St Paul’s
Evangelical Lutheran Church
313 4th Street, Manistee, MI 49660
www.StPaulsManistee.com
facebook.com/SPLCManistee
Pastor Dennis Himm (810) 252-5821
December 24, 2024 Christmas Eve
THE GIFT OF GOD
WELCOME
HYMN 61 “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”
Please stand for the last stanza
CALL TO WORSHIP
L: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
C: And also with you.
L: O little town of Bethlehem, on this still quiet night, we have come through your dark streets to find the everlasting light.
C: O come let us adore him, Christ the Lord.
L: For Christ is born of Mary, and all around are gathered angels keeping watch over the holy place.
C: O come let us adore him, Christ the Lord.
L: How silently this wondrous gift is given to the world. So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of his heaven.
C: O come let us adore him, Christ the Lord.
L: O holy child of Bethlehem, come to us we pray. Cast out our sins, and enter in, be born in us today.
C: O come let us adore him, Christ the Lord.
SOLO: “Jesus, Jesus, Rest Your Head” Sharon Spencer
PRAYER
L: Almighty God, you made this holy night shine with the brightness of the true light. Grant that as we have known on earth the wonder of that light, we may also behold him in all his glory in the life to come; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
C: Amen.
FIRST LESSON: Isaiah 9:2-7
Isaiah, 700 years before Christ’s birth, foretells the greatness of the son born of the Virgin Mary, who is our Lord and Savior.
2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. 3 You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder. 4For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor. 5Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire. 6For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the greatness of his govern-ment and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.
L: The Word of the Lord.
C: Thanks be to God.
HYMN 67 “What Child Is This”
GOSPEL: Luke 2:1-20 Recited by Children
SONG “Joy Has Dawned"
Children 1,2, Congregation 3,4
352 Joy Has Dawned CW 352
Text: Stuart Townend, b. 1963; Keith Getty, b. 1974
Tune: Stuart Townend, b. 1963; Keith Getty, b. 1974
Text and tune: © 2005 Thankyou Music, admin. CapitolCMGPublishing,com. Used by permission: 30002522 no. 1401839
SERMON: Luke 2:8-14
An Invitation that Changed the World
HYMN 62 “Joy to the World”
PRAYER
LORD’S PRAYER (Tune 68: Away in a Manger)
Our Father in heaven, all praise to your name!
Your kingdom among us, your will done the same
By mortals and angels. Come, Lord, reign alone;
Oh, hear us and bless us from heaven’s high throne.
The bread that we yearn for provide us each day;
As we forgive others, our sins take away;
In times of temptation, to lead us be near;
From evil deliver your children most dear.
For yours is the kingdom; o’er all things you reign.
And yours is the power; all things you maintain.
To you be the glory, resounding again
From all of creation, forever! Amen.
BLESSING
HYMN 60 "Silent Night"
ANNOUNCEMENTS
THANKOFFERING BASKET BY DOOR
The members of St Paul's & the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) have joined together to do the Lord’s work here and around the world. Our guests may but are not expected to participate in this offering which supports our church’s ministry. The basket is located next to the water dispenser.
PLEASE SIGN OUR GUEST BOOK IF YOU ARE VISITING.
It’s located in the entryway by the stairs going to the basement.
There is no Christmas Day service at St. Paul’s. However, Redeemer Lutheran Church in Scottville has a 10 am service.