December 24, 2020
Christmas Eve Worship at Home Service
PRELUDE: “A Prelude for Advent” by Dom Paul Benoit, Organ by N. Guinaldo
Words of Welcome: John Elwell
Call to Worship: Psalm 96:1-9, Rev. Dr. Bau Dang
O sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth.
Sing to the LORD, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day.
Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples.
For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; he is to be revered above all gods.
For all the gods of the peoples are idols, but the LORD made the heavens.
Honor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.
Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering, and come into his courts.
Worship the LORD in holy splendor; tremble before him, all the earth.
Amen.
Special Music: “Mary Did You Know” by Michael English, sung by Sally Hickman, piano by Norberto Guinaldo
Opening Prayer: Rev. Dr. Bau Dang
Scripture Lesson from the Old Testament: Isaiah 7:14, 9:6-7 and Micah 5:2, read by John Elwell
14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
6 For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of his government and of peace
there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
2 But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah,
who are too little to be among the clans of Judah,
from you shall come forth for me
one who is to be ruler in Israel,
whose coming forth is from of old,
from ancient days.
Special Music: “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” arr. Ringwald, sung by GGUMC Chancel Choir, H. H. Hanson conducting, Organ by N. Guinaldo, recorded December 24th, 2018
Lighting of the Christ Candle: Linda Shepard and Mary Lou Ball
Homily: Rev. Dr. Bau Dang
Hymn: “Dem Dong Xua” (The Night Jesus Was Born), by Nghiem Duc Vu, sung by GGUMC Vietnamese Choir, recorded December 24th, 2018
Scripture Reading: Luke 2:1-7, read by Mary Lou Ball
The Birth of Jesus Christ
2 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
Hymn: “O Little Town Of Bethlehem” by Brooks and Lewis
Scripture Reading: Luke 2:8-14, read by John Elwell
The Shepherds and the Angels
8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
Anthem: “Christmas Star” by Wells, Bill Shelly conducting, Piano by N. Guinaldo, recorded December 15th, 2019
Scripture Reading: Luke 2:15-20 by Mary Lou Ball
15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
Anthem: “O Holy Night” by Adam, arr. Heard, H. H. Hanson conducting, Piano by N. Guinaldo, Recorded December 24th, 2018
Scripture Reading: Matthew 2:1-2, 9-10 by Linda Shepard
The Visit of the Wise Men
2 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.
Hymn: “We Three Kings” by John H. Hopkins
Pageant: Recorded December 24th, 2018
Scripture Reading: John 1:1-5 by Rev. Dr. Bau Dang
The Word Became Flesh
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
Hymn: “Joy to the World” by Watts and Handel
Benediction: Rev. Dr. Bau Dang
Anthem: “Christmas Gloria” by Lovelace, Bill Shelly conducting, Piano by N. Guinaldo, recorded December 24th, 2019