From time to time I will post special services that we had at our church. Tonight, I wanted to post an order of service from our Lessons and Carols Christmas Eve service. I’ve included links for the scripture lessons and Christmas Carols listed here. Special thanks to Chaplain Gordon Ritchie for the resources.
Processional Hymn – O Come All Ye Faithful
Lighting of Advent Wreath
Invocation
First Lesson – Genesis 3:8-15
God announces in the garden that the see of the woman will bruise the Serpent’s head
Second Lesson – Isaiah 40:1-11
The prophet speaks of the coming of the Lord
Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus
Third Lesson – Micah 5:2-5
The prophet foretells the glory of Bethlehem and the coming deliverance
Fourth Lesson – Zephaniah 3:14-17
Zephaniah prophecies of our deliverance
Fifth Lesson – Luke 1:26-37
The birth of Christ foretold
Sixth Lesson – Luke 2:1-7
Jesus is born and laid in a manger
Lighting of the Christ Candle
Seventh Lesson – Luke 2:8-16
The shepherds go to the manger
Eighth Lesson – John 1:1-14
John unfolds the great mystery of the incarnation
Ninth Lesson – Titus 2:11-14; 3:4-7
Paul declares the purpose of God’s light in our life
The central Advent candle represents Christ, the light of the world. During the singing, the light will be passed from the Christ candle to the pastor’s candle then to the worshippers to be shared with each other. When all the candles are lit, we will stand and sing “Joy to the World.” On the last stanza, hold your candle aloft with the earnest prayer and resolve that your light may shine more brightly for Christ in the coming year.
**Please tip only the unlit candle**
Benediction
**Please extinguish candles**
This service is an adaptation of the original service by Edward Benson while Bishop of Truro who later became Archbishop of Canterbury. In 1918 Bishop Eric Miller-White of King’s College Chapel at Cambridge University simplified the service into the format widely used today.
