The following outline of a Christmas Eve Service uses Scripture readings interspersed with carols, praise choruses and/or special music to tell the Christmas story. Musical selections can be adapted to selected stanzas and any available music can be easily inserted in the flow as worshippers alternately read and sing the Christmas story. This particular guide uses traditional carols but other music may be easily substituted to meet the preferences of the worship leader. People who read the selected passages can be recruited in advance. A microphone set up on floor level might aid them in their presentation. Be sure to give advance notice, a copy of the part to be read, and instructions about arriving early for a short sound check prior to the arrival of worshippers. Consider selecting older children, teens and senior adults who are often overlooked for these kinds of readings. Of course you may rely on the few people who are always willing but why not save them for last minute substitutes if someone can’t make it?

Candles and Carols: A Christmas Celebration

Opening Carol — “O Come All Ye Faithful”

Welcome

The Lord’s Prayer (Traditional)

Our Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, For ever and ever. Amen.

A Reading from the Prophets:

Isaiah 9:2, 7; Micah 5:2
Song: “Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus”

Christmas Eve Offering

Readings from the Gospel:

Luke 1:26-35
Song: “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”

Matt. 1:18-25
Song: “Away in a Manger”

Luke 2:1-7
Song: “O Little Town of Bethlehem”

Luke 2:8-14
Song: “Angels We Have Heard on High”

Luke 2:15-20
Song: “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks”

A Reading from the Epistles:

Galatians 4:4-5; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21
Song: “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”

Message: Three Types of Candles

Song: “Joy To The World”

The Lord’s Supper

An Affirmation of our Faith:

The Apostle’s Creed (Modern English Version)

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord who was
• Conceived by the Holy Spirit
• Born of the Virgin Mary,
• Suffered under Pontius Pilate,
• Was crucified, died and was buried;
• He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; He ascended into heaven, He is seated at the right hand of the Father, And he will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in
• the Holy Spirit,
• the holy Christian church,
• the communion of the saints,
• the forgiveness of sins,
• the resurrection of the body,
• and the life everlasting. Amen

A Prayer of Consecration

We Remember Together

Candlelighting Scripture Reading: John 1:1-14
As you light the candle of the person next to you do so by declaring “Jesus Christ is the Light of my life.”

Benediction

Choral Benediction: “Silent Night, Holy Night”