goodies and fellowship immediately following the service.

Copyright © 2017 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #SAS019654.

New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

St. Luke Evangelical Lutheran Church

700 Maxwell Hill Rd., Beckley, WV 25801 ● (304) 252-4865

Pastor Susan Q. Claytor ● 717-602-9002 ● revclaytor@

StLukewv@



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GATHERING

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In winter’s deepest night, we welcome the light of the Christ child. Isaiah declares that the light of the long-promised king will illumine the world and bring endless peace and justice. Paul reminds us that the grace of God through Jesus Christ brings salvation to all people. The angels declare that Jesus’ birth is good and joyful news for everyone, including lowly shepherds. Filled with the light that shines in our lives, we go forth to share the light of Christ with the whole world.

Prelude Donna Price

*Gathering Hymn O Come, All Ye Faithful ELW # 283 (RED)

*Greeting

Today Christ is born: Alleluia, alleluia!

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,

the love of God,

and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

And also with you.

*Prayer of the Day

Almighty God, you made this holy night shine

with the brightness of the true Light.

Grant that here on earth we may walk in the light

of Jesus’ presence and in the last day wake

to the brightness of his glory;

through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and forever.

Amen

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THE WORD

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The 1ST Reading The Hope of the Messiah Isaiah 9:2-7

 2The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.

 3Thou hast multiplied the nation, and not increased the joy: they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide the spoil.  4For thou hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian.

 5For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but this shall be with burning and fuel of fire.

 6For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

 7Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

The 1ST Carol Joy to the World! ELW # 267 (RED)

The 2ND Reading The King Will Come from Bethlehem Micah 5:2

2"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times."

The 3RD Reading The Annunciation to Mary Luke 1:26-35, 38

 26And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,  27To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.

 28And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.

 29And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.

 30And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.  31And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.  32He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:  33And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

 34Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?

 35And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

 38And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

The 2ND Carol O Little Town of Bethlehem ELW # 279 (RED)

The 4TH Reading The Birth of Jesus Luke 2:1-7

 1And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.  2(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)  3And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

 4And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)  5To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.  6And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.  7And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

The 5TH Reading The Angels Bring Good News Luke 2:8-20

8And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

 9And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

 10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

 11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.  12And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

 14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

 15And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord has made known unto us.

 16And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.  17And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.  18And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

 19But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

 20And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

The 3RD Carol Away in a Manger ELW # 277 (RED)

The 6TH Reading The Mystery of the Incarnation John 1:1-5, 14

 1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

 2The same was in the beginning with God.

 3All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

 4In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

 5And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

14And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

Meditation Pastor Susan Q. Claytor

Hymn of the Day Hark! The Herald Angels Sing ELW # 270 (RED)

*Prayers of Intercession

Joining our voices with the song of the angels, let us pray for the church, the world, and all who are in need.

(A brief silence)

The shepherds sing, “Jesus Christ is born!” Let your church throughout the world proclaim this good news, over the hills and everywhere. Unite the voices of all your faithful people in songs of praise and rejoicing. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Heaven and nature sing, “Joy to the world!” Give respite to flocks, fields, and those who tend them. Come near to us in the beauty of nighttime, the shining of the stars, and the hush of a world at rest. May our wonder at your creation rouse our care for all the earth.

Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

The angels sing, “Peace on earth!” Come quickly to still the strife of this world. Hush the noise of war and violence in places of unrest (especially). Inspire leaders of nations to seek lasting peace and sustainable provision for all in their care.

Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Mary sings melodies of comfort to her newborn child. Bring rest and reassurance to those facing struggles this night. Shelter travelers and those without homes. Console those who lie awake due to pain or anxiety. Heal those who are sick or hurting, especially those on our prayer list … and all those in our hearts.

Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

Love sings through the sound of a new baby’s cry. Bless new parents and expectant parents. Comfort those who long for children, especially those running out of hope or options. Surround families of every shape and size with your love and care.

Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

The heavenly chorus sings, “Glory to God in the highest!” We give you thanks for all the saints who have proclaimed your glory in word and deed especially Henry Benton, Ada Zell, Dean Hesselberg and Loretta Simpkins . Let us join them this night in joyful praise around your eternal throne. Hear us, O God. Your mercy is great.

God of mercy, come quickly to us with grace upon grace as we lift these and all our prayers to you, in the name of Jesus.

Amen

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THE MEAL

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*The Passing of the Peace

The peace of the Lord be with you always.

And also with you.

Presentation of Gifts

*Offertory (to the tune of God Rest You Merry Gentlemen)

Praise God from whom all blessings flow

on every hill and coast,

praise God above all angels

who comprise the heavenly host,

praise to the Father and the Son and to the Holy Ghost,

O tidings of comfort and joy,

comfort and joy, o tidings of comfort and joy!

*Offering Prayer

Gracious God,

you came to us as one unknown,

bringing joy and salvation to the earth.

Nourish us at your banquet table,

that with all who welcome your birth

we may proclaim your peace,

revealed in Jesus Christ, our Savior.

Amen

*The Great Thanksgiving ELW p. 144 (RED)

The Lord be with you.

And also with.

Lift up your hearts.

We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

It is right to give our thanks and praise.

It is indeed right and salutary … we praise your name and join their unending hymn:

*Sanctus ELW p. S-144 (RED)

Holy, holy, holy Lord, Lord God of pow’r and might:

Heav’n and earth are full of your glory.

Hosanna in the highest.

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

Hosanna in the highest.

*Eucharistic Prayer

*Memorial Acclamation ELW p. 145 (RED)

Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.

*Amen ELW p. 145 (RED)

Amen, amen, amen.

*The Lord’s Prayer ELW p. 145 (RED)

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name,

thy kingdom come, thy 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 and ever.

Amen

*Invitation to Communion

The Word is revealed in a manger, in simple bread and wine.

Come meet Christ in this meal.

Lamb of God (to the tune of Greensleeves)

O Lamb of God, O holy child who takes the sins of the world away, have mercy on us.

Lamb of God, the babe, the Son of Mary.

This, this is Christ’s own blood and body

given the gift from heaven;

take, eat for we are one, in Christ, the Son of Mary.

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SENDING

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*Post Communion Canticle ELW # 259 (RED)

Come, Lord, our Savior, Jesus Christ; (verse 4)

our hearts are open wide in trust.

Oh, show us now your lovely grace,

upon our sorrows shine your face,

and let your Holy Spirit guide

our journey in your grace so wide.

We praise your holy name,

from age to age the same!

*Post-Communion Prayer

We give you thanks, gracious God,

that you have once again fed us from your very self

with the body and blood of Christ.

Through this mystery, send us forth

to proclaim your promise to a world in need,

through the same Jesus Christ, our Savior.

Amen

*Benediction

Almighty God,

who sent the Holy Spirit to Mary,

proclaimed joy through the angels,

sent the shepherds with good news,

and led the magi by a star,

bless you this day ☩ through the Word made flesh.

Amen

The tapers are lit from the flame of the Christ Candle

*Carol of Sending Silent Night, Holy Night! ELW # 281 (RED)

*Dismissal

Go in peace. Share the gift of Jesus.

Thanks be to God.

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